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There’s a Best Time to Eat Breakfast—And Science Says It Matters
A study shows a link between longevity and what time you eat breakfast. Here’s what the research shows.
NASA’s Webb reveals the wild weather of a mysterious world 20 light-years away
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has revealed that a turbulent world 20 light-years away has a surprisingly orderly weather system, with three recurring atmospheric states driven by temperature changes and shifting clouds. The breakthrough gives scientists a powerful new tool for uncovering weather patterns on distant worlds and understanding the conditions that shape their atmospheres.
Video Deals and Steals: Small-business values for kitchen and home
Tory Johnson joins to share some amazing deals on kitchen and home products -- all from small businesses!
Joe Manganiello reveals plot of Ben Affleck’s scrapped Batman film
Joe Manganiello shared a detailed plot description for Ben Affleck’s unmade ‘Batman’ movie, which would have seen Deathstroke ‘dismantle Batman’s entire life.’
Joe Manganiello reveals plot of Ben Affleck’s scrapped Batman film
The actor would have played the assassin Deathstroke as he attempted to “dismantle Batman’s entire life,” according to his new memoir “Bloodlines.”
Microplastics and water create free radicals, new study finds
When water comes into contact with plastic surfaces, a key chemical reaction does take place, new research indicates.
By helping sad Brad with healthcare, we help ourselves
How does it help the hospitals that treat Brad (which they will) if he cannot pay anything?
Saturday Sports: Brewers advance, Guardians lead in MLB; WNBA finals tip off
NPR's Scott Simon and sportswriter Howard Bryant talk MLB playoffs and the WNBA Finals tip off.
Two Longtime Executives Depart Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals saw three notable departures this week, including two who have been with the organization for nearly two decades
Dear Abby: Daughter with grudges makes herself hard to love
Dear friend regularly attends funerals of people she does not know
Rabies reports are rising in California. Experts can’t explain why
Rabies reports are up across the U.S., including in one greater Bay Area county where human exposures to rabid animals have tripled, prompting a local advisory to stay away from sick creatures.
Cardinals vs. Rams Week 6 TV Map
Map of the U.S. to see which states can view the Cardinals/Rams contest
Decades after apartheid, South Africans seek justice for crimes of the past
More than three decades after the end of apartheid, families of victims of some of the worst crimes of South Africa's pastare still fighting for justice. As survivors and perpetrators grow older, a new wave of legal efforts is seeking truth, accountability and reparations before it's too late.
A week with no end of outrages
Colorado Inside Out panelist Jon Caldara rounds up a week of political controversies, election mishaps, education scandals and national outrages, arguing that public accountability remains in short supply across Colorado and beyond.
Big assertions, sharp exchanges, little clarity define DOJ election battle with California
In the last week, Justice Department and California elections officials have been locked in a contentious standoff over alleged election fraud.
Why is a New York-based betting site donating to Idaho politicians?
A donation doesn’t necessarily buy a vote, a Boise State political science professor said. But it “gets you a foot in the door.”
As Israel blocks PA funding, the West Bank’s healthcare system is failing
Hospitals across the occupied West Bank have been hit by a funding shortage.
Trump’s election fraud task force is going after the people who investigated him
President Donald Trump has made no secret of his demands to see charges against former officials.
Best Disney+ deals and bundles: Best streaming deals in October 2026
Catch the best from Marvel, Star Wars, and more with these Disney+ deals and bundles.
Game Preview #8: New Jersey Devils at Washington Capitals
The Devils are going to need their best to beat another Metropolitan Division opponent.
Egor Chinakhov Injury Update: Why Penguins’ Forward Missed Avalanche Game
Egor Chinakhov is one of the fastest skaters in the NHL and also possesses one of the hardest shots. Pittsburgh Penguins fans didn’t get to see that on display on Friday night against the Colorado Avalanche, though. He was out with a surprise injury. Chinakhov hadn’t missed a game yet this season, so it was […] The post Egor Chinakhov Injury Update: Why Penguins’ Forward Missed Avalanche Game appeared first on HEAVY.
