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Advancing Bottomfish Research Through Community Partnerships in American Samoa
NOAA Fisheries, American Samoa’s Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources, and local fishermen recently completed a groundbreaking bottomfish survey in American Samoa! As the management of these important species evolves, we are building strong partnerships with local communities to build up our understanding of bottomfish life history.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Awards Over $1.3 Million to North Dakota Universities
The Department of Health and Human Services awarded $1,330,665 to three North Dakota universities.
Florida pushes for new science standards in schools. Here’s what to know
The Florida Department of Education has announced that new science standards may be coming for students in the state.
Iowa health regionalization could put county services in jeopardy
Polk County Health Department could lose an estimated $150,000 as Iowa looks to regionalize health departments for services like infectious disease.
Ex-Trump prosecutor Smith will tell senators he won't 'be silenced' by threats of prosecution
The former Justice Department special counsel who brought two federal indictments against President Donald Trump will tell lawmakers he “will not be silenced by continued threats of prosecution” from the Trump administration and believes the rule of law is being threatened like never before
Ex-Trump prosecutor Smith will tell senators he won't 'be silenced' by threats of prosecution
The former Justice Department special counsel who brought two federal indictments against President Donald Trump will tell lawmakers he “will not be silenced by continued threats of prosecution” from the Trump administration and believes the rule of law is being threatened like never before.
Pa. Health Department reverses course on new disease-tracking guidance, for now
Pennsylvania’s Department of Health has rescinded a 502-page proposal that could’ve given the agency more control over how it tracks and investigates the spread of diseases — and that spelled out the measures officials can take in response.
Kurt Olsen, key Trump 2020 election denier, departs Justice Department
Kurt Olsen, a lawyer who aided President Donald Trump’s 2020 election reversal schemes before joining his second administration, left the Justice Department Monday, a person familiar with the departure told CNN.
Henderson homeowner calls overgrown rental yard a health hazard, says rats spreading to his property
Resident reports years of frustration with HOA, city and health department over neighboring property
Chris Young to address Rangers' 'health, reliability' in offseason
The Rangers dealt with a slew of injuries to key players in 2026 and changes are coming in that department for 2027.
Second Prosecutor Quits Trump’s ‘Grand Conspiracy’ Case
The resignation adds to the setbacks to the most sweeping effort by the Justice Department to fulfill the president’s desire to take revenge against the federal officials who have investigated him.
Flu vaccines offered at health department
Macon County Health Department is offering vaccines as flu season starts.
Mental health urgent care center coming to Brattleboro
Health Care & Rehabilitation Services will receive $3.6 million from the Vermont Department of Mental Health to develop the center.
AI is everywhere. Should you use it for health advice?
The following expert commentary can be used by journalists and media organizations in their own publications and news coverage. Please attribute all quotes to Xiaoqian Jiang, PhD, chair of the Department of Health Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics at UTHealth Houston.
Bobby Kotick’s lawyers sent me a bad email (and later apologized)
The message I had received was unsettling—for a moment. Then it was just really confusing. Back on January 20 of this year, at 5:15pm ET, I received an email with the subject line “Legal Correspondence re Bobby Kotick.” It was from the law firm Clare Locke, a firm I’d heard had been emailing reporters in recent years about their coverage of Kotick, the former, longtime CEO of Activision Blizzard. The letter was threatening. A lawyer from the firm introduced themselves as “defamation counsel to Bobby Kotick.” They issued a “demand” that I “correct” a Game File article I’d published a week prior. The article that had irked them had been a scoop of sorts. I’d written about a a 2022 lawsuit brought by a Swedish pension fund, AP7, over Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard. The suit wasn’t news, but I was first to review and report about Kotick’s extensive pushback to the fund’s claims. The pension fund’s core contention was that the sale had been rushed by Kotick to avoid the consequences of sexual misconduct scandals swirling around the company in 2021. (He’d not been accused of misconduct himself in those suits, to be clear.) As I wrote at the time, Kotick had denied the allegations of the rushed sale. Beyond that, Kotick used a December 2025 reply to the Swedish fund’s lawsuit to assign blame for those workplace scandals, the bad press and even for the AP7 lawsuit. I’d found Kotick’s arguments novel and newsworthy. Across nearly 3,000 words, I explained Kotick’s take: that a Swedish gaming company was behind the Swedish fund’s lawsuit (the Embracer group; they denied it); that the Microsoft-Activision deal was not rushed and was secured at what Kotick felt history had proven to be an optimal price for shareholders; that he believed a conspiracy of people at unions government agencies, PR firms and the media had spun up claims of widespread workplace misconduct at Activision Blizzard in 2021. The article gave context for all of this, letting readers assess the claims and weigh their credibility. As I’d later write to Kotick’s lawyers: I would be surprised if you could point to any news article about Bobby Kotick in the last five years that has spent more of its wordcount articulating his point of view. He is welcome to do an interview with Game File any time. Nonetheless, there