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Move over, K-pop? The hottest new Asian group could be from Indonesia
A new girl group from Asia has social media turning its head. But this time, they’re not from South Korea – they’re from Indonesia.
Business Roundtable to lead corporate engagement at G20
The Trump administration is shifting how business voices are included in G20 discussions, elevating the Business Roundtable to lead corporate engagement.
14th annual Southwest Colorado Small Business Conference coming to Ignacio in May
The 14th annual Southwest Colorado Small Business Conference promises to supply “practical strategies, fresh ideas, and valuable connections” for attendees from all industries. The conference, which ...
Lost season for some winter sports leads to adaptation in Black Hills visitor industry
From October through early April, snowfall in the northern Black Hills was about 8 feet less than average.
Ryan Backer joins Essentia Health-South University Clinic to practice behavioral health
The Essentia Health-South University Clinic is excited to welcome Ryan Backer, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner in behavioral health.
Feel Good Friday: Business Awards, Summer Camp, and Child Care Help
Small businesses get honored, a child care business comes to Tacoma, and more in this week's Feel Good Friday.
How much surging jet fuel prices have cost US airlines
United, Delta, American, and Southwest reported fuel costs up by hundreds of millions, and told investors how they plan to combat that.
Waunakee Senior Center
333 South Madison Street, Waunakee
DNA study of nearly 200 Indigenous genomes reveals unknown Asian 'ghost' population contributed to American ancestry
New genetic results reveal a previously unknown wave of people settled in South America 1,300 years ago and that Indigenous Americans carry remnants of a "ghost lineage."
New kind of trampoline park is coming to South Knoxville - see when and where
A new trampoline park is bouncing into Knoxville just in time for summer break. Will you line up for the grand opening?
'Trump with a Southern tone': Governor candidate visits Augusta
When you've built a $3 billion business, he said, you learn a few things about solving problems.
Washington’s Allies? Japan, Germany and South Korea
The recent increase in defense spending by Germany, Korea and Japan also signals a new phase in this relationship of dependency with the US.
An Agricultural Mosaic in Taiwan
Diversity reigns across the farmland of Yunlin County in southwestern Taiwan—a region that produces an array of crops on small farms.
Eagles trade up with Cowboys, draft USC WR Makai Lemon in Round 1
In a trade with the Cowboys, the Eagles select USC WR Makai Lemon with the 20th overall pick.
Scientists find perfect fossils in rust beneath Australian farmland
Beneath the dry farmland of New South Wales lies a hidden window into a lost rainforest teeming with life from 11-16 million years ago. At McGraths Flat, scientists have uncovered fossils preserved in astonishing detail—not in typical rock like shale or sandstone, but in iron-rich sediment once thought incapable of such preservation. Tiny iron particles filled and captured entire cells, preserving everything from insect organs to fish eye pigments and delicate spider hairs.
Stunning 132 million-year-old dinosaur tracks are rewriting history
A long-standing mystery in southern Africa’s fossil record is beginning to unravel. After massive lava flows 182 million years ago seemed to erase evidence of dinosaurs in the region, scientists have now uncovered surprising new clues along the Western Cape coast. Dozens of dinosaur tracks, about 132 million years old, have been discovered in a tiny stretch of rock near Knysna—making them the youngest ever found in southern Africa.
The secret is out: New Mexico chef wins Food Network's 'Chopped'
Navajo chef Justin Pioche of Fruitland was also a finalist for Best Chef: Southwest in the 2023 James Beard Awards.
Sports roundup: Southold tennis serves up a loss for Mattituck
Josh Uguna smashed an ace to clinch his third doubles match with partner Joe Moran, to give Southold an insurmountable 4-2 lead over host Mattituck in its Suffolk County boys tennis match on Thursday, April 16. The Settlers’ duo recorded a 6-2, 6-7, 9-7 win over Monte Lang and Matt Kuzman. Southold (5-2, 5-2) recorded...
