A new report shows the first decline in the number of U.S. states with very high obesity rates. In 2024, only 19 states had adult obesity rates of 35% or higher. This is down from 23 states in 2023. While obesity remains a serious national health challenge, experts say this drop may be an early sign of progress in some regions. The report analyzed adult obesity rates across all 50 states. Obesity is a key risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and other health conditions. Reducing obesity is a national priority because it improves overall health, lowers healthcare costs,…
Author: Andrew Rogers
Andrew Rogers
Andrew Rogers is a freelance journalist based in the USA, with over 10 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. He earned his degree in Journalism from the University of Florida. Throughout his career, he has contributed to outlets such as The New York Times, CNN, and Reuters. Known for his clear reporting and in-depth analysis, Andrew delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on both national and international developments.
Jon Gorrotxategi’s stoppage-time strike gave Real Sociedad a thrilling 3-2 win over Athletic Club in a rain-soaked Basque derby that had everything — five goals, chaos, and pure emotion. The homegrown defender’s late winner came after a frantic exchange in the box, his first attempt scuffed before slamming home the rebound from close range. “I hit it with all my soul,” Gorrotxategi said after sealing a victory that lifted his team out of a difficult spell. The game began with similar intensity. Real’s Ander Barrenetxea, injured minutes earlier, hobbled back onto the field and instantly created the opener, crossing for…
Erling Haaland struck twice as Manchester City beat Bournemouth 3–1 to climb to second in the Premier League table. The Norwegian’s first-half brace — his 13th league goal of the season — punished Bournemouth’s high defensive line, while Nico O’Reilly added a third after the break. Haaland opened the scoring after sprinting onto a through ball from Rayan Cherki, finishing coolly past Djordje Petrovic. Bournemouth equalised when Tyler Adams pounced on a fumbled corner from City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, but Haaland quickly restored the lead with another clinical breakaway goal. After the interval, O’Reilly sealed the result with a low…
Senator Josh Hawley (R‑Mo.) has introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at protecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during government shutdowns. The legislation seeks to ensure that benefits for millions of Americans remain uninterrupted even when federal funding lapses. SNAP, which provides food assistance to low-income families, plays a critical role in U.S. social welfare. During previous government shutdowns, delays in funding caused uncertainty and hardship for recipients. Hawley’s proposal aims to prevent such disruptions in the future. The bill has drawn bipartisan support, reflecting widespread agreement on the importance of maintaining essential services. Lawmakers from both parties recognize that…
Britain ranks near the bottom of a new global survey measuring people’s emotional connection to nature, placing 55th out of 61 countries — well below nations such as Nepal, Iran and South Africa. The study, published in Ambio, surveyed 57,000 people worldwide and found that Nepal is the most “nature-connected” nation, followed by Iran, South Africa, Bangladesh and Nigeria. At the other end, Spain, Japan, Israel, Germany and Canada joined the UK among the least connected. Researchers from the University of Derby and Austria found that spirituality and religious faith were the strongest predictors of closeness to nature, while urbanisation,…
Enzo Maresca slammed Liam Delap for his “very stupid red card” as Chelsea edged a chaotic 4–3 Carabao Cup win over Wolves to reach the quarter-finals. Chelsea were cruising 3–0 at half-time through goals from Andrey Santos, Tyrique George, Estêvão, and Jamie Gittens, but Wolves launched a fierce comeback after the break. Tolu Arokodare struck first before David Møller Wolfe scored twice to make it 4–3, leaving the home crowd applauding their fight despite another defeat. Delap, returning from injury, was sent off late on for two reckless fouls in seven minutes — prompting fury from Maresca. “It’s embarrassing,” the…
A tiny spider thought extinct in the UK has been rediscovered on the Isle of Wight, thrilling conservationists. The Aulonia albimana, now dubbed the white-knuckled wolf spider for the pale joints on its palps, was found at the National Trust’s Newtown national nature reserve — a remote site accessible only by boat. Entomologists Mark Telfer and Graeme Lyons made the discovery just minutes before their boat was due to leave. The spider was last seen in Britain in 1985. Wolf spiders are known for chasing down prey, but this species’ hunting behaviour remains a mystery. The rediscovery followed years of…
Los Angeles FC star Son Heung-min now ranks just behind Lionel Messi among MLS’s top earners, with an annual salary of $10.4 million and total compensation of $11.2 million. Son joined LAFC in August after more than a decade at Tottenham Hotspur and quickly made an impact, scoring nine goals in 10 league matches. Messi remains the league’s highest-paid player, earning $12 million in salary and $20.4 million total with Inter Miami, where his deal runs through 2025 but is expected to extend to 2028. Other top MLS newcomers include Hirving “Chucky” Lozano (San Diego, $7.6m total), Jonathan Bamba (Chicago,…
A growing coalition of more than 300 stakeholders is supporting a “clean” continuing resolution to restore federal funding and prevent a government shutdown. The proposal calls for a short-term funding bill without additional policy riders or partisan conditions. Supporters of the measure include advocacy groups, local leaders, and organizations representing workers and small businesses. They argue that stable government funding is essential to protect essential services and maintain public confidence. A clean continuing resolution, often called a CR, allows the government to keep operating while Congress negotiates a long-term budget. By removing policy riders and unrelated amendments, the measure focuses…
New national climate plans from over 60 countries would cut global emissions by only 10% by 2035, just one-sixth of what’s needed to limit warming to 1.5C, the UN said Tuesday. UN climate chief Simon Stiell warned that progress is too slow: “We have a serious need for more speed.” Major emitters including China and the EU have yet to submit updated plans, while the US pledge under Joe Biden may lapse if Donald Trump withdraws from the Paris deal again. The findings come ahead of Cop30 in Brazil next month, where leaders will seek ways to close the gap…