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Politics in a Parallel Universe: Iraq’s Leadership Crisis and the Iran War
The Iraqi government and the leaders of the country’s ruling political factions have every reason for alarm. The US–Israeli war on Iran—and its profound consequences for Iraq’s security, political stability, and economy—has produced a national crisis. Yet in Baghdad, political debate is still fixated on who will occupy which positions, what authority and resources they will control, and how to […]
US will deny visas to applicants who say they fear persecution at home
Applicants for visas to the United States will now have to affirm that they do not fear persecution in their home countries as the Trump administration seeks to further restrict potential asylum seeks from entering the country.
Supreme Court ruling will reshape American politics. The only question is when
The U.S. Supreme Court's conservative majority on Wednesday handed Republicans their biggest victory yet in the perpetual battle to control the House of Representatives and statehouses across the country — but it may have come too late to have much of an effect on this year's midterm elections.
Supreme Court ruling is set to reshape American politics
The U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority has handed Republicans their biggest victory yet in the battle to control the House of Representatives and statehouses across the country.
Dollywood surprises on this year’s 10BEST lists for theme parks
Dollywood is No. 1 to us, but where does it rank among other top theme parks in the country? The answer in one category for 2026 is rather shocking.
HACC reverses course, will continue sports programs for next school year
HACC has reversed course on previously announced sports cutbacks, restoring several programs through the next academic year. On Wednesday, the Harrisburg-based community college stated that it will continue men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball through the 2026-27 school year. Last week, HACC stated that it […]
Country music star Blake Shelton announces newest Ole Red restaurant, music venue to open in Indianapolis
Supreme Court rules Louisiana’s Congressional maps are ‘unconstitutional racial gerrymander’
The ruling will have huge implications for elections not just in Louisiana but across the country.
CBC's Barb Williams to Keynote THR Women in Entertainment Canada
The veteran broadcast exec wrapped a 40-year career by retiring from the CBC, the country’s public broadcaster.
2026 Iowa State Fair Free Entertainment Announced
The Iowa State Fair is the largest event in Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Learn more.
UT Austin Computer Scientist Elected to National Academy of Sciences
Scott Aaronson, a renowned quantum computing expert, joins the country’s most prestigious scientific organization.
Amid financial struggles, COSI reaches beyond its walls
COSI is kicking off a 20-city, two-year program that will bring hands-on learning to students across the country.
Nadiyah Byard, A Two Sport Standout
Augusta, Ga. - Most collegiate student-athletes grew up playing multiple sports. Many times it wouldn't be until late in their high school career they decided which sport to focus all their attention to. In college, other than runners in cross country and track, very few do more than one sport. For Augusta University's Nadiyah Byard, she not only competed in basketball for the Jaguars, but is focusing on the high jump for the Jaguars.
Smokey Bones abruptly closes locations as NY closure sparks wave of surprise shutdowns
The BBQ chain abruptly shut down its Colonie, NY location on April 28, part of a fast-moving wave of closures sweeping across the country after its parent company FAT Brands Inc. filed for bankruptcy...
Lone Star Politics: April 26, 2026
The Dallas Police Department found themselves in the cross hairs of Governor Greg Abbott. We hear about how the rank-and-file were caught in this debate. Plus, Gerrymanders across the country shake up the map, we explore what happens next.
