SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " State " 21,245 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
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.
MVHS Medical Offices Moving to State Street in Utica
Several Mohawk Valley Health System medical offices are moving to a new location in Utica.
Growing number of Democrats skipping Trump's 2026 State of the Union
Democratic lawmakers are split on attending Donald Trump's State of the Union Tuesday, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries offering options of "silent defiance" or absence.
Ambitious Des Moines company cuts goals as it misses jobs benchmarks
OpenLoop Health started with big goals. Now it's backing down on incentive contracts with city, state as it falls short on local job creation.
Speaker Mike Johnson invites Louisiana business leader to State of Union
Trott Hunt said President Trump's policies advanced by the Republican Congress have driven expansion for his company and clients.
The State of the Union brings a big audience for Trump. But does it matter?
The carefully crafted speeches are more likely than ever to be drowned out by memes and partisan fireworks.
Louisiana ranks last in the U.S. for women and children health. See how other states compare.
A 2025 report on women and children's health finds encouraging gains in children's well-being across a range of measures, as well as in some maternal health behaviors. However, these advances were offset by worsening mortality rates among children of all ages and continued increases in maternal mortality. See the state data.
States want to limit AI in health insurance
Regulating artificial intelligence, especially its use by health insurers, is becoming a politically divisive topic.
Could pro hockey anchor Phoenix's entertainment district?
At a panel discussion hosted by the Urban Land Institute, sports and real estate leaders discussed the future of downtown Phoenix.
Trump aims to flex political muscle in State of the Union
President Trump will deliver his State of the Union address tonight, with Democrats planning counterrallies and protests, while the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team declined an invitation to attend d…
Midterm underdogs rally around data center politics
Democrats in particular have seized on the prospect of rising energy costs in the fight for control of Washington and state capitals.
4 things to watch in Trump’s State of the Union
Republicans want Donald Trump to hard launch a midterm message on affordability and the economy, and the president will likely address tariffs again. Here’s what to watch.
Live updates: Trump to give State of the Union speech after Supreme Court tariffs ruling
Get the latest news and live updates on Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address as he speaks before Congress on the current U.S. state of affairs.
Essay: Gavin Newsom: They told me it was political suicide. I did it anyway
In an exclusive excerpt from his new memoir, Governor Gavin Newsom recalls how George W. Bush’s 2004 State of the Union inadvertently sparked a revolution in California civil rights.
Wasserman Schultz invites small business owner as her guest for D.C. State of the Union address
Wasserman Schultz says Steve Reyes story illustrates the affordability struggle faced by many of her constituents.
Trump State of the Union Speech 2026: How to Watch, Time and Attendees
President Trump will speak at 9 p.m. Eastern time to a joint session of Congress. The New York Times will carry the address live.
The State of the Union brings a big audience for Trump. But does it matter?
In the age of algorithm-driven social media feeds, the audience for the speech is increasingly fragmented and entrenched in their political positions.
Legislators seek to help businesses with changes to SC's ballooning jobless fund
For the first time since the Great Recession, SC’s Republican-controlled Legislature could enact major changes to the state unemployment system.
7 Central Florida eateries shut down over health violations
Last week, seven more restaurants across Central Florida were forced to close after a visit from a health inspector, according to state records.
New bill carves out public gift rule exception for first responders and mental health resources
There are restrictions on how and when public officials can receive gifts in Minnesota. But Monday, lawmakers discussed a bipartisan bill that would make sure those restrictions don't apply to mental health resources.
The state of health care
President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address tonight could offer a preview of how both parties are gearing up to battle over health care costs ahead of this year’s midterm elections.
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.
5 things to watch for in Trump's State of the Union address
The president is expected to defend his economic record and tariffs, but how will he handle immigration enforcement? And what will Democrats do?
Donald Trump to deliver State of the Union tonight. What to know.
The president is set to deliver his first State of the Union address of his second administration. Here's how to watch the speech.
Ayatollah Khamenei's Politics of Martyrdom Means Iran Won't Surrender to Trump's United States
Iran's leader is unlikely to ever accept surrender to the United States.
Epstein survivor speaks out ahead of attending Trump’s State of the Union
State lawmaker, DNR official crash during business group's snowmobile ride
A state lawmaker and a DNR official crashed during an annual snowmobile ride in late January hosted by Michigan's snowmobile and ORV association.
