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Facebook Tweet Email Link La Paz, Bolivia Associated Press  —  After a lackluster campaign overshadowed by a looming economic collapse, Bolivians voted on Sunday for a new president and parliament in elections that could see a right-wing government elected for the first time in over two decades. The vote, which could spell the end of the Andean nation’s long-dominant leftist party, is one of the most consequential for Bolivia in recent times – and one of the most unpredictable. In the run-up to Sunday, a remarkable 30% or so of voters remained undecided. Polls showed the two leading right-wing candidates,…

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Weapons” scared its way to the top of the box office in its debut and managed to stay there during its second box office weekend, beating out “Freakier Friday” and newcomer “Nobody 2.” Zach Cregger’s horror earned $25 million in 3,450 North American theaters, a 43% drop from its first weekend. The highly anticipated film benefitted from strong audience reviews and social media trends to attract large crowds. “Freakier Friday,” which lost the battle for first place to “Weapons” during its double premiere, also maintained its second spot, bringing in $14.5 million domestically. The films’ staying…

Facebook Tweet Email Link The director of the US National Institutes of Health outlined on Friday a “unified strategy” to align the agency’s priorities and funding, a move he said was meant to offer clarification following sweeping changes at the agency, including massive budget cuts, grant cancellations and plans for reorganization. In Friday’s statement, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya emphasized the need for transparency with the taxpaying American public and an intent to “honor their trust.” He identified key priorities for the NIH, including chronic disease and nutrition – as per an executive order “on Gold-Standard Science and the Make America Healthy…

While Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn was loudly criticized this year after declaring that Duolingo would become an “AI-first company,” he suggested in a new interview the real issue was that he “did not give enough context.” “Internally, this was not controversial,” von Ahn told The New York Times. “Externally, as a publicly traded company some people assume that it’s just for profit. Or that we’re trying to lay off humans. And that was not the intent at all.” On the contrary, von Ahn said the company has “never laid off any full-time employees” and has no intention of doing…

Facebook Tweet Email Link The Trump administration’s strategy to “Make America Healthy Again” will bypass aggressive action on farm-used pesticides or regulatory crackdowns on ultraprocessed foods, according to a draft document obtained by CNN. The MAHA Commission, led by US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is set to release in the coming weeks its finalized recommendations for addressing chronic diseases among American children. It is the second installment from the MAHA Commission, which in May issued a report laying out the main culprits it saw driving the chronic illnesses. “President Trump pledged to Make America Healthy…

Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Fri August 15, 2025 WHY IT RATES: Oceanwide Expeditions has partnered with Drift+Noise Polar Services to integrate real-time sea ice monitoring into its navigation systems. —Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Managing Editor Oceanwide Expeditions, veteran polar operator with over 30 years in the expedition cruise industry, has announced a partnership with Drift+Noise Polar Services, adding near real-time sea ice overview capabilities to an already industry-leading onboard suite of maritime navigation software. This move aligns with Oceanwide Expeditions’ approach of minimizing fuel consumption where possible to align with the company’s ESG approach.Enhanced dynamism and operational resilience Following the completion of operational…

Facebook Tweet Email Link Large crowds of Israelis took to the streets on Sunday, launching a nationwide grassroots strike and widespread protests to demand the government secure the release of 50 hostages still in Gaza. In one of the largest coordinated demonstrations since the beginning of the Gaza war nearly two years ago, protesters blocked major roads, closed private businesses, and staged rallies in big cities. People also protested outside government minister’s homes. Organizers estimated that hundreds of thousands took part in the strike across Israel. The day of protests began at 06:29am, the exact time when Hamas launched its…

Nura Maznavi got a kick out of learning that New York City Muslim mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdanimet his wife on Hinge. “It made me feel like less of a loser,” Maznavi said laughingly about meeting her own husband online more than 14 years ago, before apps like Hinge became a dating fixture for many people. “He’s so cool,” she said of Mamdani. “Him and his wife are just so New York chic.” Mamdani’s success on Hinge, as well as the show “Muslim Matchmaker” on Hulu, provide a glimpse into some of the ways American Muslims meet their spouses, from the…

Last updated: 7:00 PM ET, Fri August 15, 2025 WHY IT RATES: This road trip starting and ending in Loreto, Baja California Sur, offers an adventurous itinerary showcasing the region’s diverse landscapes, rich culture and unique wildlife. —Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Managing EditorFor travelers with a passion for exploration, the northern loop of Baja California Sur offers one of Mexico’s most thrilling and immersive road trip experiences. Beginning and ending in the charming coastal town of Loreto—accessible via direct U.S. flights from Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX) and Dallas (DFW)—this multi-day journey invites adventurers to discover the region’s untouched natural beauty, rich culture,…

ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (AP) — Anne Pace has been hearing about Dog Mountain for years, but until earlier this month, had never made a trip to the park.“I really wanted to see this place,” she said, during a visit to the grounds with her one-year-old border collie, Tam. “I put a note up for my previous border collie. He was my best buddy.”Set on 150 acres tucked away on a hillside in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, Dog Mountain has become a destination for dog lovers looking to explore nature, take in art, or pay tribute to a pet.The park was created…