New Survey Reveals What Pet Parents Do for Their Dogs' Health
How much would you do for your dog? A recent Tractor Supply Co. survey sought to answer this question. They surveyed 2,035 dog parents and 50 veterinary professionals in the United States, and discove...
Alanis Morissette, Rita Moreno among Valkyries Finals performers
The Golden State Valkyries have assembled a Bay Area-heavy entertainment lineup for their first two WNBA Finals games at Chase Center in San Francisco.
Valencia football takes care of business in matinee win over Canyon
High winds or a moved-up kickoff time, nothing stopped the Vikings from winning on Friday as Valencia came away with a 71-7 over the Cowboys and spoiled Canyon’s senior night. […]
Colorado health officials confirm measles case, potential exposure at Denver International Airport
Prison healthcare takeover put on hold as Arizona’s appeal moves forward
Arizona prison healthcare receivership: An appeals court delays the takeover, keeping the state in control pending its appeal
Congressional Staff Open Letters Containing Suspicious Substances
The incidents, the first of which was reported on Thursday, came as election officials have reported a growing number of threats directed at them.
There's Another Cat Parasite That Can Infect Humans. A Huge Study Reveals How Common It Is.
Move over, toxoplasmosis.
Valkyries set tremendous entertainment offerings for Finals Games 1 and 2
Alanis Morissette, Goapele, Rita Moreno, Too $hort, Larry June, LaRussell set for Golden State Valkyries Finals games in San Francisco.
Tenderloin ‘zombie shooter’ game shut down by creator after backlash
The developer of a “zombie shooter” game set in the Tenderloin has shut it down after city officials and other San Francisco residents said it depicted homeless people as monsters to be killed.
EAST TEXAS POLITICS: Smith County party chairs on early voting, this week’s Vance rally and more
Smith County Republican Party Chair David Stein and Smith County Democratic Party Chair Kristen Hardin-Sigler join Blake Holland on this week’s edition of East Texas Politics on East Texas Now ahead of the start of early voting. Both chairs discuss their strategies heading into the election. Holland also talks with Stein and Hardin-Sigler about this week’s visit by Vice President JD Vance and other Republicans to Tyler for a midterm campaign rally.
Three Cardinals Named Gold Glove Award Finalists
Once again, the St. Louis Cardinals were one of baseball’s better defensive teams. St. Louis tied with Toronto for second in fielding run value (46), finished third in outs above average (38), and fifth in Fangraphs’ defensive value metric (22.0). Although the Cardinals had several above-average defenders, a few standouts in the field did much …
EAST TEXAS POLITICS: Smith County party chairs on early voting, this week’s Vance rally and more
Smith County Republican Chair David Stein and Democratic Chair Kristen Hardin-Sigler join Blake Holland ahead of early voting
Health officials urge vigilance as New World screwworm cases found in Grant County
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – New cases of the parasitic New World screwworm are raising the alarm, this time in southwest New Mexico. “It feels like it’s here and it feels more like the beginnin…
FOR BUSINESS: New ownership
Contributed Toronto Auto Parts, a longtime fixture in the community, celebrated nearly 50 years of serving local customers and a change in ownership during an Oct. 10 ribbon-cutting ceremony. Community members, customers, friends and local officials were on hand to mark the new ownership of Preston Zeigler, while recognizing the five decades of service of […]
State, county, local officials discuss issues at Southern Butler County Business Association roundtable
CRANBERRY TWP — State legislators, county commissioners and other local officials voiced their opinions on a variety of topics Friday at a legislative roundtable discussion hosted by the Southern Butl...
Business leaders gather in Wichita Falls for Leaderfest 2026
At this year’s Leaderfest, business owners, professionals and community leaders gathered in Wichita Falls for a day of inspiration and growth.
