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NC county social service agencies brace for deluge of work as Medicaid work requirements go into effect
About 10 percent of county social services positions dedicated to Medicaid are currently vacant, even as recertification work will double.
Australia becomes the 30th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Australia for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, marking a significant milestone in the health of indigenous peoples and in global efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Trachoma, the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, no longer represents a public health problem in the country.Australia is among a growing number of countries that have successfully eliminated trachoma, contributing to global progress towards the targets set out in the WHO road map for NTDs 2021–2030.Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, and flies that carry eye and nose discharge. Repeated infections can lead to scarring of the eyelids, turning eyelashes inward, and ultimately causing blindness if untreated.“WHO congratulates Australia on this important achievement,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This success reflects sustained commitment, strong partnerships, and a focus on reaching populations most affected by health inequities. It brings us closer to a world free from the suffering caused by trachoma.”Australia’s journey to eliminationAustralia’s achievement reflects decades of targeted public health action, particularly in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, where trachoma persisted despite its earlier disappearance from the rest of the country.National efforts intensified with the establishment of the National Trachoma Management Programme in 2006, which implemented the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy: surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics to treat infection, promotion of facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement. Regular screening of all communities classified as at-risk of trachoma by teams of qualified health workers formed an important part of the Programme. Interventions were delivered through coordinated partnerships between federal and state governments, Aboriginal community-controlled health services, and local communities.Over time, sustained screening, treatment, and prevention activities, including improvements in housing, water, sanitation and hygiene, led to a steady decline in trachoma prevalence. Australia’s approach included adaptations to reflect its context, such as targeted treatment based on community-level data rather than mass drug administration, and strong integration with environmental health programmes.“Elimination of trachoma is a win for the eye health of communities across Australia, particularly those whose lives have been impacted by a disease that is entirely preventable,” said Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Ageing, Australia. “This major milestone is thanks to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, community commitment and sustained investment over many decades.“The lessons from this work will inform how we approach other preventable health conditions in remote and regional Australia. Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and local health workers have been central to this success, delivering culturally safe care and community-led solutions.”“This recognition from the World Health Organization reflects decades of work led by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, alongside local health workers in remote First Nations communities,” said Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians. “Their work has been critical to eliminating trachoma as a public health problem in Australia.”Advancing global efforts against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)Trachoma is one of 21 diseases and disease groups that are regarded by WHO as NTDs. Together, NTDs affect more than 1 billion people worldwide, primarily in underserved populations with limited access to essential services such as clean water, sanitation, and health care.Australia’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem highlights the importance of sustained political commitment and cross-sectoral collaboration in addressing the underlying determinants of health. It also underscores the feasibility of eliminating trachoma even in geographically challenging settings.In addition to trachoma, Australia has several endemic NTDs, including Buruli ulcer, leprosy and scabies. Validation of elimination of trachoma as a public health problem marks the first time that WHO has confirmed the elimination of an NTD in Australia, which becomes the 63rd country globally and 16th in the Western Pacific Region to have eliminated at least one NTD.“Tackling neglected tropical diseases in the Western Pacific Region has long been a challenge for countries across the socioeconomic spectrum, given the complexities in reaching the most vulnerable communities, including in remote areas,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “As a doctor from Tonga, I’ve experienced these challenges for myself. But I also know that with strategic commitment underpinned by optimal resources and partnerships in health, success is possible as other countries in our region have also demonstrated. I commend Australia on eliminating trachoma as a public health problem and urge all involved to remain vigilant to ensure this status is maintained.”WHO continues to support countries working to eliminate trachoma and other NTDs, ensuring that progress reaches those most in need and that gains are sustained through strong surveillance, appropriately integrated into national health systems, and mainstreamed within the wider health sector and beyond.Editor’s notesNeglected tropical diseases and trachoma elimination effortsNeglected tropical diseases are associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences. Their burden is mainly felt among impoverished communities in tropical areas.Public health targets for the control, elimination and eradication of these conditions were set in the road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030 (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240010352).In 1996, WHO launched the WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020 (GET2020), creating a network of governments, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions dedicated to the fight against trachoma. WHO continues to support endemic countries to accelerate progress towards the global target of eliminating trachoma as a public health problem worldwide; 2030 is the new target date.Elimination of trachoma as a public health problem is defined as: (i) a prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) “unknown to the health system” of < 0.2% in ≥15-year-olds; and (ii) a prevalence of trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) in children aged 1–9 years of < 5%, in each formerly endemic district, plus (iii) the existence of a system to identify and manage incident cases of TT.Other countries validated by WHO as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem are: Algeria, Benin, Burundi, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Islamic Republic of Iran, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Togo, Vanuatu and Viet Nam.