SPLC indictment ‘nakedly political’: Morial
National Urban League President Marc Morial on Thursday slammed the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as a “nakedly political” move to strike civil …
Vermont high school sports scores, results, stats for Thursday, April 23
Vermont high school sports scores and results as reported to the Burlington Free Press sports department.
Southern University wins ECAC EA Sports College Football National Championship
Coby Robinson, a sophomore computer science major known as “K1ngC0by,” secured the title in a best-of-five championship series against Bellarmine University.
Trump picks former SC Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer for Belize ambassadorship
President Donald Trump is once again nominating South Carolina’s André Bauer to be the U.S. ambassador to Belize. Now it’s up to the Senate to confirm him to the post.
Southern Bancorp Community Partners names entrepreneurship leader - Talk Business & Politics
Southern Bancorp Community Partners (SBCP), the nonprofit loan fund and financial development organization of Southern Bancorp, Inc., announced that Jorge González has joined the institution as an Entrepreneurship Development Officer....
Southern Bancorp Community Partners names entrepreneurship leader - Talk Business & Politics
Southern Bancorp Community Partners (SBCP), the nonprofit loan fund and financial development organization of Southern Bancorp, Inc., announced that Jorge González has joined the institution as an Entrepreneurship Development Officer....
South Shields won't lose focus in promotion tussle
South Shields go into the final day of the National League North season two points behind leaders Fylde.
Business Briefs: April 24, 2026
Greenfield Cooperative Bank welcomes new employees GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank has announced the addition of two new employees. Abby LaValley has been named the assistant vice president and branch manager of the Amherst branch office located at 390 College St. in Amherst, and Jimmy Rosario has been named assistant branch manager of the South Hadley […]
New cricket stadium in California heralds sport's Olympic return after 128 years
Construction is underway for a new world-class cricket venue in Southern California, which will be used for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Former Adult Entertainment Venue in South Philly Sold for $2.3 Million, Will Be Repurposed
Show & Tel has closed and been sold. The new owner plans to repurpose the property as storage facility and office space.
Tennessee softball vs Alabama is matchup of two best SEC pitching staffs
Tennessee softball will face an Alabama pitching staff with just as much depth as its own in a top 10 series at home from April 25-27.
How Louisiana's food incubators elevate local entrepreneurs
Food incubators give entrepreneurs space to create, test and commercialize their product and university and economic development leaders are helping boost south Louisiana food innovation programs to increase their capacity.
What to know about the Trump Justice Department’s case against the Southern Poverty Law Center
The Justice Department announced charges Tuesday against the Southern Poverty Law Center, alleging the storied civil rights organization defrauded its donors by funding the extremism it claimed to be fighting.
South Korea, Vietnam set to sign dozens of business deals as Lee visits Hanoi
South Korean and Vietnamese companies are expected to sign dozens of business deals on Thursday, Korean media and two sources said, as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung visits Hanoi.
Local Black-owned business caters campus events; restaurant rises from the ashes
When Social Justice Center student success coordinator Wiley Wilson reached out to A Family Affair Southern Cuisine to cater an upcoming event, restaurant co-owner Brittany Bryant thought it would be too much to handle. “Typically, during Black History Month, schedules fill up, but we try to make [the] effort,” Bryant said. Despite initial hesitation, Bryant...
Smoke Shrouds Northern Thailand
Seasonal fires have darkened skies over Southeast Asia.
A South Jersey sports museum owner brought Pope Leo XIV gifts during a trip to Rome
Siouxland business leaders ask for support for 185th
Business leaders from Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota travel to Washington to request federal funding for the 185th Refueling Wing of the Air National Guard.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES REPORTS FIRST QUARTER RESULTS, BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION INITIATIVES DELIVER MEANINGFUL MARGIN EXPANSION
Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) today reported first quarter 2026 financial results, representing an important milestone as the transformational plan announced just 18 months ago is now fully implemented.
Rochester businesses dealing with higher seasonal energy bills: 'Chills you to the bone'
Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Spring may have started, but winter's wrath seems to be lingering on for at least two businesses in the South Wedge.
