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Kansas governor revels in triumphs, warns against succumbing to 'uncivilized' D.C. politics
Gov. Laura Kelly's final State of the State speech is a call for sustained political civility and investment in education, mental health and water reform.
Kansas governor revels in triumphs, warns against succumbing to 'uncivilized' D.C. politics
Gov. Laura Kelly's final State of the State speech is a call for sustained political civility and investment in education, mental health and water reform.
Transforming Health Care in Iowa
Governor Reynolds' health care investments have made Iowa the top state for health care affordability and one of the top 5 states for best health care system.
Emmy-nominated comedian Ms. Pat brings national tour to Madison
MADISON — Emmy-nominated actress and comedian Ms. Pat will bring her national tour to Madison this week with performances at Comedy on State on Thursday and Friday.
Social Health and Digital Play: A Conversation, Not a Conclusion
Join us for a public webinar on Social Health and Digital Play: A Conversation, Not a Conclusion where we aim to share insights from WHO’s work on social connection; reflect on the current state of the evidence on how video gameplay may interact with social connection, isolation and loneliness, in the context of broader public health implications, including potential benefits and risks of digital play for physical, mental and social health; and identify questions, gaps, and ideas for future research and policy.
Facing $25M request, Oregon lawmakers again propose delaying historic campaign finance law
State officials have less than a year to stand up key provisions of the law.
Supreme Court Signals Support for State Bans on Trans Girls in Sports
The U.S. Supreme Court weighed Idaho and West Virginia laws that bar transgender girls from sports.
There are not enough mental health workers in Texas. What is the state doing about it?
Families and experts tell KSAT, the biggest core issue when it comes to kids mental health is that there are not enough mental health workers. That's especially true in psychiatric hospitals.
Thrive Behavioral Health could owe state $1.3M after audit finds billing issues
Rhode Island is demanding corrective action after an audit found suspicious and possible duplicative billing.
‘Flawed,’ ‘inaccurate,’ ‘biased’: Influential Oregonians say state’s lawyers wrote shoddy explanations for proposed ballot measure
The biggest flaw, they say, is that the draft explanations completely omit the proposed measures' biggest impact: 1.1 million more Oregonians would be able to take part in government funded primary elections for the most important offices.
Takeaways from Supreme Court arguments on transgender athletes
The Supreme Court’s conservative majority indicated Tuesday it is likely to side with two states that have enacted bans on transgender athletes playing on girls’ sports teams, delving into a divisive culture war dispute that could have implications far beyond sports.
Value City Furniture begins going-out-of-business sales. See closures.
Going out of business sales are underway at all Value City Furniture and American Signature Furniture stores across the United States. See where.
Clearwater Central Catholic (Fla.) reveals 2026 high school football schedule
Yes we know, the 2025 high school football season literally just ended, but when it comes to the prep gridiron, it never sleeps around the nation and especially in the state of Florida. One thing that is evident already is teams are getting a head start on putting together and even finalizing their schedules for […]
'Puzzling story': Business leaders talk tariffs, jobs as Trump arrives
Michigan economic and business leaders hit the stage at MotorCity Casino just before the president, offering a mixed view on the state's economy.
On his last day in Senate, Colton Moore’s gun bill advances to governor
The state Senate on Tuesday passed a measure that would ban cities from requiring gun owners to lock their firearms in cars. It was state Sen. Colton Moore's first bill.
