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FBI probed 4Chan poster over Epstein's death
The Epstein files address a long-running side plot of Jeffrey Epstein's 2019 death while in jail on sex-trafficking charges.
Bettendorf business expects continued growth discussed in mayor's State of the City address
Meet the man Trump picked to pursue his war on fraud at the Justice Department
The morning after President Donald Trump declared a “war on fraud” during his State of the Union address, Senior Justice Department prosecutor Colin McDonald sat before the Senate Judiciary Committee and said he would steadfastly follow the department’s tradition to focus only on the evidence.
Trump's post-State of the Union sales job begins now
His address Tuesday was a declaration of pride in the achievements of his still-young second term, as he boasted of an economic renaissance at home while he's imposed a new world order abroad. Trump is getting his first opportunity to test drive that midterm year message later this week.
Michigan Voices: Seeking understanding after Trump's SOTU|Opinion
During the State of the Union Address, bad blood boiled over. Trump called Democrats “crazy.” Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Michigan, wore a \
Fact-checking Democrats’ responses to Trump's 2026 State of the Union address
In a move that reflected the party’s divisions, Democrats offered a range of responses to President Donald Trump’s Feb. 24 State of the Union address. PolitiFact fact-checked some of those remarks.
Javier Palomarez, USHBC President, Warns State of the Union Is Disconnected from Small Business Reality
WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Last night’s State of the Union address focused heavily on economic momentum, stock market performance, energy policy, immigration enforcement, and tariffs. While President Trump emphasized record market highs and economic resilience, recent polling among Hispanic business owners suggests a widening gap between macroeconomic indicators and kitchen-table reality. According to the United States Hispanic Business Council (USHBC)’s most recent survey of
WATCH: Surgeon General nominee Means says health problems reflect nation with a 'broken heart,' 'society losing its mind'
Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer allied with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., says she wants to address the root causes of chronic disease if chosen as the nation’s doctor.
House GOP moves to censure Dem who disrupted Trump address for 2nd straight year
An Ohio House Republican is moving to have Rep. Al Green censured over his protest at President Trump's State of the Union.
Trump delivers longest State of the Union address in modern history
The previous record-holder was President Bill Clinton, famously known for his Southern-twang verbosity.
What to know about Trump's economic and health care claims in his State of the Union address
How Democrats reorganized their State of the Union resistance
The Democrats tried something new to rebut Trump’s address.
Live updates: Trump, GOP celebrate wins; surgeon general pick faces Senate
President Trump delivered a record-setting State of the Union address Tuesday night, when he zeroed in on his signature economic and foreign policies, while laying criticism on the Supreme Court an…
How will history remember Trump's State of the Union address?
Most State of the Union speeches are forgotten as soon as they're delivered. Will Donald Trump's latest be an exception?
Driving large-scale hearing and balance research through data science investments, and an update on NIDCD’s January Advisory Council meeting
Enabling access to large-scale multimodal databases is essential to advancing science across all institutes at NIH. As both datasets and analytical methods become more complex, proper data infrastructure can enable multidisciplinary research efforts at a scale greater than that of individual studies alone. In line with NIH-wide strategic plans, NIDCD is making investments in data science that address long-standing research gaps, provide important resources for the research community, and preserve and protect participant privacy and data security.
The week in politics (Feb. 25, 2026)
On Wednesday's show: We recap the State of the Union address and discuss other developments in politics in our weekly roundup.
Charleston businesses say city is 'a little too late' addressing downtown development fallout
Charleston’s small business owners say the city isn’t doing enough to help mitigate the negative impact two major downtown developments have caused.
Iran accuses US of spreading ‘big lies’ after Trump’s State of the Union address
President claimed during longest ever State of the Union speech that Tehran was building weapons that could strike the US
5 takeaways from Trump's State of the Union address
President Trump hit familiar notes on immigration and culture in his speech Tuesday night, but he largely underplayed the economic problems that voters say they are most concerned about.
Freed Venezuelan political prisoner reunites with niece at Trump’s State of the Union address
A Venezuelan opposition leader recently freed from prison reunited with his niece Tuesday during the State of the Union address, where President Donald Trump touted the US military operation that removed President Nicolás Maduro.
‘Stand Up’: With One Maneuver, Trump Tries to Box In Democrats
President Trump turned his State of the Union address into full-blown political theater, handing out medals to war veterans and tossing the spotlight to ice hockey players.