UA to Launch State’s First School of Data Science
The School of Data Science is the first academic unit of its kind in the state of Alabama focused on artificial intelligence and one of the first dedicated data science schools in the southern United States.
New Verana Health AI Agent Boosts Efficiency and Compliance in MIPS Submissions
/PRNewswire/ -- Verana Health®, a digital health company dedicated to revolutionizing patient care and clinical research through real-world data (RWD), has...
WORLD IP DAY 2026: "Ready, Set, Innovate" - Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
Small Businesses, Innovators, Creators Drive Innovation and Growth SBE Council is proud to join our small business allies and fellow organizations – all dedicated to fueling innovation and protecting intellectual property (IP) – in celebrating WORLD IP DAY 2026. The goal of the day is to increase the general understanding of the importance of IP. […]
Laredo Chamber to host Small Business Week
The Laredo Chamber of Commerce is kicking off Small Business Week, dedicated to celebrating, connecting and empowering the local business community through networking, mixers and workshops.
Indianapolis sets sights on becoming capital of women’s sports
INDIANAPOLIS — From hosting the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game to welcoming “The Sports Bra,” a sports bar dedicated to showcasing and celebrating women’s athletics, Indianapolis continu…
Companies Expand AI Health Offerings, Even as Accuracy Questions Remain — The Monitor
Five technology companies have launched dedicated consumer-facing AI health tools so far in 2026, reflecting though questions about AI’s reliability remain. And a decades-old WHO classification has been misrepresented online to suggest that hormonal birth control pills were recently found to cause cancer.
Medical leaders break ground on women's health pavilion in Prince George's
A medical hub is on the way in Prince George’s County dedicated to ensuring expectant mothers have an option closer to home. Eight in 10 women in Prince George’s County leave the county to deliver their babies due to limited care options, according to Luminis Health. That was the reality for Mautez Bethel. “I’m not even going to lie, the…
Assessing Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSGE) Valuation After New Impossible Foods Partnership
Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSGE) is in focus after announcing a multiyear partnership with Impossible Foods. The deal introduces branded plant-based offerings, a dedicated Impossible Grille concession and expanded in-arena promotion across Knicks and Rangers home events. See our latest analysis for Madison Square Garden Entertainment. The stock is trading at $61.42 after a 9.37% 1 month share price return and 13.03% year to date share price return. The 1 year total shareholder...
"We know you know, but how about we tell you some more now?" - Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced worldwide reveal announced for this week
Ubisoft will officially unveil Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced with a dedicated showcase later this week.
When will Cincinnati host major sports events? Commission wants Queen City on the map
The Cincinnati Sports Commission started decades ago but was recently reconstructed to have more dedicated employees and a larger budget.
Health in a Handbasket: Every Kid Healthy Week
We're kicking off Every Kid Healthy Week, dedicated to helping kids build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Gotham FC to Host Girls in Sports Day Presented by Grüns, Highlighting the Future of the Game
JERSEY CITY, N.J. (April 20, 2026) – Gotham FC is set to host Girls in Sports Day presented by Grüns at Sports Illustrated Stadium, a match dedicated to celebrating the next generation of athletes and
Digital Science Introduces Compass by Dimensions to Transform Medical Affairs Publication Insights
Compass unifies citation data and attention metrics in a single solution for real-time publication intelligenceLondon, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - April 20, 2026) - Digital Science, a leading technology company serving stakeholders across the research ecosystem, today announced the launch of Compass by Dimensions, a dedicated publication impact tracking solution designed for medical affairs teams.Compass - initially available to publication planners and medical affairs professionals in a..
