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Drexel and Cooper University Health Care Announce Partnership to Advance Nursing Careers Through Experiential Learning
Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions and Cooper University Health Care announced a strategic workforce collaboration between the two institutions to expand access to nursing education and create clearer pathways from learning to professional practice.
Iran after 48 hours: Tactical success, strategic uncertainty
During a crisis like what is now unfolding in the Middle East, a president receives a net assessment prepared from intelligence and military sources. It might evaluate the balance of forces, leadership dynamics and strategic calculations — without making policy recommendations. Its purpose is clarity: a baseline from which decisions can be made.
Global webinar on core public health capacities to conduct ship inspections and issue ship sanitation certificates
Ships cross borders every day, connecting countries and serving as a backbone of the global economy. However, outbreaks onboard can disrupt maritime traffic, leading to significant economic and operational negative consequences. Without strong public health capacities to detect, prevent, and respond to public health risks on board ships, maritime travel can also become a pathway for the spread of infectious diseases. To support countries in strengthening these capacities, the World Health Organization (WHO) convened a two-day webinar on 11–12 February, bringing together more than 700 ship inspectors, port health officers, and public health authorities, primarily from the African, Eastern Mediterranean, and European Regions. The webinar came at a pivotal time. With the amended International Health Regulations entering into force on 19 September 2025, the need to focus on public health preparedness has never been greater. Strengthening public health capacities at borders, including onboard conveyances, is a cornerstone of global health security and central to the amended IHR.“The high level of attendance and active participation throughout the two days of the webinar highlighted the growing demand for technical guidance and capacity-building support in ship inspection and issuance of ship sanitation certificates”, said Dr Ninglan Wang, Head of the Borders, Mass Gatherings and Health Protection Measures (BMM) Unit at the Health Emergency Preparedness Department at WHO headquarters. “The dynamic interactions among experts and countries underscored the value of continued cross-border collaboration in the maritime sector and knowledge exchange in this area”. Conducting regular public health inspections on board ships for the issuance of ship sanitation certificates (SSCs) in accordance with the IHR requirements is crucial for ensuring that ships meet specific health standards, thereby minimizing the risk of the international spread of diseases via maritime traffic. These certificates, mandated by the IHR, require ports to have trained personnel who can identify and control public health risks on board vessels and apply recommended control measures. This standardized global procedure not only ensures compliance with the IHR but also promotes consistency in health practices across ports worldwide. SSCs are the globally-recognized tool used to prevent and control known public health risks on ships, providing a common way to register and communicate public health events and measures taken on board between all stakeholders involved in this process, including public health authorities in ports and ship operators. Only SSCs issued by ports authorized by national authorities to issue such certificates are considered valid. As per the IHR, all States Parties are required to send to WHO their list of authorized ports (available here) and to keep it updated. However, many Member States continue to face practical challenges, such as limited resources, high staff turnover, and competing priorities. These realities underscore the value of platforms such as this webinar, which foster collective learning, peer-to-peer exchange, and practical solutions to help countries build and sustain the capacities required under the IHR.Over the two days, participants engaged in presentations and discussions covering a wide range of technical and operational topics, such as the overarching international legal framework governing ship sanitation; considerations for pre-inspection planning; risk assessment factors by type of vessel; the completion and issuance of SSCs and evidence report forms; or practical insights on the inspection of various technical areas, such as food safety, medical facilities, water systems, or vector control, among others. In addition, public health authorities from the Netherlands, Morocco, and Tanzania shared case studies to showcase their practical application of these IHR requirements in their respective countries. Given its success, WHO plans to replicate similar sessions in the future to reach additional time zones and regions and cover other pressing border health-related topics, ensuring that Member States can continue benefiting from these opportunities to share knowledge and expertise.
Israel bombing vintage US-made fighter jets in Iran
Video footage shows the Israel Defense Forces striking two F-4 and F-5 fighters before they took off from an airport in western Iran.