Trump staged a State of the Union spectacle. But he couldn’t escape political gravity
President Donald Trump went to a hockey victory party on Tuesday night and a State of the Union Address broke out.
Trump’s State of the Union left some viewers unconvinced that he’ll lower cost of living, CNN poll finds
President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address drew largely positive marks from a heavily Republican audience, according to a CNN poll conducted by SSRS.
Recapping Trump's State of the Union address: From the Politics Desk
The key takeaways from Trump's speech before Congress.
Abigail Spanberger, in Democratic Response, Asks if Trump Is Working for Americans
“We all know the answer is no,” the Virginia governor argued in her rebuttal to President Trump’s State of the Union address.
'He lied, he scapegoated, he distracted.' Democrats responds to Trump
In a rebuttal to the State of the Union address delivered on behalf of the Democratic Party, Sen. Alex Padilla accused Trump of plunging U.S. cities into violence and hindering the economy.
‘You have killed Americans’: Ilhan Omar tries to shout down Trump’s immigration attacks
For the first hour of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday, Democrats in the House chamber largely stuck to their plan: Sit in stony, defiant silence.
Key takeaways from President Trump's State of the Union address
President Trump delivered his first State of the Union address of his second term Tuesday night. We break down what he said, what his political messaging was, and how it previews the administration's goals through the midterm elections. We also analyze how the Democrats responded.This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Special thanks to Kelsey Snell, Natalie Winston and Neil Tevault.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
Trump's speech is longest State of the Union address in recent history
Speaking for more than an hour and 40 minutes, President Trump beat his previous record for longest speech given to a joint session of Congress.
WATCH: Trump announces public retirement plan with federal match up to $1,000 at State of the Union
Trump’s address comes after 13 months of break-neck deregulation, a record number of executive actions, mass layoffs, aggressive immigration tactics and more.
Takeaways from Donald Trump’s State of the Union address
President Donald Trump is delivering the first State of the Union address of his second term Tuesday night at the US Capitol.
Fact check: Trump makes false claims in State of the Union address
President Donald Trump made false claims in his State of the Union address on Tuesday.
Trump addresses health care costs, says ACA was "meant for the insurance companies"
Seatmate politics - Live Updates
So much for interparty solidarity. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), who earlier in the day telegraphed plans to sit together during the State of the Union, have evidently abandoned that idea. State of the UnionMassie wrote on X before Trump’s address that he was seated on the Republican side of the chamber. Khanna is sitting next to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. But Reps. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), who often work together, are seated together along with some other Republicans. Mia McCarthy contributed to this report.
Rep. Al Green ejected from Trump's State of the Union after holding a 'Black people aren't apes' sign
Green, a Democrat from Texas, was also removed last year after disrupting Trump's joint address to Congress.
Fact-checking Trump's false claims ahead of the State of the Union
Trump has spent the last year touting his accomplishments while mocking the record of his predecessor, former President Joe Biden. But much of this bluster is based on false and misleading claims — many of which are likely to be a part of the president's address to the nation.
California's Congress members' plans for Trump's State of the Union address
California has the nation's largest congressional delegation, so its elected officials frequently have an outsized presence in the nation's capital.
Tracking the length of Trump’s State of the Union speech compared with past presidents
President Donald Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address to the 119th Congress is likely to be lengthy. Trump is expected to address the nation’s most pressing issues and the impact of his administration’s proposed policies.
Who will — and won't — be guests at the State of the Union address
Invitees at Tuesday night's address by President Trump include the gold-medalist men's U.S. hockey team, while Democratic lawmakers have invited several Epstein survivors.
Live updates: Trump to deliver State of the Union address
President Donald Trump is set to deliver the State of the Union address tonight — his first since returning to office for a second term.
68% of Americans Say Trump Has the Wrong Priorities
As Mr. Trump prepares for his State of the Union address, polls show that most Americans say he isn’t paying enough attention to the country’s biggest problems.
Lawmakers react to Trump's State of the Union address
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) and other Republicans praised the president's speech, while Democrats slammed it and defended colleagues who protested.
Chris Ballard addresses Michael Pittman's future with Colts
Indianapolis Colts' GM Chris Ballard addressed Michael Pittman's future with the team at the NFL combine.
Read NPR's annotated fact check of President Trump's State of the Union
As President Trump delivers his State of the Union address, reporters from across NPR's newsroom will fact check his speech and offer context.