Prof. Dorit Reiss Wins National Award for Distinguished Service in Health Law - UC Law San Francisco (Formerly UC Hastings)
Professor Dorit Reiss, who brings legal expertise to public health debates, has received a national award for her lasting contributions to the field as a scholar, policy adviser, and mentor. Faculty Who Lead: Dorit Reiss Professor Dorit Reiss receives the 2026 Distinguished Service Award from the AALS Section on Law, Medicine and Health Care. She is a leading expert on vaccine law, advising policymakers and providing expert analysis to journalists. Reiss mentors future health law scholars and combats misinformation online through evidence-based public education. Professor Dorit Reiss, a leading voice on vaccine law and policy, has won a national award recognizing her contributions to health law. She received the 2026 Distinguished Service Award from the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Section on Law, Medicine and Health Care. Presented at the AALS Annual Meeting in January, the award honors sustained service to public health and the health law academy through advocacy, public education, and mentorship. In presenting the award, Professor Doron Dorfman of Seton Hall Law School, chair-elect of the AALS Section on Law, Medicine and Health Care, described Reiss as “a committed public health advocate who has used her expertise to influence vaccine policy, research, and practice at both the state and federal levels for nearly two decades.” Reiss leads a widely read vaccine law listserv that provides real-time updates on litigation, regulatory developments, advisory committee proceedings, and public comment opportunities. The resource has become an important tool for lawyers, scholars, journalists, and public health professionals tracking fast-moving developments in vaccine policy. Her service extends to policymaking as well. She has supported vaccine-related legislation in California, testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on vaccine mandates and non-medical exemptions, and serves on the Parent Advisory Board of Voices for Vaccines, a parent-led organization focused on reducing vaccine-preventable disease. Dorfman also highlighted Reiss’ active role in robust debates over vaccine safety and related laws and policies. “She directly engages misinformation by responding to anti-vaccination claims on social media with careful, evidence-based rebuttals,” Dorfman said. As federal vaccine policy undergoes significant change, Reiss has become a trusted source for major national news outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN, which regularly seek her expert analysis on new policies and decisions. Dorfman noted that Reiss is widely respected for her mentorship of health law faculty and scholars. “She is consistently generous with her time—approachable, willing to provide feedback, and a mentor to many in the field, including myself,” he said. At UC Law SF, Reiss brings the spirit of public service into the classroom, helping students understand how legal frameworks translate into real-world public health outcomes. She holds the James Edgar Hervey ’50 Chair of Litigation, a position that recognizes faculty excellence in the field of litigation. The Distinguished Service Award highlights her sustained commitment to evidence-based vaccine policy, public education, and mentorship during a pivotal time for public health law.
Supreme Court conservatives signal support for state transgender sports bans during oral arguments
Supreme Court justices debate state bans on transgender female students in women's sports, with both sides invoking contrasting views of 'fairness'.
Everything you need to know about Montana’s rural health windfall
All told, the administration of Gov. Greg Gianforte has said that Montana could receive $1.2 billion in grant money by 2031 if the Trump administration continues to fund the state’s proposed projects at the same level every year. How far will that go toward filling the hole left by Medicaid cuts, and what exactly can the money be used for?
OPINION - Jewish Identity and the Current State of New York City Politics
I had the privilege, some 20 years ago, […]
Fluid gears rotate without teeth, offering new mechanical flexibility
A team of New York University scientists has created a gear mechanism that relies on fluids to generate rotation. The invention holds potential for a new generation of mechanical devices that offer greater ...
KHSAA requests judging review for state cheerleading competition
KHSAA officials are working with judges who oversaw a state cheerleading competition after concerns arose about scoring.
WATCH LIVE: New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy delivers 2026 State of the State address
Boise State Athletics Announces Mental Health Awareness Games - Boise State University Athletics
Winter sport programs to spotlight mental health resources and support
The Metro: Learned helplessness in politics can be unlearned
Dr. Julia Felton, associate professor of psychology at Wayne State University, unpacked learned helplessness in our society today.
Our politics podcast previews legislative session, recaps Chiefs deal
With the Kansas Legislature kicking off its 2026 session, our Chillin' in the Statehouse politics podcast previews what to watch for.
Missouri sportsbook promos: Land close to $3,000 in welcome bonuses with Missouri sports betting promo codes
The best Missouri sportsbook promos are available now that sports betting is legal in the state. Get the latest Missouri sports betting promo codes and claim up to $3,000 in bonuses
UNC Health to lead Campus Health operations
The partnership, announced by Chancellor Lee H. Roberts and Dr. Cristy Page, dean of the UNC School of Medicine and CEO of UNC Health, will strengthen students’ connection with the state’s premier health care system.