Poland sends four swimmers and one diver to state meet
Poland Swim & Dive sends four swimmers and one diver to the Division II 2026 OHSAA State Swimming and Diving Tournament this week.
The Willow-Carver girls winner is a step closer to state after pulling away in the 2nd half
No. 13-seeded Willow trailed by just four points at halftime, but a strong second-half scoring effort from No. 4-seeded Carver resulted in a 56-40 win for the Rams on Monday
Upstate pols question $1.5B NYC boost vs. $150m upstate
The additional funding came as Hochul has steadfastly resisted calls from Mamdani and other progressives to raise taxes on the wealthy
Upstate pols question $1.5B NYC boost vs. $150m upstate
The additional funding came as Hochul has steadfastly resisted calls from Mamdani and other progressives to raise taxes on the wealthy
California members split on attending Trump's State of the Union
Spectrum News will air special coverage of the State of the Union on Feb. 24
Exclusive | Trump to Sell the Economy During State of the Union Address
The president is expected to argue that the country is “strong, prosperous and respected” as it enters its 250th year
Leader Jeffries on eve of State of the Union: ‘Donald Trump’s presidency has been a complete and total failure’
WATCH LIVE: Gov. Spanberger delivers Democratic response to Trump's State of the Union
Colorado lawmakers consider a bill to boost small businesses through a loan program
State lawmakers are considering a new bill (HB26-1003) aimed at helping more small businesses across Colorado.
How Trump will use his State of the Union address to appeal to skeptical midterm voters
President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday is likely to be a test run of the message Republicans will give to voters in November's elections for control of the House and the Senate.
Trump’s Suddenly High-Stakes State of the Union
The president is visiting Congress in a dramatically different place from where he was a year ago.
Mike Gianaris discusses solidifying Democratic control of the N.Y. state Senate
A smart political tactician, Gianaris was integral in helping lead the Senate Democrats out of the political wilderness in 2018.
Trump faces a skeptical public and myriad challenges ahead of State of the Union address
President Donald Trump on Tuesday night will get his highest-profile opportunity to convince skeptical Americans that his policies are working — and that a promised economic golden age is right around the corner.
Five Big Political Questions About Trump’s State of the Union Speech
Tariffs, the cost of living, immigration: The president has a careful line to walk on major issues.
To spotlight Trump cuts to health insurance, Welch brings Vermont lawmaker to the State of the Union
Both elected officials are striving to call attention to expired Obamacare subsidies and the high cost of health insurance they say only federal action can address.
The Hidden Health Risks of Plastic-Packaged Ready Meals
Greenpeace International's analysis of 24 research papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals found that the plastics we use to package our food are exposing us to health risks – and none more so than heated ready meals and takeaways.
What to expect at Tuesday's State of the Union speech
Trump's speech Tuesday night will come amid tariff confusion and a Department of Homeland Security funding fight
KEA asks for lawmaker pledge against rising health insurance costs
The KEA and state retirement groups are the latest to sound the alarm over a state budget proposal that Republicans maintain is still a work in progress that needs more information.
Microplastics found in prostate tumors in small study
Plastic particles were found at higher levels in tumor tissue than nearby noncancerous tissue, raising questions about the role they may play in tumor development.
'Xbox Is Being Sunsetted' — Seamus Blackley, One of the Creators of Xbox, Thinks Recent Shakeup Spells the End for Microsoft's Gaming Business
Amid the official statements and many tweets that followed one of the biggest shakeups ever at Xbox, one of its creators believes Microsoft’s true plan is to bring its gaming business to an end.
‘A Long Speech’: Trump Prepares for State of the Union
President Trump does not like to practice reading the speech out loud, but he spent time mimicking the setup of the House chamber, officials familiar with his plans said.
Inside the state lab guiding North Carolina’s measles response
With at least 23 measles cases reported in North Carolina since December, critical public health decisions begin inside the State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh. Scientists there confirm high-risk cases, shaping how officials notify the public and limit further spread.
WA Democrats drop push for business tax to cover Medicaid costs
Washington Democrats are likely abandoning plans for a tax on employers like Walmart, whose workers get health care through Medicaid.
What to watch in the race for North Carolina's open Senate seat
North Carolina’s primary election is next week, and early voting is already underway. We discuss what to watch in the race for the state's open Senate seat and a competitive Democratic primary in the state's 4th congressional district.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, political correspondent Ashley Lopez, and WUNC Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
From Nick Shirley to Colin Hortman: What Minnesota SOTU guests say about the politics of the moment
The state’s 10-member congressional delegation will highlight with their guests where they stand on immigration, fraud, tariffs and political violence.
