In The NEWS

Republican congresswoman Elise Stefanik to run for NY governor.

US Rep. Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21) entered New York's gubernatorial race yesterday. Her announcement video took aim at New York City's Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani (D) and Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), who is seeking reelection. President Donald Trump nominated Stefanik to be UN ambassador last year, but withdrew the pick over tight GOP House margins. The gubernatorial election is set for Nov. 3, 2026.




Researchers near more powerful, cheaper mRNA vaccines.

MIT researchers unveiled a new mRNA vaccine formulation yesterday that is as effective as existing mRNA vaccines but at approximately 1/100 the typical dose. The researchers first tested the formulation in a flu vaccine delivered to mice and believe it can be adapted to protect humans against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Learn how mRNA vaccines work here (w/video).




Sweetgreen to sell salad-making technology for over $186M.

The salad chain is selling its robotics unit to Wonder Group, a startup that acquired Grubhub last year. The roughly $100M cash and $86M stock deal follows an 80% decline in Sweetgreen's market value this year. Sweetgreen will now purchase the technology, which reduces staffing needs by assembling up to 500 meals per hour, from Wonder, with plans to have it operating in over 30 stores by year's end.




James D. Watson, pioneer in DNA research, dies at 97.

Watson was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1962 for codiscovering DNA's double helix structure in his early 20s. The American scientist went on to direct the Human Genome Project, an international initiative that mapped the human genetic code. Though celebrated for his groundbreaking discoveries, Watson has been condemned for making racist remarks. He died in hospice care Thursday after a brief illness.




Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to welcome new inductees.

Cyndi Lauper and The White Stripes are among several rock outfits who will be welcomed into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at a Los Angeles ceremony tonight. The nonprofit foundation has inducted honorees since 1986 and is based in Cleveland, where disc jockey Alan Freed popularized the term "rock and roll" in the 1950s. Explore the best resources we've found on the music genre here.



Separately, the Recording Academy yesterday announced nominees for the 2026 Grammy Awards, presented Feb. 1. Kendrick Lamar leads with nine nominations, followed by Lady Gaga, who's up for seven awards. See the list of nominees here.




Ex-NFL star Antonio Brown arrested on attempted murder charges.

The 37-year-old former wide receiver, who previously faced battery and domestic violence charges, is accused of shooting a man after a Miami boxing event in May. Brown allegedly used a handgun taken from a security staffer to fire two shots, one of which grazed the victim's neck. The 12-season NFL player was arrested by US Marshals in Dubai and is being held in New Jersey as he awaits extradition to Miami.

SOURCE:  1440 NEWS