Chrysler 300 Dusts Two Georgia State Patrol Mustangs
One of the most notorious high-speed police forces met its match in this white Chrysler
Dennis Quaid's ex-costar blasts his 'crazy' Trump support after Air Force One trip: 'At least I got to slap him'
One of Dennis Quaid's former costars blasted his 'crazy' support of Donald Trump after the actor flew on Air Force One with the president: 'At least I got to slap him.'
Democrats will force a vote to limit Trump on Iran, along with some Republicans
Republicans in Congress largely praised President Donald Trump's strikes on Iran, but a few of them joined Democrats in saying he needs congressional authorization for war.
Colorado Republicans, Democrats clash over Iran military operation
Colorado’s congressional delegation split sharply along party lines Saturday after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, triggering a fresh debate in America over presidential war powers. Trump announced early Saturday morning that U.S and Israeli forces had begun “Operation Epic Fury” after multiple explosions were reported around Iran. Later in the day, the president said that […]
US forces locked in air-defense battles amid fight with Iran: official
A US official told Business Insider that land, air, and naval forces are participating in the air defense operations.
30 more people indicted over anti-ICE protest at Minnesota church, Bondi says
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced federal charges Friday against 30 more people who are accused of civil rights violations in a January protest inside a Minnesota church where a pastor works for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Congress prepares for war powers resolution vote to block U.S. strikes on Iran
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Friday a bipartisan coalition is working to force a vote as soon as next week on a war powers resolution that would attempt to prevent any U.S. action against Iran without approval from Congress.
Democrats push for vote on Massie's Iran resolution
House Democratic leaders say they plan to force a full vote next week on a bipartisan resolution cosponsored by Rep. Thomas Massie.
Samsung Forced to Sweeten Galaxy S26 Ultra Pre-orders Already
Samsung quickly upped their best Galaxy S26 Ultra deal to $980 off with a new $30 credit.
OpenAI's record funding is all about Google rivals joining forces
OpenAI's record new funding round is all about fighting Google's dominance in AI. Elon Musk knew the threat back in 2015.
Norovirus outbreak forces North Texas middle school to close on Friday
If Bruins are buyers at trade deadline, which assets should they move?
The Bruins are barely holding on to a playoff spot in the East. If they want to reach the postseason, trade deadline reinforcements are needed.
NVIDIA to give away GeForce RTX 5090 Resident Evil Requiem edition GPU
NVIDIA launches Resident Evil Requiem GeForce RTX 5090 sweepstake NVIDIA has published official rules for a Resident Evil Requiem themed GeForce RTX 5090
Federal panel behind cancer screening recommendations hasn't met in nearly a year
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's meetings have stalled as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has reshaped other federal advisory committees.
SNL mocked her as a 'scary mom.' In the Senate, Katie Britt is an emerging dealmaker
Sen. Katie Britt, Republican of Alabama, is a budding bipartisan dealmaker. Her latest assignment: helping negotiate changes to immigration enforcement tactics.
Powerade Enters India as Official Sports Drink of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026
Powerade, The Coca-Cola Company's iconic sports hydration brand, made its debut in India at one of the world's most significant sporting events, the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Powerade's presence as the official sports drink of the tournament aims to reinforce Coca-Cola India's focus on expanding its portfolio with brands rooted in sport, activity and evolving lifestyles.
ICE is bad for business, heat is bad for coffee, and sci-fi is bad for markets
It’s … Indicators of the Week (now on YouTube!), our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today’s episode: How Minnesota workers were affected by Operation Metro Surge, why coffee’s getting more expensive, and what happens when a sci-fi AI scenario meets the stock market. Related episodes:How ICE crackdowns are affecting the workforceWhy this rural town wants an ICE facility For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Julia Ritchey and Vito Emanuel. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.
Jack Dorsey struck an 'empathetic' tone with Block's massive layoffs
The CEO's empathetic and transparent tone and a relatively generous layoff package, are gaining respect amid a 40% workforce reduction at Block.
