Can you uninstall the widget?

No. I've searched everywhere in settings. 

Try this.

https://www.howtogeek.com/733390/how-to-remove-weather-and-news-from-windows-10s-taskbar/

DrJBHL I do that everyday. It turns itself back on after the computer sleeps or reboots. 

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. But, I am on Windows 10, but I don't see that. Need to know which version and OS build you on? Use Winver.exe. I am Windows 10, Version 22H2 OS Build 19045.4651.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

I'm using the exact same version of Windows you are using. 

I tested on another Windows 10 system, same version and OS build as above. Turn off "News and interests", put the system to sleep. Wake the system up. And the news and interests Widget don't show up. So, I can confirm, that is working as it should. Look like there is something in your system that turning that Widget back on. Please do a system scan on your system such as sfc /scannow etc.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

This should do it. Using the registry method should do it permanently.

Remember to create a restore point and a registry backup before editing the registry.

https://pureinfotech.com/disable-taskbar-news-widget-windows-10/

I ran SFC and it found several errors. I also did the registry hack. So far the widget has stayed off. Thank you!

Great, glad to hear you've resolved it.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Glad it worked for you, Barb and Kona.  

I have been on Mac too long....   I know that I had no issue fixing this, and it required no registry tweaks or anything of the sort.   My memory tells me that it's easily turned off in settings.

I know this doesn't help.

Hiya Red!  

The problem was that after awakening from sleep or reboot, the problem recurred...that necessitated the regtweak [a new Doc word]. There are other ways to do it...an exhaustive treatment (fwiw) can be found here, in TenForums.

Still lurv ya hillzboi [another new one!]. Hope Lisa's doing well. Please relay my best.