Vehicle used to break into 2 Sacramento businesses overnight, police say
Here’s how to join my IMCC8 symposium, “Ocean Science Communication: What’s New and What’s Next?”
I am pleased to announce that I’ll be leading a symposium at the upcoming 8th International Marine Conservation Congress in Scotland! We’ll be discussing new developments and emerging t…
Midco announces $43M investment to finish Fiber Forward in South Dakota
Midco is making a big investment to finish its future-focused fiber upgrade -- including $20 million in Sioux Falls over the next few years.
CBL Scholars Program Opens Pathways to Business Law Careers - UC Law San Francisco (Formerly UC Hastings)
First-year law students and 2026 CBL Scholars Deniz Masjedi, Alvaro Flores, and Tavia Pappaly gain mentorship connections with leading industry professionals as they prepare for careers in business law. Created by the UC Center for Business Law San Francisco (CBL), the CBL Scholars Program aims to develop the next generation of business law leaders, supported by contributions from individuals and corporate sponsors. The highly competitive program provides funding along with academic and professional mentorship to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Scholars gain exposure to the Bay Area’s technology and venture capital ecosystems and access to UC Law SF’s broad network of senior legal professionals. Now in its sixth year, the CBL Scholars Program provides a scholarship and academic and professional mentorship to students entering the business law community from disadvantaged educational, economic, social, or physical backgrounds. The program is generously sponsored by the law firms Gunderson Dettmer and Goodwin Procter. Meet this year’s CBL Scholars: Deniz Masjedi, Alvaro Flores, and Tavia Pappaly. All three have secured summer associate positions at prestigious law firms. Deniz Masjedi: A Passion for Helping Founders Grow Companies Deniz Masjedi, who was born in Iran and moved to Southern California as a teenager, traces her interest in law to her family’s immigration journey and her desire to advocate for herself and her family. She earned a bachelor’s degree at UC Berkeley, where she studied political science and sociology. At UC Law SF, she serves as a 1L representative for the Iranian Law Students Association and is active in the Business Law Society and Technology & Law Society. Next fall, she will serve as director of mentorship for the Technology & Law Society and director of professional development for the Business Law Society. She will join Sidley Austin this year as a 1L/2L summer associate. Q: What draws you to business law? A: Prior to law school, I worked in Cooley LLP’s Private Companies practice group as a corporate paralegal for three years, supporting over 100 venture-backed startups and venture capital funds. I found purpose in helping founders transform their vision into successful companies. It was incredibly rewarding being part of their journeys—from company formation and initial financing to major transactions such as M&A deals. What excites me most about this field is the potential for a small, innovative company to become the next Google or Zoom, shaping how people communicate and access information. I hope to continue supporting entrepreneurs and investors as a corporate attorney. Q: What does it mean to you to have been awarded this scholarship? A: As the first person in my family to attend law school in the United States, receiving this scholarship is a tremendous honor. My parents and I left everything behind so that I could enjoy the freedom to practice my religion without persecution and pursue a career in law as a woman. This award is an acknowledgment of my dedication to business law and motivates me to continue pursuing excellence in this field. It also recognizes years of hard work—learning a new language, navigating the college and law school application process, and ultimately building a career in the legal profession. Q: How will this scholarship help support your future goals? A: This scholarship will provide access to mentorship from leaders in the field, enabling me to develop the skills necessary to offer practical advice and effective representation to future clients. It also eases the financial burden of law school, letting me focus on my coursework and deepen my commitment to corporate law. As an immigrant, breaking into the legal profession has not always been easy, and the time that mentors have invested in me has been instrumental to my progress. This scholarship will allow me to continue building those relationships while positioning me to one day mentor others pursuing similar paths. Alvaro Flores: Inspired by Entrepreneurs The son of Mexican immigrants raised in San Antonio, Texas, Alvaro Flores says he has long been interested in how policy, markets, and culture shape society. He studied international relations and global economy at the University of Southern California, with minors in business finance and legal studies. His experiences span local political organizing, venture capital and startup work, and teaching entrepreneurship. At UC Law SF, he is involved in the Business Law Society, Technology & Law Society, and the Latinx Law Student Association. He will join Perkins Coie as a 1L/2L summer associate with the