Beltrami County 4-H'er selected for statewide Animal Science Ambassador Team
Miley is one of 19 youth leaders chosen from across the state to serve on this statewide group dedicated to advancing 4-H animal science programs and engagement.
Junior Achievement Business Luncheon Celebrates Local Business Leaders, Experian Scholarships
For nearly four decades, Junior Achievement of Arkansas has dedicated itself to the economic, planning and academic success of young
Earth Day marks grand opening of new, dedicated space for WMU’s IDEAS Collaboratory | News
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Hotline for Pennsylvania farmers sees major drop in calls, texts amid mental health crisis
This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service...
Alaska’s only dedicated queer health care clinic is closing
Identity Alaska’s Anchorage clinic will end patient care this month. They’re closing their doors because of financial and logistical pressures.
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Celebrates Earth Day 2026
All year in Hershey, Pa., we celebrate what matters most: our planet Earth! Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R) is dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint with the support of our guests and team members. Thanks to HE&R's initiatives, the company successfully conserved the following resources in 2025:
Google launches dedicated Gemini app for Mac
Gemini now has a dedicated Mac app in the first expansion from Android and iOS. This “native desktop experience” is launched...
Burning Questions about Adobe Premiere Beta's new dedicated Color Mode by Scott Simmons
Just in time for NAB 2026, Adobe has released into the Premiere Beta what might be one of its biggest feature additions in the history of the application, in a new dedicated Color Mode. Color Mode is a dedicated workspace for color correction and color grading. It’s been designed with everything one needs for color [...]Read More... from Burning Questions about Adobe Premiere Beta’s new dedicated Color Mode
Sport, Culture and Brand: Juventus Brought Black&White to Chengdu
Following the success of the Youth Carnival event in Shanghai, Juventus returned to China, bringing its colours to Chengdu from 10 to 12 April 2026. The three-day initiative was dedicated to sport, cu...
Identity will close its Anchorage health clinic dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ community
The organization, which launched the Identity Health Clinic in 2021, will continue to support patients and connect them with alternative care through May 15.
Delta doubles down on premium seats as airlines target big spenders
Half the seats on Delta’s new long-haul planes will be dedicated to premium customers.
Cherry Creek school district plays defense
Cherry Creek Schools is a shadow of its former self. When I graduated from Grandview High School in 2008, the district still earned its motto: “Dedicated to Excellence.” These days, Colorado’s fourth-largest district clings to that antiquated reputation even as it unravels in plain sight. Facing a nearly $20 million shortfall on an $840 million budget this […]
SCORE Offers Free Business Mentoring Sessions
Local entrepreneurs and small business owners in Pasadena have a valuable resource at their fingertips with the ongoing SCORE One-on-One Mentoring Sessions. These free and confidential appointments provide individuals with expert guidance on starting, running, or growing a small business, courtesy of SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer business mentors. The sessions are designed to offer personalized advice and strategic insights from experienced professionals. SCORE, which stands for Service Corps of Retired Executives, is a non-profit organization and a key resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Its mission is to foster vibrant small business communities through dedicated mentoring and education. The organization comprises a network of seasoned business owners and executives who generously volunteer their time to support the next generation of entrepreneurs. As SCORE states, their mentoring is a “free, confidential service for anyone starting, running, or growing a U.S.-based small business.” These one-hour mentoring sessions are held every other Tuesday from 1 to 5 p.m. at two branches of the Pasadena Public Library: the Lamanda Park Branch Library and the Santa Catalina Branch Library. Appointments can be conveniently reserved up to 14 days in advance, ensuring that individuals can schedule a time that best suits their needs. This recurring service underscores SCORE’s commitment to continuous support for the local business community, helping them to plan, launch, and grow successfully. Need to Know: The SCORE One-on-One Mentoring Session offers free business guidance. These one-hour appointments are available every other Tuesday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Pasadena Public Library’s Lamanda Park Branch (140 S Altadena Drive, Pasadena, CA 91107) and Santa Catalina Branch (999 E Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91104). The service is free. For more information or to book an appointment, visit [https://www.score.org/].
Business Briefs April 13, 2025: Business news in the Berkshires and beyond
In light of current events, Greylock’s leadership recognized the importance of awarding funds to organizations dedicated to providing human services.