Newsom says California wealth tax 'really damaging' as billionaires move money, businesses out of state
California Governor Gavin Newsom warns the proposed wealth tax is "damaging," as billionaires and public figures flee state ahead of its potential 2026 ballot measure.
US supreme court considers state bans on transgender athletes in school sports
Court to hear oral arguments in two cases brought by trans students challenging laws in West Virginia and Idaho, in major LGBTQ+ rights battle
Rubio says US does not know whereabouts of 137 Venezuelans deported under the Alien Enemies Act
The Trump administration does not know the whereabouts of 137 Venezuelans it unlawfully deported last year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, adding that attempting to offer them due process would impact US foreign policy interests in the country.
Live Updates: Transgender Athletes’ Cases Reach Supreme Court
Two cases before the justices on Tuesday could affect laws in 27 states that prohibit transgender girls from joining girls’ and women’s sports teams.
50 must-attend events, concerts, fests in 2026 from Bob Dylan to KPop
From weekend-long food and music festivals, to Grammy Award-winning artist performances, here are 50 events to check out across the Upstate in 2026.
Trump 'immediately' imposes 25% tariffs on countries that do business with Iran, including China
The announcement appears to mean goods from China, a major trading partner of both Iran and the United States, would become significantly more expensive to import.
Trump 'immediately' imposes 25% tariffs on countries that do business with Iran, including China
The announcement appears to mean goods from China, a major trading partner of both Iran and the United States, would become significantly more expensive to import.
Trump 'immediately' imposes 25% tariffs on countries that do business with Iran, including China
The announcement appears to mean goods from China, a major trading partner of both Iran and the United States, would become significantly more expensive to import.
How state policy is quietly crushing Colorado’s small businesses (Opinion)
Supporters of the repeal dismissed the vendor fee as insignificant, claiming it averaged just $60 to $100 per month and insisting that the money belonged to the state anyway. That framing could not…
The biggest global risk in 2026? Eurasia Group points to the U.S.
Eurasia Group founder Ian Bremmer says political instability in the United States now poses a greater global risk than China or Russia.
More young people are getting dangerously hooked on online sports betting
Online sports betting is quickly growing in popularity. It's a huge boon for state revenue, but it's also resulted in more young people struggling with gambling.
Can states ban transgender athletes from school sports? Supreme Court takes up cases
The Supreme Court is set to hear two significant cases regarding state laws that limit transgender athletes' participation in organized sports.
America’s health is improving — but Ohio still lags
A new state-by-state health report card shows that Americans, as a whole, are getting healthier — but Ohio has still some work to do.
Gov. Gordon asks lawmakers not to defund Wyoming Business Council
Some legislators are questioning the role and necessity of the state's top economic development shop ahead of the budget session.
US Supreme Court hears challenge to transgender sports bans
The U.S. Supreme Court will consider on Tuesday the legality of laws banning transgender athletes from participating on female sports teams amid escalating efforts by dozens of states and Republican President Donald Trump's administration to restrict the rights of transgender people.
FIRST ON amNY | Hochul to expand NYC subway mental health teams, add platform barriers to more stations
Gov. Kathy Hochul is set to provide additional support for increased subway security through an announcement in her State of the State address on Tuesday,
RFK Jr.’s MAHA Movement Has Picked Up Steam in Statehouses. Here’s What To Expect in 2026.
“Make America Healthy Again” policies driven by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have made major strides in state legislatures, with food additives among the most common targets. The trend is expected to continue this year.
Supreme Court weighs state restrictions on transgender student-athletes
The conservative-majority court hears arguments on challenges to laws in West Virginia and Idaho that bar transgender students from participating in girls' or women's sports.
A conservative Supreme Court tackles the question of trans women in school sports
The first case involves an Idaho student barred by state law from trying out for the track team; the second was brought by a West Virginia middle schooler barred by state law from competing.
Md. attorney general says state wins most appeals on denied health care claims, too many give up
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said a unit within his office has recovered or saved consumers $2.6 million by challenging denied health care claims.
