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Trump Administration Prioritizes Affordability by Announcing Major Crackdown on Health Care Fraud
Today HHS announced new steps to crack down on fraud in Medicare and Medicaid to protect patients and taxpayers and improve affordability.
Habitat’s largest fundraiser set for March 28
Habitat for Humanity of Laredo’s largest fundraiser, Golfing for Roofs, tees off in March to support local home construction projects.
Small Business Admin. IG Testifies on Fraud in Small Business Relief Programs
Small Business Administration Inspector General William Kirk and Pandemic Response Accountability Committee Executive Director Kenneth Dieffenbach testify on fraud in small business relief programs before the Senate Small Business Committee.
Why Simple Daily Habits Matter More Than Big Health Resolutions
NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (Feature Impact) Most people don’t set out to ignore their health. It usually slips down the list somewhere between the morning alarm and the last email of the day. Breakfast gets rushed or skipped. Exercise is postponed until tomorrow. Sleep is cut short to catch up on everything else. By the end of the week, healthy intentions are still there, but the follow-through feels harder than expected. For many, the challenge is not motivation but finding hab
Rabies vaccine recall prompts warning to pet owners from Allegheny County Health Department
Compromises for affordability ahead: Code leak spills details on new MacBook
Nobody claimed it was going to be equivalent to a MacBook Pro or even a MacBook Air. A code leak details the budget MacBook having an A18 Pro chip, limits on charging, no True Tone, and more.
US, Burkina Faso sign health cooperation memo
The United States and Burkina Faso signed a five-year bilateral health cooperation memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening regional health security and improving the African nation's ability to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, the U.S. State Department said on Wednesday.
Sisters Welcome Babies Hours Apart at NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx - NYC Health + Hospitals
In a remarkable coincidence, sisters Jenny Aguilar and Wendy Aguilar gave birth to healthy babies just hours apart at NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central
This Georgia politician was State of the Union's designated survivor
Doug Collins, a politician from Georgia and the U.S. Cabinet VA Secretary served as the designated survivor for the State of the Union.
WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region and Pan American Health Organization sign agreement to strengthen hospital resilience
25 February 2026 (EMRO/PAHO)—WHO’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have signed a Memorandum of Arrangement to strengthen collaboration on making hospitals safer and better prepared for health emergencies and disasters. At a time of growing instability and constrained resources, this collaboration positions hospitals as a dependable anchor for communities, ensuring they remain open, functional, and capable of delivering life-saving care when it matters most.
Medtronic’s diabetes business MiniMed looks for $784m in US IPO
The proposed IPO could see MiniMed offer 28m shares as the company looks to reach profitability independently of Medtronic.
Invisibility Is No Longer Harmless: Why Public Health Must Make Its Value Seen
Public health once prized invisibility, but amid workforce shortages and unstable funding, unseen impact becomes vulnerability. Value must be visible to be sustained.
Will Ethiopia be part of Israel’s ‘hexagon’ alliance rivalling its enemies?
Israeli President Herzog is in Addis Ababa days after high-level delegations from Turkiye and Saudi Arabia also visited.
Allegheny Co. Health Department warns pet parents about rabies vaccine recall
How a land dispute between Gov. Josh Shapiro and his neighbor is shaking up a sleepy Abington neighborhood — and why he says it’s a ‘political stunt’
The neighborhood has became the battleground for dueling lawsuits between Josh Shapiro and his neighbors, bringing tension to a tranquil community.
Q&A: How can microbiome science solve problems in agriculture?
Microbiome — referring to the community of microorganisms inhabiting a specific organism — science may help solve problems facing agriculture, but prior research findings have not yet been translated to practical recommendations for growers, according to a team of scientists in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences that has offered some ways to accelerate the transition.
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.
Maui businesses encouraged to participate in 2026 Maui Nui Business Health Check Survey
The County of Maui Office of Economic Development is encouraging Maui County businesses to participate in the Maui Nui Business Health Check, a countywide survey focused on understanding current business conditions and identifying opportunities that support recovery, stability and long-term growth.
Scientists finally solve the mystery of the horse whinny
Horses have a vocal trick no one fully understood until now. Scientists have discovered that when a horse whinnies, it produces two completely different sounds at the same time. One is a deep tone created by vibrating the vocal folds, similar to how humans sing. The other is a high-pitched whistle generated inside the larynx, something never before confirmed in a large mammal. This rare ability, known as biphonation, likely helps horses send multiple emotional signals in a single call.
Maine hospitals, health reform advocates spar over proposed bill to regulate prices
Advocates say the proposed bill would improve health affordability. Hospital executives say it could lead to closures and service losses, if passed.