Howden steps up US push with specialty trucking build-out
The company is rolling out a dedicated US Trucking Practice focused on data, safety tech and claims advocacy
'Euphoria' Season 3 returns with new plot and dedications
After four years, 'Euphoria' Season 3 premieres this weekend, dedicated to Angus Cloud and others. What to know.
A Look At Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSGE) Valuation After New Impossible Foods Partnership
Partnership with Impossible Foods puts food trends in focus for MSGE stock Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSGE) is in the spotlight after announcing a multiyear partnership with Impossible Foods that introduces a dedicated plant-based concession concept inside The Garden. The agreement ties Impossible Foods branding to New York Knicks and New York Rangers home games and expands plant-based menu options across concourses and premium areas, giving investors a fresh angle on how MSGE...
Arts and Entertainment Agenda, April 10-16
Aspen 2026 Shortsfest final days, April 10-11 Aspen’s 2026 Shortsfest, recognized as one of North America’s premier short-film festivals and the only Academy Award-qualifying festival dedicated solely to shorts, wraps this week. The “In Conversation...
Xbox Boss Reveals New 'Dedicated Team' Focusing On Fan Feedback
Following the rollout of new achievement features
Urban Mission joins national effort to spotlight health disparities
As organizations nationwide mark a month dedicated to educating people about health disparities affecting racial and ethnic minority communities, the Urban Miss
Quest one step closer to permanent science center with $450K grant from Supervisor Haubert
Local nonprofit Quest Science Center is making “steady progress” toward bringing to life its longstanding vision of building a permanent facility downtown Livermore dedicated to science education, its Interim Executive Director Michael Mosby told Livermore Vine.
ASF Announces Recipients of 2026 Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowships
New York, NY — April 7, 2026 — The Autism Science Foundation (ASF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding innovative autism research, today announced the recipients of its annual Undergraduate […]
Alumna receives Diversity in Business Award
Brittany Bronson, a 2014 sociology graduate, has dedicated more than a decade to diversity, equity and inclusion.
The CEO’s Guide To Starting A Business
This week's Forbes CEO newsletter is dedicated to what leaders need to know when starting their own businesses.
Providence-backed ATG Entertainment launches ATG Live, a dedicated concerts, comedy and events division
“We see tremendous opportunity ahead and are excited to continue expanding our reach while delivering unforgettable experiences for audiences and partners across the U.S.”…
San Diego's 1st women's sports bar opening in North Park
One of Us opens in North Park, giving fans a dedicated space to watch women's sports.
Getting Businesses Paid: The UK Small Business Commissioner
The United Kingdom Office of the Small Business Commissioner is an agency dedicated to making sure small businesses get paid on time.
The Metro: Why one sports fan is opening a bar dedicated to women’s sports
Alissa Graff is a sports fan who found out first hand that, despite the growing...
Dubai-Based Storyfied Ventures Launches as ‘First’ Strategic Brand Entertainment Outfit in Middle East
A new Dubai-based company called Storyfied Ventures dedicated to strategic partnerships between brands and entertainment content in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is being launched by ...
LEIFRAS Co., Ltd. Signs Sponsorship Agreement with the Japan Sport Association (JSPO), Contributing to the Future of Sports
LEIFRAS Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: LFS) (the "Company" or "Leifras"), a sports and social business company dedicated to youth sports and community engagement, today announced that it has signed a partnership agreement (the "Agreement") to participate, from April 2026, as an official partner in the Sports Active Partner Program hosted by the Japan Sport Association ("JSPO"), a public interest incorporated foundation that plays a central role in Japan's sports ecosystem. Through this collaboration, Leifra
MNPL Might and Political Power Meet in Georgia
The annual MNPL Conference recently took place in Savannah, Ga. About 300 IAM Union members, who are dedicated to labor politics and fundraising, heard updates from legislative leaders on the path forward ahead of the midterms. After the conference, IAM delegates participated in the No Kings rally and march in downtown Savannah by calling out
St. Tammany Health System opens new cardiology center
The new Cardiology Center at St. Tammany Health System was dedicated March 25 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by health system leadership, members of the medical community and local officials.
