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US Health Department official signals progress on selecting new CDC head
The top CDC job has been filled by acting directors since Trump fired then-director Susan Monarez last August, after she objected to Kennedy's proposed vaccine policy changes.
Tooele business owners worry proposed road project could negatively impact daily operation
A proposed road project aimed at improving safety has drawn mixed reactions from local business owners.The Utah Department of Transportation, along with Tooele
New dispute emerges around Subnautica 2’s early access release
Lawyers for the ousted—and now partially reinstated—leadership team of Unknown Worlds, the studio behind Subnautica 2, are crying foul over news that the game will be released into early access in May. The release announcement earlier this week was made improperly, potentially “damaging the game and sowing additional confusion among the Subnautica community,” the lawyers said in a letter sent on Tuesday to Vice Chancellor Lori Will of Delaware’s Court of Chancery. In their letter, the lawyers also floated the idea of asking Will to find Krafton in contempt of the court’s ruling. The letter was sent just one day after Will’s bombshell ruling that publisher Krafton had breached its contract with Unknown Worlds’ executive team, when it fired them last June. The new issue isn’t necessarily the May early access timeframe, but how the news was announced. The letter and Krafton’s response have not been previously reported. A quick recap of prior events: Subnautica 2 is an unreleased, underwater survival adventure and the most-wishlisted game on Steam. Last year, longtime Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill, along with studio co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, were fired by Krafton. They swiftly sued, saying the publisher had terminated them to avoid paying out up to $250 million in potential performance-based bonuses. The studio leaders had hoped to earn that with an early access release of the game, which Krafton had blocked. The publisher argued in court that Subnautica 2 wasn’t ready, which the ousted execs disputed. On Monday, Will ruled that Krafton had violated its contract, firing the execs to avoid the performance payouts, and that it had to reinstate Gill and give him full authority over any early access release for Subnautica 2. On Tuesday, IGN reported on a new memo issued that day to Unknown Worlds staff by Steve Papoutsis, the executive Krafton had put in charge of Unknown Worlds after the 2025 firings. In the note, Papoutsis said that Subnautica 2 had passed a key development milestone “last week” and that he and Krafton had determined the game “is ready for Early Access release in May.” This news appeared to catch the lawyers for Gill, Cleveland and McGuire by surprise. On Tuesday night, they sent a letter to Will expressing “serious concerns” about whether it would be possible to forge an agreement with Krafton consistent with the judge’s order. Papoutsis’ memo was a problem, they wrote. He didn’t have the authority to declare anything about Subnautica 2’s release. As of 9am ET on Monday, March 16, the effective date of Will’s order, Papoutsis wasn’t CEO of Unknown Worlds. Gill was. And, per Will’s order, only Gill could make Subnautica 2 release decisions. They continued: Krafton self-servingly announced the launch without any regard to its impact on the game, the team, or the community—let alone this Court’s Opinion. Announcing the release of a game is momentous, and it is typically accompanied by significant marketing activity, fanfare, and community coordination. And most importantly, the announcement is carefully designed to maximize excitement for the game. That entire process was supposed to be driven by Mr. Gill. However, in defiance of the Court’s Opinion, Krafton has now taken that away, further damaging the game and sowing additional confusion among the Subnautica community. The lawyers speculated that Krafton had “intentionally leaked” Papoutsis’ memo and then issued an official statement to confirm the leak. Game File is a reader-supported publication. My reporting is only possible through support from readers like you. To support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe On Wednesday, lawyers for Krafton defended their client in their own letter to vice chancellor Will, saying nothing they did violated her order nor showed contempt: Papoutsis’s message was simply celebrating the UW employees’ efforts toward a past event: Krafton’s pre-Opinion determination that Subnautica 2 was ready for Early Access release. There was nothing improper about conveying the results of the milestone review or thanking the development team for their dedication and talent. They added that Gill could still make his own call about Subnautica 2’s release: In his role as CEO, Gill will be able to assess independently his views on the state of Subnautica 2 and the appropriate release schedule; nothing in Papoutsis’s message alters Gill’s authority or discretion. Vice chancellor Will has not responded to the letters and doesn’t necessarily have to. Both parties were previously ordered by Will to confer this week and submit a proposed judgment