Made the fantasy baseball playoffs? Want to win? Listen to these tips from Tristan.

The chipmaker, now the most valuable public company in the world, said strong demand for its chips should continue this quarter.

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Susan Monarez, President Donald Trump's nominee to be director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arrives to testify before the Senate HELP Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, file)2025-08-27T21:55:16Z NEW YORK (AP) The director of the nations top public health agency is out after less than one month in the job, U.S. officials announced Wednesday.Susan Monarez is no longer director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We thank her for her dedicated service to the American people, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services wrote on social media.HHS officials did not explain why Monarez is no longer with the agency.Before the departments announcement, she told The Associated Press: I cant comment. Monarez, 50, was the agencys 21st director and the first to pass through Senate confirmation following a 2023 law. She was named acting director in January and then tapped as the nominee in March after Trump abruptly withdrew his first choice, David Weldon. She was sworn in on July 31 less than a month ago, making her the shortest-serving CDC director in the history of the 79-year-old agency. Her short time at CDC was tumultuous. On Aug. 8, at the end of her first full week on the job, a Georgia man opened fire from a spot at a pharmacy across the street from CDCs main entrance. The 30-year-old man blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for making him depressed and suicidal. He killed a police officer and fired more than 180 shots into CDC buildings before killing himself. No one at CDC was injured, but it shell-shocked a staff that already had low morale from other recent changes. The Atlanta-based federal agency was initially founded to prevent the spread of malaria in the U.S. Its mission was later expanded, and it gradually became a global leader on infectious and chronic diseases and a go-to source of health information.This year its been hit by widespread staff cuts, resignations of key officials and heated controversy over long-standing CDC vaccine policies upended by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. During her Senate confirmation process, Monarez told senators that she values vaccines, public health interventions and rigorous scientific evidence. But she largely dodged questions about whether those positions put her at odds with Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic who has criticized and sought to dismantle some of the agencys previous protocols and decisions.The Washington Post first reported she was ousted, citing unnamed sources within the Trump administration.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. MIKE STOBBE Stobbe mainly covers public health for The Associated Press. twitter mailto

Confronted by the current presidential administrations relentless, politically motivated attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts across the federal government and in every corner of American society from universities and research facilities to tech and the arts one constituency is standing firm in its commitment to DEI: the countrys most iconic corporations.A new analysis from the Human Rights Campaign indicates why: DEI is good for business. Related Costco defies boycott threats as shareholders vote to keep DEI initiatives Since the president took office in January, over 20 hostile shareholder resolutions were filed demanding companies shed their commitment to DEI, including Visa, Deere, Boeing, Goldman Sachs, Levis, American Express, Coca-Cola, Berkshire Hathaway, McDonalds, Amazon, Netflix, Walmart, Alphabet, American Airlines, Caterpillar, Best Buy, Mastercard, and Costco, according to Fortune.Filers of these resolutions criticized companies for all DEI policies and programs that grant or deny employment or advancement opportunities based on race, sex, or other protected characteristics. This rhetoric echoed the presidential administrations calls for terminating such policies, based on racially prejudiced and misogynistic far-right disparagement of DEI programs. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today But across those annual meetings, shareholders (representing over $9.8 trillion in value) have voted with management to continue DEI policies and programs.Those decisions werent based on altruism alone, if at all: HRCs study backs up previous research demonstrating that companies embracing DEI are more profitable than their peers that dont.Some of those resolutions opposing DEI specifically called out HRCs Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a leading benchmark for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.The new research by HRC and Whistle Stop Capital analyzes nearly two decades of CEI and corporate data, revealing that the longer a large company has had LGBTQ+ inclusive policies in place, the stronger its financial results.The analysis demonstrates that companies with high CEI scores saw greater cumulative revenue growth than low-scoring companies over a 15-year period. Over a 10-year period,top-scoring companies reportedaverage net income more than eight times higherthan their lowest-scoring peers. Additionally, higher CEI scores were linked togreater gross profitandmore stable share price performance, suggesting more consistent, long-term investor confidence. The findings debunk the political attacks on DEI as harmful to businesses, employees, and by extension, society at large.The data supports a thesis that we consider intuitive: companies dont grow by excluding talent or consumers, said Meredith Benton, Whistle Stop Capitals founder. Those companies with long-term high CEI scores are seeing the benefits of a virtuous cycle: Companies with strong relationships to the Pride community have built valuable workplace cultures, reputations, and brands over time.The findings bear out previous studies on the beneficial impacts of DEI on businesses bottom lines. Approximately 97% of LGBTQ+ employees who rated their organization highly on measures of inclusion expected to remain with their employer for the next year, according to a2023 survey from Out Leadership addressed in the Harvard Business Review. Conversely, just 38% of workers who rated their organization at the low end of the spectrum for LGBTQ+ inclusion anticipated remaining at their company over the same period. The costs of employee attrition are a drain on profitability, while employees who can claim all aspects of their identity are much more likely to go the extra mile for and stay with their employer. Even companies based in socially conservative states reap the benefits of DEI and LGBTQ+ inclusion. A 2023 study published by the London School of Economics showed the effect of LGBTQ+ inclusiveness on firm performance in traditionally red states is a net positiveor, at worst, neutral. This suggests that adoption of DEI does not have the detrimental repercussions that right-wing activists and social conservatives would have the public believe.This new data confirms what we have long known: Fairness and inclusion power innovation and growth,saidHRC President Kelley Robinson. Thats why the HRC Foundations Corporate Equality Index was born more than 20 years ago. When businesses embrace LGBTQ+ equality in their policies and practices, theyre not just doing the right thing for their employees and consumers theyre positioning themselves to outperform, out-innovate, and outlast their competitors.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