What to expect in Hochul's State of the State address on Tuesday
The governor has spent the opening days of 2026 teasing some of her proposals, while others have made their way into the open through the media.
Court says Trump admin illegally blocked energy grants to states
The grants supported hundreds of clean energy projects in 16 states, including battery plants, hydrogen technology projects and more.
Supreme Court weighs states' power to set sex-based rules in school sports
Supreme Court hears oral arguments Tuesday in cases that could determine whether states can ban transgender athletes from girls' and women's sports teams.
Washington Business Journals Names Brian Ferdinand as a 2026 Projected Breakout Trader
Washington, DC, Jan. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Washington Business Journals has named Brian Ferdinand as one of its 2026 Projected Breakout Traders, recognizing his disciplined approach to markets, long-term vision, and evolving leadership in modern trading. The designation reflects Ferdinand’s professional journey across finance, real estate, and hospitality, as well as his recent return to markets with a refined philosophy centered on precision, clarity, and durability. Rather than chasing
50 Cent’s G-Unit finalizes agreement with state for entertainment redevelopment in Shreveport
G-Unit Film & Television Louisiana has now finalized plans to invest more than $124 million in a multi-phase plan to develop three entertainment venues in northwest Louisiana.
New liquor rules reshape N.Y. nightlife and businesses
New liquor rules will let more venues across the state serve drinks and give bars extra flexibility, while regulators stress safety.
Analysis: Trump’s marathon New York Times interview, annotated
There were multiple headlines out of President Donald Trump’s marathon — more than two hours — interview to The New York Times last week.
Recent $11 Million Grant to Broad Metro Highlights Economic Partnerships Between Business and State, Federal Government - Alabama Department of Labor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 12, 2026 Recent $11 Million Grant to Broad Metro Highlights Economic Partnerships Between Business and State, Federal Government Hoover, Alabama – A recent grant in the amount of $11,751,607.34 in federal Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program funding that was awarded for two innovative projects in Hoover, Alabama—Broad […]
Trump says countries doing business with Iran face 25% tariff
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that any country that does business with Iran will be subjected to a tariff rate of 25% on any business conducted with the United States.
Trump Says Countries Doing Business With Iran Face 25% Tariff
WASHINGTON, Jan 12 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that any country that does business with Iran will be subjected to a tariff rate of 25% on any business conducted with the United States. "Effective immediately, any Country doing business with the Islamic ...
Luis Sepúlveda named chair of state Senate Judiciary Committee
Sepúlveda, who represents the 32nd Senate District in the Bronx, becomes the first Latino to hold the position.
Hargett issues new warning about third-party solicitors targeting business renewals
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett issued a new warning today about unaffiliated mail and email solicitations involving annual business reports on the rise.
Trump is pledging to ‘rescue’ protesters in Iran. He has a selective view of the sanctity of protests.
President Donald Trump billed strikes on Venezuela earlier this month as being about drugs, gangs invading the United States and law enforcement – i.e. arresting indicted leader Nicolás Maduro. But of late, he seems conspicuously preoccupied with the country’s oil wealth.
LISTEN LIVE: Supreme Court considers whether states can ban transgender students from sports
Zohran Mamdani taps ex-councilman Rafael Espinal as NYC's...
Rafael Espinal, 41, a former Brooklyn city councilmember and state assemblyman, was appointed by the young socialist mayor on Monday to be the next commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Media and...
San Francisco mayor announces bill for court-ordered mental health treatment
State and San Francisco leaders moved the needle on the mental health crisis plaguing parts of the city. Ginger Conejero Saab reports.
AI Pushback: Governments Eye Action on Political Ads, Deepfakes
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul wants to ban AI-generated images from state politics. Canada may restrict “deepfakes” after the uproar over Grok “undressing” photos. New Jersey restricts phone use in schools. Vermont beer-makers are struggling. As we mention here regularly, Decision Points primarily ...
NY governor eyes tech to curb underage betting
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is expected to direct the state's gaming commission to explore technology, such as facial recognition and thumbprint scanners, to prevent anyone under 21 from creating sports betting accounts.
