diff --git a/backend/main.py b/backend/main.py
index ea7d664..e5d867f 100644
--- a/backend/main.py
+++ b/backend/main.py
@@ -921,8 +921,9 @@ async def start_call(caller_key: str):
     session.start_call(caller_key)
     caller = session.caller  # This generates the background if needed
 
-    if not session.news_headlines:
-        asyncio.create_task(_fetch_session_headlines())
+    # Headlines fetch disabled — Google News RSS blocks automated requests
+    # if not session.news_headlines:
+    #     asyncio.create_task(_fetch_session_headlines())
 
     return {
         "status": "connected",
@@ -1077,7 +1078,8 @@ async def chat(request: ChatRequest):
 
     epoch = _session_epoch
     session.add_message("user", request.text)
-    session._research_task = asyncio.create_task(_background_research(request.text))
+    # Research disabled — was causing hangs and producing garbage searches
+    # session._research_task = asyncio.create_task(_background_research(request.text))
 
     try:
         async with asyncio.timeout(20):
@@ -1674,7 +1676,8 @@ async def _trigger_ai_auto_respond(accumulated_text: str):
 
     broadcast_event("ai_done")
 
-    session._research_task = asyncio.create_task(_background_research(accumulated_text))
+    # Research disabled — was causing hangs
+    # session._research_task = asyncio.create_task(_background_research(accumulated_text))
 
     # Also stream to active real caller so they hear the AI
     if session.active_real_caller: