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After three years of work, local store ready for business
FAIRMONT – Cameron Kamlitz has been working on his small business for three years, and now all that hard work has paid off. The Powder Keg, located at 219 North State Street in Fairmont where Benjamin Moore Paints previously was, specializes in hunting-related products, including rifles, handguns, ammunition, optics and other essential equipment. Going into […]
WATCH: Trump commends Iran for reportedly canceling hundreds of executions
“Iran canceled the hanging of over 800 people,” Trump told reporters while leaving the White House to spend the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. He added “and I greatly respect the fact that they canceled.”
Health inspectors find 13 violations at Lakeshore restaurant over holidays
A popular Lakeshore bar and restaurant suffered the worst health inspection it ever had last month, but the owner says everything has been “100% corrected.”
When a credit report can hurt your chances of being hired
A background check can sink a job offer if prospective employers don’t like what they see. While they can request to have a lot of information about a job candidate’s past included in such a report, increasingly they are no longer allowed to request people’s credit history.
Scientists found hidden synapse hotspots in the teen brain
Scientists have discovered that the adolescent brain does more than prune old connections. During the teen years, it actively builds dense new clusters of synapses in specific parts of neurons. These clusters emerge only in adolescence and may help shape higher-level thinking. When the process is disrupted, it could play a role in conditions like schizophrenia.
Family champions business education in Coles College
Driven by the desire to give back, Doug Jones and his wife, Anna, recently established the $100,000 Anna and Doug Jones Master of Business Administration Scholarship. The scholarship is designed to support students pursuing an MBA, especially those coming from non-business undergraduate backgrounds.
CNN poll finds majority of Americans say Trump is focused on the wrong priorities
Public opinion on nearly every aspect of President Donald Trump’s first year back in the White House is negative, a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS finds, with a majority of Americans saying Trump is focused on the wrong priorities and doing too little to address cost of living.
Top Jeff Landry aide who shaped New Orleans policies is leaving to start a consulting firm
The staffer is likely to advise Gov. Jeff Landry in a political capacity on his duties as President Donald Trump's special envoy to Greenland.
Working to Ensure Commercial Health Insurers Do Their Part to Support Patient Care
Every year tens of millions of Americans dig deep into their pocketbooks to pay for health insurance plans that will cover both preventive and necessary care for individuals and families.
The nation’s cartoonists on the week in politics
Every week political cartoonists throughout the country and across the political spectrum apply their ink-stained skills to capture the foibles, memes, hypocrisies and other head-slapping events in the world of politics. The fruits of these labors are hundreds of cartoons that entertain and enrage readers of all political stripes. Here's an offering of the best of this week's crop, picked fresh off the Toonosphere. Edited by Matt Wuerker.
ChatGPT's AI Health-Care Push Has a Fatal Flaw
OpenAI and Anthropic have both announced big plans to enter healthcare, with a consumer-focused tool called ChatGPT Health and a version of the chatbot Claude that can help clinicians figure out a diagnosis and write medical notes. Notably absent from this flurry of announcements is Google. Its Gemini chatbot is one of the most popular and capable, so why not jump into the lucrative health market too? Perhaps because Google knows from experience that such an effort can backfire spectacularly.
AppleInsider.com
Analyst Jeff Pu has provided a short spec sheet for the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Fold due in September, which corroborates several previous rumors.
Dodgers agree to terms with 22 International amateur free agents
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers had themselves a busy first day of the International signing period, as they inked 22 international free agents, including four of the Top 100 international prospects in Baseball America's rankings.
Iowa man accused of impersonating health inspector at restaurant
A northwest Iowa man is facing charges for allegedly posing as a health inspector and threatening to close a restaurant in Cherokee.
Mapping the science–technology translational landscape in biomedicine
Nature Biotechnology - A systematic, prospective analysis of the interplay between science and technology in biomedicine can illuminate the pathway for translating scientific insights into tangible...
Oral health assessment in a prospective birth cohort study
BDJ Open - Oral health assessment in a prospective birth cohort study
Throwback Thursday: Notre Dame Fighting Irish VS Michigan State, 1987
Tim Brown’s unforgettable special teams performance helped launch Notre Dame’s 1987 season in historic fashion.
Turner Loesel: Florida's AI laws are stronger than you think
Florida already has a strong legal floor for AI accountability lawmakers should respect and reinforce.
Trump unveils healthcare plan without clear funding or execution timeline
Trump's healthcare plan promises lower costs but lacks specifics and faces challenges from a divided Congress.
iOS 26.3 Update Set To Improve Hundreds Of Millions Of iPhones
In a few weeks, the next major iPhone update will land. And the latest beta reveals an important change is on its way which could radically change messaging.
‘Absolutely no detail’: experts alarmed as Trump unveils healthcare plan
Months after Trump boasted of ‘concepts of a plan’, framework offers few specifics – and could stall in Congress
From the Galápagos to the Deep Sea, Cal Academy Scientists Describe 72 New Species
Academy researchers identified 72 species new to science in 2025, including the newly recognized Galápagos lava heron, a shy deep-sea fish, and a rare sunflower relative found in a U.S. national park.
The Biggest Challenges And Threats Facing Business Executives In 2026
Executives face familiar risks in 2026, but many are no better prepared for crises than last year, underscoring the need for stronger crisis planning and readiness.
TBICoE Education Series: Performance Nutrition After TBI
This TBICoE virtual training examines the critical role of nutrition, supplementation, and gut health in optimizing recovery and performance following TBI. Participants will learn how specific diets and evidence-based supplements can help heal the brain, lower inflammation, and improve thinking and energy.
The Business of Butterworths, the Hottest New Restaurant in Washington DC
When the Odd Lots team was down in Washington DC earlier this year, we had a phenomenal meal at a restaurant called Butterworths. As it turns out, the restaurant is one of the hottest hangouts for the MAGA crowd, with Steve Bannon and others frequently seen in its dining room. Of course, restaurants are difficult businesses in normal conditions, but in DC, you have the added factor that political cycles are changing all the time, and different bars and restaurants become associated with specific parties who go in and out of power. On this episode, we speak with Bart Hutchins, the chef-owner at the restaurant. We talk about everything from sourcing ingredients from small Amish farms, to acquiring beef tallow, and dining room logistics. We also talk about food costs, labor availability, and how the intense worker shortages and price inflation of the post-2020 period still affects how the restaurant is run today. Originally aired 1/2/26. (Source: Bloomberg)
Business Briefs: Jan. 16, 2026
National Grid hosts in-person customer assistance events WALTHAM — National Grid continues its commitment to supporting customers with a series of in-person customer assistance events this month. With colder temperatures, these events are designed to help residents manage seasonal energy bills and explore cost-saving programs. At every location, National Grid customer service specialists will be available […]
Small Business Development Center offering its expertise in starting or growing your business
The Development Center is a great one-stop shop for prospective business owners across the five-parish area.
100% Bonus Depreciation Is Back—Here’s What Businesses Need To Know
The IRS has issued new guidance on bonus depreciation, which was made permanent under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Here’s what to know about what property qualifies and when you can benefit.
Apple will pay billions for Gemini after OpenAI declined
A new report on Apple’s partnership with Google to have Gemini power the new Siri appears to confirm speculation that...
Scientists “resurrect” ancient cannabis enzymes with medical promise
Scientists have uncovered how cannabis evolved the ability to make its most famous compounds—THC, CBD, and CBC—by recreating ancient enzymes that existed millions of years ago. These early enzymes were multitaskers, capable of producing several cannabinoids at once, before evolution fine-tuned them into today’s highly specialized forms. By “resurrecting” these long-lost enzymes in the lab, researchers showed how cannabis chemistry became more precise over time—and discovered something unexpected: the ancient versions are often more robust and easier to work with.
Versatile Farrugia raring to bring 'unpredictability' to Tannadice
Versatile new United signing Neil Faruggia admits he's "happiest" where he's creating chances, having played a "multitude of positions" this season. The 26-year-old has joined from League One Barnsley, having previously featured for frequent League of Ireland winners Shamrock Rovers. "Having the option to have both feet helps you be more unpredictable I found, especially as a forward player," Farrugia told DUTV.
2026 NFL Draft Top 100 Prospect Rankings
Jeremiyah Love is a top three prospect in this draft class.
Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera specs and memory configurations leak again
Samsung is bringing camera hardware improvements to the Galaxy S26 Ultra. And despite the RAM shortage, it is keeping the 16GB RAM option.
Treasury Wine Drops Most in a Month on New Risk to US Business
Treasury Wine Estates Ltd. shares fell the most in a month after reports that an American distributor may sell its operations raised the prospect of further disruption to the company’s already struggling US business.
Clay Planning Board votes to approve Micron semiconductor facility
The company touts the project as the largest private investment in New York's history, with an expected $100 billion investment over the next 20-plus years.
The Warhammer Community team paints a pair of spectacular Nightbringer C’tan Shards
More inspiration for how to paint this awesome miniature.
John Mellencamp rips modern politicians for lacking humility and respect
The "Jack & Diane" singer opens up about planning his first-ever greatest hits tour at 74 and reflects on how his perspective on his career has changed.
Luu La joins Essentia Health Urgent Care-Duluth to provide patient care
Luu La, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner specializing in urgent care, is excited to begin practicing at Essentia Health Urgent Care-Duluth.
What a Wolf Pup’s Stomach Revealed About the Woolly Rhino’s Extinction
Scientists prepared a high-quality sequence of the giant mammal’s genome based on a specimen preserved in Siberian permafrost.
Spectator-in-chief: Trump's history with U.S. sports
He's become a somewhat expected fixture at major sporting events.
Special Olympics New York seeking volunteers for winter games in Rochester
The games will bring about 900 athletes and coaches from across the state to our area to compete in seven sports.
Division I Cabinet adopts new transfer windows in several sports
The Division I Cabinet on Wednesday approved changes to the transfer windows in several sports, including men's and women's basketball, men's wrestling, men's ice hockey, and men's and women's track and field. The changes to the notification-of-transfer windows were recommended by the respective sport oversight committees.
5 ChatGPT Prompts To Plan Your Best Year In Business
Plan your best business year yet with these ChatGPT prompts. Here’s exactly how to think way bigger for your business success.
The ‘Silver Tsunami’ Is Reshaping Small Business: Why Exit Planning Can’t Wait
The ‘Silver Tsunami’ will see 2.3–3million U.S. baby boomer-owned SMBs change hands over the next decade as retirements reshape the small business landscape.”
Massive brain study reveals why memory loss can suddenly speed up with age
A massive international brain study has revealed that memory decline with age isn’t driven by a single brain region or gene, but by widespread structural changes across the brain that build up over time. Analyzing thousands of MRI scans and memory tests from healthy adults, researchers found that memory loss accelerates as brain tissue shrinkage increases, especially later in life. While the hippocampus plays a key role, many other brain regions also contribute, forming a broad vulnerability rather than isolated damage.
Cooper Flagg taking NBA by storm. How 'special bond' spurred his ascent
Cooper Flagg's rise from youth phenom to No. 1 overall draft pick to Mavericks' biggest weapon has been guided by the same man.
ROACH PARTY: Health violations shut down over a dozen Central Florida eateries
Over a week into the new year, over a dozen more Central Florida restaurants have been forced to close up shop after a visit from a health inspector.
RIP Frank Traylor — a model for political life
It is with great sadness I read of the death of Frank Traylor. From the moment we met at the beginning of the 1975 legislative session, I knew he was special. As a doctor, he knew medical issues better than any of us but what made him so effective was his calm personality and his […]
New Pixel 10a leak reveals price, exact launch date
The Google Pixel 10a is now expected to launch next month, and a leaker has now apparently revealed pricing and a specific launch date.
iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 display specs leak, proving the exciting rumors true
As the iPhone 18 enters the sample production stage, the exciting rumors about the iPhone 18 Pro are seemingly being proven true.
New Degree Program Brings Together Computer, Geospatial Sciences
The University of Texas at Dallas has introduced a new interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree that will train students in both computer and geospatial sciences, broadening their career prospects across both disciplines. The Bachelor of Science in computational and geospatial science degree program began last fall in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (EPPS) and […]
ESPN 1000's Marc Silverman eviscerates Bulls voice Chuck Swirsky for criticizing Bears coach Ben Johnson
When asked Tuesday if he had heard what Silverman said, Swirsky replied, “I respect your question. I hope you respect my answer. No comment.” Silverman said he doesn't regret the rant.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Weak Point
New benchmarks highlight the power of Qualcomm's Snapdragon at the heart of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, but they also reveal a weak point in the specifications.