firm’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital practice. Q: What draws you to business law? A: I’m drawn to stories of entrepreneurs whose simple ideas become companies that shape the economy and society. Spending time in venture capital and working directly with founders has shown me that many important decisions in the scaling process are ultimately legal ones, particularly how companies are structured and how capital is raised. Business law sits at the intersection of innovation and equity. It offers a way to stay close to the pace of technological change while also helping expand who gets to participate in it. There is something special about being part of that process here in the Bay Area, where the American Dream feels like it is reimagined in real time. Q: What does it mean to you to have been awarded this scholarship? A: I am truly grateful for the support and belief this scholarship represents. I see it not just as recognition, but also as alignment. The CBL Scholars Program’s focus on developing individuals who engage deeply with the business and technology ecosystem reflects the path I have been intentionally building. More than anything, it feels like an investment in that journey. I have been thoughtful about each next step–whether teaching, working in venture capital, or building multidisciplinary experiences–and this scholarship reinforces that those efforts come together in a meaningful way. Q: How will this scholarship help support your future goals? A: It allows me to focus more on developing as a business lawyer, without the distraction of financial constraints. Beyond that, the mentorship and access to the Bay Area network are just as valuable. I’m especially interested in working with early-stage companies and investors, so the opportunity to learn directly from people operating at a high level in that space is huge. Tavia Pappaly: Working in the Wine Industry Sparked Interest in Business and Law Tavia Pappaly spent five years in the wine industry before deciding to pursue law school with a goal of becoming a corporate transactions attorney. Pappaly says she wants to use her legal skills to help business grow and thrive. A first-generation law student from Fairfield, California, she is a member of the Legal Education Opportunity Program (LEOP) and will serve as vice president of social planning for the UC Law SF Sports Law Society in her 2L year. She plans to work as a summer associate at Gibson Dunn in San Francisco after her 2L year. Q: What draws you to business law? A: Business law brings together many of my interests and personal experiences. As the daughter of immigrants who grew up around a family-owned small business, I saw firsthand both the opportunities and challenges of building something from the ground up. That perspective, combined with my experience in the wine industry, solidified my interest in helping businesses of all sizes tackle evolving legal challenges. I’m excited to grow within the corporate law space and develop the skills and experience to support businesses at every stage. I’m deeply motivated to give back to immigrant communities and small business owners, whose experiences often intersect. By building a strong foundation in corporate law, I hope to support those working to create generational stability and to contribute in a meaningful way to the communities that have shaped me. Q: What does it mean to you to have been awarded this scholarship? A: Receiving this scholarship is incredibly meaningful to me. I take great pride in my background as a first-generation student and a woman of color, so being recognized for my potential in a field that has historically underrepresented those communities is both affirming and empowering. This program will help connect me to the resources and committed mentors that will help me succeed. Beyond that, it is no secret that law school is a significant financial commitment. This scholarship helps ease both the financial burden and the stress that comes with it, allowing me to focus more on my education and long-term goals. I am incredibly grateful! Q: How will this scholarship help support your future goals? A: This scholarship has already connected me with an incredible network of faculty, business law professionals, and like-minded students. The community fostered by the Center for Business Law is deeply supportive, and I’m excited to grow alongside my cohort. I truly believe this network will play an important role in helping me thrive in law school and position me for success in business law. As I have seen firsthand how impactful both financial scholarship and mentorship are, I hope to give back in this same way later in my career.
Royals announce plans for new stadium just south of downtown Kansas City
The Royals have played at Kauffman Stadium, the fifth-oldest ballpark in MLB, since 1973.
Smoke from wildfires raises health concerns across Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia
While no fires are burning in Duval County, step outside and you can smell the smoke, which can be a problem for people who have asthma or other breathing conditions. Dr. Shilpa Amin, medical director of the Emergency Department at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital, joined us on The Morning Show to share some important information for those with health concerns from the smoke.