Australia becomes the 30th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Australia for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, marking a significant milestone in the health of indigenous peoples and in global efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Trachoma, the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, no longer represents a public health problem in the country.Australia is among a growing number of countries that have successfully eliminated trachoma, contributing to global progress towards the targets set out in the WHO road map for NTDs 2021–2030.Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, and flies that carry eye and nose discharge. Repeated infections can lead to scarring of the eyelids, turning eyelashes inward, and ultimately causing blindness if untreated.“WHO congratulates Australia on this important achievement,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This success reflects sustained commitment, strong partnerships, and a focus on reaching populations most affected by health inequities. It brings us closer to a world free from the suffering caused by trachoma.”Australia’s journey to eliminationAustralia’s achievement reflects decades of targeted public health action, particularly in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, where trachoma persisted despite its earlier disappearance from the rest of the country.National efforts intensified with the establishment of the National Trachoma Management Programme in 2006, which implemented the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy: surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics to treat infection, promotion of facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement. Regular screening of all communities classified as at-risk of trachoma by teams of qualified health workers formed an important part of the Programme. Interventions were delivered through coordinated partnerships between federal and state governments, Aboriginal community-controlled health services, and local communities.Over time, sustained screening, treatment, and prevention activities, including improvements in housing, water, sanitation and hygiene, led to a steady decline in trachoma prevalence. Australia’s approach included adaptations to reflect its context, such as targeted treatment based on community-level data rather than mass drug administration, and strong integration with environmental health programmes.“Elimination of trachoma is a win for the eye health of communities across Australia, particularly those whose lives have been impacted by a disease that is entirely preventable,” said Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Ageing, Australia. “This major milestone is thanks to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, community commitment and sustained investment over many decades.“The lessons from this work will inform how we approach other preventable health conditions in remote and regional Australia. Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and local health workers have been central to this success, delivering culturally safe care and community-led solutions.”“This recognition from the World Health Organization reflects decades of work led by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, alongside local health workers in remote First Nations communities,” said Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians. “Their work has been critical to eliminating trachoma as a public health problem in Australia.”Advancing global efforts against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)Trachoma is one of 21 diseases and disease groups that are regarded by WHO as NTDs. Together, NTDs affect more than 1 billion people worldwide, primarily in underserved populations with limited access to essential services such as clean water, sanitation, and health care.Australia’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem highlights the importance of sustained political commitment and cross-sectoral collaboration in addressing the underlying determinants of health. It also underscores the feasibility of eliminating trachoma even in geographically challenging settings.In addition to trachoma, Australia has several endemic NTDs, including Buruli ulcer, leprosy and scabies. Validation of elimination of trachoma as a public health problem marks the first time that WHO has confirmed the elimination of an NTD in Australia, which becomes the 63rd country globally and 16th in the Western Pacific Region to have eliminated at least one NTD.“Tackling neglected tropical diseases in the Western Pacific Region has long been a challenge for countries across the socioeconomic spectrum, given the complexities in reaching the most vulnerable communities, including in remote areas,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “As a doctor from Tonga, I’ve experienced these challenges for myself. But I also know that with strategic commitment underpinned by optimal resources and partnerships in health, success is possible as other countries in our region have also demonstrated. I commend Australia on eliminating trachoma as a public health problem and urge all involved to remain vigilant to ensure this status is maintained.”WHO continues to support countries working to eliminate trachoma and other NTDs, ensuring that progress reaches those most in need and that gains are sustained through strong surveillance, appropriately integrated into national health systems, and mainstreamed within the wider health sector and beyond.Editor’s notesNeglected tropical diseases and trachoma elimination effortsNeglected tropical diseases are associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences. Their burden is mainly felt among impoverished communities in tropical areas.Public health targets for the control, elimination and eradication of these conditions were set in the road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030 (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240010352).In 1996, WHO launched the WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020 (GET2020), creating a network of governments, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions dedicated to the fight against trachoma. WHO continues to support endemic countries to accelerate progress towards the global target of eliminating trachoma as a public health problem worldwide; 2030 is the new target date.Elimination of trachoma as a public health problem is defined as: (i) a prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) “unknown to the health system” of < 0.2% in ≥15-year-olds; and (ii) a prevalence of trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) in children aged 1–9 years of < 5%, in each formerly endemic district, plus (iii) the existence of a system to identify and manage incident cases of TT.Other countries validated by WHO as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem are: Algeria, Benin, Burundi, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Islamic Republic of Iran, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Togo, Vanuatu and Viet Nam.
Australia becomes the 30th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Australia for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, marking a significant milestone in the health of indigenous peoples and in global efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Trachoma, the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, no longer represents a public health problem in the country.
Meet the Hack Law Professor Trying to Destroy the Fourteenth Amendment
You might not know his name, but you’ll certainly hate what he’s trying to do to our country.
Diane Martin’s Women In Health Spotlights 22 Leading Female Healthcare Executives
Diane Martin's latest book, Women in Health gathers 22 senior female healthcare executives from across the country spotlighting their work in innovation, community and leadership.
Zach Bryan fires back at enraged fans over shortened concert with three-word response
Country star Zach Bryan fires back at upset fans with "Karen" comments after lightning forces him to cut his Nebraska concert short on tour.
Romania Finance Chief Urges Continued Reforms to Avert Junk Risk
Romania’s finance minister warned that the current political turmoil is increasing funding costs and may raise the risk of the country losing its investment grade credit score.
Jake Worthington
The Iowa State Fair is the largest event in Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Learn more.