There are not enough mental health workers in Texas. What is the state doing about it?
Families and experts tell KSAT, the biggest core issue when it comes to kids mental health is that there are not enough mental health workers. That's especially true in psychiatric hospitals.
Clearwater Central Catholic (Fla.) reveals 2026 high school football schedule
Yes we know, the 2025 high school football season literally just ended, but when it comes to the prep gridiron, it never sleeps around the nation and especially in the state of Florida. One thing that is evident already is teams are getting a head start on putting together and even finalizing their schedules for […]
Prof. Dorit Reiss Wins National Award for Distinguished Service in Health Law - UC Law San Francisco (Formerly UC Hastings)
Professor Dorit Reiss, who brings legal expertise to public health debates, has received a national award for her lasting contributions to the field as a scholar, policy adviser, and mentor. Faculty Who Lead: Dorit Reiss Professor Dorit Reiss receives the 2026 Distinguished Service Award from the AALS Section on Law, Medicine and Health Care. She is a leading expert on vaccine law, advising policymakers and providing expert analysis to journalists. Reiss mentors future health law scholars and combats misinformation online through evidence-based public education. Professor Dorit Reiss, a leading voice on vaccine law and policy, has won a national award recognizing her contributions to health law. She received the 2026 Distinguished Service Award from the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Section on Law, Medicine and Health Care. Presented at the AALS Annual Meeting in January, the award honors sustained service to public health and the health law academy through advocacy, public education, and mentorship. In presenting the award, Professor Doron Dorfman of Seton Hall Law School, chair-elect of the AALS Section on Law, Medicine and Health Care, described Reiss as “a committed public health advocate who has used her expertise to influence vaccine policy, research, and practice at both the state and federal levels for nearly two decades.” Reiss leads a widely read vaccine law listserv that provides real-time updates on litigation, regulatory developments, advisory committee proceedings, and public comment opportunities. The resource has become an important tool for lawyers, scholars, journalists, and public health professionals tracking fast-moving developments in vaccine policy. Her service extends to policymaking as well. She has supported vaccine-related legislation in California, testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on vaccine mandates and non-medical exemptions, and serves on the Parent Advisory Board of Voices for Vaccines, a parent-led organization focused on reducing vaccine-preventable disease. Dorfman also highlighted Reiss’ active role in robust debates over vaccine safety and related laws and policies. “She directly engages misinformation by responding to anti-vaccination claims on social media with careful, evidence-based rebuttals,” Dorfman said. As federal vaccine policy undergoes significant change, Reiss has become a trusted source for major national news outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN, which regularly seek her expert analysis on new policies and decisions. Dorfman noted that Reiss is widely respected for her mentorship of health law faculty and scholars. “She is consistently generous with her time—approachable, willing to provide feedback, and a mentor to many in the field, including myself,” he said. At UC Law SF, Reiss brings the spirit of public service into the classroom, helping students understand how legal frameworks translate into real-world public health outcomes. She holds the James Edgar Hervey ’50 Chair of Litigation, a position that recognizes faculty excellence in the field of litigation. The Distinguished Service Award highlights her sustained commitment to evidence-based vaccine policy, public education, and mentorship during a pivotal time for public health law.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Gets Updated Release Date
Samsung confirms "inevitable" price increases. The real concern is what this means for Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 deals.
‘Grand Theft Auto’ Players Stopped From Recreating Charlie Kirk Assassination Online
Rockstar Games also added “Charlie Kirk” to the “Grand Theft Auto Online” profanity filter.
Unpacking All the Samsung Galaxy S26 Rumors: Cameras, Pricing, Specs, More
S26 leaks include Samsung potentially ditching the Edge, Perplexity AI integration, and better Qi2 wireless charging compatibility. Based on our experience, here's what we expect in early 2026.
Small Town Politics: City concerns on display in the city of Quitman
The city of Quitman is under the microscope after a recent special called city meeting sparked concerns about the council’s decisions to hire, fire, and re-interview city employees. WALB’s Investigative Reporter Brittanye Blake explains what’s next for the city.
