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PBM reforms promise relief for NC’s independent pharmacies
Federal and state actions seek transparency and fair reimbursements from pharmacy benefit managers, as rural communities lose local drugstores.
Democrats decry meager medical care for detainees in funding fight
Fernando Viera Reyes needed a biopsy for possible prostate cancer when the Trump administration sent him to an immigration detention center in California’s Mojave Desert.
No. 4 Arizona travels to face resilient Baylor
After an impressive road victory over No. 2 Houston on Saturday, No. 4 Arizona closes its two-game trek to the Lone Star State against Baylor on Tuesday night in Waco, Texas.
Hicks Commentary: Quality of Life Is a Smart Business Attraction Tool
This column was originally published on the Ball State University Center for Business and Economic Research Weekly Commentary blog. By Michael J. Hicks February 22, 2026 Quality of life matters more to businesses than it does to households. That may seem counterintuitive, but the data are unambiguous and the implications for economic development are profound.
Eye-opening, page-turning librarian documentary does its research
We all have those moments where we wonder, what can I do to help the current state of the world? Especially for college students, it can often feel like we
Omaha bar owner files lawsuit over right to use ‘barbershop’ in business name
An Omaha bar owner has filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the Nebraska Board of Barber Examiners after the state threatened him with fines and possible criminal charges over his business name.
Approved but unfunded study on universal health care in Colorado finds financial support
With the state’s budget gaps, Colorado School of Public Health was $750,000 short, but can now begin its research.
Richard E. Grant discovered his best friend had betrayed him after 29 years of friendship
Why Richard E. Grant immediately cut off a friendship of 29 years, leaving him 'absolutely devastated.'
No. 14 Virginia streaks into clash with NC State
No. 14 Virginia is seeking its longest winning streak since the 2018-19 national championship season when it hosts NC State in Atlantic Coast Conference action Tuesday night in Charlottesville, Va.
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
Trump Administration Ending Humanitarian Aid to Seven African Countries
The State Department will let lifesaving projects expire because “there is no strong nexus between the humanitarian response and U.S. national interests,” according to an internal email.
Rep. Don Hall ends campaign for re-election due to health issues
A local state representative announced Sunday that he is ending his re-election campaign because of health issues.
Food inspectors find moldy carrots, rodent droppings in local businesses
The state Department of Agriculture released the following reports of restaurant, market and school cafeteria inspections conducted in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Schuylkill counties between Feb. 1 and…
Dawkins' 22 help Youngstown State down Northern Kentucky 64-58
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) Bryson Dawkins had 22 points in Youngstown State's 64-58 win against Northern Kentucky on Sunday.
Texas small businesses thrive amid economic shifts
Hard Eight BBQ’s Katie Gooch and Front Porch Distillery’s Taylor Alvarez discuss Texas small businesses, the state’s support and the culture of entrepreneurship driving their success on ‘Fox & Friends Weekend.’
What it took to build California's Capitol
Feb. 28, 1854, marks the day Sacramento became the capital of California, the State Capitol Museum said.
Cowboys 2026 offseason preview: Linebackers
How do you feel about the state of the Cowboys linebacker group?
Brackets revealed: View the 2026 Boys State Basketball Tournament pairings here
MADISON (Allen Media Broadcasting) -- The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association has released its 2026 State Boys Basketball Tournament seeds and pairings.
Jackson wins first-ever NJ girls wrestling state championship
The Jaguars outdueled the Scarlet Knights to cap their first perfect season in program history.
Bessent blames left's political 'venom' for violence after deadly Mar-a-Lago incident
Treasury Secretary Bessent blames political "venom" after deadly security incident at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate. Suspect shot, killed by authorities Sunday.
Wayne Gretzky Refuses To Apologize For His Political Views
Wayne Gretzky is on hand for the men's gold medal game between the United States and Canada on Sunday. Who is he rooting for? You would think that it would be obvious that Gretzky, the Chosen One, would be rooting for Canada. Gretzky was born and raised in Canada. He's widely considered the ...