WhatsApp is working on a dedicated CarPlay app
The latest WhatsApp beta build on TestFlight introduces a native CarPlay app, extending the app’s utility beyond the current voice-based interface.
1% of health insurance tax could fund medical education amid Idaho doctor shortage
Idaho lawmakers are moving forward with a plan to create a dedicated funding stream for medical education as the state faces a doctor shortage.Senate Bill 1420
The Hallmark Channel is Shutting Down Its TV App Tomorrow on Roku, Fire TV, Google TV, & More
Hallmark Media will shut down its dedicated TV Everywhere app across major streaming platforms, including Roku, Google TV, Fire TV, and compatible smart televisions, on March 31, 2026. The move ends a long-standing option that let cable and satellite subscribers authenticate with their provider credentials to access live channels and on-demand programming directly through the […]
The list of people hit by recent Epic layoffs has been turned into a dedicated portal for recruiters
Google sheet turned into dedicated website, while Tim Sweeney steps in following outcry over laid-off worker losing cancer treatment
Giant horn speakers, a Bluesound streamer, and Bryston power amps: inside the new Spotify Listening Lounge designed to showcase lossless audio
Spotify's dedicated Listening Lounge in London features a spectacular sound system for "deeper, intentional listening sessions" for artists and fans
Vanderbilt Lung Transplant Program sets new record
The Vanderbilt Transplant Center is now the second largest lung transplant center in the United States by volume, with 149 lung transplants in 2025, the most ever in one year at Vanderbilt Health. The Vanderbilt Lung Transplant Program leads the nation in organ preservation and regeneration and is among the best in long-term outcomes, demonstrating the success of the interdisciplinary team in caring for these complex patients. Several features make the program unique in the United States, said Konrad Hoetzenecker, MD, PhD, professor of Thoracic Surgery and surgical director of the Vanderbilt Lung Transplant Program. Vanderbilt serves as a “second opinion center” and accepts most complex candidates that are turned down by other centers due to increased perioperative risk. This includes patients over 70 years old, patients requiring combined procedures with their transplant, multiorgan transplantations and sensitized patients (individuals who have pre-formed anti-HLA antibodies who are at higher risk for complications). The expertise and excellent outcomes have attracted patients far beyond the borders of Tennessee; almost half of Vanderbilt Health’s lung transplant recipients come from out of state. “Another unique feature is our minimally invasive transplant program,” Hoetzenecker said. “By using distinct surgical instruments and techniques, the incisions can be kept as small as 7 to 8 centimeters, which results in better healing, less pain and faster recovery. “This minimally invasive approach is embedded in an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol, a multimodal, evidence-based perioperative care pathway designed to reduce surgical stress, minimize complications and speed up recovery. Our unique ERAS protocol, by a dedicated interdisciplinary approach, aims to improve recovery after lung transplant and reduce ICU and hospital stay.” The lung transplant program recently celebrated a milestone — 1,000 lung transplants since the program began in 1990. “This significant achievement reflects the concerted effort of a multidisciplinary collaboration by the Departments of Thoracic Surgery, Medicine, Anesthesiology and Critical Care,” said David Erasmus, MD, associate professor of Medicine and medical director of Vanderbilt Lung Transplant. Lung transplants have been attempted since the 1960s, but they were largely unsuccessful until the 1980s, when surgical techniques were refined and new antirejection drugs proved effective. Patient outcomes steadily improved from the 1990s to the present. Vanderbilt’s fourth lung transplant recipient in 1990, Pam Everett, is the longest-living, single-lung transplant known in the world, recently celebrating 35 years since her transplant. The Vanderbilt Lung Transplant surgical team is led by Hoetzenecker and Caitlin Demarest, MD, PhD, the surgical director and associate surgical director of the Vanderbilt Lung Transplant program. Erasmus is the medical director of Vanderbilt Lung Transplant along with Anil Trindade, MD, associate medical director and associate professor of Medicine.