In a sparkling display of fan-forward imagination, Dua Lipa is turning the concept of concert merch on its head. As she gears up for the North American leg of her Radical Optimism Tour, the international pop sensation is launching a series of immersive Radical Optimism pop-up stores, presented by American Express, that promise to be more than just shopping experiences.Opening across six major U.S. cities, these vibrant pop-ups offer fans a way to step fully into Duas worldthrough exclusive merchandise, eye-popping photo ops, curated refreshments, and, in select cities, high-resolution music immersion.City-by-City Pop-Up DetailsAll pop-ups will welcome guests daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, with early access reserved for certain cardholders:Chicago: September 67 at Anthony Gallery (1360 W. Lake St.)Atlanta: September 1213 at Cam Kirk Studios (112 Krog St. NE)New York City: September 1721 at The Hole NYC (312 Bowery)Dallas: September 2728 at Kettle Art Gallery (2650 Main St.)Los Angeles: October 36 at The Hole LA (844 N. La Brea Ave.)Seattle: October 1112 at River (1927 3rd Ave.)What to Expect at Each Pop-UpImmersive Merch and MemoriesEach pop-up offers exclusive merch items not available elsewhere, along with dreamy, Dua-themed photo installations. Plus, a refreshment station serves the singers favorite drink, scale optional, star level mandatory.Sound Immersion (NYC & LA Only)Fans in New York and Los Angeles get a special treat: access to the Inside the Music of Radical Optimism installation. Using LISA Immersive Sound technology from LAcoustics, this ultrahigh-resolution spatial audio experience places visitors inside Duas musicliterally wrapping them in her sound.American Express Perks Essential for the DuaDalai of DevotionFor those wielding the right card, the experience sweetens:Platinum Card MembersEarly entry (1011 a.m.) for them and one guest dailyFirst dibs in-storeAll Eligible Amex Card MembersA dedicated checkout lane, skip the lines in styleAccess to an exclusive merch pieceA complimentary gift with any Amex purchase, while supplies lastTerms and capacities vary by location, so double-check details in advance.Touring Soon: Where to Catch Dua LiveNorth AmericaCanada: Toronto Scotiabank Arena (Sept 12)U.S.: Chicago United Center (Sept 56)Boston TD Garden (Sept 910)Atlanta State Farm Arena (Sept 1314)NYC Madison Square Garden (Sept 1721)Miami Kaseya Center (Sept 2627)Dallas American Airlines Center (Sept 30Oct 1)Los Angeles Kia Forum (Oct 47)San Francisco Chase Center (Oct 1112)Seattle Climate Pledge Arena (Oct 1516)Latin AmericaBuenos Aires, Argentina Estadio River Plate (Nov 78)Santiago, Chile Estadio Nacional (Nov 1112)So Paulo, Brazil Morumbi Stadium (Nov 15)Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Estadio Nilton Santos (Nov 22)Lima, Peru Estadio Nacional or San Marcos (Nov 25)Bogot, Colombia Estadio El Campn (Nov 28)Mexico City, Mexico Estadio GNP Seguros (Dec 15)Source

Nature, Published online: 27 August 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09458-1Dual-scale chemical ordering in CoNiV-based alloys improves the synergy of strength and ductility at cryogenic temperatures, providing an approach for obtaining high-performance metallic materials for cryogenic applications.

Nature, Published online: 27 August 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-02424-xAnalyses of pelvis development in humans and other primates reveal how changes in bone-patterning processes helped humans to gain the ability to walk upright.

