With New Year’s Day fast approaching, I want to plan on making the holiday delicious and easy. I have a one-dish lunch or dinner in mind. At my house, Jan. 1 is primarily spent relaxing in front of the TV watching the parade and football games. It’s part of our tradition.

Everyone seems to love this one-dish wonder, a baked pasta dish with sausage and black olives. You can change its personality by using a sausage that you prefer. Hot Italian sausage will yield a dish that is fiery, while mild Italian sausage makes a more kid-friendly meal. I like to use half hot and half mild. The choice is yours.

Happy New Year!

Baked Pasta with Sausage and Olives

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided use
1 pound Italian sausage removed from casings, sweet or hot, or some of both
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
3/4 cup pitted black olives, such as Kalamata, drained
Salt
1 pound penne or ziti
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided use; see cook’s notes
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided use
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Cook’s notes: Use the low-moisture style of mozzarella that is harder and often used for melting, not the fresh mozzarella.

DIRECTIONS

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Brush a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon oil. Cook sausage in a large, deep skillet until browned, about 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it up with spatula or wooden spoon. Transfer sausage to a bowl.

2. Drain all but 1 tablespoon fat from skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and garlic; cook until fragrant but not brown, about 1 minute. Add crushed and diced tomatoes, return sausage to the skillet. Add olives and simmer until thickened, 15 to 18 minutes. Season to taste with salt.

3. Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts of water to boil in large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta. Cook until slightly underdone. Reserve 1/4 cup cooking water. Drain pasta and return to pot along with reserved water. Stir in tomato sauce.

4. Pour half of pasta into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of each cheese. Pour remaining pasta into dish, sprinkle with remaining cheeses and sprinkle with parsley. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Source: Adapted from America’s Test Kitchen

Award-winning food writer Cathy Thomas has written three cookbooks, including “50 Best Plants on the Planet.” Follow her at CathyThomasCooks.com.

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By DEVI SHASTRI, Associated Press

The new year is a time when many try to start new good habits and commit to improving health and wellness.

But resolutions, lofty as they may be, can turn daunting quickly with all the advice and sometimes contradicting information coming at you from news reports, advertisers, influencers, friends and even politicians.

But they don’t have to be.

This year, The Associated Press got the downlow on all manner of health and wellness claims and fads. The good news is that the experts mostly say to keep it simple.

As 2026 arrives, here’s what you can skip, what you should pay attention to and how to get credible information when you are inevitably faced with more confusing claims next year.

FILE – People run on treadmills at Life Time Athletic May 8, 2020, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

Protein and fiber are important, but you probably don’t need to pay more

When it comes to your diet, experts say most people can skip the upcharge. If you’re eating enough, you’re probably getting enough protein and don’t need products that promise some big boost.

And it’s true that most people could use more fiber in their diets. But, please, ditch the “fiber-maxxing” trend. Instead, eat whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains.

A good skin care routine is not expensive or complicated

That 20-step skin care routine and $200 serum some TikToker sold you on? Dermatologists say you really don’t need it. Stay away from the beef tallow and slather on a good sunscreen instead (yes, even if you have darker skin ), they say.

And the same rule for simplicity applies to that hourlong “everything shower.” The best showers are simple and short, dermatologists say, no “double cleansing” required.

FILE – Jackie Brennan, of Merrimac, Mass., front, pedals on a stationary exercise bike with others during a spinning class in a parking lot outside Fuel Training Studio,Sept. 21, 2020, in Newburyport. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

There are many simple ways to get that workout in

If the gym and all its equipment feel intimidating, you can drop the illusion that a good workout requires either. This year, the comeback of calisthenics put the focus back on no frills, bodyweight workouts you can do in the comfort of home. Research shows calisthenics helps with muscle strength and aerobic conditioning. You may eventually need weightlifting or other equipment, but it is a great place to start to build consistency and confidence.

Be wary of wellness fads and treatments — they are often too good to be true

Even if you imbibe too much this New Year’s Eve, doctors say you can do without “IV therapy” which have vitamins you can get more easily and cheaper in pill form — if you even need more, which is unlikely if you have a balanced diet. You’re pretty much just paying for “expensive urine,” one doctor said.

Same for “wellness” focused products like microbiome testing kits that generate information that doctors can’t actually act on. And if you don’t have diabetes, there’s scant evidence that you need a continuous glucose monitor.

FILE – A free blood pressure machine is used at the public library in Kansas City, Mo., on Nov. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Nick Ingram, File)

To improve your health, go back to the basics

The idea of a panacea pill, product or routine can be enticing. But science already knows a lot about how to improve mental and physical health, and they are tried and true:

1. Whether you’re in the city or the country — walk more. Research shows walking is great for physical and mental health. It’s so good for you, doctors are literally prescribing time in the outdoors to their patients.
2. Take steps to get certain health metrics under control, like high blood pressure, which often goes undiagnosed and is known to cause a range of health problems down the road. Prioritize getting enough sleep, and make sure your family does too. Don’t just eat right — eat slower.
3. Give your mind some care too. Set better boundaries with your technology and regain and retrain your attention span. Build out your social networks and invest in all forms of love for the people around you.