LA Artisteada podcast’s live ‘Take the Stage’ celebrates female artists
This Sunday, March 29, LA Artisteada, a podcast dedicated to spotlighting a wide range of artistic voices, will host “Take the Stage”, a live event creating space for women of
Statewide procurement workshop in Macon guides businesses on bids, certification and jobs
Macon-Bibb County is dedicated to helping small businesses, and on Thursday, the Office of Small Business Affairs hosted a statewide business and procurement wo
Artemis Moon Tree Dedicated in Honor of Mary W. Jackson
On March 18, 2026, students, staff, and members of NASA’s Langley Research Center gathered at Mary W. Jackson Elementary School in Hampton to celebrate the
Compilation of Events Supported by Heron Sports & Entertainment
With the opening of Nu Stadium in Miami, Heron Sports & Entertainment, the dedicated platform focused on arranging, promoting, and producing major events in South Florida and Globally enters a new era. Since opening its doors in 2020, the Club’s state-of-the-art facilities have staged hundreds of events including Major International
Compilation of Events Supported by Heron Sports & Entertainment
With the opening of Nu Stadium in Miami, Heron Sports & Entertainment, the dedicated platform focused on arranging, promoting, and producing major events in South Florida and Globally enters a new era. Since opening its doors in 2020, the Club’s state-of-the-art facilities have staged hundreds of events including Major International
iOS 27 Siri Overhaul: Standalone App, New Design, Dynamic Island Integration and Ask Siri Button
Apple is testing a standalone Siri chatbot app for iOS 27, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple plans to debut a chatbot version of Siri that will compete with Claude and ChatGPT, and the new Siri could be accessible through a dedicated app. Gurman previously said that Apple was not going to develop a standalone Siri app, but it appears plans have changed.
Marathon has sold 1.2M copies across Steam, PS5, and Xbox
Alinea Analytics estimates show that Marathon has generated gross revenues of $55M via 1.2M copies sold on Steam, PS5, and Xbox: Looking at the split between Steam, PS5, and Xbox, Steam is clearly the main platform for Marathon, accounting for a little under 70% of the audience (800K copies sold). Meanwhile, PS5 takes about 19% (217K) and Xbox (including console, PC, and cloud) accounts for a bit over 11% or 133K. Marathon is technically a first-party Sony title, so seeing the home console struggle to break 20% of the volume is a notable data point for the ongoing platform-agnostic debate. PlayStation Studios online games will almost certainly continue being multiplatform (despite Sony reportedly pulling back on PC releases). Subscribe for free to get the most accurate games estimates in your inbox twice a week 🫶 Subscribe As for Marathon, the consensus among hardcore players who pushed through the awkward onboarding phase – myself included – is that it’s fantastic. The gunplay, aesthetic, and presentation are among the best in the shooter genre. A great game doesn’t always equal an immediate hit, though, as shown by our estimates. Things are looking lukewarm right now. But this might be one of those marathon-not-a-sprint situations. Had to, didn’t I? Why wasn’t Marathon a hit on the same level as Arc Raiders? One topic that came up in a lot of conversations at GDC this year was why Marathon hasn’t hit the same stratosphere as Arc Raiders. On paper, they’re both extraction shooters, and Marathon has the Bungie pedigree – the house that built the gold standard for gunplay in Halo and Destiny. Marathon’s neon-futuristic aesthetic also distinguishes itself from the gritty realism of Tarkov or the post-apocalyptic hope of ARC Raiders. But vibes can only get you so far for first impressions if the onboarding feels like a brick wall. Marathon is a sweaty PvP-focused experience with a first-time user experience and UI that I can only describe as dreadful. Players are dropped into a complex ecosystem where the UI, though visually striking, is functionally uninformative, forcing users to manually hover over nondescript, identical icons just to identify basic gear or weapon mods. This lack of clarity is compounded by punishing mechanics like a severe heat gauge for movement and a scarcity of vital resources, all without a clear tutorial or a low-stakes mode to learn the ropes. Most people – even top streamers and veteran shooter players – have no idea what’s going on in Marathon at first. Arc is on the complete other end of the spectrum. As we covered here and here, Arc Raiders offers a more collaborative, approachable loop where players often work together toward shared goals. And the objectives are instantly clear. To many players, this contrast only emphasised Marathon’s issues, especially during the testing period. Players understand the Arc Raiders