Nature, Published online: 27 August 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09441-wTree shrews show a primate-like hierarchical organization in their visual pathway and object decoding accuracy, along with strongly face-selective cells, demonstrating how core computational principles of visual form processing found in primates are conserved yet compressed.

Nature, Published online: 27 August 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-02698-1In primates, visual information is processed hierarchically, moving from early brain regions that respond to low-level features to later-stage areas that recognize complex features and objects. In the tree shrew, a non-primate mammal, this hierarchy is evolutionarily conserved but is compressed, using the equivalent of an early primate brain area to recognize objects.

Nature, Published online: 27 August 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09427-8Cocaine chemogenetics in rats is a selective approach for countering drug reinforcement by clamping dopamine release in the presence of cocaine.

Manchester United suffered a stunning upset to fourth-tier Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup second round after a remarkable 12-11 win on penalties.

No. 7 Novak Djokovic overcame a slow start to beat American qualifier Zachary Svajda 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 on Wednesday, remaining unbeaten for his career in the first two rounds of the US Open.

Jaguars two-way star Travis Hunter is "rolling full speed" after missing the final two games of the preseason with an upper-body injury, general manager James Gladstone said Wednesday.

It is not clear what country intercepted Mr. Boltons private emails, but the investigation into President Trumps former national security adviser picked up momentum under the Biden administration.

An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us, said Mayor Justin Bibb of Cleveland, who led a private strategy call on Wednesday.

Investigators were still searching for a motive in the shooting, which left two children dead at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis.

The season for strong storms came late. This week, it has led to travel delays, a snarled start to Burning Man and a recharged waterfall in Yosemite.

Wanda Vzquez had initially been accused of taking bribes to influence a regulatory appointment. A controversial plea deal resulted in a lesser charge.

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As if Hollywood needed more reasons to love the Pedro Pascal, it seems the Chilean-born actor is now stepping in to save director Todd Haynes's new gay romance, De Noche.The Last of Us star is eyeing joining the cast of Haynes's upcoming film, which seemed to be dead in the water just days ago, according to Deadline. Production for De Noche was shut down last year when Joaquin Phoenix, who had signed on to star, abruptly left the project just days before filming was set to begin. But according to reports, there are now plans to resume filming in the New Year in Guadalajara, Mexico, and the filmmakers are willing to work around Pascal's busy schedule to make it happen.De Noche was originally meant to star Oscar-winner Phoenix who had initially brought the idea to Haynes sometime around 2023 opposite a still-attached Danny Ramirez. Although details have been vague since the project was first announced, the film has been described as a love story between two men who leave Los Angeles for Mexico in the 1930s. There were also suggestions from Haynes that the film would be sexually explicit enough to warrant an NC-17 rating. Phoenix, Haynes, and Jon Raymond collaborated on the story.Given Phoenix's involvement in getting the project off the ground and striking an early deal with international distributors his exit from the film last August caused plenty of speculation. According to Variety, the actor backed out due to "cold feet," despite the amount of work that had already gone into the project. "Phoenix had developed the screenplay for the detective love story with Haynes and Jon Raymond," the publication noted. "Entire sets had been built in Guadalajara before Phoenix made the last-minute decision to exit the film."But when asked about leaving the film while doing press for Joker: Folie Deux at last year's Venice Film Festival, Phoenix declined to comment."Um I think if I do I would just be sharing my opinion from my perspective, and the other creatives aren't here to say their piece and that just doesn't feel like that would be right, not sure how that would be helpful, so, I just don't think I will. Yeah. Thank you," he said.Later, Haynes's longtime collaborator Christine Vachon of Killer Films, which is producing De Noche, addressed the controversy directly."The truth is, pretty much what happened is out there for all of you to see. If I had anything to gossip about it, I would, but I don't," Vachon said during her keynote speech at the San Sebastian Film Festival's Creative Investors' Conference. "It was tragic. The most tragic part about it, in my mind, is Todd Haynes is 62. There's a finite number of films that they'll be able to do in his lifetime. I consider him one of the most extraordinary film artists of his generation.""The idea that his time was wasted and that a movie is not a result of those years of working closely with Joaquin, that is the tragedy to me and that I can't get over," she continued. "We, as a cultural community, lost an opportunity to have another movie by Todd Haynes. That is just criminal."Pascal is nominated for his second Emmy this year for playing the role of Joel in HBO's The Last of Us.

Nature, Published online: 27 August 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-02740-2Succulents become rechargeable night lights after injection with tiny phosphor particles.