Wisconsin Assembly passes bills on online sports betting, college athlete endorsements - Wausau Pilot & Review
by Henry Redman, Wisconsin Examiner February 19, 2026 The Wisconsin Assembly on Thursday passed bills to legalize online sports betting and add state
What is going on with the new FSU College of Business?
FSU’s new College of Business brought state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities to students, but it hasn’t been without its challenges as well.
Xbox's Sarah Bond Issues Statement On Her Departure From Microsoft
"This is the right time for me to take my next step"
Commentary: Eight candidates, four minutes to run for California governor. Ready, go!
Appearing before the Democratic faithful at the state party convention in San Francisco, hopefuls offered the whys and wherefores of their candidacies. There was a great deal of Trump bashing.
Alaska Sports Scoreboard: Feb. 21, 2026
Scores and results from competitions across the state.
Saint Mary's defeats Washington State 83-67
PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) Joshua Dent scored 22 points as Saint Mary's beat Washington State 83-67 on Saturday.
Young scientists compete at WIU with state title in sight
Around 250 students from middle, junior high, and high school competed Saturday at the Western Illinois University Regional Science Olympiad in Macomb.
Idaho wins 86-80 over Sacramento State
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) Biko Johnson scored 25 points as Idaho beat Sacramento State 86-80 on Saturday.
60% disapprove of Trump ahead of State of the Union, Post-ABC poll finds
Democrats have made little headway in persuading Americans that they have better ideas or policies to offer.
See which Upstate wrestlers won SCHSL state championships
Here are our takeaways from the SCHSL wrestling state championships in Florence.
WORC offering small business assistance
State lawmakers and members of the Shapiro administration recently announced the launch of the Women’s Opportunities Resource Center PA Small Business
Team Gaither outlasts Team Robinson to win HBCU Legacy Bowl
Team Gaither beat Team Robinson, 27-23, in the fifth annual Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl on Saturday at Tulane's Yulman Stadium
Giles, Okorafor guide Wichita State past Temple 69-57
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) Kenyon Giles scored 27 points and Emmanuel Okorafor added a double-double to help Wichita State defeat Temple 69-57 on Saturday night.
Michigan State Spartans Fans Survey Results on basketball topics
See what TOC Nation has to say about things
Thomas' 23 lead Northwestern State over Houston Christian 71-53
NATCHITOCHES, La. (AP) Micah Thomas scored 23 points as Northwestern State beat Houston Christian 71-53 on Saturday.
Jesuit two-sport athlete smashes past personal record at state track meet
Jesuit's Ja'ir Burks felt focused as he prepared to run the Division I 60-meter hurdles at the LHSAA's state indoor track and field meet on Saturday at LSU's Carl Maddox
Wind gust tears roof off Waynesboro business
Interstate Mufflers sustained damage when winds removed the roof from the building.
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.
In a meeting Colorado GOP chair Brita Horn calls ‘illegal,’ Republicans vote to demand her resignation
Roughly half the membership of the Colorado Republican Party’s state central committee on Saturday voted overwhelmingly to approve a resolution expressing “no confidence” in state GOP Chairman Brita Horn’s leadership and calling for her immediate resignation in an online meeting Horn says wasn’t authorized and will have “zero impact.” The 250 Republican party officials who […]
After Indiana gambit, Bears signal progress in Illinois
After praising Indiana’s stadium push, the Chicago Bears say talks are progressing in Illinois as both states face key legislative deadlines.
Mississippi health system shuts down clinics statewide after ransomware attack
The attack was launched on Thursday and prompted hospital officials to close all of its 35 clinics across the state.
Civic Conversations Talks About the Loss of Science Funding with Professor Thomas Kaufman
In January, Civic Conversations welcomed Thomas Kaufman, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biology at Indiana University, to discuss the impact of the loss of science funding in the United States…
Men’s Basketball Preview: Ohio State
Can the Spartans get another comfortable win when they host the Buckeyes?