Politics Unusual: Governors debate discussion, ballet props
In this episode of Politics Unusual, FOX 5 NY’s political reporter Morgan McKay sits down with politics strategists to discuss the recent New York gubernatorial debate between Gov. Kathy Hochul and Republican nominee Bruce Blakeman. Also, a conversation with the executive director of Citizens Union about the five ballot propositions.
DOJ says California officials who process ballots from suspected noncitizens risk prosecution
The Trump administration is escalating its fight with California ahead of next month's midterm election, warning that local officials who process and tabulate ballots submitted by suspected noncitizen voters are putting themselves at risk of criminal investigation and potential prosecution.
7+ Florida Politics Now: Discussing the upcoming midterm elections
On this episode, we’re discussing the upcoming midterm elections.
NBA bans certain types of sports bets following high-profile gambling scandals involving players
The NBA is banning certain player prop parlays and other wagers while expanding measures to detect suspicious betting activity and protect players from harassment.
Smears, confusion and white powder: a week in the US midterm campaign
This week in US politics, a candidate with the flu fell victim to a false rumor, a campaign ad aired in the wrong city, and packages with suspicious powder were mailed to election officials. Packages ...
KJ Apa reveals where he stands on “Riverdale ”zombie sequel appearance (exclusive)
“It’d be cool if we could do some cameos,” Apa says.
Modern Science: An Ohio University researcher is looking into how the chemicals in plastic are attaching to our bodies
ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — New research out of Ohio University focuses on developing chemical tools to study and manipulate protein-to-protein interactions. Knowledge gained from this research can be us
More than $1 million in federal funding headed to rural Wisconsin businesses
More than $1 million in federal funding is headed to rural communities across Wisconsin, including three in southern Wisconsin where officials hope the money will help fill empty downtown storefronts.
Scientists turn cancer-promoting protein into a weapon against tumors
Researchers have discovered that a protein known to help cancer cells thrive can also make immune cells more effective at destroying tumors.
Boston stabbing survivor calls for more mental health resources to prevent violence: "It's really a shame"
A 23-year-old man who was stabbed in the neck during an attack in Allston is speaking out about his experience and calling for more mental health resources to help prevent future violence.
Appeals Court Questions Justice Dept. Claim that Trump Owns White House Records
A three-judge panel appeared unconvinced by claims that a federal law requiring the president to preserve and hand over his presidential papers was unconstitutional.
Democratic Senate candidates swamp GOP rivals in fundraising: From the Politics Desk
Plus, tensions boil over on the debate stage.
Build Stakeholder Trust Before You Need It
Preparing relationships for change deserves as much attention as preparing the business.
Inside 'Dancing With the Stars' rehearsals with Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik: Sore ribs, sharp humor and 'no days off'
Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik talk "DWTS" rehearsals, taking criticism and who's on his "dead to me" list.
Antonio Banderas, Nicolas Cage to star in 'True Detective' season 5
Nicolas Cage attends 'The Surfer' photocall at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 17, 2024, in Cannes, France. (Neilson Barnard/Getty Images) | Antonio Banderas
Cardinals-Rams history: Sean McVay owns Arizona
Sean McVay is 16-3 against the Cardinals.
Suspicious powder sent to Rep. Ritchie Torres’ Bronx office in latest mail scare targeting New York Democratic pols
An envelope containing a suspicious substance prompted a hazardous materials response at U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres' Bronx district office Friday afternoon,
Louisiana renews deals with 4 Medicaid providers; lawmakers want better health outcomes
Louisiana lawmakers renewed state contracts Thursday with four private managed care organizations that provide Medicaid coverage, calling on state health officials to ensure the money results in better health outcomes.
Banana Ball returning to Las Vegas Ballpark in March 2027
Banana Ball returns to Las Vegas Ballpark March 18-20, 2027, general admission lottery closes Oct. 31, 2026.
Bastrop looks to boost business in historic downtown
Bastrop officials propose requiring at least 60% of ground-floor storefronts in the Downtown Historic District be used for customer-facing businesses.