consistent with her ruling. The letter from Gill’s attorney’s this week doesn’t indicate whether he would or would not support a May release for Subnautica 2. But it could limit his options. And, if Gill’s lawyers are right, the lack of marketing fanfare around the leak of the May date could dull the launch of the game. Any harm to Subnautica 2’s launch is an extra sensitive issue given the context of the legal dispute: millions of dollars of payouts are on the line, tethered to the scale of the game’s initial performance. In her ruling on Monday, Will noted that there was obvious “bad blood” between Gill’s side and Krafton but that the two would need to work together: “They can—and must—act in good faith to navigate their remaining contractual relationship.” Item 2: A new kind of couch co-op game A highlight of GDC each year is the Alt.Ctrl showcase that features games played with extremely experimental controllers. Perusing this year’s offerings last Friday, I found a game controlled with giant scissors, another with big toothbrushes and one that amounted to dumpster diving. My favorite was Pivot, a co-op game about collectively maneuvering a couch. It was developed by students at the University of Utah’s masters of arts and engineering games program. Players lift and tilt the physical couch in order to control the position of a virtual one. That virtual one is moving through an obstacle course on-screen, while being pursued by a giant skull. Developer Nishant Verma told me at GDC that the couch is made of styrofoam (this became more evident as I watched!) and that the name was a riff on an episode of the sitcom Friends. Item 3: In brief… 🚫 Ubisoft is laying off more than 100 workers at its Red Storm studio, as the North Carolina location known for decades for its Tom Clancy games, ceases in-house game development, VGC reports. 👀 On Monday, Nvidia’s revealed its DLSS 5 AI-driven graphics technology that purports to improve game graphics… and it has been roasted about it by the media and the online gaming public for the remainder of the week. The tech changed the faces of characters in footage from Resident Evil Requiem, Hogwarts Legacy and EA Sports FC, drawing accusations of giving carefully art-directed games the generic look of AI “slop.” Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang had said on Monday that “DLSS 5 is the GPT moment for graphics—blending handcrafted rendering with generative AI to deliver a dramatic leap in visual realism while preserving the control artists need for creative expression.” By mid-week, Huang was telling Tom’s Hardware that the new tech’s critics were “completely wrong” because game-makers could still “fine-tune the generative AI” to suit their game’s aesthetics.
Gamers Rebel Against Nvidia’s DLSS 5 ‘AI Slop Filter’
Nvidia’s DLSS 5 graphics upgrade sparked backlash, memes and mockery, with gamers rejecting the proposed “AI slop” filter.
CMA opposes dangerous ballot measure threatening community health clinics
CMA is strongly opposing a proposed statewide ballot initiative that would strip billions of dollars from vital health...
California’s proposed billionaire tax gains majority support in new poll, with a partisan split on voter ID
A new poll shows California voters are sharply divided over two brewing ballot measures: a one-time tax on billionaires and new rules and procedures to verify voter citizenship.
Two rules changes proposed ahead of league meeting
The Steelers have a solid rule change proposal for the annual league meeting. The Browns have a questionable one.
Marijuana businesses urge CCC to consider freezing new licenses
The proposed move is aimed at curbing plant oversupply and stopping price plummet.
FDA pulls proposed rule barring teens from indoor tanning
The notice, signed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., said the move “does not mean that exposure to UV radiation does not cause skin cancer.”
Snowmass considers defining new ‘business district’ for Draw Site, among other updates
Snowmass Town Council might consider a new business district after it was proposed Monday as a way to include small businesses in funding and priority housing for the Draw Site housing project.
Medicaid drug reimbursements could end for health care providers across Indiana
Health centers warn they could lose millions in rebates under the states proposed change, which would end Medicaid drug rebates for health organizations.
Iowa GOP at odds with business groups over health care tax increase
Business groups and taxpayer advocates are criticizing Iowa Republicans for a proposed increase on some health insurance providers.
EU Inc proposal seeks to rival US in innovation by easing startup creation
The European Commission proposed on Wednesday allowing firms to set up in as little as 48 hours and operate according to a single set of rules across the 27-nation EU in a bid to narrow the gap with the United States in innovative startups.
Proposed Ohio-Israel partnership draws business group support, activist criticism
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The Ohio Senate is considering legislation that would create a formal partnership between the state and Israel aimed at expanding trade, investment and research collaboration. ...