Softball finishes weekend 3-1 at ASB Sports Complex Classic
SIOUX CENTER, IOWA – Valley City State University softball split their final day at the ASB Sports Complex Classic on Saturday, Feb. 21. VCSU started the day with an 11-3 run-rule win after five innings over Doane University. Later during the noon game, the Vikings saw their first loss of the weekend, falling 8-1 to #17 Northwestern College Iowa.
PRESS RELEASE: State Water Contractors release annual science Report
Report shares updates on six studies funded by SWC’s Science Program designed to guide California water management techniques to protect fish and wildlife Press release from the State Water Contractors Today, the State Water Contractors (SWC) released its Annual Science Report for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The report provides updates on six studies, initially funded by more than $4 million from SWC’s Science Program in 2023, designed to generate actionable science that supports fish and habitat protection while maintaining a sustainable water […]
U.S. continues to add to its gold tally at the Milan-Cortina Olympics
The United States continues to make a strong showing at the Milan-Cortina Olympics as it adds to its already strong medal tally heading into the final hours of the Games.
Division I college in Upstate NY adding women's flag football
The search for a coach is underway, and informal play is possible as early as spring 2027.
Colorado Politics Calendar Feb. 23-Mar. 1
CoPo’s weekly political calendar helps you find political and public policy events throughout Colorado. It includes candidate and issue campaign events, public policy meetings, court hearings, state and local party conventions, assemblies, debates, rallies, parades, speaking engagements, traveling dignitary appearances, water meetings, book signings, county commission hearings, city council meetings and more. As a subscriber, […]
Controversy hasn’t stopped Ken Paxton yet. Will a Senate run be different?
He’s survived under a cloud of controversy all 12 years he has served as the state’s attorney general. Ken Paxton is leading the polls in Texas’ Republican primary for US Senate anyway.
Explainer: How the State of the Union became a stage for political confrontation
What began as a spare presidential report to the U.S. Congress has hardened into a prime-time pressure chamber shaped by an era of fierce polarization, with the State of the Union speech now unfolding as a long night of choreographed tension and open confrontation - a moment for presidents to wrest narrative from turmoil and craft the defining images of their time in power.
Best of the Upstate Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: Certified Automotive
Celebrating top local businesses and organizations with the Best of the Upstate Community’s Choice Awards. How to nominate your favorite business.
How real estate professional status, REPS, works and can lower taxes
The rule, which tax experts have nicknamed the "marital loophole," allows qualifying investors to use real estate losses to offset W-2 income.
I played with Steve Kerr in college. This is how he changed my life
This story is part of Peak, The Athletic’s desk covering the mental side of sports. Sign up for Peak’s newsletter here. Harvey Mason Jr. played at the University of Arizona from 1986 to 1990, including two years with Steve Kerr, the current coach of the Golden State Warriors. Mason is now the CEO of the Recording Academy, the organization that awards the Grammys. In 1986, I arrived at the University of Arizona campus convinced I was destined to be the best player the school had ever had. Coming out of high school in California, I’d been recruited by almost every school in the...
Health and Climate Consequences of EPA’s Endangerment Finding Repeal ‘Cannot Be Overstated’
In short: the agency will no longer be able to regulate carbon pollution or greenhouse gases—though a couple of scenarios might prevent President Trump from getting his way.
Feb. 20 Sports Caravan
Smith Valley's Luke Lannom had 26 points as the Bulldogs beat Spring Mountain 81-53 to advance to the 1A state championship
Full Court Press (2/20/26)
NORTHEAST KANSAS (KSNT) – The postseason is almost here. A thrilling Friday night across Northeast Kansas as many area teams prepare for Sub-State. Girls Topeka 58, Emporia 40 Silver Lake 68, St. Marys 31 Washburn Rural 40, Hayden 38 Highland Park 62, Sumner 11 Shawnee Heights 65, Turner 14 Holton 47, Sabetha 33 Perry-Lecompton 46, […]
Missouri has embraced sports betting. So why isn’t the state raking in tax revenue?