Taylor Decker Announces Decision for 2026
Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker announced he is returning for the 2026 season, locking in stability on the offensive line.
Rabid raccoon confirmed in Churchville, Harford Co. Health Department says
The Harford County Health Department announced that a raccoon in Churchville tested positive for the rabies virus on Tuesday.Officials reported that the raccoon
Encompass Health recognized for corporate excellence on Fortune and Forbes 2026 lists
Encompass Health Corp. (NYSE: EHC), the nation's largest owner and operator of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, today announced it has been named to the Fortune 2026 World's Most Admired Companies list and the Forbes 2026 America's Best Companies list. These distinctions underscore the Company's continued excellence in patient care, corporate culture and long-term performance.
Google Messages more widely rolling out circular read receipts redesign
In August of 2024, Google Messages started testing a circular redesign of read receipts. There now looks to be wide beta availability...
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.
Uber Health Launches Self-Booking Feature to Empower Riders and Streamline Operations
Industry-first capability reduces administrative burden for providers, health systems, and I/DD organizations while boosting rider independenceSAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Uber Health today announced the launch of its rider self-booking feature, a new platform capability that enables healthcare and disability service organizations to offer their riders the ability to book their own organization-funded trips directly in the Uber app. The launch marks the latest milestone in Ub
Trump to push Congress on health care, brag about affordability wins in State of the Union address
Favorite small towns in the US, from woman who's been to all 50 states
After visiting all 50 states, some of my favorite small towns in the US include Kennebunkport, Maine, Bayfield, Wisconsin, and Abiquiu, New Mexico.
Who is Abigail Spanberger? New governor giving the SOTU rebuttal
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger is giving the Democratic response to Trump's State of the Union. Learn more about her background.
Russian Offensive Hampered by War Losses, Western Officials Say
Mounting Russian casualties are likely to hinder President Vladimir Putin’s ability to launch a large-scale offensive against Ukraine in the coming months, according to Western officials.
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.
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.
Guala Closures buys Vinventions’ screwcap production business
The move enhances the company’s supply capabilities for the US wine and spirits’ sector.
Are My THC Gummies Going Away?
A federal law aims to close the legal loophole that lets stores sell THC products from hemp. Why are laws around cannabis so confusing?
What to expect from Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s State of the Union response
Abigail Spanberger is less known for her oratory than for drilling down into the work of government.
Feeling healthy, Carter determined to change the narrative
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- There are two things that Evan Carter would like to stop talking about soon enough: his ongoing health and his ability to hit left-handed pitching. He understands why the topics persist. But it’s up to him to change the narrative.
Rethinking Food As A Small Business Economy
America’s food system operates as a small business economy. Here’s why investing in food entrepreneurs matters for economic resilience and local stability.
Corewell Health East to pay to settle disability discrimination suit
EEOC alleged that Corewell Health East, formerly known as William Beaumont Hospital, refused to accommodate a qualified nurse's disability.
I-TEAM: 15K lawsuits targeting businesses for being non-ADA compliant for websites
They all surround the Americans with Disabilities Act and the ability of blind people to access websites they have the legal right to use.
House Democrats bringing Jeffrey Epstein survivors to Trump's State of the Union speech
Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said he was bringing Haley Robson as a way of "bringing accountability to the Epstein class."
7 Samsung flagships getting February 2026 security patch
Samsung has begun rolling out its February 2026 security update for seven of its flagship Galaxy devices. These devices are Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, Galaxy Z TriFold, Galaxy Z Flip 6, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy S24 FE. The latest update improves security, stability, and […]
2026 Business Leaders of the Year
Central Massachusetts is full of amazing professionals, each with their own unique skills, talents, and dedication to their companies, industries, and communities. You could make a strong case for hundreds of them to be considered as WBJ’s Business Leader of the Year. Yet, to actually win the award, you need to have that little something extra: a magic spark, an insight no one else sees, years of knowledge that pay off with the right decision at the right time, a leadership style inspiring people to follow, a push for a paradigm shift at a stagnant organization. Business Leader of the Year is WBJ’s oldest award, launched in 1982 when Herb Dunnington of First Safety Fund Bank won the sole award. In the decades since, BLOY has expanded to honor winners from different corners of the economy: small businesses, large businesses, nonprofits, innovation, families. Each of the six winners this year has that something special setting them apart as true leaders in our Central Massachusetts business community: Neelu Mohaghegh’s creativity, Nick Haritos’ compassion, Nicolette Sacco’s adaptability, Julie Bowditch’s energy, Sean Rose’s steadiness, the Vaccaro family’s culture. You can read more about each of them through the links below.
