Today Briefly
Today Briefly

You can't reach a goal without a plan

Set ambitious goals but break them into realistic, specific plans and incremental milestones to sustain progress and avoid discouragement.

Digital life

fromSlate Magazine

12 hours ago

A New Book Aims to Persuade Tweens to Avoid Phones. I Tested It on Four Tweens.

Apps hijack dopamine and increase screen time, undermining tweens' freedom; more outdoor play, movement, and in-person socializing are recommended.

Wellness

fromIndependent

22 hours ago

Everyone's talking about: The 'Sleepy Girl mocktail' - is this trendy concoction really the key to a better night's rest?

A 'sleepy girl mocktail' is promoted as a bedtime remedy for insomnia, but its ability to deliver a full night’s sleep is unverified.

Digital life

fromMiami Herald

9 hours ago

'AI slop' accounts for one in five YouTube Shorts videos

YouTube evolved from an independent video repository into a massive, revenue-generating platform facing quality issues from widespread AI-generated short videos.

OMG science

fromFortune

NASA's upcoming moonshot may let astronauts be the first to lay eyes on parts of the lunar far side that were missed by the Apollo program | Fortune

2026 features renewed human and robotic lunar missions, notable solar eclipses, increased auroral chances, and continued observation of interstellar comet 3I/Atlas as it fades.

OMG science

fromThe Mercury News

4 days ago

'Super-Jupiter' exoplanet is not so Jupiter-like, UCSC study finds

VHS 1256b, a super-Jupiter 40 light years away, shows silicate clouds and brightness fluctuations up to 40%, with atmospheric behavior similar to Mars.

OMG science

fromBig Think

1 week ago

The simplest explanation for ultra-high-energy cosmic rays

Earth continuously intercepts a diverse cosmic-ray flux, including protons, antiparticles, and heavy nuclei, sometimes reaching energies well above the expected GZK cutoff.

Tech industry

fromBusiness Insider

17 hours ago

8 deals that defined the year in AI, ranked by dollar value

Major tech players executed unconventional holiday deals combining talent migrations, licensing, and infrastructure investments that reshaped AI industry power dynamics.

UX design

fromMedium

9 hours ago

Clean up UI design with Figma Make

Figma Make can refine and clean up existing Figma designs via prompt-driven edits to produce interactive, code-ready prototypes.

Privacy professionals

fromwww.mercurynews.com

Delete Act: How you can request your personal information be purged by data brokers in the New Year

California's Delete Act and DROP let residents request deletion of personal data from registered data brokers, reducing widespread sales of detailed AI-enhanced dossiers.

UX design

fromSmashing Magazine

How To Design For (And With) Deaf People - Smashing Magazine

Design must accommodate the full hearing-loss spectrum with visual alternatives, captions, transcripts, adjustable audio, and non-auditory notifications to ensure inclusive experiences.

Tech industry

fromIrish Independent

18 hours ago

The Big Tech Show: How tech will change your life in 2026: our 10 predictions

In 2026, AI convenience, streaming dominance, social-media crackdowns, possible fines for dodgy-box users, and a mid‑Atlantic regulatory rift will shape technology's impact.

EU data protection

fromDataBreaches.Net

fromElectronic Frontier Foundation

French software company fined $2 million for cyber failings leading to data breach - DataBreaches.Net

Nexpublica France was fined €1.7 million by CNIL for inadequate cybersecurity after a portal exposed third-party documents and sensitive data.

Tech industry

fromThe Motley Fool

7 hours ago

Ranking the Best "Magnificent Seven" Stocks to Buy for 2026. Here's My No. 1. | The Motley Fool

Alphabet is the top Magnificent Seven stock for 2026 due to dominant search/browser positions and strong ad revenue growth driven by AI.

Privacy professionals

fromFast Company

5 hours ago

Disney agrees to pay $10 million to settle alleged violations of child privacy laws

Disney will pay a $10 million civil penalty and must implement a YouTube compliance program to adhere to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.

fromZacks

10 hours ago

Pardon Our Interruption

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EU data protection

Defending Encryption in the U.S. and Abroad: 2025 in Review

Encryption remains essential for private communication and faces repeated political attempts to weaken or break it, with mixed outcomes across Europe and the UK.

National Football League

fromBoston.com

Patriots face a daunting 2026 schedule after winning AFC East

Patriots' 2026 schedule will be significantly tougher due to AFC East title, matchups against 2025 division champions, and games vs. NFC North and AFC West.

Information security

fromTheregister

fromSocial Media Explorer

Cybersecurity pros admit to moonlighting as ransomware scum

Two cybersecurity professionals pleaded guilty after using their skills to deploy ALPHV BlackCat ransomware, extort five organizations, and split a $1.2M bitcoin ransom.