Eli Young Band
The Iowa State Fair is the largest event in Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Learn more.
Tonic Sol-fa
The Iowa State Fair is the largest event in Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Learn more.
Straight ‘F’s: Philadelphia region’s air quality ranking worsens in annual lung health report
The American Lung Association says the Philly area is among the worst in the country for levels of a pollutant that can cause lung and heart issues.
GOP candidates revive anti-Islam attacks as midterms approach
Republican lawmakers and candidates across the country have escalated their anti-Islam rhetoric in recent months, warning their constituents that Islamic law could gain a foothold in the United States.
Radiation oncologists converge on Capitol Hill to push for payment reform
American Society for Radiation Oncology members from across the country took part in ASTRO’s annual advocacy day on April 27.
UNICEF warns Afghanistan could lose up to 25,000 female health workers, teachers
Afghanistan is at risk of losing more than 25,000 female teachers and health workers by 2030 if the Taliban-led country's restrictions on girls' education and women's employment are not lifted, according to a new UNICEF report released on Monday.
Afghanistan risks losing 25,000 women teachers and health workers
Restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment in Afghanistan could leave the country with a deficit of over 25,000 female teachers and health workers by 2030, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned on Tuesday.
Tyler Halverson
The Iowa State Fair is the largest event in Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Learn more.
South Carolina's measles outbreak is over. But more are brewing around the country
The virus infected nearly 1,000 people in the state before the state declared it over. Meanwhile, cases are spreading across many parts of the U.S., with more than 20 outbreaks currently active.
Trump’s hypocritical crusade about violent rhetoric — and the country’s emerging split reality
A month ago, President Donald Trump unabashedly celebrated the death of former FBI Director Robert Mueller. “Good, I’m glad he’s dead,” Trump said. “He can no longer hurt innocent people!”
The best, boldest and most 'wait, what?' Stagecoach outfits, from Sydney Sweeney’s corset to Brittany and Patrick Mahomes' coordinated country-chic
From Sydney Sweeney's lingerie saloon moment to Post Malone's quadruple denim ensemble, the best Stagecoach looks went beyond the basics.
White House condemns 'political violence' after correspondents' dinner shooting
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt began a press briefing by thanking the law enforcement response to the White House Correspondents' Association dinner and condemning "political violence" and rising rhetoric in the country.
‘This country needs to bring peace to its politics’: Gov. Pritzker condemns rise in political violence after WHCD shooting
Reauthorizing the Small Business Innovation Research Program Isn’t Enough | The Foundation for American Innovation
In late February, after a five-month stalemate, the US Senate reached a compromise on reauthorizing funding for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, one of the country’s most important innovation pipelines. The House followed up on the S
New No. 1 leads college football too-early Top 26 after spring practice
Spring practice is wrapping up for college football teams across the country. It's time to revisit our too-early Top 25 rankings ahead of the season.
Grievance Propelled Gala Attack Suspect Across Country, Authorities Say
A man who has worked as a tutor and graduated from the California Institute of Technology is being held by authorities in connection with the armed attack at the White House correspondents’ dinner.
'First step of healing': Native Americans at Harvard bring ancient sport of stickball to campus
The Native American sport, in which players use two sticks to carry and toss a small ball, is considered one of the oldest team sports in the country. For those getting together to play on Harvard's campus, it's a connection to their ancestry.
Why Ohio's 1st District features 2 'actual' primaries this year
In one of the country's competitive congressional districts, Democratic voters seem torn and Republican voters face a field of political newcomers.
Sunday Sports: Red & Black returning, plus college lacrosse and softball
Here’s a recap of your North Country sports this Sunday.
Aamir Khan tears up watching Junaid Khan's acting, praises Sai Pallavi at Ek Din event: 'Best actress in our country today'
Aamir Khan was seen getting emotional at a special event for his upcoming production Ek Din in the city on Sunday. The actor attended the event along .
📋 Palmeiras named to try to keep their lead at the top
Bragantino and Palmeiras have announced their lineups for this Sunday’s (26) Brasileirão match.The match takes place at the Cícero de Souza Marques stadium, in the São Paulo countryside, and is v...
Mali’s Defence Minister Sadio Camara killed amid coordinated attacks
Camara's house in the garrison town of Kati came under attack amid simultaneous attacks across the West African country.
Move over Jelly Roll, another country star signs with WWE: ‘I’m a HUGE wrestling fan’
The WWE is starting to make it a habit to do business with country music stars.
CT hospital’s $950M tower is a whopper, ‘most advanced’ in nation. What it will look like and when.
The hospital tower will be double the height of the next tallest building on the 70-acre campus: …”the most advanced, most sophisticated hospital building anywhere in the country.”
German manufacturer to close Illinois plant and move production overseas
The manufacturer is closing its Illinois plant, and the work is moving out of the country.
Algeria eliminates trachoma as a public health problem
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports validating Algeria as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. This makes Algeria the 29th country globally to achieve this significant milestone. "Algeria’s elimination of trachoma is a historic triumph that connects the past, present, and future of public health, and is rooted in a century-long commitment," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "This milestone proves that with sustained political will and on-the-ground leadership from committed health professionals, we can eliminate neglected tropical diseases and build a healthier, more resilient future for all." For decades, Algeria implemented the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy to eliminate trachoma. These activities included provision of surgery to treat the late blinding stage of the disease (“trachomatous trichiasis”, TT), conducting mass administration of antibiotic treatment, carrying out public awareness campaigns to promote facial cleanliness and personal hygiene as well as improvement in access to water supply and sanitation. Trachoma is the first neglected tropical disease to be eliminated in Algeria. Trachoma is a disease of the eye caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is a public health problem in 30 countries and is responsible for the blindness or visual impairment of about 1.9 million people. Blindness from trachoma is difficult to reverse. Based on November 2025 data, 97 million people live in trachoma endemic areas and are at risk of trachoma blindness. Infection spreads through personal contact (via hands, clothes, bedding or hard surfaces) and by flies that have been in contact with discharge from the eyes or nose of an infected person. With repeated episodes of infection over many years, the eyelashes may be drawn in so that they rub on the surface of the eye. This causes pain and may permanently damage the cornea. In 2024, 87,349 people received surgical treatment for advanced stage of the disease, and 44.4 million people were treated with antibiotics. Global antibiotic coverage in 2024 was 39%. Outbreak News Today is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
Broncos draft grades Reacts survey: Grading the full 2026 class
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Seahawks fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. The 2026 Draft has come to a close, and the Broncos have added some key players […]
Stagecoach returns to the desert, driving local business and blending genres
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) - Stagecoach is back in the Coachella Valley, bringing thousands of country music fans to the desert and delivering a major boost to local businesses. From hotels and restaurants to pop-up bars and local shops, the festival is one of the region’s biggest economic drivers. Business owners say the busy weekend can
Massive Oracle data center in Michigan secures $16 billion in funding
The Saline, Michigan campus is huge. It will generate 1 gigawatt of electricity, making it one of the largest data centers in the country.
Saturday Sports: North Country lacrosse and baseball action
Here’s a recap of your North Country sports this Saturday.
U.S. doctors warn of a potentially bad year for tick-borne diseases
Tick season seems to be off to a fast start, with an unusually high number of bites already reported across the country.
Can American Politics Ever Be ‘Normal’ Again, AFTER Trump?
As far as Donald Trump has fallen, says former Republican focus group maestro Sarah Longwell of The Bulwark, he needs to fall further before the country can decisively move forward. Can Democrats make it happen, or even Trump himself? Longwell joins Zeteo’s John Harwood for a live conversation on Substack to break it all down. Subscribe Watch the full video above …
Alabama lands five-star prospect Elijah Haven: No. 1 QB in 2027 class commits to Crimson Tide over Georgia
The Crimson Tide landed the best QB prospect in the country on Saturday
As state, Maui Health decide future of damaged Kula Hospital, another long-term care facility nears capacity
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green said the options for the damaged Upcountry hospital could include a mobile unit designed for disasters or a temporary modular clinic like the one Kaiser built in Lahaina after the 2023 wildfires.
How unexpected pregnancy reshaped my van life and tiny house journey
We set out in our camper van in hopes of finding a place in the country to settle down long-term. Our timeline was sped up when I got pregnant.
In Wine Country, Sales Are Down and Fraud is Rampant
The industry’s murky supply chain has long attracted scammers and con artists. In the words of one expert, “Wine and fraud go hand in hand.”
From Coffee Kiosk To Billion-Dollar Business: How Scooter’s Became One Of America’s Top Franchises
Don and Linda Eckles founded the drive-through coffee chain in a suburb of Omaha, Nebraska three decades ago. It’s now one of the fastest-growing coffee brands in the country and it still doesn’t have a single location in the Northeast or on the West Coast.
Indian Health Service Announces New Round of Water Infrastructure Funding
The Indian Health Service (IHS) announced on Tuesday it will allocate $700 million in fiscal year 2026 funding to support drinking water and sanitation projects across Indian Country, marking a major step in addressing long-standing infrastructure gaps in Tribal communities. The funding comes through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which provides a total of […]
Driving systems-level change through health education - UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
April 24, 2026 Second-year MPH student Claire Siebert's summer practicum gave her an opportunity make a systemic impact on the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), where she designed a syphilis education program for incarcerated adults that is now woven into federal correctional facilities across the country.
Gallia County Fair announces 2026 entertainment lineup
GALLIPOLIS, Ohio — Organizers have announced the full entertainment lineup for the 2026 Gallia County Junior Fair, bringing a mix of contemporary Christian, gospel and country music acts to the
Choice lifestyle: Family business flourishes in tough love for backcountry skiing
Grace Yancey might someday write a book about her childhood winters – the igloo playhouse, a breezy three-sided latrine and visitors from around the world at her Little House in the Purcells.
Great Balloon Rush-Hour Race reroutes, lands on school's sports field
Some students at Kentucky Country Day got a balloon surprise today!
Buenos Aires archbishop laments political bickering at Mass for Pope Francis
Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva of Buenos Aires rebuked the country's political class for ignoring Pope Francis' magisterium on unity by bickering among themselves at a Mass celebrated on the anniversary of the late pope's passing.
Connecting Kids to Nationwide’s Business on National Bring A Child to Work Day
On National Bring A Child to Work Day, Nationwide welcomed more than 1,600 children to its campuses across the country to give Nationwide employees’ children and grandchildren a glimpse into what working at Nationwide is like.This year’s event was hosted at six Nationwide locations and virtually, supported by more than 250 employee volunteer...
Bremerton's Anderson named among country's top small business leaders
The third-generation owner of a downtown Bremerton engineering firm was named Washington state's small business leader of the year.
German Business Outlook at Worst Since 2023 as War Hits ‘Hard’
Germany’s business outlook deteriorated more than expected, adding to fears that higher energy costs stemming from the Iran conflict will derail the country’s economic revival.
The nation’s cartoonists on the week in politics
Every week political cartoonists throughout the country and across the political spectrum apply their ink-stained skills to capture the foibles, memes, hypocrisies and other head-slapping events in the world of politics. The fruits of these labors are hundreds of cartoons that entertain and enrage readers of all political stripes. Here's an offering of the best of this week's crop, picked fresh off the Toonosphere. Edited by Matt Wuerker.
Largest catch-up initiative delivers over 100 million childhood vaccinations
The Big Catch-Up (BCU), a historic multi-year, multi-country effort to address vaccination declines driven largely by the COVID-19 pandemic, has reached an estimated 18.3 million children aged 1 to 5 across 36 countries with more than 100 million doses of life-saving vaccines, helping to narrow critical immunity gaps, announced Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), WHO, and UNICEF at the start of World Immunization Week.
HACC eliminates several sports teams, positions as college continues to navigate budget cuts
HACC coaches and student athletes were informed Thursday that the college will eliminate its basketball, cross country, soccer and volleyball sport programs this fall. “This decision was not made lightly. It reflects both financial realities and the strategic efforts to better align our offerings with long-term student engagement and institutional sustainability,” HACC announced. According to […]
Weekend Entertainment | Jo Dee Messina Is Back
Country music veteran Jo Dee Messina hasn’t released a full-length studio album in a dozen years, but that’s about to change.
Italy replacing Iran at World Cup 'not appropriate' - sports minister
Italy's sports minister said on Thursday it is "not appropriate" for the country to replace Iran at the World Cup, saying: "Qualification is done on the pitch."
Slovenia TV says it won't air Eurovision song contest after pulling out
Slovenia’s national broadcaster RTV Slovenia won’t air the Eurovision Song Contest this year after the small European country previously pulled out of the event over Israel’s participation | Talk 1370
Slovenia TV says it won't air Eurovision song contest after pulling out
Slovenia’s national broadcaster RTV Slovenia won’t air the Eurovision Song Contest this year after the small European country previously pulled out of the event over Israel’s participation | WWL
The Bailey Buzz, April 23, 2026
The Bailey Buzz this week has a country singer coming to the Fischer Theatre, an AMBUCS Amtryke delivery in Oakwood, a National Junior College Athletic Association award, a Danville Public
Meet Carter Faith, the breakout country star who’s not afraid to speak up
With witty and heart-breaking songs, Carter Faith is already playing sold-out rooms — and turning down a spot on the Kid Rock tour — even without radio airplay
Scottish Parliament election 2026: Politicians campaign for votes across the country ahead of the election on 7 May
Politicians are campaigning for votes across the country ahead of the election on 7 May
Oregon ranked among the worst states in the country for businesses failing in their first year
Algeria eliminates trachoma as a public health problem
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Algeria as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, making it the 10th country in WHO’s African Region and the 29th country globally to achieve this significant milestone.