Enhabit’s stock soars as home health firm gets buyout offer worth $1.1 billion
The Dallas-based company is part of a growing demand story for home-based health care.
Political Backlash After Pro-Palestine Comments at Berlin Awards Ceremony
A German cabinet minister walked out during one acceptance speech, and Berlin's conservative mayor said the ceremony was “misused for political destruction.”
Op-Ed: Santa Barbara’s Rent Freeze - Politics First, Housing Second
A local resident writes an opinion letter stating rent stability is good for the economy, not political theater.
Major changes to the Send system - can the government win over MPs and parents?
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the government’s long-awaited plans for the special educational needs and disabilities system
The Brain Science Behind the Munchies
The Brain Science Behind the Munchies: New cannabis research shows why we get snacky when we get high
ALFA Insurance teams with Sorrell College of Business to create a business innovation lab to spur student success and develop the next generation of business leaders
Alfa Insurance and Troy University’s Sorrell College of Business are teaming up to expand educational capabilities through the creation of the Alfa Insurance Business Innovation Lab in John Robert Lewis Hall.
Health Savings Accounts Can Be a Bad Deal for Low-Income Marketplace Enrollees
In the wake of their actions that have worsened health care affordability, President Trump and Republicans in Congress have pushed to expand health savings accounts (HSAs). But this doubles down on an inequitable coverage model.
The High Rates of Mental Health Struggles
New research from Special Olympics Health, authored by SOI Chief Health Officer, Dr. Dimitri Christakis was published in JAMA Network Open titled: Anxiety, Depression, and Care Barriers in Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Penn Entertainment appoints three independent directors
Ahead of Thursday’s investors call, Penn Entertainment on Monday appointed three independent directors – Heather Ace, Jeffrey Fox and Fabio Schiavolin. In connection with these appointments, the company has entered... Read more »
People with intellectual and development disabilities have higher rates of anxiety, depression
And other health news from the Morning Rounds newsletter
PENN Entertainment Appoints Heather Ace, Jeffrey Fox and Fabio Schiavolin To Board
PENN Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: PENN) today announced the appointment of three new independent directors, Heather Ace, Jeffrey Fox and Fabio... Read More
Understanding the science of sports tape
That kinesiology tape you see on elite athletes is more than a joint stabilizer. It plays a much bigger role
iOS 26.3.1 Update for iPhones Coming Soon as 'Apple Experience' Nears
Apple's software engineers are testing iOS 26.3.1, according to the MacRumors visitor logs, which have been a reliable indicator of upcoming iOS versions. iOS 26.3.1 should be a minor update that fixes bugs and/or security vulnerabilities, and it will likely be released within the next two weeks. Last month, Apple released iOS 26.2.1 with bug fixes and support for the second-generation AirTag.
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
A giant blade-crested spinosaurus, the “hell heron,” discovered in the Sahara
Deep in the heart of the Sahara, scientists have uncovered Spinosaurus mirabilis — a spectacular new predator crowned with a massive, scimitar-shaped crest that may once have blazed with color under the desert sun. Discovered in remote inland river deposits in Niger, the fossil rewrites what we thought we knew about spinosaur dinosaurs, suggesting they weren’t fully aquatic hunters but powerful waders stalking fish in forested waterways hundreds of miles from the sea.
Uniting to respond to mental health impacts of digital violence
Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), from doxxing and cyberstalking to cyberbullying and online harassment, is reshaping how women and girls navigate digital spaces. Globally, an estimated 23% of women have experienced digital violence. In Indonesia, reported cases of TFGBV reached 1,791 in 2024, a 40.8% increase from the previous year. Yet very few survivors seek help, leaving lasting effects on their mental health and wellbeing. As part of the multi-UN agencies UNiTE campaign for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) co-hosted a talk show on 6 December 2025 to spotlight this urgent issue. The event brought together voices from Meta, the Indonesian Clinical Psychologist Association and Dr Vivi Syarif, a WHO Fides content creator, creating a cross-sectoral dialogue on the magnitude and mental health impact of digital violence. The talk show introduced psychological first aid as a vital initial intervention that communities can provide to survivors. This intervention aligns with the Psychological First Aid: Guide for Field Workers, a framework that has been standardized for over a decade. The "look, listen, link" approach focuses on ensuring safety and urgent needs, reassuring survivors and connecting them to appropriate services. In addition to this public health approach, Meta also outlined mechanisms to respond to digital violence and reaffirmed its commitment to building safer digital spaces by continuously updating community guidelines based on user feedback. Such collaborative discussions help connect community engagement initiatives with daily digital life. They empower audiences not only to understand how the health sector and industry are responding, but also to educate others, promote first-line support and encourage referrals to appropriate help. By fostering awareness and engagement, these dialogues strengthen collective resilience against digital violence. Written by Jessie O. Yunus, National Professional Officer (Gender, Equity, Rights and Disability Inclusion), WHO Indonesia
Bowling for Babies event raises money for maternal, infant health
7 Healthy Habits You Can Fit Into a Commercial Break
Don’t just scroll during ads. These smart habits during commercial breaks can strengthen muscles, lower stress and support heart health.