These lifestyle changes don’t just make you feel better in the moment. Research shows they impact your life for years to come, by lowering the risk of dementia and many other health issues.

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Don’t know who to trust? Start with your doctor

It can be tough to know who to listen to about your health, faced with compelling personal stories on social media from people who swear something worked from them, or clever marketing and advertising from companies that scare you or promise an easy fix.

Doubts have been raised this year about established medicine, including the safety of food dyes, fluoride dental treatments,hepatitis B shot for newborns, and hormone therapies for menopause.

While the medical system is not perfect, your doctor remains the best person to talk to about prevention, health concerns and potential treatments.

If you can’t get to a human doctor and turn to Dr. Google instead, be sure to follow these tips and never use it to diagnose yourself. When you do get that doctor’s appointment, you can make the most of it by bringing a list of written questions — and don’t hesitate to ask for any clarification you need.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Packers at Vikings (-6½)

Now THIS is a meaningless game, with the Packers locked into the 7 seed and the Vikings locked into playoff absentia. For local fans, this contest won’t be nearly as entertaining to watch as, say, “Minnesota Day Care Center Follies.”
Pick: Vikings by 3

FILE – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing, June 12, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

Dolphins at Patriots (-11½)

Former Viking Stefon Diggs is facing felony strangulation charges after an incident involving his personal chef. Patriots officials are expected to keep playing their accused star receiver every bit as long as they kept playing Aaron Hernandez.
Pick: Patriots by 17

FILE – New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) leaves the field following an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov 23, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit, File)

Ravens at Steelers (+3½)

These two AFC North arch-rivals will close out the regular season playing for a division title. There will be mixed emotions because, as President Trump pointed out, Aaron Rodgers really wants to see the Ravens succeed.
Pick: Ravens by 3

FILE – President Donald Trump, right, shakes the hand of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin during a joint press conference at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

Seahawks at 49ers (+1½)

Seattle’s Sam Darnold is now only the fifth quarterback in NFL history to win 13 games in consecutive seasons. That’s especially pungent for Vikings fans, because there’s no guarantee J.J. McCarthy will ever win 13 games.
Pick: 49ers by 3

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold leaves the field after an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Cardinals at Rams (-9½)

Arizona coach Jonathan Gannon reportedly believes his job is safe despite the Cardinals’ 3-13 record. The only people more confident that they will not be fired are Pete Hegseth, Kash Patel, Pam Bondi, Kristi Noem and RFK Jr.
Pick: Rams by 17

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon paces the sideline prior to an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Chargers at Broncos (-7½)

Denver’s almost certain to lock up the AFC’s top seed because Los Angeles is resting quarterback Justin Herbert and most other starters. The Chargers care so little about Sunday’s game that Jim Harbaugh hasn’t even bothered to steal any of the Broncos’ signs.
Pick: Broncos by 10

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh watches the scoreboard during an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, Sep. 28, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Browns at Bengals (-6½)

Cleveland’s Myles Garrett is only one sack away from the NFL record of 21½. Former Vikings QB Brett Favre is said to be a bit verklempt that he’s retired and thus would not be able to take a dive for the Browns star’s record-breaker.
Pick: Bengals by 7

06 Jan 2002: Michael Strahan #92 of the New York Giants pressures quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Green Bay Packers during the game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Packers won 34-25. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Titans at Jaguars (-11½)

Jacksonville is going for only its fifth division title in franchise history. The Jags haven’t appeared in the playoffs since 2023. That happens to be, by the way, the last time Trevor Lawrence trimmed his mane.
Pick: Jaguars by 7

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) warms up on the field before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)

Panthers at Buccaneers (-2½)

Tampa Bay is trying to become only the sixth team with a losing record to make the NFL playoffs. Such a feat is not that uncommon in this country because of how often our elections have been won by losers.
Pick: Panthers by 3

Tampa Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) gestures at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)

Chiefs at Raiders (+5½)

Former Las Vegas assistant Chip Kelly had been hired as the new offensive coordinator at Northwestern. It should be a step up for Kelly, as the Wildcats have a much more professional offense than the Raiders.
Pick: Chiefs by 7

FILE – Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly walks the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