they were in my inbox that Tuesday evening: Clare Locke, the law firm that secured a $787.5 million settlement from Fox News over false statements about voting machines. They were emailing me, threatening that failure to comply with their demand could support a claim of “actual malice,” a legal standard for libel. Unless… Unless, they said, I added a key paragraph to my article. This was a paragraph that I already knew Kotick’s lawyers had been emailing reporters about for at least a year, and it was a paragraph that was already in my article. The paragraph they wanted is from a 2023 settlement that California’s Civil Rights Department struck with Activision Blizzard. The settlement had closed a two-year-old lawsuit over alleged sexual discrimination at the game maker. The paragraph basically said that claims of systemic or widespread sexual harassment—or of execs like Kotick tolerating such behavior—had never been proven. I’d already seen proof that Kotick’s lawyers had pushed for the settlement’s language to be added to reports about 2021 sexual discrimination and misconduct lawsuits brought against Activision Blizzard by California and, separately, by the U.S. federal government (both suits were since settled). I knew that Kotick and his lawyers felt that the California settlement language should be mentioned in the same breath as references to an article he hated and denied, a November 2021 Wall Street Journal article claiming Kotick knew “for years” of sexual misconduct at Activision Blizzard. So, in the Game File article that Clare Locke emailed me about, in the interest of ensuring I was being fair and balanced regarding the person I was covering, I had already included the following excerpt from the California settlement [emphasis added in bold]: (Kotick has repeatedly pushed back against that November article in the Wall Street Journal, citing among other things, language from a court-approved consent decree as part of Activision’s 2023 $54 million settlement over the California suit. It states: “no court or any independent investigation has substantiated any allegations that: there has been systemic or widespread sexual harassment at Activision Blizzard [or] that Activision Blizzard senior executives ignored, condoned, or tolerated a culture of systemic harassment, retaliation, or discrimination.”) On the evening of January 20, I was incredulous. How do you write a four page legal threat about a week-old article and miss this? While scrambling to also make my kids dinner, I wrote a lengthy reply to Clare Locke’s lawyers, basically asking them to cool it with the threats and to start making sense. In part, I wrote: I hope you can understand why I am having trouble understanding what you’re asking for, when the statement you’re demanding to see in Game File’s article already appears in Game File’s article. Actual malice, as you know, refers to a reckless disregard for the truth. I’m not sure what your argument is when my article already states your client’s position. Here is where I should remind you, the reader, that I am an independent journalist. I publish on Substack, and have availed myself of the Substack Defender program that provides writers on the platform with legal support. But I’m no Wall Street Journal or New York Times, nor even IGN or GameSpot when it comes to such things as, well, having a legal department. There are more fun things for me to do as an independent journalist than writing back to a powerful law firm representing a very rich person. On the evening of January 20th, I was just trying to cook some pasta, broccoli and chicken nuggets for hungry twins. Nevertheless, I wrote back to them. Two hours later, I got a reply. Summarizing: A lawyer for Clare Locke said they’d “reviewed an incomplete version” of my article and they “apologize for the confusion.” (My guess: Someone didn’t read past the piece’s paywall, even though they’d had a full week to scrounge up the funds to do so. What I’d published above the paywall was balanced, as was what came after.)1 That was almost that, but something about the situation bothered me. The letter had been marked “confidential.” I hadn’t agreed to that, and I disliked the idea that powerful people on the beat that I cover would act like they could unilaterally control what I might tell my readers about. On the morning of the 21st, having already gotten the powerful law firm to back off, I oh-so-wisely re-approached them with just one more thing. I thanked them for clearing things up the night before but noted that I’d never agreed to keep their letter confidential. I’m all for agreeing with a source to keep things off the record, but that’s the thing. We have to agree. You can’t just declare it. I’m not bound by that. I wrote to Clare Locke’s lawyer and said, in part: I trust the matter is resolved. It was disappointing to have to spend less time with my kids last night in order to address your legal letter. Family time’s precious. I will add, for clarity’s sake, that, while your letter stipulated that it was confidential, I did not agree to those terms. In the future, should you wish to communicate with me confidentially, I am happy to agree to classifying our communication as “off the record” prior to the actual communication—as is standard with any professional journalist. The firm’s lawyer replied, not directly addressing the confidentiality issue but asserting that the matter was resolved. Why I didn’t write about this until now In May, I told this story on an episode of Simon Parkin’s podcast My Perfect Console, but I held off on sharing it directly with Game File readers. I held off to avoid stepping on the toes of another reporter, the journalist Mikhail Klimentov. He’d interviewed me in the spring of 2025 about an investigation he was working on regarding Bobby Kotick lawyers pressing the media to add the California settlement language to stories referencing the 2021 lawsuits. And about how some outlets had changed their stories and how some simply deleted them. Initially, I was a third-party source for Klimentov’s reporting, providing on-the-record context about