President Trump set to deliver first State of the Union address of his second term
Facing low approval ratings and ahead of midterm elections in November, President Trump delivers the first State of the Union address of his second term as president Tuesday night.
Douglas County adopts ordinance to address retail theft and support local businesses
Following extensive community and business input, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners has adopted an ordinance designed to improve reporting, strengthen enforcement and protect local businesses from retail theft. The…
Kornacki: Trump’s political position looks ‘an awful lot’ like it did eight years ago
Ahead of President Trump’s State of the Union address, NBC News Chief Data Analyst Steve Kornacki discusses the president’s approval rating and the polling landscape for both Democrats and Republicans heading into the midterms.
30 lawmakers skipping Trump address for 'People's State of the Union'
Dozens of lawmakers and activists will attend a 'People's State of the Union' event, livestreamed as a counter to Trump's address.
The longest State of the Union addresses in history, ranked
President Donald Trump set the record for the longest address in 2025.
State of the Union offers Trump a chance to make the case for his foreign policy approach
President Donald Trump's State of the Union address is expected to tilt heavily on domestic issues, but it's also a chance for the Republican to make the case for his foreign policy efforts to Americans who are increasingly demonstrating uneasiness about his priorities.
WATCH LIVE: Democratic lawmakers join 'People's State of the Union' rally during Trump's address
Who is Mike Johnson? House Speaker set for State of the Union
House Speaker Mike Johnson will usher President Trump's address to a joint session of Congress on Feb. 24.
Trump ignites culture war around U.S. hockey gold medal winners
The women’s hockey team has declined an invitation to attend the State of the Union address on Tuesday after Trump’s call with their male teammates went viral.
Trump Leans on Congress to Address His False Claims of Voter Fraud
The State of the Union gives the president a high-profile chance to issue a call to action on election security legislation he has pressured Republicans to ram through over Democratic opposition.
Live Updates: Trump's 2026 State of the Union address
President Donald Trump's State of the Union address tonight at 9 p.m. ET is likely to be a test run of the message Republicans will give to voters in November's elections for control of the House and the Senate.
Abigail Spanberger to Give Democratic Response to Trump’s Address
Abigail Spanberger, the newly elected governor of Virginia, was chosen to deliver her party’s response to President Trump’s State of the Union address.
Live fact-checking Trump's 2026 State of the Union address
During the president's speech, our partners at PolitiFact will be providing live fact-checking here.
Trump to push Congress on health care, brag about affordability wins in State of the Union address
WATCH LIVE: Major takeaways from Trump's 2026 State of the Union address
Democrats Counter Trump With Their Own Version of a Wall Street Landlords Ban
As the president prepares to deliver a State of the Union address likely to touch on his own plan, Senate Democrats introduced a bill with their own vision for limiting investors’ purchases of single-family homes.
First lady Melania and Donald Trump bringing separate guests to SOTU in break with precedent
First lady Melania Trump will bring guests to the State of the Union address representing her foster care and responsible AI platforms while President Donald Trump has invited his own set of guests – a move that marks a break from precedent.
WATCH LIVE: House GOP leaders share how tax cuts are helping their constituents ahead of Trump's address
Darryn Peterson's camp breaks silence on controversial minutes limitations as Kansas handles Houston
Darryn Peterson's dad, Darryl, finally addressed the situation in an exclusive interview with CBS Sports
Smooth sailing so far for bill to address long mental health holds in jails
by Maya Shimizu Harris, WyoFile CHEYENNE—After zooming through the Senate in the first two weeks of session, a bill to reimburse jails for holding and
Trump aims to flex political muscle in State of the Union
President Trump will deliver his State of the Union address tonight, with Democrats planning counterrallies and protests, while the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team declined an invitation to attend d…
4 things to watch in Trump’s State of the Union
Republicans want Donald Trump to hard launch a midterm message on affordability and the economy, and the president will likely address tariffs again. Here’s what to watch.
Live updates: Trump to give State of the Union speech after Supreme Court tariffs ruling
Get the latest news and live updates on Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address as he speaks before Congress on the current U.S. state of affairs.
Wasserman Schultz invites small business owner as her guest for D.C. State of the Union address
Wasserman Schultz says Steve Reyes story illustrates the affordability struggle faced by many of her constituents.
Trump State of the Union Speech 2026: How to Watch, Time and Attendees
President Trump will speak at 9 p.m. Eastern time to a joint session of Congress. The New York Times will carry the address live.