Anaheim police shot and killed man in mental health crisis, family says
The family of a man fatally shot by Anaheim police has filed a claim against the city, alleging officers used unnecessary deadly force while he was suffering a mental health episode.
Jack Dorsey says he's hiring AI engineers amid 40% workforce reduction
Jack Dorsey said his company Block has seen in increase in productivity and that it will invest more in hiring senior AI engineering talent.
Structural damage from fire forces lengthy closure of local business
The Rabbit Hole Bookstore in Dayton remains closed following a Feb. 12 fire that triggered an emergency evacuation order from city officials.
Structural damage from fire forces lengthy closure of local business
"This really did feel like we were getting kind of cut off at the knees here."
Trump Declared Victory in Minneapolis. But What Did He Accomplish?
The Trump administration came under fire for an operation that turned lethal and politically toxic. But the show of force may also have had a bigger purpose: to serve as a warning.
Four Key Moments: Hearing on Advancing the Next Generation of America’s Health Care Workforce
WASHINGTON, D.C. – There remains a critical need for more physician training and medical residencies located in rural communities across the...
Public opinion is the strongest political force, Pelosi tells UVA audience
The UVA Center for Politics also presented U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi with its Defender of Democracy award.
Clinton Halts Epstein Deposition After Republican Leaks Photo of Her Testifying
Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state, had requested a public hearing if she was going to be forced to testify in the House Oversight Committee’s investigation, but the G.O.P. chairman had refused.
Ducking climate science is a danger to the US military. Congress must help.
America's armed forces already suffers damages and handicaps due to climate change, and recent action is only going to make it worse, writes Will Rogers of johns Hopkins University.
NVIDIA “unlaunches” its GeForce 595.59 driver after reports of fan and clock issues
NVIDIA unreleases its latest Game Ready drivers We just noted on X/Twitter that, for the first time in a long time, all three major GPU vendors released a
Immigration Enforcement’s Twin Threats to Health Care
Patients are afraid to show up to medical appointments, while workers are being detained, deported or losing their visa statuses.
Reed Sheppard’s Career Night Signals Breakout for Rockets
Sheppard dictates games with scoring and playmaking. His recent surge proves he’s evolved beyond just a shooter, becoming a complete, confident force.
Barrett Business Services Q4 Earnings Call Highlights
Barrett Business Services (NASDAQ:BBSI) executives said the company finished 2025 with “strong results” despite a late-year moderation in same-customer sales trends and accelerating client workforce reductions tied to macroeconomic uncertainty. Management also introduced its 2026 outlook, emphasizin
Salesforce issues soft outlook amid concerns about AI’s threat to software
San Francisco group projects revenue could be short of Wall Street’s expectations
Galaxy S26 ‘Now Nudge’ is basically Google Pixel’s Magic Cue, but you’re forced to use Samsung Keyboard
Samsung is completely changing directions this year, and among moves like adding Perplexity as an AI assistant instead of relying...
Javier Palomarez, USHBC President, Warns State of the Union Is Disconnected from Small Business Reality
WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Last night’s State of the Union address focused heavily on economic momentum, stock market performance, energy policy, immigration enforcement, and tariffs. While President Trump emphasized record market highs and economic resilience, recent polling among Hispanic business owners suggests a widening gap between macroeconomic indicators and kitchen-table reality. According to the United States Hispanic Business Council (USHBC)’s most recent survey of
Fortifying Health Systems and Countering Infectious Disease Threats Through the America First Global Health Strategy in Burkina Faso - United States Department of State
Today, the United States and Burkina Faso signed a five-year bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that reinforces regional health security in the Sahel while advancing Burkina Faso’s capacity to independently manage infectious disease threats before they reach our shores. This MOU reflects the Trump Administration’s commitment to protecting American health security while building […]
Balancing act: Top general tries to avoid conflict with Trump while preparing for possible war with Iran
As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine has been drafting military options for potentially striking Iran, a steady stream of top officials from the Army, Navy and Air Force have been quietly summoned directly to his office.