the state of the games media. I’d heard about the letters but hadn’t put the time into pursuing the story. I thought it was interesting, and I was glad he was covering it. When the outlet that Klimentov was going to run his reporting in dropped the story, I began talking to him about potentially publishing his reporting on Game File. This was tentative. Then, in January, when I got my own Clare Locke letter, I told Klimentov that I didn’t think it would make sense for me to publish him, not with me now being part of the story. I had my own version of this situation to tell. But I wished him well and said I’d refrain from telling my tale until he could get his reporting out there. Last Friday, Klimentov finally ran his investigation, in a nearly 48-minute video report for People Make Games. It covers various Clare Locke letters, how media outlets reacted to them and what to make of all this. His video weighs the merits of Kotick’s request and looks at some of the articles that were changed (one of which had a glaring error). I highly recommend watching it: (Note, I did some editorial consulting for a People Make Games video last year but nothing to do with this report.) While many outlets haven’t left any public evidence that they updated their Kotick coverage at Kotick’s counsel’s request, at least one has. Back in October 2025, the mainstream outlet Reuters applied the most transparent article update I’ve seen. On the 3rd of the month, they published an article about the state of the Swedish pension fund’s lawsuit. Days later, they added this: In an October 7 letter sent after publication of this article, Kotick’s defamation counsel disputed claims of widespread harassment at Activision. “Not a single investigation, court finding, verdict, or ruling ever concluded that there was any merit” to the allegations of widespread harassment at Activision, Tom Clare and Nick Brechbill of Clare Locke wrote. I’ve never added a statement to my article on Game File, because none was needed. Not for fairness’ sake, nor to meet any demands of Kotick’s lawyers. I’ve nevertheless wanted to be transparent with Game File readers. If someone powerful is questioning my reporting, is threatening a lawsuit over it… if that threat is part of a pattern involving other games media outlets and if, in my case, the whole thing ran into a ridiculous ditch, I want you to know about it. I also share this as a real example of how I handle threats to Game File. I stand up for my own reporting, even when it’s not comfortable to do so. (In that same category of standing up for the work I do, I’ll point to an incident in late August. Asocial media post I published to X/Twitter regarding reporting I did about Take Two and GTA VI was hit by bogus copyright claim by a firm working for the publisher. I pushed back and got it reversed; even while a bigger games media outlet let themselves be censored. This is the other reason I’m sharing this story: To emphasize that dealing with threats from powerful people is one of the costs of covering the video game industry independently and as fearlessly as possible. This is where you come in. Your support, through free and paid subscriptions (sign up here!), can help me keep doing that. It can ensure that I’ve got the back-up I need. And it can help make fiascoes like this even less of a worry, so I can spend my evenings dealing with more important things, such as making sure I steam the kids’ broccoli just right. 1 That pension fund lawsuit I wrote about in January has all but gone away. In May, the fund and Activision Blizzard owner Microsoft agreed to settle. Lawyers for the fund brokered a $250 million settlement for former Activision Blizzard shareholders. In the settlement, the fund’s lawyers changed their rhetoric. Where once they’d questioned the meaning of the California settlement language, they adopted a version of it for themselves. Several weeks ago, while seeking to get a court to sign off on the terms of the settlement, they proposed their fee for their work in the case: $60 million.
Eberly, Fox Graduate School to celebrate 100 years of the Penn State Ph.D. on Oct. 2
Join the Eberly College of Science, Department of Physics, and the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School from 3 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, in 117 Osmond Building or via webinar to celebrate 100 years of doctoral degrees at Penn State.
Pennsylvania measles cases cross 900 as outbreak grows
Sept 28 () - Pennsylvania's measles outbreak continued to worsen, with 68 new infections reported since Wednesday last week, bringing the total to 903 on Monday, health department data showed, as th...
Health Department shuts down Mililani eatery for food violations
The Hawaii Department of Health on Friday issued a red placard and immediately shut down Blazin Steaks at Mililani Shopping Center after inspectors found repeated failures to keep food at safe temperatures.
Stony Brook University Professor Daniel Klein Receives a 2027 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Psychological Science (APS)
STONY BROOK, NY—September 28, 2026—The State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook (Stony Brook University) Distinguished Professor in the Department of Psychology Daniel Klein has been awarded a 2027 Association for Psychological Science (APS). “Mentor Award.” This award recognizes APS members who have significantly helped foster the careers of others, honoring those who
VIDEO: Pair steals multiple TVs from northeast Memphis business: MPD
The above video is courtesy of the Memphis Police Department. MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Two suspects are at large after a northeast Memphis equipment rental facility was burglarized Sunday, police say…
Politics and Film: American Factory (2019), Sept. 30
Come and join the Political Science Department on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 5:30 p.m. in Wehr Chemistry 002 for a showing of the film American Factory (2019), a documentary about a Chinese firm setting up a factory in Ohio. Refreshments are provided. Register online here.