Information security

The Cost of Ignoring AI-Based Threats Going Into 2026 - Social Media Explorer

AI enables faster, more adaptive, and more deceptive cyberattacks, making outdated security models insufficient and managed IT services critical for protection.

National Football League

4 hours ago

Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs faces felony charge of strangling his private chef

Stefon Diggs faces strangulation and assault charges after his private chef accused him of striking and attempting to choke her over pay; he denies it.

Major League Baseball

fromDodgers Nation

Dodgers, NL Rival Named Most 'Logical' Trade Destinations For Tarik Skubal

Dodgers pursuing Tarik Skubal would add an elite, potential Cy Young-caliber starter to an already deep rotation.

Food & drink

fromDaily News

Original Saugus Cafe set to close Sunday after nearly 140 years in business

The Original Saugus Cafe, established in 1886 in Santa Clarita, will close on Jan. 4, 2026 after nearly 140 years of operation.

Major League Baseball

fromMLB Trade Rumors

D-Backs GM: Marte Trade Talks Will End "Shortly"

Arizona Diamondbacks are likely to end trade talks for Ketel Marte and keep him while focusing on other offseason roster priorities.

Food & drink

fromTasting Table

Dining Out? Here's What That Surcharge On Your Bill Is Really For - Tasting Table

Restaurants add ambiguous service or labor surcharges (commonly 5–20%) on top of tips to offset rising labor costs without raising menu prices.

Major League Baseball

fromBlueJaysNation

fromwww.independent.co.uk

On this day six years ago: Blue Jays DFA former top prospect Richard Urena

Ureña’s early promise was undermined by inconsistent minor- and major-league production, leading to a DFA in 2019 despite a strong 2021 bounce back.

Environment

Fire crew dealt with almost 27,000 wildfires this year amid summer heatwaves

England experienced a dramatic increase in grassland, woodland, and crop fires during the UK's warmest spring and summer on record, straining fire services.

Environment

4 hours ago

Recent storms boosted California's snowpack, but there's still a long way to go

California's snowpack is at 71% of average, remaining below normal despite recent atmospheric rivers, with January–March crucial and climate change shifting precipitation toward rain.

Food & drink

fromTasting Table

Why Sprouts' Seafood Department Is Far Better Than Most Shoppers Realize - Tasting Table

Sprouts prioritizes fresh, traceable, and responsibly sourced seafood with knowledgeable staff and strict verification to ensure quality and environmental stewardship.

Wine

fromWine Spectator

11 hours ago

Your Must-Read Wine, Travel & Dining Stories of 2025

2025 brought renewed energy to wine and restaurants with new Grand Award winners, rising wine programs, notable openings and closures, and leadership changes.

Privacy technologies

fromGadget Review

Testing Reveals An iPhone Made 3,400 Tracking Calls In One Hour - This Phone Is More Secure

iPhone privacy settings do not prevent embedded third-party SDKs from sending large volumes of user data to data brokers.

Remote teams

fromFast Company

17 hours ago

The workplace issues you cared about in 2025

Employers regained hiring power in 2025, increasing job insecurity amid AI impact, stricter return-to-office policies, and a resurgence of intense work schedules.

Marketing tech

fromAdExchanger

21 hours ago

CSA Issues Alert on Critical SmarterMail Bug Allowing Remote Code Execution

Critical unauthenticated arbitrary-file-upload in SmarterMail (CVE-2025-52691) enables remote code execution; update to Build 9413 or later (Build 9483 recommended).

Media industry

fromwww.mediaite.com

Journalists Draft Protest Memo to Paramount Boss David Ellison Over Spiked 60 Minutes Report

Former and current CBS journalists are preparing a petition demanding editorial independence after the editor-in-chief pulled a 60 Minutes segment on deported migrants.

Media industry

fromwww.thedrum.com

9 hours ago

Finalists confirmed for The Drum Awards for Online Media 2023

The Drum Awards for Online Media honor innovative editorial and publishing work, with winners announced in a ceremony broadcast on June 16.

Writing

fromPoynter

'Hit the pavement, talk to strangers, listen:' 5 lessons from great storytelling - Poynter

Traditional reporting fundamentals—shoe-leather reporting, listening, and source trust—combined with innovation in delivery produce impactful journalism driven by reporters' dedication and humanity.

Marketing tech

fromInc

The Surprising Advertising Strategy AI Companies Are Investing in to Stand Out

AI companies spent over $300 million on advertising to build trust and differentiate products through outdoor ads and live activations.