The state of health care
President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address tonight could offer a preview of how both parties are gearing up to battle over health care costs ahead of this year’s midterm elections.
These small business owners are owed tariff refunds. Will they ever get them?
Anyone who paid the taxes should get reimbursed, but the high court did not address how. Business owners wonder if they'll need lawyers, brokers, money — or luck.
5 things to watch for in Trump's State of the Union address
The president is expected to defend his economic record and tariffs, but how will he handle immigration enforcement? And what will Democrats do?
Donald Trump to deliver State of the Union tonight. What to know.
The president is set to deliver his first State of the Union address of his second administration. Here's how to watch the speech.
Monday Morning Politics: Tariffs; Polls and More | The Brian Lehrer Show
Jonathan Lemire talks about the latest national political news, including the tariffs ruling and this week's SOTU address.
Exclusive | Trump to Sell the Economy During State of the Union Address
The president is expected to argue that the country is “strong, prosperous and respected” as it enters its 250th year
In earnings call, Hims CEO addresses scrutiny of GLP-1 compounding
In earnings call, Hims & Hers CEO Andrew Dudum addressed the increased scrutiny on compounded GLP-1s and its impact on the business’s bottom line.
How Trump will use his State of the Union address to appeal to skeptical midterm voters
President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday is likely to be a test run of the message Republicans will give to voters in November's elections for control of the House and the Senate.
Trump faces a skeptical public and myriad challenges ahead of State of the Union address
President Donald Trump on Tuesday night will get his highest-profile opportunity to convince skeptical Americans that his policies are working — and that a promised economic golden age is right around the corner.
To spotlight Trump cuts to health insurance, Welch brings Vermont lawmaker to the State of the Union
Both elected officials are striving to call attention to expired Obamacare subsidies and the high cost of health insurance they say only federal action can address.
US women’s hockey team declines Trump’s State of the Union invite, citing scheduling
The gold medal-winning US Olympic women’s hockey team has declined an invitation to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, citing scheduling issues.
House speaker tells GOP Rep. Gonzales to promptly address affair allegations
House Speaker Mike Johnson on Monday said he’s spoken with Rep. Tony Gonzales about the “very serious” allegations against him and told the Texas Republican to address the claims.
Rochester-area man says Trump's tariffs have been devastating for his business
Ben Pearson will be attending the president's address as a guest of Sen. Chuck Schumer.
‘Angel Families’ Return to Washington to Back Up Trump Ahead of State of the Union
The families of people killed by undocumented immigrants have forged a bond with the president, who has invited some of them to his address on Tuesday.
Johnson Will Bring Daughter of Jimmy Lai to State of the Union Address
Her appearance underscores that “America is determined” to secure the release of the Hong Kong democracy activist, Speaker Mike Johnson said.
Met Gala 2026 dress code revealed
The 2026 Met Gala, which will mark Beyoncé's return, at last has its dress code.
Pingree to boycott Trump’s State of the Union address
Rep. Jared Golden said he will watch the speech from home and Sen. Angus King's office said his schedule is still in flux. Republican Sen. Susan Collins plans to attend the speech.
Checks and balances aren’t working under Trump, growing majority says
On the eve of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, two-thirds of Americans say the system of checks and balances that divides power between the White House, Congress and the courts is not working well, according to the latest PBS News/NPR/Marist Poll.
Trump’s approval rating with independents hits a new low ahead of the State of the Union
When President Donald Trump gives his State of the Union address Tuesday, he will face a public that increasingly questions his priorities and expresses broad doubts about whether his proposed policies are helping the nation, according to a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS.
Poll: Most say the state of the union is not strong and the U.S. is worse off
Ahead of the State of the Union address on Tuesday, evidence continues to mount that President Trump is facing political headwinds.
Why Steelers Should Bring Back Criminally Underrated Super Bowl Champion
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of a crucial offseason. After overhauling their coaching staff, it’s nearly time to address their roster via free agency, trades and the NFL Draft. While the Steelers are expected to focus on wide receiver, one area they shouldn’t overlook is running back. While Jaylen Warren is still under […]
'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' finale ending 'will be addressed,' co-creator says
'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' season finale ending 'will be addressed,' co-creator Ira Parker promises.