WATCH LIVE: Idaho Gov. Brad Little delivers 2026 State of the State address
Montana State business professor publishes research on social media and customer service agents
The paper was published in Production and Operations Management in December 2025.
Chase Business Loans Review 2026
Chase small-business loans include term loans, business lines of credit, commercial real estate loans and Small Business Administration loans.
National Science Foundation renews Montana State program offering hands-on research experience to elementary schoolteachers
The RET Engineering program will bring to MSU for six weeks at least eight elementary school teachers from rural communities throughout Montana, including tribal reservations.
North Dakota leaders tout plan to secure continued Rural Health Transformation funding
Sen. John Hoeven said the goal is for the state to secure $1 billion in funding by the end of the federal program.
Long-running touring show gets modern update as ‘Greatest Party on Earth’
Tour dates include multiple shows in Upstate New York.
Bay State business outlook remains gloomy entering new year
Mass. companies cite escalating costs as their top concern, overshadowing otherwise resilient economic activity.
Nearly 15,000 nurses go on strike at several NYC hospitals
The New York State Nurses Association said it launched the strike at several hospitals.
Inside Democrats’ Brewing Debate Over Which States Should Vote First in 2028
Does Iowa deserve another shot? Is South Carolina too red? New Hampshire too white? Nevada too far-flung? Democrats are starting their calendar from scratch, and there’s a lot to consider.
Oregon ranks 19th in national health report
A state-by-state health report card, out today from the United Health Foundation, puts Oregon at No. 19 in the nation.
Seattle’s appetite for new property taxes approaching its legal limit
State law limits Seattle’s ability to add new property taxes, even those approved by voters. Now, new priorities and bigger levies than ever before are competing.
Fubara impeachment update: Wike-Fubara fight increase political crisis in Rivers state
Di changing political climate and tensions dey raise concerns and analyst say a timely intervention don reach to make actors lower dia swords.
Louisiana is least healthy state, United Health Foundation report says
Louisiana ranked dead last in a new state-by-state health report card out last week from the United Health Foundation.
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist ends bid for governor to run for secretary of state
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II is likely to become the biggest name either party has in the race to be Michigan's top election official.
A new crystal makes magnetism twist in surprising ways
Florida State University scientists have engineered a new crystal that forces atomic magnets to swirl into complex, repeating patterns. The effect comes from mixing two nearly identical compounds whose mismatched structures create magnetic tension at the atomic level. These swirling “skyrmion-like” textures are prized for their low-energy behavior and stability. The discovery could help drive advances in data storage, energy-efficient electronics, and quantum computing.
Student health survey to launch on Jan. 19
Penn State will administer the National College Health Assessment beginning Jan. 19, inviting randomly selected University Park students to share information about their health behaviors through an online survey.
4 key takeaways from Gavin Newsom's 2026 budget proposal
Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced the upcoming state budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Cali Moving and Storage Opens in Carlsbad to Support Local Residents and Businesses
SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES, January 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Cali Moving and Storage, a professional moving
New to state politics or need a refresher? Here’s our Idaho legislative session 101 guidebook.
The workings in the Idaho Capitol may seem confusing or removed from everyday life, but decisions made there have a real impact on Idahoans.
The Battle Over House Maps Spills Into 2026, Where an X-Factor Awaits
As the race to gerrymander House districts narrows to a few states, Democrats are trying to go on offense. But a Supreme Court ruling could give Republicans a major edge.
Sports stadium deals hand ever more taxpayer money to billionaires
Two recent stadium deals have set separate records for taxpayer giveaways to sports teams. They serve as further evidence that public officials are uninterested in curbing subsidies for billionaire team owners, despite decades of research suggesting stadiums are a wasteful use of limited tax dollars.
Minnesota state legislators go to rural communities to better understand healthcare needs
Rural Minnesotans face rising health care costs and clinic closures. Lawmakers are holding listening sessions to hear residents’ challenges and explore solutions.