#remote-work

fromVTDigger

Remote teams

Opinion - Amy Guala: Commitment to public service can't be measured by attendance

Remote work does not diminish commitment to public service; dedication is defined by attitude and actions, not physical presence.

fromRoughMaps

Remote teams

Why More Employers Should Let Their Staff Work Remotely - RoughMaps

Structured remote work with flexibility increases productivity, reduces fatigue, improves employee satisfaction and retention, and strengthens operational stability when supported by digital systems.

fromVTDigger

Remote teams

Opinion - Amy Guala: Commitment to public service can't be measured by attendance

fromRoughMaps

fromSearch Engine Roundtable

Remote teams

Why More Employers Should Let Their Staff Work Remotely - RoughMaps

George Clooney Torches CBS, ABC for Caving to Trump Lawsuits And Trashes Bari Weiss

CBS and ABC settled defamation suits brought by President Trump, a decision criticized as enabling diminished journalistic accountability and harming public ability to discern reality.

Marketing tech

fromElectronic Frontier Foundation

Microsoft Advertising Updates All Accounts Tab

Microsoft Advertising added an "All accounts" tab enabling unified account viewing, quick summaries, recommendations, and faster audits for agencies and multi-account advertisers.

Social media marketing

fromInsideHook

18 hours ago

Have We Reached the End of an Era for Online Celebrities?

Online celebrity will shift from broad superstar creators to creators who build hyper-niche, focused audiences, aided by evolving algorithms and AI-driven changes.

Social media marketing

fromAdExchanger

16 hours ago

The Brand Safety Balancing Act | AdExchanger

Meta lost MRC brand safety accreditation for Facebook and Instagram feeds after stopping participation in MRC audits, shifting oversight expectations toward advertisers and independent verifiers.

Privacy technologies

8 hours ago

EFF's Investigations Expose Flock Safety's Surveillance Abuses: 2025 in Review

Flock Safety's nationwide camera and ALPR search capabilities enable mass, warrantless surveillance and targeted abuse with minimal oversight.

Books

fromInsideHook

19 hours ago

What Were New Yorkers Reading in 2025?

Percival Everett's novel led New York City library checkouts in 2025, propelled by major awards and a high-profile film adaptation.

Books

fromOpen Culture

Brian Eno's Book & Music Recommendations

Three recommended works: Printing and the Mind of Man; A Pattern Language; and Norman Lewis's World War II diary offer historical, architectural, and personal insights.

Privacy technologies

fromNature

Can boomerangs bounce?

Computers create new challenges for individual privacy, and eyewitness accounts of boomerangs require critical scrutiny and corroboration.

Books

fromThe Nation

17 hours ago

The Dislocations of Shuang Xuetao

Obsessions reveal intimate social and personal transformations in post–Cultural Revolution China through downwardly mobile urban characters.

Wine

fromTasting Table

Big Fan Of Olive Garden Wine? Use This Trick To Bring A Bottle Home - Tasting Table

Olive Garden sells bottles of its wines for takeout at participating locations to customers aged 21 and older.

Writing

fromOpen Culture

How to Jumpstart Your Creative Process with William S. Burroughs' Cut-Up Technique

The cut-up method dismantles habitual thought patterns and liberates creative expression from internal self-censorship.

Wine

fromTravel + Leisure

This Centuries-old Tuscan Village Is Home to the Best Wine Resort in Italy-With Idyllic Vineyards, Wine-based Spa Treatments, and Olive Groves

Borgo San Felice is a restored Tuscan village resort with on-site vineyards producing award-winning wines alongside luxury amenities, spa wine treatments, and curated activities.

Social media marketing

fromFingerlakes1.com

Buy YouTube Subscribers: 2 Sites People Use Repeatedly | Fingerlakes1.com

Media Mister offers gradual delivery, real-account subscribers, country targeting, and strong guarantees, making it the best choice to buy YouTube subscribers.

Writing

fromDefector

The Crossword, Dec. 29: Men Getting Hit By Football (Themeless) | Defector

Challenging themeless crossword by Greg Snitkin and Glenn Davis ends the month and year, featuring tricky clues, playful wordplay, constructors' bios, and submission information.

English Premier League

fromwww.theguardian.com

Calvert-Lewin continues hot streak to earn Leeds point at Sunderland

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's scoring run helped Leeds earn a draw at Sunderland while Sunderland's resilience and Mukiele's influence reinforced both teams' Premier League credentials.

Europe news

fromwww.npr.org

For Ukrainians, a nuclear missile museum is a bitter reminder of what the country gave up

Ukraine dismantled its nuclear arsenal after independence in 1991 and many Ukrainians now view that decision as a fateful mistake and betrayal.

Europe news

fromwww.npr.org

3 days ago

Russia attacks Kyiv, killing 1 and wounding many ahead of Ukraine-US talks

Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv killed one, wounded over 20, damaged residential and energy infrastructure and caused power outages before Zelenskyy's U.S. talks.

English Premier League

fromwww.bbc.com

3 weeks ago

Time to take a punt on Wirtz - FPL team of the week

Short turnarounds and injuries made Gameweek 14 difficult for FPL managers; five free transfers will help manage AFCON-related absences.