Four ECEE students earn major National Science Foundation research fellowships
Four students from the Department of Electrical, Computer & Energy Engineering at CU Boulder have been recognized with 2026 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program awards. NSF GRFP recognizes and support outstanding grad students from across the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields who are pursuing research-based master’s or doctoral degrees.Awardees receive a $37,000 annual stipend and cost of education allowance for the next three years as well as professional development opportunities.Learn more about their research below
Gamers sue Nintendo over tariff refunds, saying consumers should get the money back
Two gamers have filed a class action lawsuit against Nintendo, alleging that the company will be unjustly enriching itself with any refund it secures from the U.S. government over widespread tariffs last year that, among other things, hiked the prices of Nintendo hardware and accessories. “Unless restrained by this Court, Nintendo stands to recover the same tariff payments twice—once from consumers through higher prices and again from the federal government through tariff refunds, including interest paid by the government on those funds,” the suit states. Nintendo sued the U.S. government to secure a tariff refund in March, after the Supreme Court struck down the tariffs a month prior, saying they were illegally implemented by President Donald Trump.. The gamers who have sued, California-based Gregory Hoffert and Washington-based Prashant Sharan, both say they purchased Nintendo goods that had increased in price due to tariffs, according to the complaint. They filed their suit in the Western District court of Nintendo of America’s home state of Washington and are seeking class action status to represent all people in the U.S. who purchased price-hiked Nintendo goods between February 1, 2025 and February 24, 2026. They allege that Nintendo’s recovery of any tariff refunds would constitute unjust enrichment and violate Washington state consumer protection law. Similar class action lawsuits pressing companies to pass on tariff refunds have been previously filed against FedEx, UPS and eyeglass importer EssilorLuxottica. The tariffs were announced in early April, and by mid-month, Nintendo had announced $5 price increases for controllers for the then-forthcoming Switch 2. In August, it raised the price of the original Switch. In their suit, the gamers cite comments from Nintendo executives connecting the tariffs to price increases. In May 2025, a month after the tariffs were imposed, Nintendo CEO Shuntaro Furukawa told investors “Our basic policy is that for any country or region, if tariffs are imposed, we recognize them as a part of the cost and incorporate them into the price.” Nintendo’s March lawsuit, along with tariff-recovery suits from hundreds of other companies was immediately put on hold pending the implementation of a refund system. The U.S. government announced the beginning of the refund process earlier this week. Companies could receive as much as $160 billion, per CNBC. In March 2026, after Nintendo filed its lawsuit to recover the cost of the tariffs, I asked the company if they planned to pass their refund on to customers who’d paid increased prices. The company’s response acknowledged the existence of the lawsuit but avoided answering that question: “We can confirm that we filed a request. We have nothing else to share on this topic.” Even a promise to consumers may not have spared Nintendo this week’s lawsuit. FedEx previously promised to pass its tariff refunds on to consumers. They’ve been sued over them anyway.
UM Health-Sparrow named among the top maternity hospitals in the country
UM Health-Sparrow has been named one of the best hospitals in the United States for maternity care, earning a four-ribbon designation on Newsweek’s “America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2026.”
Romanian President Holds Talks to Save Government From Collapse
Romanian President Nicusor Dan is holding talks with coalition parties to salvage the country’s teetering pro-European government, with the nation’s investment grade and billions of euros in European Union funding potentially hinging on the outcome.
Scottish Parliament election: Campaigning continues across the country
Voters will go the polls on 7 May to elect 129 members of the Scottish Parliament.
How one disappointing order uncovered a massive ‘ghost cake’ delivery scandal in China
A customer’s complaint about a disappointing cake kicked off a massive investigation that uncovered thousands of “ghost” food vendors in China, resulting in staggering fines for some the country’s largest firms and highlighting the pitfalls of the cutthroat price competition.