Joe Starkey returns to TribLive as sports columnist
Veteran sports columnist and broadcaster Joe Starkey is joining TribLive, the company announced Tuesday, adding one of the most respected voices in Western Pennsylvania to its sports coverage of Pittsburgh’s professional and college teams. Starkey, who worked at the Trib earlier in his career, is an award-winning sportscaster, radio host
Apple Vision Pro's NBA Broadcast Shows the Future, Just Not Enough of It
Commentary: Live sports are coming to the Vision Pro headset. After my first view courtside, I have mixed feelings.
Research institutions tout the value of scholarship that crosses disciplines – but academia pushes interdisciplinary researchers out
Researchers who focus on one specialty are more likely to rise through the academic ranks, even though wicked societal problems require crosscutting work to solve.
Research institutions tout the value of scholarship that crosses disciplines – but academia pushes interdisciplinary researchers out
Researchers who focus on one specialty are more likely to rise through the academic ranks, even though wicked societal problems require crosscutting work to solve.
5 ChatGPT Prompts To Protect Your Business (and Career) From AI In 2026
AI will crush unprepared businesses in 2026. Use these 5 ChatGPT prompts to protect your company, build your brand, and stay ahead of the curve.
Women’s Health Exits Surpassed $100 Billion
Women’s health exits topped $100 billion across 276 deals. New JPMorgan data show the category delivers healthcare M&A and investment returns.
Circinus Galaxy (Hubble and Webb Compass Image)
This image shows two views of the Circinus galaxy, one captured by the Hubble Space Telescope and the other by the James Webb Space Telescope’s NIRISS (Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph. It shows compass arrows, scale bar, and color key for reference.
ESTEVE to acquire TerSera Therapeutics' Infusion Specialty Therapies Business Unit, Expanding U.S. presence
/PRNewswire/ -- ESTEVE and TerSera Therapeutics LLC announced today that they have entered into an agreement in which ESTEVE will acquire TerSera's Infusion...
ESTEVE to Acquire TerSera Therapeutics’ Infusion Specialty Therapies Business Unit, Expanding U.S. Presence
BARCELONA & DEERFIELD, Ill., January 13, 2026--ESTEVE and TerSera Therapeutics LLC announced today that they have entered into an agreement in which ESTEVE will acquire TerSera’s Infusion Specialty Therapies Business Unit (IST). This strategic acquisition enables ESTEVE to expand its U.S. presence, with two highly specialized on-market assets and a dedicated team of sales, marketing and medical professionals.
Yen Tumbles Following Report Japan PM Plans Snap Poll
The yen dropped to its weakest level against the dollar since July 2024, as losses accelerated following speculation that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi may soon call a snap election.
Astrana Health Touts Delegated Risk “Single Payer” Model, Prospect Synergies, Reiterates 2025 Guide
Astrana Health (NASDAQ:ASTH) executives outlined the company’s delegated risk model, growth strategy, and recent integration priorities during a company presentation followed by a Q&A session. The event featured remarks from Brandon Sim, with Chief Operating and Financial Officer Chan Basho join
Former Trump prosecutor Jack Smith to publicly testify in House Judiciary hearing
Jack Smith, the former special counsel who led two failed prosecutions of President Donald Trump, will testify publicly before the House Judiciary Committee on January 22, the panel announced Monday.
Suspected driver who nearly killed cyclist in Sacramento seeks mental health diversion
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Release Dates, Pre-Order Offers And Pricing
Samsung is preparing to launch the Galaxy S26 Ultra at the next Galaxy Unpacked. When will this take place, when will pre-orders open and when will see the first reviews?
Childhood Oral Health: An Overlooked Predictor of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Adults
Poor oral health during childhood is associated with an increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease during adulthood, especially when disease is severe or worsened over time.
California Academy of Science to hold special event to honor Claude, beloved albino alligator
(KRON) — The California Academy of Sciences will hold a special celebration to honor the life and legacy of Claude, San Francisco’s beloved albino alligator. The free event, Claude Forever: A…
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Gets Updated Release Date
Samsung confirms "inevitable" price increases. The real concern is what this means for Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 deals.