Tech secretary to make statement over X’s sexualised AI images
Liz Kendall had previously said that Ofcom must act ‘in days, not weeks’ after Grok merely made picture service available to paid subscribers
Britain's JD Sports launches AI commerce in key US market
British sportswear retailer JD Sports Fashion said on Monday customers in the United States, its largest market, will be able to use AI platforms to search for and purchase its products.
SCOTUS, let states do what's right: Defend women in sports
Supreme Court will hear West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox, which raise questions about Title IX and equal protection under the Constitution.
BoA Parts Ways With SM Entertainment After 25 Years
Singer BoA is concluding her 25-year journey with her agency SM Entertainment. On January 12, SM Entertainment issued an official statement announcing, “After extensive and in-depth discussions with BoA, we have agreed to conclude our 25-year partnership as of December 31, 2025.” Read the full statement below: Hello, this is SM Entertainment. First, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Jumping BoA (BoA's official fan club) and everyone who has always loved and supported artist BoA. After extensive and in-depth discussions with BoA, we have agreed to conclude our 25-year journey together as of December 31, 2025. Debuting in 2000 at the age of 13, BoA has, now past the 25th anniversary of her debut, been beloved by global music fans as an “icon of global expansion” who pioneered the Korean Wave across Asia and as the “Star of Asia,” and she has become a role model for countless junior artists driving the K-pop boom. As a trailblazer and pioneer, BoA’s journey has shone thanks to her relentless effort and passion, leaving brilliant achievements and unparalleled records. From her extraordinary debut that wrote a new chapter in Korean popular music history to her present growth as a No.1 artist and producer, we remember every moment, and it has been a true honor for our company to walk alongside her every step of the way. For 25 years, BoA has been, without question, the pride, joy, and symbol of SM. Although our exclusive contract is coming to an end, we will continue to support BoA as she fully demonstrates her capabilities in the new activities and challenges ahead, and we hope she will shine even brighter as the “Star of Asia.” We ask for your continued love and support for BoA as she embarks on this new chapter. We also support the future of Kwon BoA the person, beyond the artist, and sincerely wish her happiness. Thank you. The agency also released a tribute video commemorating BoA's 25-year long journey with SM. Watch the full video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjLQFtT3dCk Following the announcement, BoA took to her Instagram to share her feelings as below: Having given and received without holding back, I leave without regrets.I’m grateful for the time we shared and will continue to support the ever-shining SM Entertainment. Thank you. https://www.instagram.com/p/DTZxmAeEk6f/?img_index=1 Wishing BoA all the best on her new journey! Source (1)
Trump joins Dems’ assault on rural Colorado
Ruling Colorado Democrats have assaulted rural Colorado for the past seven years under Gov. Jared Polis and the Democratic socialists who drive their massive legislative majorities. They are destroying mining and oil-and-gas jobs while imposing wolves on Colorado ranchers and communities. The First Gentleman tried to appoint a blatantly anti-livestock production activist onto the state veterinary […]
Integration of armed factions remains one of Syria’s biggest challenges
It is also at the centre of the post-war state building project.
Warriors' kryptonite, dire need for roster changes before NBA trade deadline exposed by Hawks
While the Warriors have been surging over the last few weeks, they ran into an Atlanta Hawks team that is everything Golden State isn't.
Opinion - Richard Nelson: Raising state's sports gambling age to 21 should be a 'no-brainer'
Sports gambling has gone mainstream, sweeping the country. Today, 39 states have legalized it, including Kentucky. Unlike most states, Kentucky allows 18-year-olds to gamble on sporting events — 32 of the 39 states set the minimum age at 21. Perhaps the state legislature overlooked this detail when mainstreaming sports gambling in 2023. But considering the...