How Al Gore Politicized Climate Science
An Inconvenient Truth turns 20 next month. In the 2006 documentary, former vice president Al Gore argued that human-driven climate change was an urgent, civilization-threatening crisis. The film became a cultural phenomenon, winning two Academy Awards and making climate change one of the defining political issues of our time. I am sure that there will be many retrospectives seeking to relitigate the scientific claims in the film. But the far more important anniversary story is not about the accuracy of any of Gore’s individual claims but rather about what the film helped to unleash in the scientific community: bringing partisan politics into the institutions of science. Gore did not simply make a film about climate change: He implored the scientific community to join him in overt climate advocacy. The fuel that Gore added to the fire of pathological politicization of the climate science community is the most important legacy of An Inconvenient Truth. Almost three years after the film’s release, Gore took the stage at the 2009 annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)—the country’s largest and most prominent scientific organization—and delivered something much closer to a revival sermon than a scientific lecture. Gore told the assembled scientists that they could no longer “in good conscience accept this division between the work you do and the civilization in which you live.” His directive was clear:
SBA administrator speaks to ABC13 on economic uncertainty ahead of midterm elections: 'It's a blip'
With the war in Iran and growing costs creating uncertainty, the economy is atop voters minds heading into the 2026 midterms. While data reveals Texas is faring better economically than much of the country, growth might be slowing.
Mining investors jittery about politics in Peru as vote count drags on, analysts say
Investors in Peru's copper and gold mines are worried about the country's presidential vote count that has been slowed by allegations of irregularities, yet analysts expect the sector to weather the election with limited direct impact.
National Small Business Week is Coming Up – Here’s How You Can Support
Voice of Business Blog National Small Business Week is being celebrated from Sunday, May 3rd, through Saturday, May 9th around the country, including right here in Greater Rochester, NY. Our small businesses have a massive economic impact in our community. A recent report from NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli found that 98.9% of all businesses in…
Mason County Fair announces 2026 entertainment lineup featuring national acts
POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — The Mason County Fair has unveiled its entertainment lineup for the 2026 event, bringing a mix of contemporary Christian and country music talent to the stage
Americans killed in Mexico car crash following drug raid worked for the CIA, sources say
The two US embassy officials who died in a car accident in Mexico on Sunday worked for the CIA and had been collaborating with Mexican officials on expanded counternarcotics operations in the country, two people briefed on the matter confirmed to CNN.
Tuesday letters: Decency in politics, airport spending and banking concerns
Call for decency in public life Our country needs another Joseph Welch moment. Welch was the lawyer hired by the U.S. Army in 1954 to defend it against allegations of lax security at a top-secret...
The Death of Public Health
During the recent measles outbreak, the largest in more than 30 years, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. refused to clearly recommend the measles vaccine, saying instead that it was a “personal decision,” and that parents should “do their own research.” Similarly, during her recent confirmation hearing for United States Surgeon General, Casey Means was questioned by Senator William Cassidy (R, La). “You’re the nation’s doctor,” said Cassidy. “Would you encourage [a mother] to have her child vaccinated!” “I’m not an individual’s doctor,” Means said. “And every individual needs to talk to their doctor before putting a medication in their body.” In June 2025, Marty Makary, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), said that COVID vaccines for pregnant women should be a “personal choice”, even though every other country in the world recommended the COVID vaccine during pregnancy due to a higher risk for severe disease. It doesn’t end there. On January 5, 2026, RFK Jr. reduced the number of routinely recommended vaccines from 18 to 10. For vaccines that protected against influenza, COVID, and rotavirus, parents were urged to speak with their doctors—to make an individual choice. (On March 16, 2026, in a ruling by a federal court in Boston, RFK Jr.’s revised schedule was invalidated.) What’s happening? Why are public health officials moving away from making recommendations for the public? The origin of this change might be rooted in the first two years of the COVID pandemic. In 2020, during the first year on the pandemic, we didn’t have anything to stop a virus that was killing hundreds of people a day and could be spread asymptomatically. We didn’t have antivirals until October, monoclonal antibodies until November, and vaccines until December. All we could do was restrict travel, close businesses, shutter schools, and mask, isolate, quarantine, test, and social distance. During the second year of the pandemic, when we had vaccines to prevent COVID, people couldn’t go anywhere without their vaccine cards. They couldn’t go to their favorite bar or restaurant or sporting event or place of worship without proof of vaccination. Some people were fired from their jobs for refusing to get vaccinated. For many, this was seen as