As the Senate considers confirming Scott Turner for the role of Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), he is poised to assume leadership of the nation's premier housing agency amidst a period of heightened scrutiny on housing affordability. President Donald Trump's campaign promise of substantial government budget reductions has raised concerns among some industry insiders that funding allocated to HUD might be significantly reduced. The agency is tasked with providing rental support for low-income families, overseeing mortgage insurance for potential homebuyers, and enforcing fair housing laws. Bob Greenstein, a visiting fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution, expressed his concerns, stating, "Given the budgetary pressures and the push to make significant cuts, I am worried about the potential shortage of affordable housing and the impact of rising rents on lower-income households that are living from paycheck to paycheck."

In 2018, Bobby Djavaheri, the head of Yedi Houseware Appliances, was deeply concerned about the potential impact of the Trump administration's tariffs on Chinese-made air fryers on his family's appliance business. Faced with a 25% tariff on these imports, Djavaheri sought legal counsel and pursued a tariff exemption from the United States Trade Representative (USTR). Unfortunately, his request, like many others, was quickly turned down without any explanation. This led to layoffs at his Los Angeles-based company and the cancellation of expansion plans. Djavaheri's experience reflects the broader challenges faced by numerous U.S. businesses in mitigating the financial burden of tariffs imposed on Chinese goods, highlighting the frustrations with a tariff exemption process that is often seen as opaque and disorganized.

Chinese technology conglomerate Huawei has recently introduced its latest flagship smartphone, the Mate 70, which is a significant milestone in the company's quest for technological independence. This new device, priced at a starting point of 5,499 yuan (equivalent to approximately $760), is equipped with the HarmonyOS Next operating system, marking a departure from Android-based applications and showcasing Huawei's commitment to自主研发 software. Richard Yu, the head of Huawei's consumer division, proclaimed the Mate 70 as the "most powerful phone" in the Mate series during its launch event on Tuesday, emphasizing the company's innovative spirit with the statement, "We have always been copied but never surpassed." He also revealed plans for all forthcoming Huawei smartphones and tablets to be powered by their proprietary operating system starting from the next year.

Elon Musk, the world's wealthiest individual and a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump, has recently taken to social media to criticize MSNBC, referring to it as "the scum of the Earth" and accusing the network of spreading "puerile propaganda." Musk's recent comments, including a declaration that "MSNBC is going down," have been followed by a series of memes suggesting he might be interested in purchasing the channel. While many dismiss these posts as mere jests, they have contributed to a growing sense of unease among MSNBC employees, particularly in light of Trump's re-election prospects and the recent announcement of Comcast's cable channel spinoff.

Kohl's has declared that its Chief Executive Officer, Tom Kingsbury, will relinquish his position on January 15, 2025. He will be succeeded by Ashley Buchanan, who currently holds the CEO role at the arts and crafts retail giant, Michaels. Buchanan has been at the helm of Michaels since 2020 and boasts an impressive 13-year tenure as a senior executive within Walmart and its subsidiary, Sam's Club. Kingsbury initially assumed the role of interim CEO in 2022 and later committed to serving as the permanent CEO until May 2025, as stated by board chair Michael Bender on Monday. His appointment followed the departure of former Kohl's CEO Michelle Gass, who transitioned to become the CEO at Levi's (LEVI). During her time at Walmart, the world's leading retailer, Buchanan held the positions of Chief Merchandising Officer and Chief Operating Officer for Walmart US e-Commerce. Upon his departure, Kingsbury will continue to offer counsel to Buchanan and maintain his seat on the Kohl's Board of Directors until his retirement in May 2025.

Business executives have expressed their relief following the appointment of President-elect Donald Trump's choice for Treasury Secretary, a decision that has been deemed a prudent one after a series of more unconventional cabinet selections. Hedge fund manager Scott Bessent emerged victorious from an internal dispute over the coveted Treasury Secretary role, a position that will be met with immediate challenges and pressures. Bessent's background as an international investor, having collaborated with some of the most respected financial experts, along with his bipartisan support, has alleviated the concerns of both business leaders and financial markets. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed to an unprecedented peak of 44,737 on Monday, concluding the trading day with an increase of 440 points, or nearly 1%. The S&P 500 index edged up by 0.3%, while the Nasdaq Composite rose by 0.27%. Treasury bond yields dipped slightly, and the US dollar experienced a decline.

Scientific evidence has demonstrated that adopting a diet rich in plant-based foods may significantly contribute to the prevention, management, or reversal of several major health issues, such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.

A groundbreaking series of articles published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, titled "Actual Causes of Death in the United States," revealed that in the year 2000, tobacco was the primary cause of death among Americans, with diet and lack of physical activity following closely behind. Surprisingly, alcohol ranked as the third leading cause of mortality. Approximately 50% of alcohol-related fatalities were attributed to sudden incidents such as motor vehicle accidents, while the other half resulted from more gradual causes, with alcoholic liver disease being the most prevalent. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to the buildup of fat in the liver, a condition known as fatty liver, which may trigger inflammation, cause liver scarring, and ultimately result in liver failure.