Nature, Published online: 27 August 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09446-5Optical generative models are demonstrated for the rapid and power-efficient creation of never-seen-before images of handwritten digits, fashion products, butterflies, human faces and Van Gogh-style artworks.

Nature, Published online: 27 August 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-02745-xHundreds of thousands of people are at risk of displacement from expanding gullies in cities across Africa.

Nature, Published online: 27 August 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09399-9The human pelvis exhibits distinct spatiotemporal ossification patterns and an ilium cartilage growth plate that is shifted perpendicularly compared with those of other mammals and non-human primatestwo key adaptations that underlie bipedalism.

Nature, Published online: 27 August 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09538-2Retraction Note: Crystal structures of agonist-bound human cannabinoid receptor CB1

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's engagement got a heartwarming endorsement from Mama Kelce.

Pro Bowl defensive end Trey Hendrickson was excited to be back participating on the Bengals' practice field Wednesday for the first time since he signed a restructured contract that netted him a $13 million raise.

US Open opponents Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko got into a face-to-face argument on the Court 11 sideline right after their second-round match ended Wednesday.

Had the Knicks offered their head coaching job to South Carolina women's coach Dawn Staley, who interviewed for the position, she said she would have taken it.

With the timing and length of Rice's suspension now known, Andy Reid and the offense can plan out their season accordingly.

The full weight of a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods took effect this week, undercutting one of the countrys most promising markets for solar exports.

The shooting of children at a Roman Catholic church came after a string of violent confrontations, going back to George Floyd, that has left the Twin Cities reeling.

The president is signaling a tough-on-crime message for the midterms next year.

She went from fashion shoots to becoming a familiar server at that venerable Manhattan saloon for some 45 years. She dated two of her more famous customers, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra.

Also, the C.D.C. director leaves. Heres the latest at the end of Wednesday.

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Ruben Amorim hit out at his Manchester United players and said the "best team won" after they suffered a humiliating loss to fourth-tier Grimsby Town.

Daniil Medvedev was fined $30,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and another $12,500 for racket abuse following his outburst during his first-round loss at the US Open.

Unlike for much of the summer, Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin wore a jersey and a helmet rather than a hoodie Wednesday in his first day back on the practice field since reaching a new extension.

Three players produced a range of reactions when being informed of the good news that they made the Baltimore Ravens 53-man roster.

Ruben Amorim and Manchester United arrived in Grimsby keen to start winning again. Instead, they made history with their latest low point.

The shooter who attacked a Catholic school on Wednesday posted social media videos and writings that betrayed a litany of grievances and obsessions.

The standards prohibit processed meat and limit the use of artificial sweeteners in meals served by nearly a dozen city agencies, including the Department of Education.

The meeting focused on the postwar future of the Gaza Strip, where Mr. Trump has mused about removing Palestinian residents and setting up a luxury resort.

Chiefs fans have been cheering on their star football players romance with the pop star for two years. They have the T-shirts, earrings and baked goods to prove it.

The request is another possible path for the Salvadoran man, who has already been deported and returned by the Trump administration, to remain in the country.

Taylor Swift gets a kiss from Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce as they arrive to watch play between Jannik Sinner, of Italy, and Taylor Fritz, of the United States, during the men's singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Sept. 8, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)2025-08-28T00:02:35Z KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Police dispatcher Julia Jordan accidentally added a dash of celebrity gossip to her public service this week when she shared Taylor Swift is engaged over a hot microphone.That appears to be how officers in the Lansing, Michigan, area learned about the superstar singers betrothal to Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce. The official announcement, made in a five-photo joint post on Instagram, marks the fairytale culmination of a courtship that for two years and has thrilled and fascinated millions around the world. Joyful chaos ensued nationwide, with oddsmakers taking bets on when and where the celebrity couple will wed. Swifties, the pop stars enormous and ardent fan base, can even wager on the flavor of the wedding cake. Kansas City-based tax preparer H&R Block sent out a light-hearted email to staff, telling them they could head home early to check social media feeds and debate potential wedding playlists. Celebrate love. Speculate about the dress. Argue whether the reception will be held in KC or a castle in Europe, the email said.Matthew Pittman, an associate professor at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, hastily organized a skit before his social media class began Tuesday, pretending to cancel a test because of the engagement. I cant focus. You all cant focus. Class is canceled, get outta here, Pittman told the students. Stay up to date with the latest U.S. news by signing up to our WhatsApp channel. Video shows the students grabbing backpacks and rushing for the door. By the end of class, the video had around 50,000 views and by dinner around 1 million. It was so convincing that some news outlets mistakenly reported that Pittman actually did call off class because of the engagement. He had to reassure a higher up at the university that he hadnt. This is going to be like a royal wedding, said Pittman, who has dozens of Swifts songs on his running and workout playlist. We dont have a real king or queen or prince or princess, but we have this now. This is the joyous, happy love story. A lot of people need it. Jordan, the Ingham County, Michigan, dispatcher, said the last big event that she watched with coworkers was Prince Harry and Meghan Markles 2018 nuptials. Now she thinks they might watch Swift and Kelces wedding together, especially after what happened.After the first scanner flub, an officer informed her, You had an open mic there, and then deadpanned, Thats great news about Taylor Swift.Jordan tried to fix the problem, but laughter erupted when she continued: Dispatch. Im clear. Yeah. Arent you happy about Taylor Swift? Jordan had been eagerly awaiting the news from the singer, whose hit song Shake It Off spoke to her. We do a hard job, lots of dark things, so its kind of nice to be able to laugh a little, she said.Officers played along with the scanner mishap, one asking, Well, give us some more gossip, at least. Its a big ring, Jordan said. Best hot mic ever, an officer declared.Jordan has been ribbed ever since. I had one ask me when I was planning to retire, and I said not soon enough. HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH Hollingsworth has worked for The AP for 25 years, covering stories of interest in the Midwest and beyond. She is based in Kansas City, Missouri. twitter mailto