Health department, NorthLakes Community Clinic offering local flu shot clinics
Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome at all locations, according to the health department.
Butler County mental health board eliminates finance department after audits find accounting discrepancies
As the Butler County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services Board seeks voter approval of a 1-mill, 10-year renewal levy, the board has voted to eliminate its entire finance department following the discovery of accounting discrepancies dating back more than three years.
Man shot to death in Hyde Park business Saturday afternoon
The Boston Police Department is asking the public to provide any information to help solve this incident.
Mayor Sarno joins Health Commissioner Caulton Harris to bring greetings at Department of Elder Affairs Hispanic Heritage Month Luncheon at the Ray Jordan Senior Center
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno was honored to join Health & Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton Harris and the Springfield Department of Elder Affairs team on Friday to bring greetings at a special Hispanic Heritage Month Luncheon celebration with our seniors at the Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center. This special luncheon is a collaboration between the Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center and the North End Senior Center and celebrated Hispanic heritage and the valued contributions of our senior community. Members of the senior centers were invited for a vibrant day of music, dance, food, and culture. El Morro bakery provided lunch to members by our kind and dedicated Elder Affairs staff. Grupo Erupxion performed live music. Special thanks to host/emcee Joanna, the Springfield Department of Elder Affairs and the Council on Aging team for bringing us together to celebrate the beautiful mosaic of our Springfield. Mayor Sarno states, “We are always proud to celebrate the vibrancy and beautiful mosaic that is our Springfield community. On behalf of the City of Springfield, we celebrate and welcome the continued contributions of Hispanic Americans toward our community, including their cultural heritage, public service, and entrepreneurial spirit. I commend and appreciate this collaboration between the North End Senior Center and the Ray Jordan Senior Center to host this special luncheon in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month for all our seniors to enjoy. ‘Que tenga buena salud y Dios te bendiga’ – Good health and God Bless.”
Shapiro Administration's Controversial Health Regulations Dropped, For Now
(The Center Square) – New regulations that critics said would give the state Department of Health power to enter private homes without a warrant were withdrawn late Friday. The news comes just days after the Independent Regulatory Review Commission’s public comment period for the 502-page proposal ended. In a letter…
Koch and the Chase Koch Foundation donate $1 million to The Pinnacle
The $1 million donation will go toward completing renovations to the state-of-the-art facility, offering local first responders comprehensive health and wellness services.
<em>CASNews</em> faculty spotlight: Dr. Megan VanGorder
Meet Dr. Megan VanGorder, assistant professor in the Department of History.
<em>CASNews</em> staff spotlight: Dr. Jay Ansher
Meet Dr. Jay Ansher, general education lab coordinator in the Department of Physics.
KU School of Education & Human Sciences launches online master’s in higher education administration
The University of Kansas School of Education & Human Sciences is launching a fully online M.S.E in Higher Education Administration housed within the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies. The program builds on KU's established in-person higher education administration graduate degree.
How a UTC professor is helping first-year chemical engineering students explore career paths
What does a chemical engineer do? How can a student prepare for medical or pharmacy school? Where can students find people and resources to help answer those questions? Dr. Bradley Harris, head of UTC’s Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS), is helping students begin those conversations through A Moc’s First Year, a campuswide program designed to help incoming first-time, full-time undergraduates make connections to UTC, Chattanooga and one another.
New rates for state Health Department’s deposit beverage container program take effect Oct. 1
The most significant change is the adoption of a new single rate for plastic.
N.D. Insurance Commissioner orders AI company to stop doing business in the state
BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO) - Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread orders Silverberry Group and WoundScribe AI to sto...
Berrien County Health Department receives grant to cover cyclosporiasis outbreak costs
The Berrien County Health Department will be partially reimbursed by the state for costs it acquired from the cyclosporiasis outbreak this year.According to our
Berrien County Health Department receives grant to cover cyclosporiasis outbreak costs
The Berrien County Health Department will be partially reimbursed by the state for costs it acquired from the cyclosporiasis outbreak this year.According to our
Scientists to hold press conference on W.R. Grace's plastic pilot project.
A group of scientists are set to speak at a Scientists Speak Up At The Park! press conference calling on the Maryland Department of the Environment to address alleged negative impacts on the environment as a result of W.R. Grace's plastic pilot plan.
New Hampshire Receives Over $2 Million in Federal Grants to Support Mental Health Efforts Statewide
Governor Kelly Ayotte and Commissioner Lori Weaver of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) celebrated New Hampshire receiving over $2 million in federal grants aimed at expanding behavioral health crisis support and mental health services across the state. The grants will provide critical funding for New Hampshire’s 988 Lifeline and support mental health...
Thorpe joins Ballad Health Medical Associates Pediatrics
Katie Thorpe has joined Ballad Health Medical Associates Pediatrics — Greene Mountain, a department of Greeneville Community Hospital, where she will specialize in pediatrics.