Ford Airport in Iron Mountain sees hangar boom as business grows
Officials say airport expansion reflects wider economic growth in Dickinson County.
WATCH: Maine Health Care Professionals Slam Collins’ Health Care Record
This week, Maine health care professionals gathered to slam Susan Collins for failing to protect Mainers’ health care. Dr. Nirav Shah and Maine State Nurses Association Co-President Erin Oberson called out Collins for advancing Trump’s Medicaid cuts and voting to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has eviscerated America’s public health system.
What Does Hims & Hers Health (HIMS) Expansion Into The UK And Australia Mean?
Hims & Hers Health (NYSE:HIMS) announced the launch of Hers personalised hair loss and wellness care in the UK in October 2026. The Hers UK rollout introduces tailored treatment plans for women's hair loss alongside broader wellness services through the company's telehealth platform. The business is also expanding its Hers care platform into Australia, adding another English speaking market to its international footprint. The Hers UK hair loss launch and Australia expansion open new chapters...
National 2D materials research hub names new director
Stephanie Law, associate professor of materials science and engineering at Penn State, has been named director and principal investigator of the Two-Dimensional Crystal Consortium-Materials Innovation Platform, a U.S. National Science Foundation-supported national user facility within Penn State’s Materials Research Institute.
Jason Priestley reveals why he wanted to leave “Beverly Hills, 90210”, says he begged Aaron Spelling to end show
The actor played Brandon Walsh on the Fox drama for its first eight seasons.
Mayor Parker’s administration told Congress it doesn’t endorse Krasner and Bilal’s anti-ICE statements
In its report, the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee portrayed Philadelphia as obstructive to ICE, saying that officials ignored 162 detainer requests between January 2024 and June 2026.
Students explore careers from health care to skilled trades at Career Connect
Wood County Christian School swapped its traditional college and career fair for face-to-face conversations this year, launching a Career Connect panel that brought local professionals to the gymnasium Friday.
Augusta Health to Host Community Career Fair in Waynesboro on October 22 Careers & Connections event will offer job opportunities, same-day interviews, and career resources
FISHERSVILLE, VIRGINIA — Augusta Health invites everyone —from experienced professionals and career changers to students and those simply exploring what’s next —to discover career opportunities at Careers & Connections: More Than a Job Fair. The event takes place Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Best Western Plus, 109 Apple […]
It’s time to bring back science in campaign policy discussions
Despite the politicization of science, a majority of both liberals and conservatives feel that government investment in scientific research is worthwhile for society.
Julia Stiles says she’s been ‘crying’ in “DWTS” rehearsals for Heath Ledger dedication: ‘I didn’t expect it’
Ledger, who starred alongside Stiles in 1999’s “10 Things I Hate About You,” died in 2008 at age 28.
Q&A: Design firm CEO says business background, probing into client needs fuels success
For more than 30 years, Berry has had a direct hand in the interior design of everything from corporate headquarters to call centers to hospitals.
Dr. Patrick McGill: Healthy hospitals help drive a healthy Indiana economy
Health care’s impact as an economic driver goes much deeper than direct jobs and spending, in much the same way good schools and housing are intrinsic quality-of-life factors.
Trump says he told Katie Zacharia he'd reconsider White House job
Katie Zacharia made her White House press briefing debut on Tuesday and quickly came under intense scrutiny over her legal credentials.
US records 4,410 measles cases as outbreak grows
The CDC reports 451 hospitalisations nationwide as health officials expand vaccination efforts.
Duke Health, CaroMont Health Partner To Develop Two New Hospitals In Charlotte, North Carolina
Duke Health and CaroMont Health are partnering to develop a 120-bed hospital and an 80-bed hospital in Charlotte, N.C.
What Impresses Titans the Most About RB Nick Singleton
Coach Randy Jordan reveals why the Penn State rookie’s explosive physical tools offer a high-upside solution as Tennessee navigates looming contract decisions for its veteran backfield.