"I'm still angry at the game industry" CyberConnect2 CEO's efforts to shake up Japanese entertainment's stick-in-the-mud approach are driven by his love for Shonen Jump manga
In a recent interview, CyberConnect2 CEO Hiroshi Matsuyama talks about the "driving force" behind his creativity.
Invisibility Is No Longer Harmless: Why Public Health Must Make Its Value Seen
Public health once prized invisibility, but amid workforce shortages and unstable funding, unseen impact becomes vulnerability. Value must be visible to be sustained.
WORLD'S PREMIER LIVE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY CONFERENCES JOIN FORCES FOR INAUGURAL LIVE SUMMIT MIDDLE EAST
/PRNewswire/ -- The two largest media companies in the global live entertainment business are joining forces to launch a first-of-its-kind international event:...
WORLD'S PREMIER LIVE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY CONFERENCES JOIN FORCES FOR INAUGURAL LIVE SUMMIT MIDDLE EAST
The two largest media companies in the global live entertainment business are joining forces to launch a first-of-its-kind international event: the Live Summit Middle East.
Watch NATO Hunts Submarines in Arctic to Show Trump It Means Business
NATO forces are practicing hunting Russian submarines in the Arctic, the latest show of commitment to a skeptical Donald Trump. Ellen Milligan explains what's at stake.
Senate Democrats Again Block D.H.S. Funding, Demanding Enforcement Curbs
Democrats refused to allow a bill to reopen the Department of Homeland Security to move ahead without new restrictions on federal agents carrying out President Trump’s immigration enforcement drive.
Chattanooga business leaders oppose bill to track arrests and service costs of immigrants
Chattanooga business leaders are pushing back on a bill they say harms immigrant communities.The bill requires law enforcement agencies to gather data on the ar
Column: You should try a combat sport
"The shared physical suffering, the forced humility in the face of a more skilled sparring partner and increased physical confidence can fill in some of the holes our modern, ultra-digital society often leaves."
Douglas County adopts ordinance to address retail theft and support local businesses
Following extensive community and business input, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners has adopted an ordinance designed to improve reporting, strengthen enforcement and protect local businesses from retail theft. The…
WBD considers partnering with David Ellison, Paramount over Netflix
David Ellison's Paramount Skydance has a new offer for WBD that may force Netflix to pay more money, or drop its pursuit altogether.
DOJ v. OhioHealth Confirms Antitrust Enforcers’ Continued Focus on Health Care Markets
On February 20, 2026, the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division (DOJ) and Ohio Attorney General (Ohio AG) sued OhioHealth Corporation (OhioHealth), alleging that OhioHealth had unlawfully…
Albany woman says soaring utility bills force impossible choices between health and basic needs
Experts say extreme temperatures force heating and cooling systems to work harder and longer, meaning the more energy you use and higher bills.
Clemson Data Science Students Help Ohio Energy Company Tackle Environmental Risk and Workforce Gaps
The need aligned with the applied learning mission of Clemson’s M.S. DSA program. The program, housed in the Department of Management within the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, is an online degree developed cooperatively by Clemson’s School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences and Department of Management.
The ACA health coverage subsidy lapse hit 22 million people. Here are some of their stories
The lapse of enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act marketplace insurance has forced families to make difficult financial choices.
600 people forced to sleep on grounded planes after heavy snow
Six flights were unable to take off before Munich Airport's curfew. Staffing issues then meant passengers were stranded on the planes.
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.
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?
Vt. business blames Trump tariffs for first layoffs in nearly 50 years
A Westford business says the president's tariffs drove sales down and forced layoffs.
Armed man shot and killed at Mar-a-Lago was never interested in politics or guns, cousin says
The 21-year-old North Carolina man who entered a gate at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort with a shotgun before he was shot and killed worked as a golf course groundskeeper and sold illustrations of golf courses. Braeden Fields, a cousin who grew up with Austin Tucker Martin, says he never talked about politics and seemed afraid of guns. Fields told The Associated Press that he has no idea why his cousin would do this. Authorities say Martin walked through a gate at Mar-a-Lago in Florida early Sunday and raised a shotgun when confronted by law enforcement, who opened fire. Trump was at the White House at the time.