OTHER GAMES

Colts at Texans (-10½)
Pick: Texans by 7

Jets at Bills (-8½)
Pick: Bills by 21

Lions at Bears (-2½)
Pick: Bears by 3

Saints at Falcons (-2½)
Pick: Falcons by 3

Commanders at Eagles (-8½)
Pick: Eagles by 11

Cowboys at Giants (+5½)
Pick: Cowboys by 7

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) runs away from the pressure by Arizona Cardinals linebackers Josh Sweat (10) and Zaven Collins (25) as Texans offensive tackles Trent Brown (77) and Aireontae Ersery (79) make blocks during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

RECORD

Last week
10-6 straight up
7-9 vs. spread

Season
155-100-1 straight up (.608)
123-133 vs. spread (.480)

All-time (2003-25)
3974-2201-15 straight up (.644)
3034-3012-145 vs spread (.502)

You can hear Kevin Cusick on Thursdays on Bob Sansevere’s “BS Show” podcast on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on X– @theloopnow. He can be reached at kcusick@pioneerpress.com.

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“As far as human nature is concerned, with panic comes irrationality.”

This simple statement by Professor Steve Calandrillo and Nolan Anderson has profound implications for public policy. When panic is highest, and demand for reactive policy is greatest, that’s exactly when we need our lawmakers to resist the temptation to move fast and ban things.

Yet, many state legislators are ignoring this advice amid public outcries about the allegedly widespread and destructive uses of AI. Thankfully, Calandrillo and Anderson have identified a few examples of what I’ll call “panic policies” that make clear that proposals forged by frenzy tend not to reflect good public policy.

Let’s turn first to a proposal in November of 2001 from the American Academy of Pediatrics. For obvious reasons, airline safety was subject to immense public scrutiny at this time. AAP responded with what may sound like a good idea: require all infants to have their own seat and, by extension, their own seat belt on planes. The existing policy permitted parents to simply put their kid — so long as they were under 2 — on their lap. Essentially, babies flew for free.

The Federal Aviation Administration permitted this based on a pretty simple analysis: The risks to young kids without seatbelts on planes were far less than the risks they would face if they were instead traveling by car. Put differently, if parents faced higher prices to travel by air, then they’d turn to the road as the best way to get from A to B. As we all know (perhaps with the exception of the AAP at the time), airline travel is tremendously safer than travel by car.

Nevertheless, the AAP forged ahead with its proposal. In fact, it did so despite admitting that they were unsure of whether the higher risks of mortality of children under 2 in plane crashes were due to the lack of a seat belt or the fact that they’re simply fragile.

A group of pediatricians stepped in to quash the AAP’s unfounded proposal. They reported that “even if the policy led to no increase in car travel and cost only $20 per round trip per young child, the cost per life saved would be about $4.3 million per discounted life-year.”

As difficult as it may be to put a price tag on saving the life of an infant, in a world of scarce legislative attention and sparse resources, policymakers cannot avoid such analysis. Thankfully, the FAA sided with reason, resisted popular pressure, and rejected the AAP’s proposal.

Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that reason will win out over panic policies. Following a number of tragic school-bus incidents in the 1960s and 1970s, Congress faced mounting calls to insist on heightened safety regulations for school buses. The resulting proposal would have increased the cost of school buses by 25 percent by virtue of shoring up their safety measures. How do you think school districts would have responded?

Stick with the older buses for longer, right? Few school districts have spare funds lying around. Yet, this somewhat obvious response by districts appears to have been lost on the chief proponents of the policy.

The upshot is that policymaking that occurs in the heat of public panic is precisely when we ought to slow down, rely on evidence, and avoid enacting laws that will actually do more harm than good. It is undeniable that extensive use of AI tools has resulted in tragic outcomes for several young Americans.

How best to respond, though, is not as clear-cut as many may have you believe. It’s highly questionable that existing reports about the pros and cons of AI tools are representative of users. It’s also highly probable that proponents of bans are not adequately weighing the fact that there’s a massive shortage of psychiatrists to address the growing need among children and teens for specialized support. This is especially for children in rural and economically-insecure communities.

Finally, and most importantly, it’s nearly certain that by stigmatizing the use of AI, proponents of panic policies may undermine uses of tools that have already shown their effectiveness. Not all AI is created equal. While there may be a case for limiting and even banning certain uses of certain AI tools, such policies should be grounded in evidence, not vibes.

To be clear — as someone who suffered from mental health issues as a child, I am not at all opposed to the motivations of those paying close attention to the misuse of AI. I applaud their devotion and attention to this issue.

However, I’m vehemently opposed to allowing panic to distract us from adhering to good public policy. This is an emotional topic, which often makes it difficult for nuanced conversations, but the well-being of our youth demands that we rise to the occasion — leaning on research, investigation, and deliberation rather than acting on headlines and speculation.

Kevin Frazier is an AI Innovation and Law Fellow at Texas Law and author of the Appleseed AI substack. He wrote this colum for The Fulcrum, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news platform covering efforts to fix our governing systems.

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