Pokémon TCG Pocket Is Finally Fixing One Of Its Most Frustrating Features
Alongside slowing its release cadence, trading and immersive cards are also getting improvements
Ole Miss vs Missouri: A CFB27 Simulation
Heading into this digital match up, Ole Miss is 5-0 and #2 in the country while Missouri is unranked with a 4-2 roster. They also obviously have Ahmad Hardy as the starting running back, but Roberts has been so good, we can accept the performance by Hardy as a reasonable result regardless. Let’s see how […]
NBA tells sportsbooks to ban certain bets and parlays: report
The NBA told sportsbook partners in a Friday memo to ban certain types of bets and parlays this season that gamblers used in recent wagering scandals, ESPN reported."There's a balance between ensuring that we are removing problematic bet types but also ensuring that we don't just move activity into the illegal market," NBA executive vice president Scott Kaufman-Ross told ESPN. "Where we landed right now, we think, is the right balance of those two objectives."
Family Business Succession Planning Is About More Than Assets
Family business succession is about more than transferring assets. A meaningful legacy also reflects your values, strengths, sense of purpose and the example you leave for future generations.
Family Business Succession Planning Is About More Than Assets
Family business succession is about more than transferring assets. A meaningful legacy also reflects your values, strengths, sense of purpose and the example you leave for future generations.
Candace Cameron Bure reveals “The View” asked her to return — and why she declined (exclusive)
“I don’t know that I really want to do it,” Bure tells EW.
Kaley Cuoco welcomes 2nd daughter with Tom Pelphrey, reveals name
Kaley Cuoco and Tom Pelphrey attend the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on Sept. 14, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
Dr. Phil McGraw addresses Collin Gosselin’s ‘false’ claim that he helped offer Jon and Kate millions to stay married
The talk show host did not have “any vested interest” in the Gosselins’ relationship.
R.I. Health and Human Services head to replace Roger Williams, Fatima hospitals CEO
Revolving door? Richard Charest’s jump from government to industry raises ethics questions.
Long Beach student advances to national science competition finals
Long Beach student Hanna Heitefuss is the only New Yorker among 30 finalists in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, earning national recognition for her research on saltwater intrusion and its effects on plants and aquatic life.
Health officials issue water quality advisory for Fort Walton Beach park
The advisory remains in effect until follow-up testing confirms bacteria levels have dropped back into acceptable safety ranges.
“Musk” distributor Bleecker Street acquired by Outerlight Entertainment
Outerlight Entertainment, previously First Look Entertainment, has acquired indie studio Bleecker Street Media, fresh from its release of Alex Gibney’s new documentary, Musk, on Friday (October 16). Financial terms of ...
The new Apple TV 4K just got its first (very small) discount
The electric screwdriver’s half off.
The best Amazon deals this weekend: Score big brands like Yeti, Lego, Apple and more for up to 70% off
We found fabulous fall discounts on everything from kitchenware and vacuums to holiday gifts, headphones, skin care and more.
Wildfires, heat waves and access to care among health-related problems facing Californians
The latest annual California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) offers a more precise look at how the 2025 wildfires affected Californians’ health and well-being. The data also reveal trends in the health of immigrants, low-income individuals, and transgender and gender-expansive communities. The 2025 CHIS data show: 500,000 more California adults said their mental health was harmed...
New copper roof just the beginning for First Baptist in Rome
The First Baptist Church in Rome is looking a bit shinier these days after a new copper roof was installed — all that's missing is the 30-foot, wood-frame copper steeple. Church officials said the steeple will be reattached in the coming week, completing a post-tornado roof repair.
Health officials warn mosquito-borne illnesses confirmed on Gulf Coast
We're taking a look at what these illnesses are, where they are being reported and what's being done to stop the spread.