City budget plan would boost potential business improvement district for Carytown
The proposed budget includes $125,000 to help establish the assessment district, which would charge businesses in Carytown an additional fee, above taxes, for enhanced city services.
Allina Health to join Sutter Health in $26B proposed merger
Sutter Health and Minneapolis-based Allina Health unveiled plans to join and form a 39-hospital, $26 billion revenue nonprofit health system. | The cross-regional proposed deal would create a 39-hospital nonprofit system and is expected to close before the end of the year, pending a definitive agreement and regulatory approvals.
Sutter Health to combine with Midwest provider Allina
The Northern California health giant aims to grow its footprint with a proposed deal bringing Allina’s hospitals in Minnesota and Wisconsin under its umbrella.
Hochul says she'll announce proposed changes to 2019 climate law this week
The CLCPA will likely be the key sticking point as state budget talks begin among the governor and the Democratic-led Legislature.
Guns in schools, rent increases, ICE: CT politics news
Plus: Proposed hospital provider tax changes, a pitch for three-year bachelor's degrees, and a family caregiver tax credit bill advances.
Tech billionaires reportedly plotting $500M fund to reshape California politics
(KRON) — Apparently stung by efforts to bring a proposed “billionaire tax” to the ballot next fall, tech billionaires are reportedly plotting an effort to reshape California polit…
Ultrawealthy Consider $500 Million Fund to Influence California Politics
Silicon Valley billionaires have been seething over the threat of more taxes and regulations at home. Now, a proposed nine-figure fund aims to give wealthy Californians an unprecedented tool to reshape the state’s politics in their favor.
Oil prices retreat, Asian shares rise after report of planned IEA oil reserve release
International Energy Agency reportedly proposed argest release of oil reserves in its history to bring down crude prices
Proposed fee increases in Asheville spark worries among residents and businesses
The City of Asheville is considering increasing fees for several services, including water, solid waste and parking.
Proposed CT limits on grocery self-checkout lanes draw business pushback, union support
Connecticut lawmakers are considering a proposal that would limit the use of self-checkout lanes at grocery stores, a measure that has drawn sharp opposition from retailers and business groups.
Poison-pill effort to cancel proposed billionaire tax hits voters' mailboxes
California voters are being urged to put a poison-pill effort on the November ballot that would nullify a controversial proposed tax on the state’s billionaires.
IRS unveils proposed regulations for new Trump Accounts savings program
The IRS and Treasury proposed new rules for Trump Accounts, including details for make the elections to open an account and take the federal seed money if eligible to do so.
Live Nation: Bipartisan Group of State AGs Vows to Fight on Despite DOJ’s Proposed Settlement with Entertainment Giant
Democratic and Republican state attorneys general said the proposed settlement between DOJ and Live Nation Entertainment (LYV) to resolve the company’s alleged antitrust violations is insufficient and they’ll continue the monopoly suit.
Labour in ‘deep trouble’ with Black voters, Operation Black Vote chair warns
David Weaver says proposed jury reforms and slow progress on equality risk eroding support in marginal seats
Redistricting plan to give Colorado Dems 7 members of the U.S. House will split El Paso County
A proposed redistricting plan, which would give Colorado seven Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives and only one Republican, will split El Paso County into two parts and thereby weaken the county’s influence in Congress. El Paso County, which contains all of the city of Colorado Springs, currently is mainly in U.S. House […]
Op-Ed: State income tax proposal will destroy minority-owned businesses and hurt our communities
Washington’s proposed state income tax on earnings above $1 million threatens to undermine the progress and stability of minority-owned businesses at a time when our state’s entrepreneurial diversity ...
Sunrise Sports Center featuring NHL-sized ice sheets, turf fields is proposed for Sunrise Mall site
A new regional sports complex that would feature ice hockey, figure skating, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, lacrosse and soccer is being planned for the Sunrise Mall site in Citrus Heights.
California tech leaders challenge progressive policies as billionaires, businesses flee: report
Centrist tech leaders, including Garry Tan and Chris Larsen urge business figures to stay in California and fight against policies like a proposed tax on billionaires.
BREAKING: 11-acre sports, entertainment complex proposed for Sunrise Mall
A proposed partnership between the city of Citrus Heights, The Mettle Shop, and Tallen Capital Partners could bring an 11-acre, 160,000-square-foot sports and entertainment complex...