Business briefs, Jan. 12
CMS expands ‘enhanced oversight’ to hospice providers in 2 new states … New rule allows early withdrawal from 401(k) funds without penalty to pay for long-term care … MA options, providers shrinking in 2026
Tomorrow's Top 25 college basketball rankings prediction: Iowa State moves up
Iowa State and UConn stand to benefit from Michigan's first loss of the season in Monday's AP poll
Western Pacific Region achieves milestone: 19 countries complete comprehensive health information system assessments
The Health Information and Digital Health (HID) unit in the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific has successfully supported 19 countries, covering 99% of the Region’s population, to conduct comprehensive health information system (HIS) assessments, surpassing the regional target of 15 set for 2025 and advancing efforts toward universal health coverage. Using SCORE, a technical package of essential interventions, recommended actions, tool and resources developed by WHO and partners to address challenges in meeting HIS needs, these assessments systematically assess health data availability and quality, enabling countries to monitor trends, identify and respond to emerging health challenges, and improve policies and programmes for healthier families, communities and societies. The first round of SCORE assessments were conducted between 2019-2021 in 14 countries in the Region and over 130 countries globally. The second round of SCORE assessments were conducted between 2024-2025.SCORE assessments are a key priority identified by Member States and WHO at all levels, including within WHO-Country/Multi-Country Cooperation Strategies, the Regional Vision Weaving Health for Families, Communities and Societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025–2029), and the WHO Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 14, 2025–2028). Within the Regional Vision, implementing SCORE assessments is a key action for technology and innovation to advance health equity (strand 5).The SCORE for Health Data technical package is based on five key interventions, represented by the acronym SCORE. Interventions S, C and O focus on strengthening core data sources. Survey (S) covers population-based health surveys, surveillance systems and censuses, including their capacity to monitor health-related SDGs. Count (C) focuses on birth, death and cause of death registration as parts of a functional CRVS system. Optimize (O) addresses routine health service data and key health service inputs such as health financing and health workforce.Interventions R and E focus on data use for action. Review (R) examines regular analytical reviews of health sector progress and performance, together with national analytical capacity. Enable (E) looks at the policy, governance, and digital foundations needed to support effective data use.The Western Pacific Region shows relatively strong performance in the Review (R) and Count (C) interventions. Most countries in the Region demonstrate good analytical reporting and institutional capacity for analysis and learning. More than two-thirds of countries show more mature CRVS systems, driven by improvements in birth and death registration. However, medical certification of cause-of-death remains a key gap, with limited or low coverage in over half of countries in the Region.Performance under the Survey (S) intervention is mixed. While surveillance systems are generally strong, several countries in the Region continue to face challenges in implementing their surveys and censuses. Monitoring health-related SDGs is still a challenge for more than a third of countries in the Region.The greatest challenges are observed in the Optimize (O) and Enable (E) interventions. More than half of countries have lower maturity levels in routine health service and resource systems. Two-thirds of countries also face challenges with effective use of data and evidence for policy and action, largely due to gaps in digital infrastructure, governance and legislation for health data systems, and especially in data and sharing.  As part of the SCORE methodology, multi-stakeholder consultations and validation workshops were conducted in many countries to review findings and plan strategies for HIS strengthening. The HID unit continues to provide targeted support to facilitate dialogue and assist countries in developing HIS improvement plans. These plans guide governments and partners to align investments and coordinate efforts for maximum impact.WHO also assists countries with tailored technical support to address key gaps as requested by countries/national health authorities. SCORE assessments should be conducted periodically to monitor progress in HIS strengthening, although progress across addressing gaps identified in SCORE should be continually tracked as countries implement improvements.Additional countries will be supported to implement SCORE in 2026. The Regional Vision delivery-for-impact target, endorsed by Member States, is for all countries and areas to have implemented SCORE assessments and have an increased SCORE index by 2029 while WHO is aiming for 80% of Member States in the Region to conduct round two assessments. Countries yet to complete assessments are therefore encouraged to contact the HID unit at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific for tailored support.The implementation of SCORE HIS assessments in the Western Pacific Region was supported by The Gates Family Foundation.
Codey, former governor who spent decades in NJ politics, dies at 79
Serving 50 years in NJ politics, Codey was the state’s longest-serving legislator
Apple launching 'revamped' Health app later this year with these four upgrades
Over the past year or so, we’ve heard a plethora of Health app related rumors. Tim Cook has stated that...