Missourians bet more than half a billion dollars in the first month of legal sports wagering, but just over $500,000 came back to the state as tax revenue.
High School Sports Rally: Champions crowned at Minnesota state gymnastics meet
Alabama Neurodevelopment Center aims to boost mental health resources in Birmingham, the state
The Alabama Neurodevelopment Center in Birmingham is addressing the state's mental health resource challenges by providing faster access to diagnoses and training clinicians.
Hearn ‘Devastated’ After Losing Benn To Zuffa Boxing
Earlier today (Fri., Feb. 20, 2026) Dana White dropped a bomb on the boxing world by announcing that Zuffa Boxing had signed Conor Benn to a lucrative deal reportedly worth eight figures (full details here). While the news came to shocker to many, Eddie Hearn took the news the hardest, though he knew a few […]
Colorado GOP officers set competing meetings to hold ‘no-confidence’ votes on state chair Brita Horn
Once again, members of the Colorado Republican Party’s central committee have scheduled separate, competing meetings to consider whether the state GOP’s governing body supports its chair, but this time neither meeting will be held under a bridge. State GOP Chair Brita Horn on Feb. 14 issued a formal call for an online meeting on March […]
With no clear front runner, gubernatorial candidates to make their case at CADEM
Democrats from across California are gathering in San Francisco this weekend for the state’s Democratic convention.
Lyles scores 26, Akron defeats Ball State 78-65
MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) Amani Lyles scored 26 points to help Akron defeat Ball State 78-65 on Friday.
N.Y. health commissioner highlights key points of state budget proposal
The New York state budget is constitutionally mandated to be passed by April 1.
Oregon State secures $25 million for Field Sports Building
The new 15,000-square-foot facility will house five Beavers outdoor sports teams and construction begins in July 2026.
Ohio, DOJ sue health network for limitations on insurers
The state of Ohio and the U.S. Department of Justice are suing health network OhioHealth, alleging that they limit competition and drive up healthcare costs for patients and employees.
Saginaw auto group to pay $1.5M in pandemic-related fraud settlement
Garber Management Group to pay more than $1.5 million to settle claims it made false statements to secure a Paycheck Protection Program loan.
NC mental health overhaul: Coastal Horizons sees high demand as state releases year-one progress report
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said it is working to meet growing demand. Secretary Dev Sangvai said the state has reached a turning point.
State business leaders react as Supreme Court nixes many Trump tariffs
For Montanan industries, uncertainty remains as the nation’s high court invalidates a swath of Trump’s trade agenda.
WATCH LIVE: President Donald Trump's 2026 State of the Union address
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.
Montana’s Science Olympiad champions will head to nationals
More than 70 middle and high school teams participated in Montana’s 42nd Science Olympiad at Montana State University on Thursday, Feb. 19.
Pappas Holds Discussion with NH Health Care Leaders on Protecting and Expanding Telehealth Access
Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) held a roundtable conversation with local health advocates from organizations and hospitals, including New Futures, Speare Memorial Hospital, Home Care, Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance of NH, HealthFirst, to highlight the importance of telehealth for Granite Staters and his recently introduced bipartisan legislation to protect and expand access to telehealth.
Schweitzer Fellow supporting refugee community with mental health workshops
Adam Khan, a fourth-year medical student at OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, partnered with YWCA Tulsa to host mental health workshops as a part of the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship.
February 20, 2026
Autism has long been thought of as a condition that mostly affects boys, but data suggest that’s not true. Plus, an update on the first state-run psilocybin therapy programs, and why the American Medical Association is joining an effort to launch an independent vaccine review panel. And, what record-low snowpack in Utah and Colorado means for the region's water supply.
Virginia students pivot to STEM, health degrees
New state data shows STEM and health degrees surging as humanities majors steadily decline.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem Opens $10 Million State-of-the-Art Orthopedic and Podiatry Clinic - NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem today announced the opening of its new $10 million Orthopedic and Podiatry Clinic, designed specifically to meet the complex
Hormel sells whole-turkey business to another Minnesota company, but Jennie-O remains
Waning consumer demand and volatile commodity prices have put pressure on poultry producers. Life-Science Innovations already owns other bird facilities throughout the state.