#EarthDay: Protecting Rhinos With Nuclear Science
Poaching remains one of the greatest threats to rhinos — a powerful symbol of our planet’s biodiversity. In South Africa, scientists are addressing this challenge with an innovative approach: using safe radioactive isotopes as invisible markers in rhino horns, enabling authorities to detect and trace them at borders.
'Eat Me' review: Hitting a dead end in a foodie wonderland
'Eat Me,' a new play by Talene Monahon, author of 'Meet the Cartozians,' has its world premiere at South Coast Repertory.
Why forest conservation is also public health
In a lowland forest in southeastern Madagascar, what was missing proved as telling as what was found. Researchers trapping small mammals in the Manombo Special Reserve caught tuft-tailed rats in the intact interior forest. In the nearby littoral forest, despite repeated efforts, they found none. The traps held black rats instead. The observation appears in […]
Game Thread: White Sox (8-14) at Diamondbacks (13-9)
South Siders eye back-to-back series wins in Phoenix against the D-backs
Feud between Mace and Mills flares as the Republicans trade barbs, expulsion threats
A deeply personal grudge between a pair of Republicans — Reps. Cory Mills of Florida and Nancy Mace of South Carolina — has escalated on Capitol Hill, as Mills accused his long-time foe of trying to profit off efforts to oust him.
Deep Sea Mining Symposium Announcement
Abstract submissions are now open for the 8th International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC8), taking place November 13–17, 2026, in Edinburgh, Scotland—and we’re excited to announce an open sym…
Southern Poverty Law Center says it faces a DOJ criminal probe over paid informants
The Alabama-based civil rights organization made the announcement Tuesday, saying President Donald Trump's administration appears to be preparing legal action against it or its employees.
Former Southern Miss president and polymer science pioneer Shelby Thames dies at 89
The University of Southern Mississippi is mourning the loss of one of its former presidents.
Scientists are burning homes to protect them in wildfires: ‘We crash test houses’
Scientists set fire to 13 houses so far in South Carolina to learn how fire spreads.
Just Two Years After Opening, Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital - Miller Family Campus in Lehi is Expanding to Meet Growing Demand for Pediatric Care
Just two years after opening, Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital - Miller Family Campus in Lehi has become a critical access point for pediatric trauma care and specialty services for children closer to home for residents in fast-growing communities in Utah County and Southern Salt Lake County.Since opening in 2024, Intermountain...
South Florida tops WalletHub list of 10 best cities to start a business
According to a new report by personal finance company WalletHub, Miami and Hialeah, Florida, are among the 10 best large cities to start a business in.
Southern Poverty Law Center says Justice Department is investigating its work with informants
The Southern Poverty Law Center said in a statement Tuesday that it is under investigation by the Justice Department for its use of paid informants.
Wasted Investments, Looming Crisis: The Impact of U.S. Global Health Funding Cuts on HIV in South Africa
Executive Summary Starting in 2025, the Trump administration abruptly slashed and disrupted funding for global health, jeopardizing hard won public health gains and irreplaceable investments in infrastructure and partnerships for disease response, health security, and research. As of late March 2026 – more than a year after the disruptions began – HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and […]
Girls Ambitious about Learning Science registration deadline April 22
Participants will get their hands dirty digging soil samples and more as they attend GALS, a mini-series of science programs for girls in grades 5-8.
Fannie Masemola: South Africa's police boss charged in connection with controversial health contract
Fannie Masemola is accused of failing in his duties to provide proper oversight in his role.
South African business confidence hits five‑month low on impact of Iran war
South African business confidence weakened to a five-month low in March, dragged down by a weaker rand currency , a slowdown in trade and share price falls linked to the Iran war, data showed on Tuesday.
South African Business Optimism Wanes in March on Iran Conflict
South African business confidence moderated in March as the US-Israeli war with Iran roiled financial, commodity and foreign-exchange markets.