PRET for impact: Advancing pandemic preparedness in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
IN THE SPOTLIGHT PRET for impact: Advancing pandemic preparedness in the Democratic People’s Republic of KoreaThe Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPR Korea) is making significant progress in strengthening pandemic preparedness, with dedicated support from the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC).Aligned with the WHO Global Influenza Strategy and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework Partnership Contribution High‑Level Implementation Plan III (2024–2030), the country is strengthening its capacity to prepare for and respond to influenza and other respiratory threats. In early 2025, a core team from the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) participated in a two‑day virtual workshop, which included a mini‑simulation exercise. The workshop was organized by WHO SEARO in collaboration with the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Secretariat at WHO headquarters and the WHO Country Office for the DPRK. Read more A REGIONAL CONSULTATION GUIDES WHO SEARO IN DEVELOPING A ROADMAP FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PREPPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE FOR EMERGING THREATS (PRET) INITIATIVE BASED RESPIRATORY PATHOGEN PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESSInfluenza and other respiratory pathogens with pandemic potential continue to pose major public health risks globally. To strengthen regional preparedness and response, Member States of the WHO South‑East Asia Region (SEAR) convened in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to review and provide input on the draft Roadmap and Action Framework for Broad Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Planning (2026–2031). Supported through the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC) funds, the proposed roadmap aims to advance robust, integrated preparedness and response capacities for influenza and other respiratory threats across SEAR. This work is aligned with the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative and the SEAR Strategic Roadmap on Health Security and Health System Resilience for Emergencies Read moreSRI LANKA’S USE OF ANTIVIRALS TO REDUCE THE SEASONAL INFLUENZA BURDEN Sri Lanka is strengthening its influenza response by placing greater emphasis on rapid testing, timely treatment, and integration with maternal health services. With support from WHO, the country is building a stronger evidence base on the burden of influenza and the value of vaccination, advancing a holistic approach to protect vulnerable populations and enhance pandemic preparedness. To reduce hospitalizations and deaths from seasonal influenza, Sri Lanka is taking proactive steps to expand access to rapid diagnostic testing and ensure prompt initiation of treatment. National clinical guidelines recommend the use of oseltamivir for individuals at high risk of complications, helping prevent severe illness and shorten the duration of infection. This strategy not only saves lives but also supports local pharmaceutical production, contributing to a reliable supply of antivirals for both seasonal outbreaks and future pandemics.Read moreBHUTAN BOOSTS PANDEMIC INFLUENZA READINESS WITH PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS FRAMEWORK PARTNERSHIP CONTRIBUTION SUPPORTED TRAINING AND SIMULATIONSOriginally developed in 2012, the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NIPPRP) has long served as Bhutan’s central framework for managing influenza threats. In 2024, the plan underwent a comprehensive update to reflect evolving global and regional guidance, lessons learned from the COVID‑19 pandemic, and new capacities developed under the PIP Framework. The revised NIPPRP is now more clearly aligned with Bhutan’s broader emergency and disaster risk management structures, ensuring a coordinated, whole‑of‑government approach to pandemic response. As part of efforts to strengthen national pandemic preparedness, Bhutan conducted three national‑level training sessions followed by simulation exercises on influenza pandemic preparedness and response at five sentinel hospitals between April and May 2025, with support from the PIP Partnership Contribution (PC). These activities brought together more than 140 health professionals and key partners from across the country, with a focus on operationalizing the updated NIPPRP and enhancing readiness at key frontline facilities. Read moreSTRENGTHENING INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE: WHO BRINGS TOGETHER INFLUENZA EXPERTS FROM SOUTH-EAST ASIA AND WESTERN PACIFIC REGIONSThe World Health Organization (WHO) convened the 18th Bi‑regional Meeting of National Influenza Centres (NICs) and Influenza Surveillance for the WHO South‑East Asia and Western Pacific Regions from 9–11 September 2025. Hosted by the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), the meeting brought together representatives from Member States, Territories, and Areas across both regions, alongside experts from the WHO Collaborating Centres for Reference and Research on Influenza in Australia and Japan, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza in Animals in the United States, quadripartite partners (WOAH and FAO), and other technical counterparts. The consultation provided a platform to review progress, share experiences, and outline priorities for strengthening influenza and respiratory pathogen surveillance across the two WHO regions.Read moreNETWORKS AND TECHNICAL PARTNERSHIPSSTRENGTHENING PANDEMIC READINES: SOUTH-EAST ASIA ADVANCES UNITY STUDIES UNDER THE PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS INITIATIVEThe WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) Investigations & Studies initiative, also known as Unity Studies, provides a standardized, globally coordinated framework to support these efforts. Originally developed for influenza and adapted during COVID-19, Unity Studies enable countries to conduct rapid, nationally led investigations and studies to assess transmissibility, severity, susceptibility, and intervention effectiveness. To better prepare for future influenza pandemics, WHO has recently launched a network of sites which will be ready to conduct these investigations and studies rapidly in the event of a pandemic, or epidemic of an emerging or re-emerging respiratory pathogen. The WHO South-East Asia Region now hosts six sites of WHO GISRS Unity Studies across the five countries including Sri Lanka, strengthening regional capacity for early pandemic investigations. From 13–16 July 2025 in Colombo, the Global Public Health Summit offered an opportunity to advance this agenda. Read moreSTRENGTHENING PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS THROUGH UNITY STUDIES: REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS FROM INDIA IN WHO’S SOUTH-EAST ASIA REGION As countries continue to strengthen their pandemic preparedness through investments in resilient health systems during the interpandemic period, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) Investigations & Studies Global Initiative, Global Initiative, commonly known as Unity Studies, remains a vital framework for respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness. These standardized epidemiological protocols enable countries to rapidly generate high‑quality data on transmissibility, infection severity, population immunity, and the effectiveness of public health interventions. To highlight how Unity Studies protocols are being adapted and applied in national settings, WHO Headquarters, together with WHO Regional Offices, including the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), hosted a global webinar. The session showcased case studies from India and the United Kingdom (UK), demonstrating innovative approaches to respiratory virus surveillance and pandemic readiness. Read moreSTRENGTHENING REGIONAL INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE AND PREPAREDNESS: WHO SEARO HOSTS HIGH-LEVEL WEBINAR AMID RISING H5 THREATS In response to the increasing detection of avian influenza A(H5) cases in humans globally and within the WHO South‑East Asia Region, the WHO Regional Office for South‑East Asia (SEARO) convened a regional webinar on 25 July 2025 to review preparedness mechanisms, strengthen surveillance pathways, and promote timely reporting of unusual respiratory events. The virtual session brought together more than 50 participants from Ministries of Health, National Influenza Centres (NICs), National IHR Focal Points (NFPs), WHO Headquarters, WHO Country Offices across the Region, and WHO Collaborating Centres (CCs) for influenza. The webinar provided an opportunity to share situational updates, discuss surveillance gaps, and reinforce coordination mechanisms critical for early detection and rapid response to avian influenza threats. Read moreOther Key PIP Updates (July-December 2025)MEMBER STATES:Bangladesh drafted and conducted a series of Core Group Meetings in 2025 to review and update the National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan for Respiratory Pathogens. In addition, the country carried out Rapid Response Team (RRT) trainings on seasonal and avian influenza and other re‑emerging infectious diseases. Bangladesh also updated its epidemiological data‑training programme for physicians at sentinel surveillance sites, using a revised epidemiological data‑collection tool.Bhutan revised and updated its National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NIPPRP) in 2025 and developed a national Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for influenza outbreak management. DPR Korea conducted a nationwide simulation exercise in July 2025 to support the update of its National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (2019). This followed a PRET‑based virtual orientation and mini‑simulation exercise held in May 2025 by SEARO and the WHO PRET Secretariat. The comprehensive exercise, conducted across central and provincial levels, assessed strengths and gaps in pandemic influenza preparedness and response. The feedback gathered has been incorporated into the revised draft plan to address identified weaknesses and strengthen overall readiness.India conducted a targeted nationwide online re‑orientation training on review and updates to the influenza portal for all State Surveillance Officers (SSOs) and relevant officials using the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP). The training emphasized correct marking and reporting of influenza samples as “unsubtypable” or “not subtyped” where applicable, to ensure accurate national surveillance.Maldives conducted simulation exercises in three atolls based on its existing National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NPPRP). The country plans to conduct similar exercises in three additional atolls after updating the NPPRP in 2026. In addition, Maldives conducted training on FluID and FluMart as part of a broader data‑management training package for Ministry of Health and Health Protection Agency officials, aimed at improving routine reporting to WHO platforms and the DHIS2 system.In Myanmar, technical support was provided to the National Influenza Centre (NIC) through dedicated human‑resource support (January–December 2025) to sustain data management