Xsight Group Featured in Harvard Business Review on AI Agent Orchestration Across Silos
HONG KONG, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Xsight Group (known as Xsight), a Hong Kong–headquartered cross-border technology group founded in 2004, has been featured as a research case in "How AI Agents Orchestrate Work Across Silos," a special report published in the September–October 2026 issue of Harvard Business Review. The article examines how a new generation of AI systems can connect functions and reduce the coordination friction that slows companies down, citing Xsight's practice of decomposing complex cross-departmental decisions into modular tasks and building a layered agentic AI orchestration system as a valuable model for cross-border organizational coordination.
WHO recognizes healthy, innovative cities across the Western Pacific Region
Nine Healthy City champions from across the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region received special recognition at an awarding ceremony during the 11th Global Conference of the Alliance for Healthy Cities in Sydney, Australia.The WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific has presented the Healthy Cities Recognition Awards every two years since 2004 to celebrate innovative and impactful city-led initiatives that improve the health and well-being of urban populations.Eight cities received awards for their best practices, and one National Forum received the WHO Regional Director’s Special Award in recognition of its long-standing leadership in advancing the Healthy Cities movement.Awardees were selected through a rigorous evaluation process and recognized for demonstrating measurable, innovative and sustainable approaches to health challenges faced by cities.Remarking on the significance of the awards, Dr Huong Tran, Director of the Division of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control at the Regional Office, said that, “There is no single blueprint for a healthy city. What works in one context may need to be adapted to another. But by sharing our experiences, including what worked, what was challenging, and what we learnt along the way, we can help one another move faster and further.”Award-winning cities and initiativesThis year's awards recognize outstanding city-led initiatives that have demonstrated measurable impact, innovation and sustainability in advancing health initiatives for urban populations.Baguio City (Philippines) – Data for equity: informing action, improving healthDr Donnabel Tubera-Panes, City Epidemiologist – Medical Officer IV of the Health Services Office accepted the award on behalf of Baguio City. Photo credit: Maria BoyadgisBaguio City was recognized for developing a pioneering Livability Index that provides village-level data across all 128 barangays (villages), enabling evidence-based planning and more equitable allocation of resources. By integrating community participation and institutionalizing the index within city planning and budgeting processes, the city has demonstrated how data can drive action to reduce health and social inequities.Eunpyeong-gu (Seoul, Republic of Korea) – Communities living in vulnerable situations: advancing health equity through community engagementVice Mayor Honourable Ahn Hyoung Jun accepted the award on behalf of Eunpyeong-gu. Photo credit: Maria BoyadgisEunpyeong-gu was recognized for its inclusive health equity programme supporting vulnerable populations, including isolated older adults and LGBTQI+ communities. Through peer-led community networks, social cooperatives and inclusive service design, the district has strengthened access to care, promoted social inclusion and advanced community ownership of health initiatives.Madiun City (Indonesia) – Adapting and mitigating climate-related crises: building heat resilience and preventing flood-related health risksMs Yuni Dwi Purwani, Secretary General of the National Forum for Indonesian Healthy Cities/Regencies, accepted the award on behalf of Madiun City. Photo credit: Maria BoyadgisMadiun City was recognized for its SUPERMIE (Sustainable Public Environmental Management Initiative) – a community-based environmental governance model that addresses urban flooding, climate resilience and environmental sustainability. The initiative contributed to reductions in flood-prone areas, greenhouse gas emissions, diarrhoeal disease and dengue fever, while at the same time improving food security through neighbourhood food gardens. The programme has already been replicated in 15 cities and regencies across Indonesia.Macao Special Administrative Region (China) – Protecting communities from tobacco and alcohol-related harms: tackling commercial drivers of riskDr LO Iek Long, Director of the Health Bureau, Macao SAR, China accepted the award on behalf of Macao. Photo credit: Maria BoyadgisMacao SAR was recognized for implementing a comprehensive and integrated approach to tobacco and alcohol control. Through legislation, monitoring systems, enforcement, public awareness campaigns and multisectoral partnerships, the programme has strengthened protection against major risk factors for noncommunicable diseases and established a model that is highly transferable to other urban settings.Phnom Penh Capital City (Cambodia) – Safe, active and health-enabling transport: advancing health and reducing inequities in urban mobilityH.E. Khoung Sreng, Governor of Phnom Penh Capital City accepted the award on behalf of Phnom Penh Capital City. Photo credit: Maria BoyadgisPhnom Penh received the award for its Safe School Zone Project, which combines infrastructure improvements, speed management, enforcement, education and stakeholder engagement to protect children and communities. The initiative has demonstrated measurable reductions in crashes and vehicle speeds while providing a scalable model for safer urban mobility across the country.Quezon City (Philippines) – Transforming food environments: addressing policy, market and urban design drivers of health and nutritionMs Jirah Asa M. Sideco, Chief of the Nutrition Section of the Quezon City Health Department accepted the award on behalf of Quezon City. Photo credit: Maria BoyadgisQuezon City was recognized for its public food procurement policy that promotes healthier diets through government-run institutions and feeding programmes. Supported by strong policy frameworks and monitoring systems, the initiative improves access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations while serving as a benchmark for other local governments.Samarinda City (Indonesia) – Preventing violence and promoting gender equality: transforming urban systems, norms and spaces Mrs Rinda Wahyuni, Chairperson of Samarinda Healthy City Forum accepted the award on behalf of Samarinda City. Photo credit: Maria BoyadgisSamarinda City was recognized for its multisectoral approach to preventing violence and advancing gender equality. Responding to local evidence on violence against women and children, the city has positioned violence prevention as a public health priority, bringing together health services, schools, social welfare institutions, law enforcement, civil society and community leaders to strengthen prevention, reporting, survivor-centred support and legal protection. Through inclusive policies, community engagement and sustainable city financing, Samarinda has developed a locally owned and scalable model for creating safer, more equitable and inclusive urban communities.Singapore – Age-friendly cities: transforming systems to bridge generations for a healthier tomorrowDr Tan Weng Mooi, Director, Integrated Health Promotion, accepted the award on behalf of Singapore. Photo credit: Maria BoyadgisSingapore received recognition for its Healthy Precinct Framework, which translates national healthy ageing priorities into neighbourhood-level action. The initiative integrates preventive care, social support, service coordination and age-friendly environments while actively engaging older persons, caregivers and community organizations. Its expansion across multiple precincts demonstrates its scalability and long-term sustainability.WHO Regional Director’s Special AwardNational Forum for Indonesian Healthy Cities/Regencies (Indonesia)Ms Yuni Dwi Purwani, Secretary General of the National Forum for Indonesian Healthy Cities/Regencies, accepted the award on behalf of the National Forum. Photo credit: Maria BoyadgisThe WHO Regional Director's Special Award was presented to the National Forum for Indonesian Healthy Cities/Regencies (FKKSI) in recognition of its long-standing leadership in advancing the Healthy Cities movement across Indonesia. As a national platform bringing together local governments, communities, academia and civil society, FKKSI has played a critical role in promoting collaboration, capacity-building, knowledge exchange and advocacy. Its efforts have strengthened and institutionalized healthy urban development nationwide and established a model for multisectoral engagement in the Region. Healthy Cities for allThe 2026 Healthy Cities Recognition Awards highlight how cities can lead transformative action on health by addressing climate change, inequity, ageing, nutrition, mobility, social inclusion, violence prevention and the commercial determinants of health. The recognized initiatives demonstrate that local governments, communities and partners can work together to create healthier, safer and more resilient urban environments for everyone. As urban populations continue to grow across the Western Pacific Region, WHO remains committed to supporting cities in advancing health, equity and sustainable development through the Healthy Cities approach and the Alliance for Healthy Cities. ###Note to editorsSince 2004, the WHO Healthy Cities Recognition Awards have provided a platform for cities to share innovative and effective approaches to improving health and well-being. The awards recognize achievements in areas including climate resilience, healthy ageing, health equity, gender equality, tobacco and alcohol control, urban mobility, nutrition and data-driven governance. In 2026, more than 150 submissions were received from cities and local governments across the Western Pacific Region. The titles and affiliations of awardees are presented as they were at the time the photo was taken.______________For more information, or to arrange media interviews, contact: WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific: wprocom@who.int
Health Department withdraws proposed regulations for rewrite
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has pulled its 502-page update of regulations, citing a “historically high volume of feedback” during the comment period that ended last week.
Health department recognizes National Suicide Prevention Month
The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County recognized National Suicide Prevention Month during its recent All Staff Day, highlighting the
McHenry County health department ends COVID-19 vaccine mandate for employees
McHenry County Department of Health employees are no longer required to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Several other kinds of shots continue to be mandated for all department workers.
Recent Utah, Texas incidents fuel rumors and political narratives undermining trust in election integrity
Real voting issues become misleading narratives through false allegations of “voter fraud” intentions and other well-worn tactics.
Campbell County health and food inspections (9/18/26–9/24/26)
GILLETTE, Wyo. — The Consumer Health Services Division of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture conducts inspections of retail food establishments throughout Wyoming (where there is not a local health department that does inspections) to help ensure safety of Wyoming residents. Campbell County establishments are inspected at least once a year by the WDA. All of […]
Natrona County health and food inspections (9/18/26–9/24/26)
CASPER, Wyo. — The Casper-Natrona County Health Department inspects restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, mobile food units, commissaries and
Laramie County health and food inspections (9/18/26–9/24/26)
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Cheyenne-Laramie County Health Department inspects restaurants, bars, convenience stores, delis, grocery stores, bed and breakfasts
Grant to help Berrien County Health Department recoup cyclosporiasis costs
The Berrien County Health Department will be partially reimbursed by the state for costs it incurred as a result of the cyclosporiasis outbreak this year. The Berrien County Board of Commissioners this month accepted a $35,000 grant
Shapiro administration's controversial health regulations dropped, for now
(The Center Square) – New regulations that critics said would give the state Department of Health power to enter private homes without a warrant were withdrawn late Friday.