Carbon emissions now more than double the planetary boundary, analysis finds
Earth is not infinite. Pollution beyond certain levels threatens the climate and ecosystems. To prevent this, scientists have proposed planetary boundaries, defining the safe operating limits of the Earth ...
Maine hospitals, health advocates debate bill that would cap hospital prices
The proposed bill would cap hospital prices at 200% of Medicare rates.
Horvath Moves To Protect Entertainment Jobs and Evaluate Economic Impact of Warner Bros. Acquisition - Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath
Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath introduced a motion calling for a comprehensive economic impact study of the proposed Paramount Skydance acquisition of Warner Bros.
The bar that outlasted GM finally meets the wrecking ball
A Janesville, Wis., bar that GM once tried to buy out and fence off outlasted the auto plant — but was bulldozed as an $8 billion data center is proposed.
Beshear, state leaders push back on proposed student loan cap
Gov. Andy Beshear and other Democratic leaders are calling on the Trump administration to scrap a proposed change to federal student loan eligibility.
$50 million in funding approved for Norman Rock Creek Entertainment District
The $50 million loan supports the proposed Rock Creek Entertainment District, including a new arena for the University of Oklahoma, with completion planned by 2029.
AHCA/NCAL Submits Comments on Health Information Interoperability Proposed Rule
AHCA/NCAL submitted comments recently to the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in response to ...
St. Joseph Township looks to invest in future of youth sports with 40-acre facility
St. Joseph Township looked to invest in the future of youth sports .. with a proposed 40-acre youth sports facility.The big question tonight - how will this pro
Apollo, Leon Black sued for allegedly concealing Epstein business ties from shareholders
Shareholders sued Apollo Global Management and its billionaire co-founders Leon Black and Marc Rowan on Monday in a proposed class action for allegedly defrauding them for nearly five years about the private capital firm's business dealings with disgraced sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein.
John Oliver Doesn’t Want Paramount as WBD ‘Business Daddy’
John Oliver recently addressed the possibility of Paramount acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery. The Last Week Tonight host used his HBO platform to comment on the proposed transaction, describing the po...
Press release: Orange Business and Tech Mahindra to forge strategic partnership to accelerate end-to-end digital transformation for enterprise customers worldwide, focusing on AI, automation and secure digital platforms
Press releaseParis, 02 March 2026 Orange Business and Tech Mahindra to forge strategic partnership to accelerate end-to-end digital transformation for enterprise customers worldwide, focusing on AI, automation and secure digital platforms This proposed 5-year partnership aims to fast-track next-generation solutions for international customers by combining Orange Business’ trusted leadership in networks, platforms, cloud and cybersecurity with Tech Mahindra’s strong integration expertise and agil
How Trump decided to strike Iran
Iran balked at a proposed deal Thursday, a senior U.S. official said. “They weren’t willing to say they will not have a nuclear weapon. Very simple,” Trump told NBC News.
US Government Is Accelerating Coral Reef Collapse, Scientists Warn
Proposed Endangered Species Act rollbacks and military expansions are leaving the Pacific’s most diverse coral reefs legally defenseless.
Politics Unplugged (Full Episode ) March 1, 2026
This week on Politics Unplugged, Surprise city councilman Johnny Melton expresses his concern that the federal government won’t talk to the city about a proposed ICE detention facility. Then, consultants Marcus Dell’Artino and Roy Herrera talk about the marathon State of the Union speech and break down the flurry of bills heard in the legislature this week.
Washington state progressives strike big business tax break from ‘millionaire’s tax’
The Washington State House Finance Committee made revisions to a proposed income tax after a group of progressive lawmakers said the previous version gave away too much while not doing enough for working families.
Health Policy Watch: Zambia and Zimbabwe back away from ‘prescriptive’ US health deals
Zambia is unhappy with part of the proposed health aid deal with the US; Zimbabwe halted its bilateral health negotiations with the US.
After CDC vaccine changes, states push to keep childhood shots free, accessible
Proposed legislation raises concern over “fractured” vaccine policies across the U.S.
Proposed Data Breach Mandate Sparks New Business Risks » CBIA
Troubling new legislation proposes a significant change to how businesses must respond to “massive” data breach incidents.