Anthropic’s new Cowork tool offers Claude Code without the code
Built into the Claude Desktop app, Cowork lets users designate a specific folder where Claude can read or modify files, with further instructions given through the standard chat interface.
The pandemic may have caused a songbird’s beak to change shape, scientists find
Songbirds on the UCLA campus changed beak shapes during the pandemic, according to a new study. Researchers suspect it might be a case of rapid evolution.
Building Baton Rouge businesses: The library’s role in local growth
Sponsored by East Baton Rouge Parish Library The East Baton Rouge Parish Library is redefining what a modern public library can offer. Beyond traditional services, it provides an impressive suite of tools, training and resources tailored specifically for small business owners and entrepreneurs, making it a hub for innovation and local economic growth. “We’re writing […]
Science In The AI Age
AI supercharges discovery; Nye and Afeyan warn U.S. anti-science cuts threaten health, competitiveness, future today.
Vote for Week 6 Delaware HS Athlete of the Week, presented by Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists
Voting is free on Delaware Online. The winner will be announced on Jan. 16.
Exactly What To Automate With AI In 2026 For Faster Business Growth
Stop doing tasks manually that should run on autopilot. Here’s what to automate in 2026 for faster business growth. What’s your excuse?
Women’s Health A $360B Market Vastly Undervalued By Investors
Women’s Health Investment Opportunity reveals a $360B global market as women drive healthcare demand, capital flows, and the next wave of health innovation
Northwood University Launches New MBA in Health Leadership & Innovation
New Program Blends Northwood’s Free-Enterprise Emphasis with Specialized Coursework to Help Professionals Lead System-Level Change as Industry Faces
Doseology Engages McKinney Regulatory Science Advisors to Advance Innovative Oral Pouch Product Development through Science and Regulatory Expertise
Doseology Sciences Inc. (CSE: MOOD) (PINK: DOSEF) (FSE: VU70) ("Doseology" or the "Company") a leader in biotechnology-driven consumer products, today announced a strategic partnership with McKinney Regulatory Science Advisors ("McKinney"), a premier FDA regulatory consulting firm specializing in nicotine and reduced-risk consumer products, to spearhead its regulatory submission strategy and solidify its commitment to scientific leadership in the oral pouch technology space.
Beyond Linear TV: Enseo CEO on the Future of Guestroom Entertainment
Enseo CEO Brian Gurley believes that recent trends, specifically regarding guestroom entertainment, will shape the near future.
Sarah Jessica Parker On The Business Of Saying No
Sarah Jessica Parker talks exclusively about her new global partnership, her role as producer and entrepreneur, and why restraint has defined her four-decade career.
What's ahead in Wisconsin politics in 2026?
Madison politics reporters discuss their perspectives on WORT-FM's "A Public Affair."
El Paso businesses close doors, owner looks to future with optimism
Several local businesses in El Paso, including Joe Vinny & Bronson's, are closing their doors, leaving the community to reflect on the special spaces they creat
Conservation’s unfinished business
Conservation often presents itself as a technical enterprise: how much land to protect, which species to prioritize, what policies deliver results. A recent paper in Nature argues that this framing misses something fundamental. Many of the field’s most persistent failures, the authors contend, cannot be understood without confronting how race, power, and historical exclusion continue […]
Decoding the perfect steak: The hidden DNA behind Wagyu’s legendary marbling
A groundbreaking cattle genome has given researchers their clearest look yet at what makes Wagyu beef so special. By uncovering hundreds of new genes and hidden genetic variations, scientists can now pinpoint traits linked to marbling, health, and productivity with far greater accuracy. The advance could boost profits for beef producers while improving breeding outcomes across many cattle breeds. It also sets the stage for even more comprehensive livestock genomes in the future.