Health officials warn mosquito-borne illnesses confirmed on Gulf Coast
IN-DEPTH WITH SARAH WALL: A warning from health officials about several mosquito-borne illnesses confirmed on the Gulf Coast: We're taking a look at what these illnesses are, where they are being reported and what's being done to stop the spread.
Arizona Cardinals Daily Links:
The Cardinals select South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart in a new 2027 NFL mock draft.
Award-winning Business Husky Believes Success Is Something You Pass Along
Michigan Tech senior Jim Brisson's work to help students connect with business professionals, industries and the accounting community has earned him the 2026 Campus Influencer of the Year award from the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants. He'll be recognized at MICPA's Celebrate Awards event on Nov. 11 in Detroit.
Chris Murray challenges Palumbo with affordability, health care focus
Democrat Chris Murray has placed affordability, health care and environmental protection at the center of his campaign as he tries to unseat incumbent Republican state Sen. Anthony Palumbo. Mr. Murray — an attorney who was elected chairman of the Suffolk County Community College Board of Trustees in 2019 and has also chaired the Citizens Campaign...
Trump will rally Georgia Republicans despite party divisions in battleground state
President Donald Trump's midterm campaign blitz arrives in Georgia on Friday for a rally with top Republican candidates in a state that has long been the epicenter of the president's false claims about election fraud.
How Hürzeler’s Tactics Have Changed Brighton in 2026/27
The German tactical mastermind has weaponized relentless high-pressing and clinical efficiency, transforming the Seagulls into a fearless scoring machine that currently rivals Europe’s most elite heavyweights.
Registration is open for high school winter sports
Registration is now officially open for high school winter sports for the City School District of Albany! Any student in grades 9-12 who is interested in trying out for boys' basketball, girls' basketball, bowling, cheerleading, boys' indoor track, girls' indoor track, spirit team, boys' swimming and diving, boys' wrestling and girls' wrestling is invited to register via Final Forms. Important: please note that registration for winter sports ends on Friday, Nov. 13. Practices and tryouts for winter sports begin on Monday, Nov. 16. FINAL FORMS Each season, the following must be done prior to the first day of tryouts and practices: A parent or guardian must initiate the registration process for their student-athlete in Final Forms, filling out the required forms such as Interval Sports Health History and the Athletic Consent Form. The student-athlete must sign and complete their required forms. A reminder that all students who would like to play an interscholastic sport need to have a current physical conducted within a year on file. PHYSICALS A physical conducted within the last 12 months is mandatory for any student interested in trying out for an athletic team and must be uploaded into the Final Forms platform. Families are encouraged to get a completed physical from their child's physician. If you are unable to get a physical from your child's physician, you can schedule a free physical with Whitney Young's school-based health center by calling (518) 573-2556. Additionally, the district physician will also be available to facilitate sports physicals at Albany High in room 4253 on the following dates: Thursday, Nov. 12 from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13 from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sports physicals on Nov. 12 and 13 are free and no appointment is necessary. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Please note that students must have a good attendance record and be in good standing academically to be eligible to participate in an athletic team. Eligibility is determined based on quarterly grades, and interim progress reports will serve as an important academic checkpoint for all student‑athletes. For additional details about academic eligibility, please see our Athletic Code of Conduct. For our winter teams, academic eligibility to start the season will be based on final first-quarter grades. The first marking period ends Nov. 13. Albany High offers free tutoring facilitated by Albany High teachers Monday-Thursday from 3:30-5 p.m. for students who need extra help with their academics. See this flyer for additional details. IMPORTANT DATES Seniors, please mark your calendars for Senior Media Day for winter sports, which will take place on Monday, Nov. 30. All student-athletes playing winter sports will also participate in our winter sports picture days, which will take place Tuesday, Dec. 15–Thursday, Dec. 18. Specific dates and times for each team will be shared once rosters are finalized. OPEN GYM SESSIONS Student-athletes are encouraged to check out our open gym sessions as they prepare for upcoming sports seasons. We’re looking forward to a rewarding winter sports season this year! If you have any questions, please contact the Athletic Department at (518) 475-6310. Go Falcons!