massive government overreach and energized what has been called the “medical freedom movement.” Indeed, a headline in the New York Times declared, “How Health Freedom Became a Winning Rally Cry.” As expressed in the comments of RFK Jr., Casey Means, and Marty Makary, the medical freedom movement focuses on the individual not the community—the opposite of public health. In an article titled “Ethics and Social Value Judgments in Public Health,” ethicists from Yale University distinguished public health from medical freedom. “Public health policies,” they wrote, “are population oriented. Because individual health affects the health of others, public health measures regulate individual behavior to achieve population health goals. All raise questions about how individual autonomy and freedom should be balanced against public health interests…which respects individuals’ sovereignty over their bodies and actions as long as their actions do not harm others.” The medical freedom movement fails to recognize that it often limits the freedom of others. For example, a parent who is afraid to send a child to school where many of the students are unvaccinated. Or immune compromised children who depend on those around them to for protection. The question then becomes “Freedom for whom?” Is it your right, in the name of medical freedom, to catch and transmit a potentially fatal infection—and in so doing, take away the freedom of others? In Four Essays on Liberty, Isaiah Berlin sums it up best. “Liberty for the wolves,” he wrote, “is death to the lambs.” Thanks for reading Beyond the Noise! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Subscribe
Prep talk: Another book is out from running coach Martin Dugard
Author and cross-country coach Martin Dugard continues to churn out new books. His newest book is "The Long Run," which discusses the 1970s running boom.
Scottish Parliament election 2026: Parties campaign ahead of postal vote application deadline
Politicians are campaigning for votes across the country ahead of the election on 7 May.
Dolphin Week: science, awareness, and conservation of local marine mammals
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Lowcountry Dolphin Week is making waves of change in Charleston, promoting awareness, community, and conservation efforts for local wildlife. Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network...
Dolphin Week: science, awareness, and conservation of local marine mammals
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Lowcountry Dolphin Week is making waves of change in Charleston, promoting awareness, community, and conservation efforts for local wildlife. Lowcountry Marine Mamma…
U.S. Delivers Maternal Health Equipment Across Madagascar - U.S. Embassy in Madagascar
U.S. Delivers Maternal Health Equipment Across Madagascar U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Arnold today provided critical maternal and newborn health equipment that will reach healthcare facilities across Madagascar, demonstrating how U.S. foreign assistance builds a safer, healthier world by helping recipient countries build self-reliant health systems in line with the America First Global Health Strategy. Under President Trump’s America First foreign assistance policy and the America First Global Health Policy, U.S. support serves as a tool of strategic engagement – not global charity. Every U.S. taxpayer dollar is subject to rigorous oversight to ensure measurable results, maximum efficiency, and accountability, with zero tolerance for fraud, waste, or abuse. Through the bilateral Global Health Memorandum of Understanding with Madagascar’s Ministry of Public Health, both governments agreed on shared priorities and responsibilities, including a strong focus on maternal and newborn health and Madagascar’s increasing co-investment in its own health system. Madagascar continues to face major challenges in maternal and newborn health, including high maternal mortality rates and significant gaps in access to quality delivery care. In rural regions, many women still give birth at home or in facilities without adequate infection-prevention supplies. Through the U.S.-funded Momentum Country and Global Leadership Project, the United States is providing essential equipment to healthcare facilities nationwide: calibrated reusable drapes for infection prevention in approximately 1,000 community health centers (CSBs), single-use calibrated drapes for 35 hospitals, and management tools for health workers to improve data collection and care coordination. “U.S. foreign assistance makes America safer by preventing instability and strengthening health systems that can detect and contain infectious diseases before they cross borders,” said Chargé d’Affaires Arnold during the handover ceremony. “Our support is temporary and targeted, designed to help Madagascar build greater self-reliance and reduce long-term dependence on U.S. taxpayer resources.” This U.S. support will help standardize safe delivery practices, strengthen infection prevention, and improve data management systems. Used effectively, these materials will contribute directly to reducing maternal and newborn deaths, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas where access to quality delivery care remains limited. From major hospitals to remote health centers, U.S.-funded equipment is already delivering results. The nationwide scope of this support ensures that women and newborns across Madagascar benefit from improved infection prevention and safer delivery practices. This targeted assistance helps save lives today while supporting Madagascar’s transition toward a self-sufficient health system, ensuring that today’s U.S. support leads to Madagascar’s future independence from foreign assistance.