The Crawleys are back for one last bow in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, arriving in theaters September 12 (with early screenings starting September 10 in Dolby Cinema & Premium Large Formats). Before we step into the 1930s with the family, heres a quick refresher on where things left off in Downton Abbey: A New Era, and a look back at the queer storylines that made history on the grand estate.Where We Left Off in A New EraThe last film ushered Downton into Hollywoods golden glow when a movie production came to film at the estate. Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) found herself holding the reins of Downton as she stepped into a more modern role, balancing tradition with survival. Meanwhile, the family set off for the French Riviera after learning that Violet Crawley (the incomparable Maggie Smith) had inherited a villa under mysterious circumstances.Amid romance, laughter, and inevitable scandal, the film ended with both triumph and heartbreak. The family bid farewell to Violet in an emotional closing chapter, while Mary cemented her place as the leader ready to guide Downton into the future.For a more detailed rundown of the events of last season, watch the video below. What to Expect in The Grand FinaleAccording to Focus Features, the Crawleys now face the turbulence of the 1930s. Lady Mary is at the center of a public scandal, and with financial struggles mounting, Downtons legacy itself is on the line. The new film promises high drama, dazzling gowns, and the ever-present clash between tradition and changeall wrapped in Julian Fellowes signature wit.Elizabeth McGovern stars as Cora Grantham and Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith in DOWNTON ABBEY: The Grand Finale, a Focus Features release.Credit: Rory Mulvey / 2025 FOCUS FEATURES LLCQueer Legacy at DowntonWhile much of Downton Abbey is rooted in aristocratic drama, the franchise has consistently woven queer themes into its storytelling, offering rare representation in a period piece of this scale.Thomas Barrows Journey: Played by Robert James-Collier, Thomas story as a closeted gay man in Edwardian and post-war England has been one of the shows most poignant arcs. From early struggles with secrecy and shame to eventual moments of love and acceptance, his character broke barriers on television.A New Eras Romantic Chapter: In the last film, Thomas story took a hopeful turn. His connection with Hollywood star Guy Dexter (Dominic West) offered him both companionship and the promise of a future unburdened by secrecya milestone moment for LGBTQ+ representation in Downton Abbey.Themes of Belonging: Beyond individual characters, Downton has long wrestled with questions of identity, class, and acceptancemaking it resonate deeply with queer fans who see parallels in their own journeys.(L to R) Raquel Cassidy stars as Miss Baxter, Kevin Doyle as Mr. Molesley, Sophie McShera as Daisy Parker, Phyllis Logan as Mrs. Hughes, Lesley Nicol as Mrs. Patmore, Jim Carter as Mr. Carson, Brendan Coyle as Mr. Bates and Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates in DOWNTON ABBEY: The Grand Finale, a Focus Features release.Credit: Rory Mulvey / 2025 FOCUS FEATURES LLCThe Final BowDownton Abbey: The Grand Finale isnt just the end of an era for the Crawleysits a farewell to a series thats given audiences love stories, heartbreak, and unapologetically queer moments within a world where they were rarely acknowledged.Mark your calendars, dust off your pearls, and get ready for one last trip to Downton Abbey. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale opens in theaters Friday, September 12. Get your tickets now. Source