Armed man killed at Mar-a-Lago never interested in politics or guns: Cousin
The 21-year-old North Carolina man who drove onto President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort with a shotgun before he was shot and killed worked as a golf course groundskeeper and sold illustrations of golf courses. Braeden Fields, a cousin who grew up with Austin Tucker Martin says he never talked about politics and seemed afraid of guns. Fields told The Associated Press that he has no idea why his cousin would do this. Authorities say Martin drove through a gate at Mar-a-Lago in Florida early Sunday and raised a shotgun when confronted by law enforcement, who opened fire. Trump was at the White House at the time.
10 Of The Least Aerodynamic Cars Ever Made
Some cars slice the air. These legendary bricks fight it, from vintage icons to modern track monsters, proving style and downforce sometimes beat efficiency.
A hidden force beneath the Atlantic ripped open a 500 kilometer canyon
Far beneath the Atlantic Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers off Portugal’s coast, lies a colossal underwater canyon system that dwarfs even the Grand Canyon. Known as the King’s Trough Complex, this 500-kilometer stretch of trenches and deep basins formed not from rushing water, but from dramatic tectonic forces that once tore the seafloor apart.
Suspected gunman identified after being shot dead at Mar-a-Lago
Law enforcement confirm man, who was armed with a shotgun and gas canister at Trump’s Florida home, was 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin
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
Armed man shot and killed after entering perimeter around Trump’s Florida home
US Secret Service agents and Palm Beach County law enforcement shot and killed an armed man after he “unlawfully entering the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago” Sunday morning, the Secret Service said.
Curling faces identity crisis as cheating controversy forces rethink of regulations
After being shaken by claims of cheating at the Winter Olympics, curling finds itself between a rock and a hard place as it looks to regulate an increasingly competitive sport while keeping alive the long-standing honour-based system it so cherishes.
Boise business reopens in new location after crash forced closure
Woodland Park business forced to close after mold contamination discovery
Hunt & Homestead Marketplace in Woodland Park closes due to mold contamination as owner proposes new landlord safety requirements to city council.
Bexar County experiments with new pilot that sends crisis team rather than deputies out to calls
The new pilot shifts deputies away from some mental health 911 calls, aiming to reduce law enforcement involvement when no crime is present.
Senate G.O.P. Faces Pressure to Force ‘Talking Filibuster’ for Voter I.D. Bill
Some reluctant Republicans say an old-school filibuster showdown with Democrats could paralyze the Senate with no guarantee of success. But President Trump and their own colleagues are spoiling for the fight.
College hockey: Gophers, Tommies women both fall
Friday wasn’t the best of evenings for the Minnesota and St. Thomas women’s hockey teams. Both were upended in WCHA play and now head into Saturday looking to gain series splits. Minnesota-Duluth 3, Minnesota 2 (OT) The Gophers battled back from a 2-1 deficit midway through the third period to force overtime at Minnesota-Duluth. Unfortunately, Minnesota’s rally only delayed the result as the ...