South African rand flat as traders eye business confidence index, central bank policy report
The South African rand was flat in early trade on Tuesday as investors tracked geopolitical developments and awaited the release of a domestic business confidence survey and a central bank monetary policy review later in the day.
High school baseball and softball: Monday's scores
CIF City Section and Southern Section high school baseball and softball scores for Monday's games.
Forrest County Youth Sports expands with 2 new baseball fields in Brooklyn
A growing youth sports program in South Forrest County opens two new fields at the Brooklyn Community Center.
India’s Decades-Long Political Truce Is Over
India’s five-decade-long political compromise between an overpopulated, impoverished north and more successful, faster-growing south has just imploded.
Southeast Houston business owners say they're concerned about fires happening at nearby encampment
Some business owners along McGrew Street in southeast Houston say they are concerned about a growing homeless encampment nearby.
After flooding hits Milwaukee’s south side, business owner and community group push cleanup efforts
After recent flooding, a business owner near 20th and Mitchell says trash and water keep piling up. Muskego Way Forward is now working to clean the area and connect residents with resources.
Google rolls out Gemini in Chrome in seven new countries
Google is rolling out Gemini in Chrome in Australia, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam.
What's next for South Hills development in Cary after failed sports venue impacts small businesses
While developers were clear that the project was not dead after the vote, questions lingered about new plans for more than a year.
What's next for South Hills development in Cary after failed sports venue impacts small businesses
While developers were clear that the project was not dead after the vote, questions lingered about new plans for more than a year.
McLeod Health Pharmacy Services Team Receives Best Practice Award
The McLeod Health Pharmacy Services Team recently received the “Practice Advancement Initiative – Best Practice Award” during the South Carolina Society of Health-Systems
Exciting experiments with Mad Science of Southern MA & RI
This morning on “The Rhode Show” we welcomed back our friend Jolting Jonathan from Mad Science of Southern Massachusetts and Rhode Island as he shared fun experiments with Brendan Kirby. To learn m…
San Diego Padres’ Booming Business Made Them an Attractive Buy
The Southern California-based franchise is the 10th-best revenue generating club in MLB, and that number is poised to keep growing.
South Uist business faces 'non-stop cancellations' amid ferry disruption
Archie MacLellan, who owns Uist Travel Accomodation, says he has had many cancellations.
CoatingSolution4U Wins Bronze at the 2026 Edison Awards in Materials Science
Korean Deep-Tech Startup Earns Global Recognition for Battery Manufacturing AI CoatingSolution4U Receives Bronze Edison Award 2026 CoatingSolution4U accepts the Bronze Edison Award in the Materials Science category at the 2026 Edison Awards ceremony in Fort Myers, Florida. SAN JOSE, Calif., April 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CoatingSolution4U, a South Korean deep-tech company founded by Seoul National University Professor Kyung Hyun Ahn, has won the Bronze Edison Award in the Materials Science c
Exploratorium and Hyundai to develop science centre in Seoul
New museum in South Korea is due to open in 2032
India and South Korea agree to nearly double trade to $50B by 2030
South Korea and India have agreed to nearly double bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030, up from about $27 billion.
Lee Health: Bringing our mission to life for Southwest Florida
Grounded in our mission to be a trusted partner, empowering healthier lives through care and compassion, Lee Health continues to build ...
Festival season is coming. Here's how to submit your information.
The deadline to submit info for The Tribune's annual Festival Guide is May 8. Here's what's needed and how to submit.
What events are happening in the South Bend area from April 20 to 26?
Discover concerts, festivals, theater, and family fun in South Bend and Michiana from April 20-26, 2026.
Get a taste in photos of Jim's Smokin' Café's barbecue-focused menu
Jim's Smokin' Café owner Jim Morris left the car sale industry and took a chance on starting a barbecue restaurant.
New Southcoast Health fund supports Bridgewater State athletes
Southcoast Health established an endowed fund to provide long-term support for Bridgewater State University student-athletes.
Zeiterion to spotlight New Bedford hip-hop on May 23. What to know.
New B @ The Z on May 23 will spotlight New Bedford hip-hop through performances, competitions, workshops and community collaboration.