What new plan says Oregon can do to retain behavioral health workers
Oregon needs to improve recruitment, credentialing and training of behavioral health workers, a report from a council formed by Gov. Tina Kotek said.
How to watch Trump's 2026 State of the Union
With midterm elections on the horizon, a number of pain points threaten to overshadow the list of accomplishments Trump is sure to tout during his big, primetime speech.
Nevada legal battle against prediction markets it calls ‘unlicensed sports gambling’ is moving forward
A Nevada appeals court denied Kalshi’s request to block the state from taking civil action against it.
Public Health Data Consortium
ASTHO Innovation Advisory Council fosters partnerships between state health agencies and industry leaders to drive public health innovation and data modernization.
State Lawmakers Seek Restraints on Wage Garnishment for Medical Debt
At least eight states are considering legislation to curtail wage garnishment over unpaid medical bills, as health care costs rise and more people become underinsured.
Sonny Garg: What the Epstein files should teach business school students
Perhaps the simplest lesson of the Epstein files and the humiliation of so many powerful people now releasing statements of “regret” is also the oldest: know thyself.
State Politics Affecting Trump’s Push to Limit AI Regulation
The Trump administration plans to sue states for their artificial intelligence laws, but how the push is affecting work on future legislation depends on a state’s politics.
Video: Venezuela Releases Political Prisoners, With Conditions
Since Nicolás Maduro’s capture by the United States, Venezuela has released hundreds of political prisoners and approved a new amnesty law, although the restrictions on those freed have raised questions about whether this signals real change. Our international correspondent Simon Romero describes what’s happening.
Where do Cam Newton, Tua Tagovailoa, other in-state stars rank on ESPN’s top college football QBs of 2000s?
ESPN’s Bill Connelly released updated Top 100 on Friday
In Ukraine, Senators See War’s Impact and Press for Stronger U.S. Support
Senate Democrats traveled to Kyiv and Odessa to show solidarity with the war-torn nation and make the case that the United States should do more, including imposing harsh sanctions on Russia.
Business of Healthcare Summit welcomes another packed house
Shevaun Harris spoke for a moment not as a top state government official but as a patient and consumer. “I just got fussed at by my doctor because I
Texas' Senate primary race between Crockett and Talarico ramps up after pulled Colbert interview
Some Democrats see increasing opportunity in November's elections despite not having won a statewide race in Texas in more than 30 years.
$409M hospital plan aims to ease jail mental health backlog in Georgia
Unveiled earlier this week, the Senate’s version of the state budget includes $409 million to build a new 300-bed mental health hospital.
6th measles case reported in Rockwall County, health officials say
The first case was identified Feb. 5, according to a statement from the Rockwall County Health Authority. Since then, five other family members within the...
Third patient dies in under three months since Idaho cut mental health service
Idaho Caiptal Sun reports that a man in his 40s, who had severe mental illness and lived with his family in the Boise area, died recently after Idaho cut critic
El Paso accountant gets prison in $600,000 real estate business fraud
An El Paso certified public accountant was convicted of writing checks to herself in a multi-year fraud of real estate businesses.
How Jesse Jackson used the South to reshape Democratic politics
"He was a child of the South, and he understood the extraordinary power wielded by the state," Stacey Abrams said.
Alumnus builds career in biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health
Before leading national biomedical research projects, Jacob Davis ’17 was deployed overseas in the U.S. Army, taking night classes on base and searching for direction. Today, the Kennesaw State University graduate is a biomedical engineer and section chief at the National Institutes of Health, using data and collaboration to drive public-health impact.
Florida lawmakers aim to boost high school sports, extracurriculars
A roundup of Florida education news from around the state
Future of trans health care in NY uncertain with renewed federal funding threats
State lawmakers and LGBTQ+ advocates scramble to protect access to gender-affirming care in the face of Trump administration threats.