Australia's Star Entertainment agrees on refinancing terms with WhiteHawk
Australia's Star Entertainment said on Thursday it has reached an agreement for a non-binding term sheet with U.S.-based private credit investment manager WhiteHawk Capital Partners for proposed refinancing of its debt.
Top WA chambers, business associations respond to proposed $2B spending increase
(The Center Square) – Some of the most prominent chambers of commerce and business associations in Washington state are advising caution around proposals to increase state spending by roughly $2 billi...
Boutique hotel catering to gay travelers proposed for Northalsted
The proposal highlights the North Side neighborhood's profile as a key tourism magnet for the city.
Medtronic’s diabetes business MiniMed looks for $784m in US IPO
The proposed IPO could see MiniMed offer 28m shares as the company looks to reach profitability independently of Medtronic.
Voters react as Trump calls Dems 'crazy' for not applauding ban on secret teen gender transitions
Voters react in real time as President Donald Trump calls Democrats “crazy" during his State of the Union over a proposed ban on school gender transitions.
US to end health aid to Zimbabwe after funding talks collapse
The U.S. is to wind down health assistance to Zimbabwe after the African country withdrew from talks on a proposed $367 million bilateral funding deal.
Zimbabwe exits health funding talks with US
The U.S. is to wind down health assistance to Zimbabwe after the African country withdrew from talks on a proposed $367 million bilateral funding deal.
Columbus budget cuts would hurt health centers serving low-income and poor
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther's proposed 2026 budget cuts to PrimaryOne Health jeopardize services for low-income and uninsured patients.
Tracking the length of Trump’s State of the Union speech compared with past presidents
President Donald Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address to the 119th Congress is likely to be lengthy. Trump is expected to address the nation’s most pressing issues and the impact of his administration’s proposed policies.
The University of Kentucky provides Updates to proposed entertainment district
The University of Kentucky has released four options for a proposed entertainment district that would surround Kroger Field.
Greeley voters decide future of proposed entertainment district in special election
Greeley voters are weighing in on a proposed entertainment district that could significantly shape the city’s future.
Maine hospitals, health reform advocates spar over proposed bill to regulate prices
Advocates say the proposed bill would improve health affordability. Hospital executives say it could lead to closures and service losses, if passed.
West Seattle businesses voice concerns over proposed RV safe lot, tiny home village
Doubts are running deep among a group of businesses in West Seattle where a combined RV safe parking lot and tiny house village could soon open as part of the c
Can solar storms trigger earthquakes? Scientists propose surprising link
Scientists have proposed a surprising connection between solar flares and earthquakes. When solar activity disturbs the ionosphere, it may generate electric fields that penetrate fragile fracture zones in Earth’s crust. If a fault is already critically stressed, this extra electrostatic pressure could help trigger a quake. The idea doesn’t claim direct causation, but it offers a fresh way to think about how space weather and seismic events might interact.
Portland extends moratorium on large entertainment venues
City councilors passed the extension unanimously as an emergency on Monday night, saying they need more time to review a proposed "buffer zone" that would block the construction of a Live Nation concert hall downtown
Swedish business leader Ehnbom proposed Epstein meet women she mentored, emails show
Barbro Ehnbom, known in Sweden for programs to boost female leadership, forwarded photos and suggested meetings.
Special election could delay large Greeley entertainment district development
Voters in Greeley will decide Tuesday whether to repeal already-approved zoning for a massive entertainment district and housing development on the city’s western edge. The proposed development spans...
NYC mayor threatens property tax hike, raising concerns for businesses
Partnership for New York City president and CEO Steve Fulop discusses the city’s budget shortfall and Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposed property tax hike on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
Trump’s approval rating with independents hits a new low ahead of the State of the Union
When President Donald Trump gives his State of the Union address Tuesday, he will face a public that increasingly questions his priorities and expresses broad doubts about whether his proposed policies are helping the nation, according to a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS.
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
After Indiana gambit, Bears signal progress in Illinois
The back and forth comes as the team tries to advance legislation in two states without making public comments that could sour relationships or scuttle talks on either side of the border.
Salt Lake City revisits business nuisance ordinance following significant adjustments
Utah's capital city is revisiting a proposed ordinance that seeks to tackle issues with problem businesses, but with significant changes after the initial effort ran into complaints.
Louisiana reaches $45 million settlement with CVS Health, ending lawsuits
The state had accused CVS Health of “unfair, deceptive and unlawful” business practices for using customer information to conduct a text message campaign last year against proposed legislation for pharmacy benefits managers.