Who’s in Charge of the Oklahoma Tribe Doing Business With Kalshi?
One tribal leader says Kalshi was duped by an impostor who had no authority to enter into an agreement with the company.
Can AI solve our mental health access problem?
Last week I asked you what worries you most about AI in health. It was close, but your top answer was “AI giving bad health advice.” Last week’s poll results: You’re in good company. This concern was top of mind at a conference I joined at Stanford last week, where researchers, clinicians, and people who build AI systems spent a day debating trust and safety in health AI. Stepping back, I’m also hearing your emerging concerns about AI’s impact on our well-being generally. I see this as a matter of public health, and we’ll take it in pieces as we learn together. Today we’ll focus on AI chatbots used for therapy for mental health. Early this month, Governor Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 903, California’s most ambitious attempt to regulate AI use for mental health. It’s at the center of active debate, and raises the questions patients, family members, citizens, and voters will face as AI moves deeper into health care. Let’s work through it. What is “AI-based therapy”? It’s really two things: purpose-built mental health apps designed to deliver structured support, and general chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini that people increasingly use for emotional support—even if they weren’t built for it. Spoiler alert: I don’t know whether the shift toward AI therapy is good or bad. The evidence isn’t there yet. But I do know it’s already happening, and I have some ideas about how we can roll it out with safety in mind. The therapy dilemma, in a nutshell Mental health challenges are common, and strain health and well-being across populations. Therapy (interactive dialogue with a trained, empathetic practitioner) helps many people heal. The demand for licensed therapists far exceeds the supply in California, and AI-based therapy can narrow that gap. AI-based therapy remains novel, unproven, and not well tested. Right off the bat, we can see we’re dealing with trade-offs here. Since the main driver of demand for therapy from a robot is lack of access to therapy from a human, we’ll start there. It’s too hard to find and afford a human therapist California is short roughly 55,000 licensed, non-prescribing therapists and counselors, about 40% of what we need. Psychiatrists, who rely on talk therapy as a complement to prescribed medications, are even more scarce. Eight counties have none, and density ranges from 1.7 per 100,000 residents in San Benito County, to 68.1 in Marin County. My wife is a psychiatrist in Marin, and even here access is tight. If it’s hard in the best-supplied county, imagine rural Sierra County, or the San Joaquin Valley. In 2024, more than half of Californians who tried to make a mental health appointment struggled to find a provider who took their insurance, compared with 14% for physical health care. When Senate staff posed as “secret shopper” patients and called 120 mental health providers in Medicare Advantage networks, they landed an appointment less than once for every five tries. Insurers pay behavioral health clinicians about 22% less than medical and surgical clinicians for comparable office visits. On top of that, billing denials and prior authorizations hit hardest at the solo and small practices common in mental health. Psychiatrists opt out of Medicare at the highest rate of any specialty. In many places, a cash practice for therapy fills quickly with patients paying $250 or more an hour, with no insurance paperwork at all. Families who can pay cash find providers more easily. Those who rely on insurance, including Medi-Cal enrollees, older adults, rural residents, and non-English speakers, compete for what’s left. So we can’t pretend the human system works, and we can’t blame people for turning to AI for support when they’re in distress. AI is filling the gap It’s estimated that roughly a quarter of AI users use it for mental health support. If you have internet, it’s available 24/7, it’s cheap, and it speaks your language. Uninsured adults are about twice as likely as insured adults to do it (30% vs. 14%). It feels anonymous in ways that may enable people to ask things they’re unsure or embarrassed about. The largely hidden, personal use makes it hard to study whether it’s actually helping people with their mental health issues, but researchers are trying. Does AI therapy work? A 2026 analysis of nearly 40 randomized trials found chatbots showed a real but small reduction in depression symptoms. But most of these trials were compared to an alternative of no therapy, not a human therapist. So the benefit of AI therapy is probably real, but modest, and mostly untested against the alternative of human contact. We need more studies. Serious concerns