The Beverage Guidance Panel, a group of experts tasked with evaluating the health implications of different drink categories, has identified tea and coffee—ideally consumed without creamer or sweeteners—as the second healthiest beverages, only surpassed by water. Extensive research has demonstrated numerous potential health advantages associated with coffee consumption. For instance, individuals suffering from hepatitis C may experience reduced DNA damage, enhanced clearance of virus-infected cells, and a slower progression of scarring when they drink coffee. These benefits could account for coffee's observed role in decreasing the risk of liver disease progression.

While fruits are widely recognized for their health benefits, their protein content is often overlooked. Although they may not rival the protein density of meats, eggs, or legumes, fruits do contribute a modest amount of this vital nutrient. Integrating more fruits into your diet can thus enhance your overall protein intake and provide a wealth of other health advantages. Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, a preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com, emphasizes that "fruits offer a variety of antioxidants and flavanols unique to many of them, which can reduce inflammation and protect various aspects of our health, from the heart and immune system to individual cells."

The Global Burden of Disease Study represents the most extensive and meticulous examination of mortality causes to date. It engaged the efforts of nearly 500 researchers hailing from over 300 institutions across 50 countries, delving into nearly 100,000 data sources. The study identified specific foods that, when incorporated into one's diet, could potentially save lives.

The role of sugar in this public health crisis cannot be understated. Sugar, particularly in the form of added sugars, has been linked to a myriad of health issues, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and liver disease. The rapid increase in sugar consumption over the past few centuries has paralleled the rise in these chronic diseases, suggesting a strong correlation.

A comprehensive review conducted in 2015 revealed a compelling link between the consumption of whole grains, such as oats, and extended lifespans, irrespective of other dietary and lifestyle factors. Oats come in various forms, including instant, rolled, steel-cut, Scottish, and oat groats, each with its unique nutritional profile and health implications.

For many years, eggs have been celebrated as a nutritious source of protein, but recent findings suggest that their consumption may be associated with a range of significant health risks. According to documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, the U.S. Department of Agriculture cautioned the egg industry against making claims that eggs are nutritious or safe, as these could be considered false and misleading advertisements.

Is milk truly the elixir of health that it's often touted to be? A comprehensive population study titled "Milk Intake and Risk of Mortality and Fractures in Women and Men" has cast doubt on this long-held belief. Over two decades, researchers in Sweden monitored the dietary habits of more than 100,000 individuals and discovered a concerning trend: women who consumed higher amounts of milk experienced a significantly increased risk of bone and hip fractures, heart disease, cancer, and an overall higher likelihood of premature death. Astonishingly, those who drank three glasses of milk daily had nearly double the risk of an early demise. Men with a similar milk intake also showed a heightened risk of dying young.

Is fish considered a healthy food option? The answer to this question depends on the comparison. When juxtaposed with the most nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, fish tend to have lower levels of antioxidants and phytonutrients. They also lack fiber and contain cholesterol and saturated animal fats. Studies have shown that a diet rich in whole plant-based foods is linked to longer telomeres, which are the protective caps at the end of our chromosomes that prevent DNA from deteriorating. Conversely, diets high in refined grains, sugary drinks, dairy products, and meats, including fish, have been associated with shorter telomeres, indicating cellular aging. Unless one could travel back in time before the Industrial Revolution, fish will continue to be a significant source of toxic pollutants.

Chicken is a versatile and quick-cooking protein source, making it an ideal base for simple, healthy, and fast weeknight meals. Baking is a convenient, hands-off cooking method that is perfect for this purpose. Many baked chicken recipes are also easy to prepare in advance, making them ideal for meal prepping. While lean chicken breast is a popular choice for baking, all cuts of chicken work well with this cooking method. Dark meat, such as chicken thighs and drumsticks, are also rich in protein, iron, and heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats. From chicken and rice dishes to cheese-topped chicken Parmesan, there is a wide variety of options for an easy, healthy meal that you'll want to incorporate into your regular rotation.

Waffles, a delectable treat made from leavened batter or dough, are cooked between two patterned plates and are believed to be among the oldest desserts in existence. These delightful snacks, often adorned with honey, whipped cream, syrup, or jam, are perfect for breakfast or a quick bite, sometimes enjoyed on the go.

New York City's reputation for having the finest pizza is well-known, and now they have further evidence to support this claim. Recently, the Italy-based 50 Top Pizza Awards unveiled its 2024 global rankings, with a Lower East Side pizzeria taking the top spot.

New Research Ties Ultraprocessed Foods to Higher Type 2 Diabetes Risk

The Great Debate: Green Tea vs. Coffee—Which Is Healthier?