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."
Did Kansas basketball drop in latest USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll?
Kansas basketball split its games during the past week of play, beating Oklahoma State and losing vs Cincinnati. Here’s where it is now in the top 25.
Anthropic says DeepSeek fraudulently used Claude
"These campaigns are growing in intensity and sophistication," Anthropic said as part of its lengthy statement.
US women’s hockey team declines Trump’s State of the Union invite, citing scheduling
The gold medal-winning US Olympic women’s hockey team has declined an invitation to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, citing scheduling issues.
Winter Olympics 2026: Team USA women's hockey declines President Donald Trump's invite to State of the Union
Economist: China’s politics, not prices, driving U.S. ag purchases
The chief commodities economist with StoneX Group says he’s recently become more optimistic about China buying more ag products from the United States. Arlan Suderman tells Brownfield President Xi Jinping is dealing with internal Chinese politics and he needs U.S. support. “My bias at this point is he will survive it, but in the meantime, […]
‘Angel Families’ Return to Washington to Back Up Trump Ahead of State of the Union
The families of people killed by undocumented immigrants have forged a bond with the president, who has invited some of them to his address on Tuesday.
Johnson Will Bring Daughter of Jimmy Lai to State of the Union Address
Her appearance underscores that “America is determined” to secure the release of the Hong Kong democracy activist, Speaker Mike Johnson said.
No. 11 Virginia streaks into clash with NC State
No. 11 Virginia is seeking its longest winning streak since the 2018-19 national championship season when it hosts NC State in Atlantic Coast Conference action Tuesday night in Charlottesville, Va.
Sacramento State's FBS move clouded in uncertainty amid questionable financial estimates
Sacramento State's move to the MAC may not turn out to be as lucrative as estimates the school made public
Americans sour on Trump ahead of State of the Union, polls find
New polls show the president’s approval rating falling among Democrats and independents, though it remains strong among Republicans.
Jim Moran Institute now accepting applications for South Florida Small Business Executive Program
The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, housed in Florida State University’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, is accepting applications
Alex Padilla Plans Spanish Rebuttal to Trump’s State of the Union
Senator Alex Padilla, a Democrat from California, offered a preview of his remarks, which he expects to focus on the economy, immigration and fair elections.
Bracketology Bubble Watch: Ohio State struggling to secure NCAA Tournament bid
The Buckeyes are among several Big Ten teams hanging out around the cut line entering the final week of February
Cities May Be ‘Evolutionary Training Grounds’ For Spotted Lanternflies
Living in urban China may have given the insects the traits they needed to thrive in the United States, a new study suggests.
Quantum computers go high-dimensional with a four-state photon gate
The collaboration of TU Wien with research groups in China has resulted in a crucial building block for a new kind of quantum computer: The realization of a novel type of quantum logic gate makes it possible ...
Pingree to boycott Trump’s State of the Union address
Rep. Jared Golden said he will watch the speech from home and Sen. Angus King's office said his schedule is still in flux. Republican Sen. Susan Collins plans to attend the speech.
Four questions with Tennessee Finance Commissioner Jim Bryson
With governor's proposal in hand, state's top finance official talks through it
State initiative will preserve history, draw growth to east Fort Worth business district
City and community leaders are partnering as they determine plans for redevelopment of historic Handley.
Little Fish, Big Decisions: How Science Guides Actions in the Delta
California’s water system is one of the most complex and important in the world. It delivers water to millions of people across the state and supports ecosystems that are vital to California’s environmental health.
This week: Snow delays congressional business before State of the Union
Congress called off Monday evening votes as a snowstorm hit the Northeast, but the State of the Union remains on track for Tuesday evening.
The growing number of US scientists moving to Spain: ‘My colleagues are having a very hard time’
One in three recipients of the state-funded Atrae program comes from the United States
NFL mock draft roundup: Experts predict first round before NFL combine
The NFL combine starts on Feb. 26. The NFL draft begins on April 23. Here's how draft experts are predicting the first round before the combine.
Virginia health department defies Trump vaccine changes
State officials say the federal shift on childhood vaccines wasn't backed by evidence.