Shapiro administration's controversial health regulations dropped, for now
(The Center Square) – New regulations that critics said would give the state Department of Health power to enter private homes without a warrant were withdrawn late Friday. The news comes just days af...
Singing River Health System announces first recipients of Clinical Courage Award
The Singing River Health System announced the first recipients of the Clinical Courage award. The award is presented by the Professional Development and Education Department, recognizing nurses who advocate for their patients, speak up, ask questions, and do what’s right. The recipients are Heather Mitchell and Hannah Talley. Singing River says they are proud to recognize both for the award...
Health Department releases food inspection reports for week of Sept. 13
Scores for the recent Health Department food inspection ranged from 68 to 100.
Hawaiʻi Department of Health deposit beverage container program to update rates
Rates are periodically updated because beverage container sizes and weights change with time; all certified redemption centers are required to use the revised rates beginning Oct. 1.
Cattaraugus County Health Department to begin offering influenza, covid vaccination clinics
By RICK MILLER Olean Star The Cattaraugus County Health Department will offer 11 influenza and covid vaccine clinics around the county over the next month. Be sure to bring photo identification and…
Busani named director of Optical Science and Engineering
Tito Busani, an associate professor in the department of electrical and computer engineering, has been named the new director of the Optical Science and Engineering program at The University of New Mexico.
Health and Safety Advisory issued after contaminated marijuana vaporizers sold at over 400 stores in Colorado
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has issued a health and safety advisory after contaminated "Regulated Marijuana Vaporizer Delivery Devices" were sold at 400+ stores
Facility where Presley Gerber died target of inquiry by California regulators
LOS ANGELES — State regulators have launched an inquiry into the Santa Monica sober living home where Presley Gerber died Sunday of a suspected overdose. The California Department of Health
Pennsylvania DOH withdraws 502-page disease control plan after backlash from lawmakers
The Pennsylvania Department of Health just pulled a plan to make some major changes to the state's rules for controlling diseases after a bit of backlash.
Florida Department of Education launches B.E.S.T. science standards listening tour
This review of the B.E.S.T. Science Standards gives Floridians an opportunity to help shape the future of science and health education in Florida and establish a strong foundation built on knowledge, observation, inquiry, experimentation, evidence, and reason.
Hendersonville, TN restaurant Moby Dicky’s fails health inspection
Moby Dicky’s on Old Hickory Lake was given an "F" grade by the Tennessee Department of Health earlier this week.
Federal appeals court rules Pentagon’s blacklist of Anthropic was legal
The Department of Defense can blacklist Anthropic’s artificial intelligence technology, a federal appeals court ruled on Friday. The decision is a blow to Anthropic after it won a separate challenge in a California court in August that partially invalidated the Trump administration’s label.
NYC Health + Hospitals and DCAS Celebrate Completion of Major Energy Efficiency Projects at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens And NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler
Today, NYC Health + Hospitals, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) announced the completion
$31M in federal grants target Oklahoma tribal nations' mental health, substance abuse prevention
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced $31 million will support more than a dozen tribal nations and organizations in Oklahoma, providing mental health and substance use prevention resources.
Pennsylvania measles outbreak grows to 890 cases with 55 new infections: Officials
The measles outbreak in Pennsylvania is continuing to grow with 55 new cases confirmed since Wednesday, according to an update from the state health department.
Tulsa Health Department's Food Safety Measures Protect More than One Million People at the Tulsa State Fair
TULSA, OKLA.– [September 25, 2026] – The Tulsa Health Department (THD) is preparing to protect the health of more than one million attendees at the Tulsa State Fair, ensuring fairgoers can enjoy their favorite foods without fear of contracting a foodborne illness. With more than 200 food booths to inspect, THD’s dedicated team is working […]
Allen County health officials urge unvaccinated public to protect against measles
Allen County needs more of its residents to get measles vaccines, health department officials said Friday.
$31M in federal grants target Oklahoma tribal nations’ mental health, substance abuse prevention
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awards $31 million to Oklahoma tribal nations for mental health and substance use prevention programs.
MSDH hosts maternal and infant health conference
The Mississippi State Department of Health hosted a maternal and infant health conference Friday, bringing together health leaders, professionals and students.
Eau Claire City-County Health Department to offer discounted well water testing
Eau Claire City-County Health Department to offer discounted well water testing
Shelby County Health Department Seeks Permit Program Funding as Air Pollution Falls
"By emissions going down, so [is] our revenue."
Illinois State Police Recognizes the Hidden Crime Fighting Heroes During Forensic Science Week
For Immediate Release - September 24, 2026 Illinois State Police Recognizes the Hidden Crime Fighting Heroes D...