English Premier League

fromESPN.com

3 weeks ago

Slot: Teams expect to 'get a result' from Liverpool

Liverpool have lost their aura of invincibility after a 1-1 draw with Sunderland and are winless in three matches at Anfield.

National Hockey League

fromwww.mercurynews.com

Macklin Celebrini's Olympic dreams are coming true, per report

Macklin Celebrini, 19, made Canada’s 2026 Olympic hockey roster after scoring 60 points in 39 NHL games and powering the San Jose Sharks' resurgence.

New York Islanders

fromEyes On Isles

4 hours ago

NY Islanders Mathew Barzal speaks out for first time since controversial slash

Mathew Barzal accepted a major penalty, game misconduct, and fine after slashing Mason Marchment to defend rookie Matthew Schaefer and avoided suspension.

Dallas Cowboys

fromBlogging The Boys

Here is where the Cowboys rank within various Power Rankings across the internet

The Dallas Cowboys missed the playoffs; power rankings place Seahawks, Patriots, 49ers, Bills, Rams, Jaguars, Broncos, Bears, Texans, and Eagles in the top ten.

FC Barcelona

fromBarca Blaugranes

Barcelona presidential candidate Marc Ciria reveals his plan to bring Lionel Messi back to Barcelona

Marc Ciria proposes Lionel Messi as a strategic partner to boost Barcelona's revenue and institutional strength, possibly returning as a player or commercial figure.

FC Barcelona

fromBarca Blaugranes

'We haven't spoken to Barcelona' - Enrique Cerezo 'calm' about Julian Alvarez's future

Julián Álvarez has a long-term Atlético Madrid contract, no transfer talks are underway, and both club and player want him to remain.

LGBT

fromAdvocate.com

Daily newsletter 12/30

The Department of Veterans Affairs reinstated a near-total ban preventing U.S. military veterans from receiving abortions through the federal health care system.

SF music

from48 hills

Year in Music 2025: The Bay made magical noise - 48 hills

The Bay Area music scene delivered a diverse, high-quality year of inventive projects spanning electronic, indie, punk, lo-fi, retro, and experimental sounds.

National Hockey League

fromTheLeafsNation

fromwww.independent.co.uk

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews ruled out vs. Devils, day-to-day with lower-body injury

Auston Matthews is a game-time decision after blocking a shot; Toronto remains shorthanded with Nylander, Joshua and Tanev unavailable.

London politics

National Basketball Association

Palace of Westminster security staff among workers set to strike on New Year's Eve

Donations fund The Independent's paywall-free journalism and journalists on the ground as UK security guards and DLR cleaners strike over pay and conditions.

fromNew York Post

Warriors celebrate Chris DeMarco in style as he fittingly exits for Liberty in Brooklyn

Chris DeMarco left the Golden State Warriors after 13 years to become head coach of the New York Liberty, accepting the role in early December.

#isiah-whitlock-jr

fromABC7 San Francisco

Film

Isiah Whitlock Jr., actor known for 'The Wire,' 'Veep' and Spike Lee films, dies at 71

Film

Isiah Whitlock Jr., 'The Wire' actor and Spike Lee collaborator, dies at 71

fromABC7 San Francisco

Film

Isiah Whitlock Jr., actor known for 'The Wire,' 'Veep' and Spike Lee films, dies at 71

Film

Isiah Whitlock Jr., 'The Wire' actor and Spike Lee collaborator, dies at 71

more#isiah-whitlock-jr

Gadgets

fromEngadget

LG announces new line of xboom speakers ahead of CES

LG's new xboom speakers integrate AI-driven EQ and ambient lighting across portable Stage 501, Blast, Mini, and Rock models co-developed with will.i.am.

Education

fromPadailypost

$160 cake first, now a new tax?

Las Lomitas Elementary School District has a $2 million deficit and is considering a parcel tax, staffing and class cuts, property leasing, and schedule changes.

Gadgets

fromTheregister

National Basketball Association

New York's incoming mayor bans Raspberry Pi at inauguration

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's inauguration block party bans Raspberry Pi and devices like Flipper Zero over security concerns despite critics calling the measure overbroad.

fromWiz of Awes

National Basketball Association

Trae Young's trade rumors just opened a door the Wizards can't afford to walk through

The Wizards should avoid trading for Trae Young because he conflicts with their defensive, size-focused rebuild and weakens long-term fit.

fromAll U Can Heat

Heat fixing biggest hole is impossible without solving this big headache

Miami Heat must choose between keeping Tyler Herro or Norman Powell to acquire a star, likely sacrificing one or both.

Women

fromPsychology Today

The Eldest Daughter's New Year's Resolution

Daughtering is invisible, unpaid labor often defaulted to eldest daughters who manage family coordination and emotional maintenance without renegotiated expectations.

Miscellaneous

fromIndependent