OpenAI’s own estimate is that more than a million ChatGPT users each week show signs of suicidal planning or intent. These are high stakes encounters, and AI doesn’t always get it right. That’s partly because a chatbot can sound like a therapist, but it has no license, no duty of care, and it’s not clear who to hold accountable when it gets things wrong. AI is also designed to help users in whatever task they’re seeking to accomplish. People may feel like they’re getting therapy, but they’re mainly getting a convincing conversation. It’s easy for an AI companion to wander into gray areas, like playing along with “creative writing” that may be about the user’s own suicidal intent. Courts are driving safety conversations A wave of lawsuits have been filed on behalf of families claiming that chatbots pushed people they loved toward self-harm, including teens who died by suicide. The first settlements came this year. OpenAI is headquartered in San Francisco, and dozens of cases alleging that ChatGPT drove users to suicide or self-harm are now before a San Francisco judge. Character.ai has filed for bankruptcy after several states brought lawsuits accusing the chatbot of pushing dangerous content to kids. But the technology seems to be improving. Last month, an independent evaluation found that newer AI models “almost never endorse suicide.” That’s progress, but our societal appetite for even one preventable death is very low. So how do we move forward? Finding a middle ground Earlier this month the governor vetoed Senate Bill 903, a bill designed to place guardrails on the use of AI for therapy. The bill would have prohibited any AI-based platform from being advertised as psychotherapy, and would have required a licensed professional to review and approve each encounter where AI was used to support therapeutic decisions. Newsom called it overly broad, since even routine screening questions would have needed clinician sign-off. Knowing we’re already short on mental health providers, requiring human review of AI encounters may not relieve our access problems. Still, the answer isn’t no oversight. Here’s one feasible short term solution. Rather than reviewing each encounter, a licensed clinician can design the guardrails: what counts as a crisis, what triggers an immediate handoff to a human, and what gets sampled for audit each month. The AI runs inside that structure. Conversations get checked, failures get reported, and a real clinician owns the framework. Medicine already has models to learn from. The FDA process for rolling out newly approved medications is an example. After a product reaches patients, we keep watching for adverse events. Patient-facing AI needs the same “digital pharmacovigilance”: systematic tracking of harms, near misses, and the types of groups that get hurt and why. It’s also critical that users know that they can reach a human if they’re in crisis. Most chatbots now include messages like these: Bottom line The rush to use unproven AI tools for mental health support is mostly a workaround, a sign of a health system people can’t get into. We need better access to proven care from licensed clinicians. That takes reimbursement that makes accepting insurance viable, and a bigger workforce. But, built and tested well, AI could be part of the answer. It could be the 2 a.m. check-in when no one else is awake, or a way for patients to practice skills their therapist taught them. It could be the first step to get someone the right level of care, and take paperwork off clinicians’ plates so they spend more time with patients. None of this is simple. The SB 903 veto doesn’t end the debate, and the legislature will be back. In the meantime, those of us using these tools need to stay informed, ask hard questions, and hold the companies building them accountable. I’ll try to do my part, and we’ll keep learning together. Love,Matt P.S. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988- you’ll reach a real person— or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7. Dr. Matt Willis is the author of Your Local Epidemiologist in California. A California native, he’s served as a primary care physician, CDC epidemiologist, and public health officer for Marin County, where he guided the pandemic response. He lives in Marin with his family and their dogs, Teddy and Ramona. Thank you Cynthia He, MD, PhD, and Parnika Saxena, MD, for their guidance in preparing this article. Cynthia works in an outpatient mental health clinic, treating patients who have Medi-Cal or, sometimes, no insurance. Parnika works in an inpatient psychiatric unit, treating patients with public or private insurance or self-pay ability. All opinions are their own and do not represent their employers.
Leath earns award from brain science professionals
WashU psychologist Seanna Leath earns an award from the Federation of Associations in the Behavioral and Brain Sciences.