Boosting the berry business
Blueberry growers recover from the blues and strawberries have their saviors after a blistery—by Florida standards—winter. Add other growing challenges and Southwest Florida’s berry businesses need a boost. Still, it’s peak season for blueberries in the area and residents can enjoy the healthy treat as the crop losses mostly affect commercial buyers, local growers said.
Family-run Ottumwa florist wins senators’ small business award
OTTUMWA, Iowa —A southeast Iowa flower shop was honored as Small Business of the week by U.S Senator Joni Ernst on Friday.
Advancing epidemic and pandemic preparedness through research readiness: SEAR Unity Studies Network Sites chart the way forward in 2026
On 25 March 2026, WHO Regional Office for the South‑East Asia Region (SEARO) convened the first meeting of the SEAR Chapter of the Unity Studies Network Meeting in 2026 to take stock of progress and plan next steps for strengthening epidemic and pandemic preparedness across the Region. The meeting focused on reviewing the ongoing adaptation of selected, standard Unity Study methodologies, sharing field implementation experiences from 2025, and identifying key priorities to guide collaborative work in 2026.Held virtually, the meeting brought together representatives from six Unity Studies network sites across five countries (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand) as well as participants from all three levels of WHO.The meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing regional efforts in South‑East Asia to strengthen early investigations and studies for epidemic and pandemic preparedness, with a focus on pandemic influenza and other emerging respiratory pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential. In this context, and as part of preparedness for the rapid generation of evidence, the WHO Health Emergencies Programme in SEAR (WHE/SEAR) encourages Unity Studies sites to adapt prioritized, standardized Unity Study protocols to their national contexts. This approach supports the generation of timely and reliable evidence to inform public health decision‑making during epidemics and pandemics.These efforts are supported through a combination of experience sharing, participation in the global Unity Studies network webinars, capacity‑building of the national public health workforce, and regional collaboration that promotes inter‑country, inter‑agency, and inter‑ministerial action. In parallel, sites are encouraged to explore diversified funding sources to help sustain research preparedness over the long term.Discussions highlighted the importance of WHO’s catalytic financial support through the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contributions (PIP‑PC). When combined with national and institutional resources, this support enables countries and sites to maintain continuity of activities at a core level and remain prepared to respond rapidly and effectively to future epidemics and pandemics.Regional and Global Updates: Opening the session, Dr Pushpa Ranjan Wijesinghe, Programme Area Manager, Pandemic and Epidemic Management (PEM) Unit, WHO Health Emergencies Programme, highlighted the progress made in operationalizing the Unity Studies Network across the Region and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of WHO at all three levels, together with country unity studies sites. He emphasized the availability of limited but catalytic funding through the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PIP‑PC) workplan at SEARO to sustain network activities in 2026, while encouraging sites to leverage additional funding sources to expand implementation.Representing SEARO, Dr Ashok Basnet, consultant, Pandemic Influenza Preparedness reported that, at the regional level, the Unity Studies Network currently includes six sites across five countries: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. He noted that in 2025, catalytic funding supported protocol adaptation, training, and pilot implementation. In addition, a regional Unity Studies symposium held during the Global Public Health Summit in Sri Lanka strengthened and advocated collaboration between the Unity Studies site, national decision‑making forum, relevant technical units of the ministry of health, WHO and other partners.The symposium also highlighted the role of early investigations and studies as a key component of a multi‑source surveillance system needed at country level to generate a broad range of evidence. It underscored the critical role of country Unity Studies sites and similar research entities in generating evidence to support public health decision‑making during epidemics and pandemics.Participants of the WHO GISRS Unity Studies Sites Network- SEAR Chapter Meeting 2026 (Photo credit- PEM/WHE/SEARO). SEARO also updated participants on ongoing efforts to develop a regional Unity Studies webpage and to promote participation in global knowledge‑sharing platforms, including webinars and the WHO Community of Practice. Priorities for 2026 include supporting the implementation of Unity protocols, strengthening collaboration and experience sharing across sites, documenting and publishing findings, integrating Unity Studies activities as a component of multi-source national surveillance systems, and