2026 Community Health Needs Assessment Survey This Month
The LaSalle County Health Department has extended the deadline for residents to complete its 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment Survey through Sept. 30. The anonymous survey takes about 10 to
Supreme Court lets Trump administration use federal voter eligibility database
The emergency order allows states, for now, to use the Department of Homeland Security program, called Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements.
Supreme Court lets Trump administration use federal voter eligibility database
The emergency order allows states, for now, to use the Department of Homeland Security program, called Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements.
Supreme Court lets Trump administration use revamped federal voter eligibility database for now
The emergency order allows states, for now, to use the Department of Homeland Security program, called Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE,
Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas Campuses Earn Strong Marks in 2025-26 Nevada School Performance Framework
Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas (CASLV) is celebrating strong results across its campuses following the Nevada Department of Education’s release of the 2025-26 Nevada School Performance Framework (NSPF) ratings. The annual results include performance
Eau Claire City-County Health Department to offer discounted well water testing
The health Department offers two different tests for purchase.
Coding a Community for Women in Computer Science
For Colgate University students interested in computer science, finding a community can be just as helpful as developing technical skills. Women in Computer Science (WCS) provides students with opportunities to create meaningful connections, develop professional skills and support other women in the computer science department. For senior and WCS co-president Frankie Williams, being a computer...
Federal judge rolls back landmark disability protections
The Justice Department said in June that it would no longer enforce laws that prioritized people with disabilities living and receiving services in their communities, rather than in nursing homes or facilities. It is making good on that promise.
Critzer named head of UGA Department of Food Science and Technology
ATHENS, Ga. -- University of Georgia food science expert Faith Critzer has been named head of the Department of Food Science and Technology effective Aug. 1. Critzer, who...
Mississippi Department of Health to host maternal and infant health conference
The conference will also break down the newly released dietary guidelines for Americans and what they mean for pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding.
Mayor Kawakami honors forensics team for National Forensic Science Week
The Kaua’i Police Department (KPD), in partnership with the Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations, announces National Forensic Science Week runs from Sept. 20-26.
Health department shuts down three places in Lexington this month
One was just closed on Thursday and is still shut down.
$31M in federal grants target Oklahoma tribal nations' mental health, substance abuse prevention
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced $31 million will support more than a dozen tribal nations and organizations in Oklahoma, providing mental health and substance use prevention resources.
‘Worth the wait’: Social science faculty members describe move to newly renovated 2001 Sheridan Road
For decades, much of Northwestern’s anthropology department had been working out of a two-story house at 1810 Hinman Ave., an Evanston landmark which has faced maintenance issues and is nearly as old as the university. But starting in the 2026-27 academic year, anthropology is one of multiple social science departments moving into one of the...
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services prepares to launch TANF pilot program in October
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services will launch a redesigned Employment First Program on Oct. 1 as part of a federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families pilot.
Letter: Ethics of science cannot be separated from who funds it
From Vincent Straub, Interdisciplinary researcher, University of Oxford Nuffield Department of Population Health, Oxford, UK
1st confirmed measles case reported in Allen County
Health department officials confirmed Allen County's first measles case on Thursday.
CDC opens state ordering for COVID-19 vaccines after unexplained delay
Health department previously blamed delay on "not yet finalized procurement decisions."
Historic downtown building in disrepair causing problems for Wichita business owner
The Wichita Police Department says it has responded 54 times to her property since the beginning of the year -- 30 of those responses were initiated by a 911 call.
Warren County Health Department distributes free Narcan for National Save a Life Day
Warren County health department spreads Narcan awareness.
Chicago Bulls Announce Additions to Bryson Graham's Front Office Staff
The new head executive in Chicago is filling out his basketball operations department.
Tuscarawas County Health Department confirms West Nile virus
The Tuscarawas County Health Department (TCHD) warns the community on Thursday of a horse that tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in the Mineral City area.
Wabash Valley educators highlight evolving role of forensic science in modern criminal justice
As communities observe National Forensic Science Week, educators across the Wabash Valley are highlighting how forensic science continues to transform criminal investigations from local police departments to federal agencies.
Aurora police launch initiative to prevent crime at local businesses
Aurora Police Department launched an initiative at the beginning of the month intended to strengthen relationships with local businesses to prevent crime.
Concerns about misuse of flock cameras cross Alabama’s political aisle
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Alabama, joined colleague Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Georgia, in asking the Department of Justice to give guidance on flock cameras.
JCPD investigates threatening graffiti at business tied to gubernatorial candidate Hatley
The Johnson City Police Department is investigating after threatening graffiti was found Thursday morning on a Johnson City business connected to Tennessee gube
TDI Launches Transparency Tool to Track Home Insurance Decisions
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) launched a new webpage that gives Texans insight into why home insurance companies decline, cancel, or don’t renew certain policies by ZIP code.