Science Hill High School students protest ICE during walkout
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – On Friday afternoon, students at Science Hill High School participated in a walkout in protest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Parents, community me…
Business Lookahead: Nvidia earnings take center stage
STORY: As global markets react to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on President Trump's tariffs, Nvidia earnings head for center stage. These are the stories to watch in business and finance in the coming week. :: Nvidia's momentMarkets will be watching for Nvidia's quarterly results Wednesday...as investors worry about returns on AI spending and industry disruptions caused by the emerging tech.Nvidia shares have soared following the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022.But shares of the company and others in the "Magnificent Seven" have stalled so far in 2026.:: Anniversary angstTuesday marks the four-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.While the push for a ceasefire continues, getting one over the line remains difficult.Ukraine has faced sustained pressure to agree to a deal that could mean painful concessions, as Russian forces pound its power grid and slowly advance on the battlefield.The International Monetary Fund looks set to rubberstamp extended support, meaning Kyiv's bonds are flying high.:: Key Australia dataAustralia's consumer price reading Wednesday will be closely watched by investors, who are betting the central bank will hike rates at least once more this year.Earlier this month, Australia's central bank became the only one in the G10 outside Japan to tighten policy, as it struggles to bring inflation under control in a supply-constrained economy.:: British uneaseBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a reckoning Thursday in a Manchester special election.Investors will be watching the results closely. Friday could be another volatile day for British markets and Westminster.British gilts and the pound wobbled earlier this month as a crisis engulfed Starmer over what he knew of Peter Mandelson's links to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein when he appointed the former as U.S. ambassador.
Strengthening the rural workforce: East Alabama Health tackles nursing shortage
In 2024, East Alabama Health partnered with Chattahoochee Valley Community College to launch an onsite LPN school for its employees.
DOJ files antitrust civil complaint accusing OhioHealth of blocking patients' access to affordable healthcare
The Justice Department's civil antitrust enforcement action against OhioHealth comes a week after DOJ's antitrust chief, Gail Slater, was fired from her post.
Supreme Court ruling against Trump tariffs will offer relief, business owners say
Businesses could be owed nearly $150 billion in refunds after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
How Mamdani's warning to city health clubs could help Long Island members
An executive order requires New York City heath clubs "to monitor, investigate, and enforce violations related to subscription tricks and traps."
McTominay opens up about recent injury and future at Napoli
Napoli star Scott McTominay sees himself at the club for ‘a very long time’ but admits he must ‘manage’ a tendon problem that forced him to miss the last two games.Napoli and Scotland star McT...
Get On Board Workforce Program | Valley Health
Learn how Valley Health’s "Get On Board" program in Virginia and West Virginia helps residents build skills, find steady work, and support a strong local workforce.
Scientists uncover oxygen-loving ancestor of all complex life
For decades, scientists have believed that complex life began when two very different microbes joined forces, eventually giving rise to plants, animals, and fungi. But one major puzzle remained: how could these organisms have met if one depended on oxygen and the other supposedly lived without it? New research suggests the answer lies in ancient microbes called Asgard archaea.
Shelby County Sheriff's Office maintains emphasis on mental health support in community
In Shelby County, law enforcement is constantly rethinking what it means to respond to a crisis, shifting the focus from enforcement to understanding, de-escala
UK blocks Trump from using RAF air bases for potential Iran attack: report
Concerns over international law have prompted the U.K. to block the Trump administration from using its military air bases for a potential strike on Iran.
Trump calls Obama's alien comments a 'big mistake' after alleging classified information podcast revelation
Trump accused Obama of revealing classified information about aliens, calling it a "big mistake" during Air Force One interview with Fox News reporter.
Large banner featuring Trump's face is displayed on Justice Department headquarters
A large banner featuring Donald Trump’s face has been hung on the exterior of Justice Department headquarters in a physical display of the Republican president’s efforts to exert power over the law enforcement agency
Introducing CMO Insider — your guide to the future of marketing
Business Insider is launching CMO Insider, a new weekly newsletter delivering a candid look at the forces reshaping marketing.
ECU Health announces new Academic Loan Scholarship Program to strengthen eastern North Carolina’s health care workforce
Investment helps build homegrown pipeline of skilled health care professionals
Solar flares may be triggering earthquakes, controversial study claims
Researchers have proposed that changes in Earth's ionosphere could trigger electrical forces that nudge fragile areas of the crust into creating an earthquake.
Washtenaw Health Project reports sharp drop in healthcare marketplace enrollments
Executive Director Jeremy Lapedis says families are forced to choose between health insurance and basic necessities as costs increase.