A Vikings Offseason Quarterback Strategy
The Minnesota Vikings are looking to bolster their quarterback room this offseason with at least one quarterback capable of competing for the starting job. There remain enough doubts about J.J. McCarthy’s durability and readiness to operate Kevin O’Connell’s offense that the Vikings are actively pursuing other options to compete for the starting job and possibly […]
Heart Health Can’t Wait: Ochsner Health Experts on Protecting Your Heart Before 40
Up to 80% of heart disease, including heart attack and stroke, is preventable with regular screenings, control of chronic diseases and a healthy lifestyle. Adopting heart-healthy habits earlier in life
Creve Coeur Science Center conducts controlled fire to prairie
A controlled fire on Saturday afternoon shows how it can restore the native habitat of a prairie.
Casino Icon Caesars Entertainment Navigates Debt and Digital Transition as Progeny 3 Exits
Caesars is known for packed casino floors and bright Las Vegas lights, but the company is also working to strengthen its balance sheet and improve digital profitability. As debt levels decline and online betting operations mature, investors are watching whether the next phase can unlock more stable growth.
Casino Icon Caesars Entertainment Navigates Debt and Digital Transition as Progeny 3 Exits
Caesars may be known for packed casino floors and bright Las Vegas lights, but the company is also working to strengthen its balance sheet and improve digital profitability. As debt levels decline and online betting operations mature, investors are watching whether the next phase can unlock more stable growth.
Vermont’s Republican governor has been campaigning on ‘affordability’ for years. Now other politicians are catching up.
Governor Phil Scott was early to the cost of living crisis. As other politicians catch up, his experience shows the benefits and limits of preaching "affordability."
PRESS RELEASE: State Water Contractors release annual science Report
Report shares updates on six studies funded by SWC’s Science Program designed to guide California water management techniques to protect fish and wildlife Press release from the State Water Contractors Today, the State Water Contractors (SWC) released its Annual Science Report for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The report provides updates on six studies, initially funded by more than $4 million from SWC’s Science Program in 2023, designed to generate actionable science that supports fish and habitat protection while maintaining a sustainable water […]
I quit social media and started crocheting. These are the benefits.
Doomscrolling through social media can take its toll on your mental health. But replacing that habit with a hobby can be beneficial.
Epstein files: Truth, accountability and a million new conspiracy theories
The Epstein files were supposed to be an exercise in government transparency, but they have also spawned their own opaque subgenre of conspiracy theories.
‘I’m tired of getting kicked in the teeth’: How child care costs could swing a key US House district
Dana Eldridge and Paul Miller opened their first day care center in 2005 after nearly a decade of running a popular martial arts summer school. Over the next 15 years, they opened four more locations and expanded from school-aged children to including infants and toddlers. At its peak, Active Learning Centers enrolled about 1,000 kids.
Why Winter Olympic medals broke and what the failure revealed
A small design flaw in the medals for the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina turned a durability promise into a very public stress test
A huge study finds a link between cannabis use in teens and psychosis later
Researchers followed more than 400,000 teens until they were adults. It found that those who used marijuana were more likely to develop serious mental illness, as well as depression and anxiety.
Wellspring Launches Treasury Management Platform for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses
The solution integrates liquidity management, payments infrastructure, and yield across banking and stablecoin rails within a governed treasury framework.Los Angeles, CA, Feb. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wellspring today announced the launch of Wellspring Institutional, a Treasury Management platform designed for small and mid-sized businesses. The solution provides finance teams with centralized cash visibility, integrated domestic and cross-border payments, and the ability to generate yield o
This Extreme Radiation-Resistant Organism Evolved a Remarkable Ability
How is this possible?
Scientists may have found the holy grail of quantum computing
Scientists may have spotted a long-sought triplet superconductor — a material that can transmit both electricity and electron spin with zero resistance. That ability could dramatically stabilize quantum computers while slashing their energy use. Early experiments suggest the alloy NbRe behaves unlike any conventional superconductor. If verified, it could become a cornerstone of next-generation quantum and spintronic technology.