and laboratory detection capacity for influenza and other emerging and re‑emerging respiratory viruses. This support also included strengthening genomic sequencing capacity.Nepal conducted a consultative workshop on the National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NPPRP) in July 2025. The workshop engaged key stakeholders from multiple sectors to review lessons from past pandemic responses, assess current mechanisms, and gather critical inputs for strengthening national preparedness. Key recommendations included revising the 2019 NPPRP and developing an updated Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan aligned with emerging risks, national priorities, and relevant international frameworks. Nepal also held a two day workshop dedicated to advancing the National Action Plan for Genomic Surveillance, aimed at reinforcing the country’s capacities for early detection and monitoring of emerging respiratory pathogens.Sri Lanka received the final report from WHO on the feasibility assessment for conducting an Influenza Burden of Disease (BoD) study in the country. The assessment, conducted from 28 April to 9 May 2025, included a desk review of existing data sources, document review, visits to sentinel surveillance sites, and key informant interviews. The study identified critical data sources required for a future BoD assessment, as well as their availability and quality. Officials from the Epidemiology Unit, the National Influenza Centre (NIC), and SARI/ILI sentinel hospitals across the country participated in the assessment.Timor Leste conducted on‑the‑job training and monitoring activities at two sentinel surveillance sites to strengthen surveillance and laboratory capacity for the detection of SARI, ILI, ARI, and other respiratory infections. REGIONAL OFFICE:SEARO conducted a Member States Consultation on the first draft of the Regional Roadmap and Strategic Action Framework for implementing WHO’s PRET‑based broad respiratory pathogen pandemic planning for 2026–2031. The consultation took place on 29–30 October 2025 during the final two days of the Regional PIP PC Annual Review and PRET Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Participants included representatives from Member States, WHO Country Offices, WHO SEARO, WHO Headquarters, partner agencies, and invited multidisciplinary technical experts. They reviewed the draft and provided detailed feedback, which has since been incorporated into a revised version. The consultation helped shape a shared regional vision for robust, PRET‑aligned pandemic preparedness, building on country‑level progress, addressing existing gaps and challenges, and aligning with global and regional health security frameworks. The publication is planned for release during the SEAR regional committee in 2026.SEARO documented the evolution of the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Planning process in the Region, tracing its development from its origins as a planning tool for responding to avian influenza outbreaks in 2006, through the experiences of the 2009 and 2019 pandemics, to the current status. The document outlines the way forward for respiratory pathogen pandemic planning across all 10 SEAR countries, aligning future national plans with WHO’s PRET Framework for broad respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness.The Infectious Hazard Management (IHM) Unit has drafted the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Guidance on Influenza Prevention and Control, aligned with the Global Influenza Strategy and other regional initiatives. The draft is currently under review. Although this technical product was developed in response to a request from the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (MoPH‑DPRK), SEARO is finalizing it for use not only in DPRK but also across all Member States in the Region.The Immunization and Vaccine Development (IVD) Unit, in collaboration with WHE/SEARO, completed a regional landscape analysis on key barriers, challenges, and opportunities for the introduction of seasonal influenza vaccination in WHO South‑East Asia Regional (SEAR) countries.Additionally, the Immunization and Vaccine Development (IVD) Unit has completed a regional landscape analysis of influenza vaccine procurement systems across the WHO South‑East Asia Region (SEAR).KEY MEETINGS AND PUBLICATIONSMEETINGS:Six-month progress review of the implementation of the PIP-PC workplans in SEAR, focusing on Outputs 1 and 2 for the period January to June 2025, and held virtually across three sessions on 4, 8, and 10 July 2025. Read moreAnnual Regional Meeting (Hybrid) on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC) and WHO’s Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Implementation in SEAR in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 27 to 30 October 2025. Read more18th Bi-regional Meeting (Virtual) of National Influenza Centres (NICs) and influenza surveillance in WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions from 9 to 11 September 2025. Read morePUBLICATIONSImplications of influenza A virus surveillance in Southeast Asian Region countries: a scoping review of approaches for the surveillance of swine influenza viruses at human-swine interfaces. Read moreAnnual South-East Asia regional meeting on operational planning for implementation of global influenza strategy and preparedness for respiratory viruses in 2025 Report on annual review meeting of implementation of pandemic influenza preparedness (PIP) partnership Contribution (PC) Fund in South-East Asia Region and the simulation exercise on PRET Status of influenza in who south-East Asia Region
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