The surge in immigration enforcement is impacting health care across the nation, doctors warn
As the Trump administration continues its immigration crackdown in cities across the US, health care providers warn the impact of federal agents in health care settings – and the looming threat of immigration enforcement they’ve instilled nationwide – is presenting a barrier to care that could have a lasting impact on the health of communities.
Potential clues? Palantir shares several risks of doing business in Colorado
When Palantir announced it moved its headquarters from Denver to Miami, it gave little reason for its decision. All it sent out was a short post on X. It came as a shock that the major company known for its federal contracts with U.S. military and immigration forces had been preparing a new place to […]
Nonequity Partners: It’s Not Personal, It’s Just Business
Nonequity partnership isn't beloved by those forced into it.
South Sudan Appoints Dead Man to Election Panel, as Political Crisis Grows
The government of President Salva Kiir has been accused of gross incompetence, as fighting between rebels and security forces pushes toward the capital.
Five Berkeley Lab Scientists Receive DOE Early Career Research Awards
Five scientists from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have received Early Career Research Program (ECRP) awards from the Department of Energy. The ECRP program, now in its 16th year, was established to bolster the nation’s scientific workforce by supporting exceptional researchers at the outset of their careers, when many scientists do their most formative work. Recipients use the funding to pursue projects that have the potential to solve scientific challenges and advance the country’s STEM capabilities. To be eligible for the program, a researcher must be an untenured, tenure-track assistant or associate professor at a U.S. academic institution, or a full-time employee at a DOE national laboratory or Office of Science user facility, who is within 10 years of having earned their doctorate. Awards to an institution of higher education will be approximately $875,000 over five years, and awards to a DOE national laboratory or Office of Science user facility will be approximately $2,750,000 over five years. This year’s Berkeley Lab awardees and their projects are listed below: Timon Heim: Better detectors for more powerful particle colliders Timon Heim is a staff scientist in the Physics Division. His ECRP project will develop a new type of detector that can track the particles generated by collisions in particle colliders with high spatial and temporal resolution. Current detectors in use at high-energy colliders, like the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, can track the trajectory and measure momentum of particles, but they can’t track a particle’s time of arrival with sufficient precision to discern from which of the many particle interactions they originate. Heim’s proposed technology — called a 4D tracking detector, because it captures data about particles’ positions in space and time — aims to solve this challenge, allowing researchers to glean more precise data from collision experiments to uncover new insights into fundamental forces and potentially discover new particles. The enhanced capabilities of 4D detectors will be a necessity for experiments at future colliders, such as the Muon Collider or Future Circular Collider. The project will develop custom microelectronics that process the signal of a pixelated silicon sensor that can register charged particles passing through it in an extreme radiation environment that these colliders produce during operation. The goal is to measure individual particles’ position with 50-micro-meter spatial and 50 pico-second (one trillionth of a second) temporal precision, for an incoming flux of around 1 billion particles per second per square centimeter. Harrison Lisabeth: Studying underground processes to unleash abundant energy Harrison Lisabeth is a research scientist in the Energy Geoscience Division focused on combining real-world experiments and AI to guide development of geothermal energy systems. His project will explore how deep underground rock formations – where geothermal wells are dug – are stressed by chemical reactions of the minerals and mechanical strain from movements in the Earth. A better understanding of subsurface stresses is essential to engineer safe and reliable geothermal wells that access the heat of deep rocks to produce electricity. It is estimated that the U.S. could generate ten times the amount of energy needed to power the grid using geothermal sources. Lisabeth plans to simulate how minerals grow, dissolve, and influence the behavior of surrounding rock in geothermal reservoirs by tracking chemical changes in rock samples under pressure in the lab. The project will also develop machine learning models to predict geologic strain based on field measurements and refine existing models that describe how common rock types deform under stress. Combining these approaches, Lisabeth hopes to develop a framework to predict stress to improve stability and longevity of geothermal wells. Daniel Carney: Pushing