Want to Raise Successful Kids? Science Says Teach Them to Avoid This Common Habit
Habits that feel most ordinary today often matter the most in years to come.
Player Availability Report: #SJvSKC | Feb. 21, 2026
Player Availability Report is SportingKC.com’s look at the latest status updates around the team ahead of upcoming matches and is presented by Saint Luke’s. All details listed are from the league’s official Player Status Report that is submitted the day prior to the match. Sporting Kansas City opens the 2026
Kansas Senate maneuvers to limit business operators' liability in negligence lawsuits
Kansas Senate passes bill restricting property owners' negligence liability if a person claiming injury was harmed while intending to commit a crime.
Companies Are Choosing Efficiency Over Bold Climate Goals
Sustainability executives are wrestling with what their role should be amid continued challenges.
Opinion | Green Politics and Global Stability
A breakup of Canada becomes unlikely as the world regains its senses on climate and energy.
UCSB computer science department to offer undergraduate major in AI
Courses in the new major, based in the Computer Science Department and part of the Robert Mehrabian College of Engineering, will be offered starting in the 2026-2027 academic year.
Study finds association between teen cannabis use and mental health disorders
Kaiser Permanente study of nearly half a million adolescents finds cannabis use may precede onset of serious psychiatric disorders.
German business lobby warns of unfair trade practices by China
German business bosses warned on Friday of what they called destabilising and unfair global business practices by China, ahead of a visit to Beijing by Chancellor Friedrich Merz in which he is expected to focus on cooperation opportunities.
Mummified cheetahs found in Saudi Arabia caves could help reintroduction efforts
A new study has analyzed mummified remains of cheetahs in Saudi Arabia caves. The results could help reintroduce cheetahs to the Arabian Peninsula, researchers say.
This week in HS Sports: A day of hope, celebration for Alaina and John Peacock
Alaina will escort her husband John out of a rehabilitation center today, 102 days after he suffered a near-fatal brain injury.
Quantum computer breakthrough tracks qubit fluctuations in real time
Qubits, the heart of quantum computers, can change performance in fractions of a second — but until now, scientists couldn’t see it happening. Researchers at NBI have built a real-time monitoring system that tracks these rapid fluctuations about 100 times faster than previous methods. Using fast FPGA-based control hardware, they can instantly identify when a qubit shifts from “good” to “bad.” The discovery opens a new path toward stabilizing and scaling future quantum processors.
Trump in Rome touts "affordability fix" as local Democrats, business owners push back
Gov. Abigail Spanberger Will Deliver Democratic Response to Trump’s State of the Union
In selecting the Virginia governor, Democrats turned to a centrist former congresswoman whose winning campaign last year showed how their party’s candidates can succeed in the Trump era.
Google germinates Gemini 3.1 Pro in ongoing AI model race
: AI model said to show improved reasoning capabilities
Astonishing Spinosaur Unearthed in The Sahara Is Unlike Any Seen Before
"This find was so sudden and amazing."
New 'scimitar-crested' Spinosaurus species discovered in the central Sahara
A paper published in Science describes the discovery of Spinosaurus mirabilis, a new spinosaurid species found in Niger. A 20-person team led by Paul Sereno, Ph.D., Professor of Organismal Biology and ...
GOP, Dem governors address affordability, voting concerns in bipartisan conversation
Ryan Cohen blasts 'parasitic' bosses, Burry sees shades of Buffett
GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen echoed Warren Buffett by calling out corporate bosses who collect big paychecks but shirk accountability.
Scientists Grew Mini Brains, Then Trained Them to Solve an Engineering Problem
A step toward studying how disease changes the brain’s ability to learn.
What is Trump doing in Rome, Georgia? See his scheduled appearances
President Donald Trump is continuing his domestic tour to talk about the economy and affordability. On the schedule for Feb. 19 is Rome, Georgia.
MDA Space Launches 49North, a Canadian defence business delivering multi-domain and mission-critical capabilities
MDA Space (TSX: MDA), a trusted mission partner to the rapidly expanding global space industry, today formally launched 49North, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MDA Space exclusively focused on delivering secure, multi-domain C4ISR* and mission-critical capabilities for Canada's national defence priorities outside the space domain.
Column | 8 science-backed habits for a healthier heart
People who focus on these things not only have better cardiovascular health, but are also protected against conditions such as diabetes, dementia and cancer.
Column | 8 science-backed habits for a healthier heart
People who focus on these things not only have better cardiovascular health, but are also protected against conditions such as diabetes, dementia and cancer.