Western Pacific Region achieves milestone: 19 countries complete comprehensive health information system assessments
The Health Information and Digital Health (HID) unit in the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific has successfully supported 19 countries, covering 99% of the Region’s population, to conduct comprehensive health information system (HIS) assessments, surpassing the regional target of 15 set for 2025 and advancing efforts toward universal health coverage. Using SCORE, a technical package of essential interventions, recommended actions, tool and resources developed by WHO and partners to address challenges in meeting HIS needs, these assessments systematically assess health data availability and quality, enabling countries to monitor trends, identify and respond to emerging health challenges, and improve policies and programmes for healthier families, communities and societies. The first round of SCORE assessments were conducted between 2019-2021 in 14 countries in the Region and over 130 countries globally. The second round of SCORE assessments were conducted between 2024-2025.SCORE assessments are a key priority identified by Member States and WHO at all levels, including within WHO-Country/Multi-Country Cooperation Strategies, the Regional Vision Weaving Health for Families, Communities and Societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025–2029), and the WHO Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 14, 2025–2028). Within the Regional Vision, implementing SCORE assessments is a key action for technology and innovation to advance health equity (strand 5).The SCORE for Health Data technical package is based on five key interventions, represented by the acronym SCORE. Interventions S, C and O focus on strengthening core data sources. Survey (S) covers population-based health surveys, surveillance systems and censuses, including their capacity to monitor health-related SDGs. Count (C) focuses on birth, death and cause of death registration as parts of a functional CRVS system. Optimize (O) addresses routine health service data and key health service inputs such as health financing and health workforce.Interventions R and E focus on data use for action. Review (R) examines regular analytical reviews of health sector progress and performance, together with national analytical capacity. Enable (E) looks at the policy, governance, and digital foundations needed to support effective data use.The Western Pacific Region shows relatively strong performance in the Review (R) and Count (C) interventions. Most countries in the Region demonstrate good analytical reporting and institutional capacity for analysis and learning. More than two-thirds of countries show more mature CRVS systems, driven by improvements in birth and death registration. However, medical certification of cause-of-death remains a key gap, with limited or low coverage in over half of countries in the Region.Performance under the Survey (S) intervention is mixed. While surveillance systems are generally strong, several countries in the Region continue to face challenges in implementing their surveys and censuses. Monitoring health-related SDGs is still a challenge for more than a third of countries in the Region.The greatest challenges are observed in the Optimize (O) and Enable (E) interventions. More than half of countries have lower maturity levels in routine health service and resource systems. Two-thirds of countries also face challenges with effective use of data and evidence for policy and action, largely due to gaps in digital infrastructure, governance and legislation for health data systems, and especially in data and sharing.  As part of the SCORE methodology, multi-stakeholder consultations and validation workshops were conducted in many countries to review findings and plan strategies for HIS strengthening. The HID unit continues to provide targeted support to facilitate dialogue and assist countries in developing HIS improvement plans. These plans guide governments and partners to align investments and coordinate efforts for maximum impact.WHO also assists countries with tailored technical support to address key gaps as requested by countries/national health authorities. SCORE assessments should be conducted periodically to monitor progress in HIS strengthening, although progress across addressing gaps identified in SCORE should be continually tracked as countries implement improvements.Additional countries will be supported to implement SCORE in 2026. The Regional Vision delivery-for-impact target, endorsed by Member States, is for all countries and areas to have implemented SCORE assessments and have an increased SCORE index by 2029 while WHO is aiming for 80% of Member States in the Region to conduct round two assessments. Countries yet to complete assessments are therefore encouraged to contact the HID unit at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific for tailored support.The implementation of SCORE HIS assessments in the Western Pacific Region was supported by The Gates Family Foundation.
Selma expands access to specialty care with new Rural Health Medical Program Podiatry Center
Access to specialty health care is expanding in Selma following the grand opening of the new podiatry center operated by Rural Health Medical Program.
MU Health Care ambulances earn certification to carry children of any age
All MU Health Care ambulances are now certified for pediatric transport with specialized equipment and staff training.
Yankees Social Media Spotlight: A Jazzy Winter Classic
The Yankees’ second baseman was back in Miami for a special occasion.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Price Rise Has A Risky Side Effect
Samsung confirms "inevitable" price increases. The real concern is what this means for Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 deals.
Apple Confirms iPhone Attacks—No Fix For Most Users
Hundreds of millions of iPhones now at risk from new attacks. Users must upgrade now.
This Is The Year AI Agents Will Reinvent How Retailers Do Business
Retailers and tech companies are empowering AI agents to make independent decisions, with major announcements expected at the National Retail Federation show this week.
Former employee of an Arabi business arrested in burglary case, sheriff says
Deputies say the alleged suspect, a former employee of the business, was identified through surveillance video and victim statements.