the quantum boundaries of particle measurement Daniel Carney is a staff scientist in the Physics Division who uses quantum information science to study particle physics and gravity. At very small scales, “quantum noise” — random fluctuations from the act of measurement — can drown out faint signals from rare processes. Carney’s ECRP project, “Fundamental Physics at the Quantum Limits of Measurement,” aims to build a new mechanical quantum sensor that can measure extremely small particle interactions below the limits of that quantum noise. The approach uses lasers to hold a tiny bead containing radioactive atoms; when one decays, the system measures the bead’s motion and the energy of any particles emitted. The experiment’s initial goal is to search for heavy sterile neutrinos, hypothetical particles predicted by some extensions of the Standard Model. The system could also help measure the mass of the neutrino, study the way particles interact through the electromagnetic and weak forces, and hunt for low-mass dark matter — all unsolved mysteries in particle physics. Callum Wilkinson: Using machine learning to demystify neutrinos Callum Wilkinson is a staff scientist in the Physics Division and part of the international Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) hosted by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. DUNE will create an intense beam of neutrinos that interact in detectors in Illinois and, after an 800-mile journey through the earth, in massive detectors in South Dakota. By precisely measuring neutrinos and how they change, researchers will get a better understanding of their fundamental properties and whether they are responsible for why there is so much more matter than antimatter in our universe. Wilkinson’s ECRP project will apply two machine learning techniques to improve the analysis of DUNE’s data and enhance the experiment’s precision. One approach will look for hidden patterns in how neutrinos interact and produce low-energy particles, while the other will help correct for distortions in what the detectors record. The methods will be tested on one of DUNE’s prototype detectors and could be used in other neutrino experiments, improving their measurements and helping scientists build better models. Aditi Krishnapriyan: Machine learning methods that scale as datasets grow Aditi Krishnapriyan is a faculty scientist in Berkeley Lab’s Applied Mathematics and Computational Research Division (AMCR) and assistant professor at UC Berkeley. Her project, awarded through UC Berkeley, will develop machine learning methods that scale with dataset size for modeling complex, multi-scale phenomena. The resulting tools can be applied in a wide range of research, including the study of new electrolytes for batteries or the examination of molecular interactions. ### Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is committed to groundbreaking research focused on discovery science and solutions for abundant and reliable energy supplies. The lab’s expertise spans materials, chemistry, physics, biology, earth and environmental science, mathematics, and computing. Researchers from around the world rely on the lab’s world-class scientific facilities for their own pioneering research. Founded in 1931 on the belief that the biggest problems are best addressed by teams, Berkeley Lab and its scientists have been recognized with 17 Nobel Prizes. Berkeley Lab is a multiprogram national laboratory managed by the University of California for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. DOE’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science.
When ICE sweeps a community, public health pays a price – and recovery will likely take years
As immigration enforcement crackdowns expand across the US, communities can mobilize to lessen the public health impacts.
The Moon is still shrinking and it could trigger more moonquakes
Researchers have uncovered more than a thousand previously unknown tectonic ridges across the Moon’s dark plains, showing the Moon is still contracting and reshaping itself. These features are among the youngest geological structures on the lunar surface. Because they form through the same forces linked to past moonquakes, they could signal new seismic hotspots.
Some states push back on Trump recruiting local officers to aid immigration enforcement
Ten states — all led by Democrats — now have statewide policies prohibiting law enforcement officers from cooperating in one of the primary programs Trump is using to carry out his agenda of mass deportations.
HMAC announces closure, forced by dispute with city over unpaid entertainment taxes
Harrisburg Midtown Art Center announced its closure on Tuesday, stating it couldn’t procure essential operating licenses from the city after failing to pay its entertainment taxes. “We acknowledge that entertainment tax is owed,” HMAC, which initially opened in 2009, wrote on Facebook. The venue has already been effectively closed for the past two weeks, according […]
Why Is Mamdani Threatening a Property Tax Hike?
The mayor says the city will be forced to raise property taxes if Governor Hochul and Albany refuse to increase taxes on the wealthy.