What happened in Iowa politics the week of Feb. 16-20
Listen as Morning Edition Host Meghan McKinney and IPR's State Government Reporter Katarina Sostaric review the latest in Iowa politics.
Katie Porter holds ‘F--- TRUMP’ sign at California Democratic convention
Former Rep. Katie Porter, who is running for Golden State governor, said "F--- Trump" during remarks at the California Democratic Party state convention.
4 playoff sleeper teams in 2026 MHSAA boys basketball state tournament
Here are 4 sleeper teams to watch in the playoffs of the 2026 Michigan high school boys basketball state tournament.
Biden, aides project optimism in cancer fight, but some close friends worry
The former president announced last year he has an aggressive form of prostate cancer. He and his aides say he’s doing well and has upcoming public appearances.
Checks and balances aren’t working under Trump, growing majority says
On the eve of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, two-thirds of Americans say the system of checks and balances that divides power between the White House, Congress and the courts is not working well, according to the latest PBS News/NPR/Marist Poll.
Trump’s approval rating with independents hits a new low ahead of the State of the Union
When President Donald Trump gives his State of the Union address Tuesday, he will face a public that increasingly questions his priorities and expresses broad doubts about whether his proposed policies are helping the nation, according to a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS.
Poll: Most say the state of the union is not strong and the U.S. is worse off
Ahead of the State of the Union address on Tuesday, evidence continues to mount that President Trump is facing political headwinds.
Spring Sports, Activities Get Underway
AURORA - Practice for 2026 spring sports and activities may officially begin today for high schools across the state of Colorado.
Wilton Simpson backs Kelly Ann Walker in crowded HD 74 GOP Primary
'His support reflects our common focus on growing Florida’s agricultural economy, standing up for rural communities, and defending the Free State of Florida.'
PBM reforms promise relief for NC’s independent pharmacies
Federal and state actions seek transparency and fair reimbursements from pharmacy benefit managers, as rural communities lose local drugstores.
Democrats decry meager medical care for detainees in funding fight
Fernando Viera Reyes needed a biopsy for possible prostate cancer when the Trump administration sent him to an immigration detention center in California’s Mojave Desert.
No. 4 Arizona travels to face resilient Baylor
After an impressive road victory over No. 2 Houston on Saturday, No. 4 Arizona closes its two-game trek to the Lone Star State against Baylor on Tuesday night in Waco, Texas.
Hicks Commentary: Quality of Life Is a Smart Business Attraction Tool
This column was originally published on the Ball State University Center for Business and Economic Research Weekly Commentary blog. By Michael J. Hicks February 22, 2026 Quality of life matters more to businesses than it does to households. That may seem counterintuitive, but the data are unambiguous and the implications for economic development are profound.
Eye-opening, page-turning librarian documentary does its research
We all have those moments where we wonder, what can I do to help the current state of the world? Especially for college students, it can often feel like we
Omaha bar owner files lawsuit over right to use ‘barbershop’ in business name
An Omaha bar owner has filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the Nebraska Board of Barber Examiners after the state threatened him with fines and possible criminal charges over his business name.
Approved but unfunded study on universal health care in Colorado finds financial support
With the state’s budget gaps, Colorado School of Public Health was $750,000 short, but can now begin its research.
Richard E. Grant discovered his best friend had betrayed him after 29 years of friendship
Why Richard E. Grant immediately cut off a friendship of 29 years, leaving him 'absolutely devastated.'
No. 14 Virginia streaks into clash with NC State
No. 14 Virginia is seeking its longest winning streak since the 2018-19 national championship season when it hosts NC State in Atlantic Coast Conference action Tuesday night in Charlottesville, Va.
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
Trump Administration Ending Humanitarian Aid to Seven African Countries
The State Department will let lifesaving projects expire because “there is no strong nexus between the humanitarian response and U.S. national interests,” according to an internal email.
Rep. Don Hall ends campaign for re-election due to health issues
A local state representative announced Sunday that he is ending his re-election campaign because of health issues.
Food inspectors find moldy carrots, rodent droppings in local businesses
The state Department of Agriculture released the following reports of restaurant, market and school cafeteria inspections conducted in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Schuylkill counties between Feb. 1 and…
Dawkins' 22 help Youngstown State down Northern Kentucky 64-58
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) Bryson Dawkins had 22 points in Youngstown State's 64-58 win against Northern Kentucky on Sunday.