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Companies laying off employees in February announced planned reductions
Several companies, including UPS, Amazon and Nordstrom Card Services, have announced layoffs scheduled for early 2026; UPS said it will cut about 30,000 operational jobs and Amazon announced roughly 16,000 reductions.
7 quick fixes to reduce 3 a.m. wake-ups, a sleep expert says
A sleep expert lists seven simple lifestyle and bedroom adjustments that may help reduce waking at 3 a.m.; the article notes that waking once in the night is common but repeated awakenings that cause ongoing sleep loss may need further attention.
CML announces 2026 Authors at the Library lineup
Columbus Metropolitan Library announced its 2026 Authors at the Library series, a free program of author talks and moderated conversations that includes collaborations with local organizations and limited seating that requires online preregistration.
Luke Combs says family motivated his 30 lb weight loss.
Country singer Luke Combs has discussed losing 30 pounds as part of a longer effort to improve his health for his family, and he has cited a gluten sensitivity and concerns about long‑term wellbeing as factors in that process.
Next round of US-Russia-Ukraine talks to begin Feb. 4
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the next trilateral U.S.-Ukraine-Russia talks will be held in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 4–5, and U.S. and Russian envoys described recent meetings in Florida as constructive.
Camel autopsies reveal large plastic masses in stomachs
Researchers report that autopsies of camels in the United Arab Emirates found large clumps of plastic, called polybezoars, and the authors say these are linked to about 1% of camel deaths there.
Luxury Brands Face an Uncertain Recovery in China.
Chinese shoppers are returning to luxury stores but are spending less and visiting in smaller numbers; some brands report stabilization while a broad industry rebound remains uncertain.
YIMBYs' gains in housing policy face renewed skepticism.
Laws easing local limits on housing have spread across states, but researchers and advocates say increased supply alone has not solved affordability and call for stronger government approaches.
Healthy heart: 9 simple habits to support well-being.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and many common lifestyle habits are reported to influence cardiovascular risk.
India's budget increases infrastructure spending while pledging fiscal discipline
The Modi government presented the 2026-27 budget, prioritizing higher capital spending on infrastructure and domestic manufacturing while aiming to lower the fiscal deficit to 4.3% of GDP. The finance ministry's economic survey projects growth of 6.8%–7.2% next year.
15-minute Pilates core routine improved posture and body awareness
After two weeks of daily 15-minute Pilates, the writer reports improved posture and greater awareness of deep core muscles.
SNL marks its 1,000th episode with Alexander Skarsgård and his Oscar-nominated father
Alexander Skarsgård hosted Saturday Night Live's 1,000th episode, which included appearances by his father Stellan Skarsgård and musical performances by Cardi B.
Protein and mood: Can eating more protein improve mood?
A nutritionist in the article explains that protein supplies amino acids used to make neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, and researchers say evidence directly linking increased protein to improved mood is still evolving.
Graham Ike scores 30 in return as Gonzaga beats Saint Mary's 73-65
Graham Ike scored 30 points in his first game back and No. 6 Gonzaga defeated Saint Mary's 73-65 in Spokane.
Feminism Is the Route to Peace, Say Members of HerStory
Members of HerStory, a student feminist group at Deerfield Academy, describe feminism as a route to peace and are organizing local projects; the article also reports young feminist organizers in Amherst and elsewhere are combining voter engagement, education and climate work and point to research linking greater gender equality with lower levels of violence.
Unity in Our Great High Priest guides reflection on Psalm 133
An Ordained Servant Online essay (February 2026) by John V. Fesko reads Psalm 133 through the images of Aaron's anointing and the dew of Hermon, arguing that Christ as the great High Priest and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit are the basis of the church's unity.
Western governors meet in Washington over Colorado River management
Governors from seven Colorado River Basin states met in Washington to discuss plans and a shared commitment to avoid litigation; a Feb. 14 deadline remains for a new agreement.
Penguins continue post-holiday surge with six-game streak
The Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Rangers 6-5 for their sixth straight win, part of a 13-2-2 run since the NHL's holiday break. The club's depth produced multiple scorers while key players manage injuries.
Line dance event raises funds for Arkansas Pet Savers
Coast Line Dance and The Arkansas Pet Savers held 'Shake, Rattle and Rescue' at the VFW in Jonesboro, featuring an Elvis theme with dancing, food, and a raffle; organizers said turnout exceeded expectations and the group noted it saved more than 1,200 animals in 2025.
Great Salt Lake rally spotlights conservation and health concerns
Hundreds gathered at the Utah State Capitol for the 5th annual Rally to Save Our Great Salt Lake as officials warn the lake dropped to its third-lowest level and public health experts cite risks from toxic dust and worsening air quality. State leaders and advocates note a pending $30 million acquisition of U.S. Magnesium to route more water to the lake as part of broader restoration efforts.
Dodgers show post-World Series glow and Blake Snell plans a slow ramp-up.
At DodgerFest the Dodgers celebrated their World Series title while the club's roster and spending have shifted since Shohei Ohtani's arrival; Blake Snell said he will take a more deliberate ramp-up this spring as he manages shoulder soreness.
Lily Collins honours father Phil Collins on 75th birthday amid health challenges
Lily Collins posted an Instagram tribute for her father Phil Collins as he turned 75, and recent interviews note his ongoing health challenges and recovery needs.
Amber Rose defends Charlie Kirk's widow amid online criticism
Amber Rose defended Erika Kirk on a Kick livestream, saying people grieve differently; Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on Sept. 10 and Erika has taken leadership at Turning Point USA.
Polar bear population near Svalbard appears to be thriving despite sea ice loss
Researchers report that polar bears near Svalbard have shown improved body condition since about 2000, even as sea ice in the Barents Sea has declined sharply.
Tyrone factory plans to turn wood dust into electricity, an island first
O&S Doors near Benburb is installing a biomass-fuelled combined heat and power system to burn MDF dust and generate electricity for its factory, supported by a £2.4m grant from the Shared Island Sustainability Capital Scheme. The company says the system could produce about 6.3 million units of energy and begin generating by early 2027.
Virginia residents raise concerns over data centers and energy costs
At a Prince William County town hall, residents questioned rapid data center growth and rising electric bills; officials said nearly half of Virginia's data centers are located in the county.
UPMC and MPC donate $2 million to local organizations
UPMC Western Maryland and Maryland Physicians Care awarded up to $2 million across 11 local organizations, with Frostburg State University and Allegany College of Maryland each receiving $350,000 for scholarships.
Teas for soothing anxiety recommended by clinicians.
Clinicians interviewed for the article emphasize caffeine-free herbal teas—including chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm—as calming options that can support relaxation and sleep.
Celebrating Ramadan as a month of reflection
Ramadan is a month observed by Muslims that follows the lunar calendar, involves daily fasting from dawn to sunset, and concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
Stadium Series ice set for open-air play as Lightning and Bruins prepare.
The NHL removed a protective tent at Raymond James Stadium ahead of the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series, exposing the ice to open air; players said the practice under the temporary structure felt like a low-ceiling youth rink.