Trump warns he's considering limited strikes as Iranian diplomat says proposed deal is imminent
President Donald Trump has warned that limited strikes against Iran are possible even as the country’s top diplomat says Tehran expects to have a proposed deal ready in the next few days following nuclear talks with the U.S. Trump’s remarks Friday came a few hours after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi said on MSNOW’s “Morning Joe” show that his country was planning to finalize a draft deal in “the next two to three days” to then send to Washington
Chicago Bears take key step in proposed Indiana stadium move
The Chicago Bears on Thursday hailed the "most meaningful step" yet toward building a new stadium in Indiana, as the neighboring state passed a key measure to entice the NFL franchise to make a divisive cross-border move.Bears president and chief executive Kevin Warren warned in December that Indiana had become a serious option, and on Thursday the state unanimously passed a bill allowing it to issue bonds for the financing and construction of a new stadium.
Solar flares may be triggering earthquakes, controversial study claims
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Federal proposal limiting foreign scientists at Boulder lab disrupts Colorado’s quantum industry
A proposed update to a federal security policy on government-funded research could shut out non-US associates from the federal lab after March
Water agencies voice continued concerns about health of Stagecoach Reservoir
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Understanding the Proposed Health Insurance Cut in HB 500, the Kentucky House Budget - Kentucky Center for Economic Policy
As introduced, the House Budget (HB 500) inserts new and unprecedented language that caps the state’s contributions to employee health insurance, shifting costs to current and former state and school employees. In letters sent to lawmakers and to the 310,000 members of the Kentucky Employees Health Plan (KEHP), the state Personnel Cabinet indicated this cap […]
GOP lawmaker proposes measure to block key element of proposed California wealth tax
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Sanders and Newsom clash over proposed tax on California's billionaires
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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.
Colorado Democrats Push to Rip Up 2028 House Map for an Extra Edge
A proposed ballot measure to give Democrats more seats for the 2028 and 2030 elections signals that the nation’s gerrymandering fight is likely to persist for years.
Chairman of Senate health committee floats an overhaul of FDA in new report
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., has proposed ways to modernize the Food and Drug Administration in a new report. “While many parts of FDA work well, unnecessary bottlenecks slow patients and consumers ge…
Proposed $7.25B settlement to resolve weedkiller cancer lawsuits
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Trump family business files for trademark rights on any airports using the president's name
The Trump family company has filed to trademark the use of the president's name on airports but says it doesn't plan on charging a fee — at least for a proposed renaming of one near his Florida home. ...
Trump family business files for trademark rights on any airports using the president's name
The Trump family company has filed to trademark the use of the president's name on airports but says it doesn't plan on charging a fee — at least for a proposed renaming of one near his Florida home. ...
Trump Family Business Files for Trademark Rights on Any Airports Using the President's Name
NEW YORK (AP) — The Trump family company has filed to trademark the use of the president's name on airports but says it doesn't plan on charging a fee — at least for a proposed renaming of one near his Florida home. Applications filed by the Trump Organization with the federal trademark office are ...
The Future of PAHPA and National Public Health Preparedness
Learn how the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act impacts public health emergency readiness and proposed changes to this legislation.
CA Politics 360 Full Episode | Proposed Voter ID ballot initiative, CA Democratic Party convention
There’s a proposed ballot initiative that would require voters to show their ID at the polls and for election officials to verify citizenship.
NY youth mental health settlement: Governor’s budget fails to fund
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NKY business owners fear proposed alcohol fee bill could drive customers away
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MMAC, business groups sue Port Washington over referendum on large TIDs
MMAC and six other Wisconsin business and trade groups sued the City of Port Washington over a resident-proposed referendum on expensive TIDs.
ChristianaCare plans southern Del. health campus to improve care in Sussex County
ChristianaCare’s proposed health campus in Georgetown would include an ER and outpatient care to serve Sussex County’s growing population.
Pompano Beach pet store owner fears proposed regulations banning puppy mills would put her out of business
Businesses looking to leave WA nearly doubled since 'millionaire tax' proposal
Nearly double the businesses are considering leaving Washington due to the proposed millionaire tax, reveals a new AWB survey.
Moderate Dems focus on kitchen table issues ahead of 2026 midterms
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