building workforce capacity.Dr Nickle Boddington of the Global Influenza Programme (GIP) at WHO Headquarters, which coordinates the Unity Studies Network globally, provided updates on global Unity Studies activities, noting that the network has expanded to 16 sites worldwide. New and updated protocols, including rapid clinical severity assessment tools and standardized data platforms, are being developed to support implementation. The global Community of Practice has also been launched to facilitate technical exchange, and continued support will be provided to sites for protocol adaptation, ethical approvals, and readiness for early investigation during outbreaks. Updates from Unity Studies sites in SEAR in 2025Unity Studies sites shared progress and experiences in implementing protocols across diverse country contexts. Sites initiated activities in 2025 using catalytic funding from SEARO, complemented by the mobilization of internal national resources. The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Bangladesh, reported the adoption and piloting of investigation protocols on non‑seasonal influenza and emerging respiratory diseases during recent avian influenza outbreaks, demonstrating a multi‑source funding approach involving government, WHO and One Health partners.The Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (HIMSR), New Delhi, India, highlighted the piloting of household transmission investigation studies, the expansion of the national Unity Studies network, and the contribution of study findings to global evidence through published outputs. The All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India, shared experiences from large‑scale seroprevalence studies conducted during the COVID‑19 pandemic, recent efforts to strengthen national Unity network sites through training activities, and plans to initiate multi‑centre studies on respiratory viruses.Similarly, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand, highlighted its experience in developing integrated surveillance and diagnostic protocols for multiple respiratory pathogens, enhancing readiness for targeted investigations of emerging threats. The University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, reported ongoing engagement with the Ministry of Health and exploration of additional funding sources to initiate studies. Meanwhile, the National Public Health Laboratory, Nepal, provided updates on continued coordination with national stakeholders to initiate implementation, despite delays related to the country context.Across sites, shared experiences underscored the importance of protocol adaptation, multisectoral collaboration, and sustainable funding to operationalize Unity Studies and generate evidence for public health action.Discussions and Way ForwardThe meeting reinforced key priorities for 2026, including strengthening unity studies protocol implementation, enhancing collaboration, knowledge sharing, integrating research as a component of national multi-source surveillance systems, and ensuring that generated evidence informs public health decision‑making. Participants also emphasized the importance of documentation, visibility, and leveraging multiple funding sources, and agreed on the following action points.Unity Studies Sites and WHO Country Offices:Advance adoption and implementation of at least one Unity protocol, continuing activities initiated in 2025 with catalytic funding, supplemented with other sources of funding where feasible.Document site-specific experiences, outcomes, and lessons learned; participate in regional and global knowledge-sharing platforms including WHO webinars and the Community of Practice.Work closely with ministries of health to establish unified national platforms for translating generated evidence into national public health decision-making. WHO Country Offices may facilitate technical support and complementary, synergistic funding opportunities where feasible. WHO Regional OfficeCoordinate with WHO Country Offices to support implementation of core unity studies activities by network sites through catalytic funding and provide technical guidance and virtual engagement opportunities throughout 2026.Facilitate the participation of all Unity Studies sites in the regional meeting on Unity Studies implementation in October 2026, to be held back‑to‑back with the Annual SEAR Regional PIP‑PC Meeting; develop and host a SEAR Unity Studies website; and mobilize support from academic institutions within the SEAR Unity Studies Network to support the development of regional manuscripts that showcase Unity Studies activities to scientific audiences and promote knowledge‑sharing.Explore complementary funding opportunities and partnerships to sustain and expand network activities across the Region.WHO HeadquartersProvide global technical guidance, updated protocols, and toolkits to support the implementation of Unity Studies in SEAR.Facilitate engagement of SEAR sites in global webinars, the Community of Practice, and opportunities to showcase their work.Support joint publications, inclusion of SEAR experiences in global outputs, and identification of additional funding and collaborative opportunities to strengthen Unity Studies activities.
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