loop within 30 minutes, while Marathon acts as a massive filter, chewing up newcomers and spitting them out before they can experience the depth of Bungie’s signature gunplay. What I’m getting at here is that the poor first-time user experience of Marathon’s Server Slam likely stifled launch sales, while the opposite was true for Arc. Let’s look at the pre-launch copies sold for each game during their respective Server Slams (launch-aligned) : Looking at the trajectory: Arc Raiders saw a massive 80% jump in copies sold during its three-day Server Slam (day -13 to -11). Players jumped in, realised the water was fine, and immediately opened their wallets. Marathon, meanwhile, saw a 49% increase in the four days following its Slam (Day -7 to -3). At the time of each game’s respective launch, Arc Raiders had nearly double the Steam footprint of Marathon – and word of mouth only continued to grow. Bungie could have had more time to fix the onboarding process had the beta happened earlier. But Marathon launched three days after the beta finished. These factors limited the launch sales quite a bit, I reckon. Marathon has found a niche audience, though Despite the friction-heavy start, the data suggests that those who survived Marathon’s onboarding are loving life. We’ve been tracking cross-platform DAUs, and while there’s the expected post-launch leakage, many players are sticking with it. After peaking at 478K total DAUs on its first Saturday, Marathon has settled into a respectable rhythm, holding 345K DAUs as of yesterday and averaging 380K DAUs across the weekend. Steam continues to do the heavy lifting here, consistently accounting for the lion’s share of the daily players. Players have been putting in the hours, too: On Steam, Marathon’s average playtime has climbed to 27.8 hours, significantly outpacing the console averages on PS5 (16.5h) and Xbox (17.3h). Even more telling than the averages: 22% of the Steam audience has surged past the 50-hour mark, and nearly 7% have already logged over 100 hours. Subscribe for free to get the most accurate games estimates in your inbox twice a week 🫶 Subscribe This data suggests that once the Bungie magic clicks, it hooks players deeper than the average extraction shooter. There’s also started to be a shift in the game’s discourse. Marathon launched as one of those games that’s cool to hate. But as Marathon’s 100-hour club grows, we’re seeing conversations around its mechanical merit outweigh the negativity. Several high-profile creators, who were initially vocal critics, have spent the last week coming around on the mechanical depth of the endgame. It’s a subtle but positive signal; the hate train is losing steam, and a new narrative about the game is emerging. Bungie faithfuls unite Another interesting metric in Marathon’s first few weeks is who, exactly, is playing. Bungie leans heavily on its prestige as the “makers of Halo and Destiny,” in its marketing, and that message has clearly hit the mark. On Steam, the gravity (hammer) of Bungie’s previous work is unavoidable. A staggering 78.2% of Marathon players also played Destiny 2. The trend carries across other platforms, with 74.2% of PS5 players and 82.7% of Xbox players also having played Destiny 2. The Halo legacy lives on, it seems. More on that in a bit. While Destiny 2 went free to play, these numbers still represent a high-intent migration of a fanbase that trusts Bungie’s specific brand of kinetic gunplay and cryptic world-building. The Xbox data adds another layer of legacy. About 85.7% of Marathon players on Xbox have played Halo Infinite, while over half of the Steam audience has spent time in Halo Infinite and 36.1% in the Master Chief Collection (a paid collection of the old Bungie-made legacy games). Interestingly, we see a 55.9% overlap with ARC Raiders on Steam. Overlap is even higher there on PlayStation (60.5%) and Xbox (66.5%). And there’s also significant crossover with Helldivers 2 on all platforms, too. Subscribe for free to get the most accurate games estimates in your inbox twice a week 🫶 Subscribe Bungie has found some of its fans with Marathon, and the challenge now is keeping this engaged in a high-stakes PvP environment when they’ve spent the last decade primarily enjoying the power fantasies of PvE. On that note… Go the full 26 miles? Or cut and run? Time for some could’ve, should’ve, would’ve. These things would have improved Marathon’s performance at launch: A more robust onboarding process, perhaps in the form of a short single-player/PvE campaign. We know Bungie fans love this stuff. A traditional arena-based mode akin to Destiny’s Crucible could have been a bridge for the cautious players who’d have been otherwise deterred by the Server Slam. It’s also a great palate cleanser after getting merked. Introducing a dedicated PvE environment would have similarly diversified the conversation and lowered the barrier for the Bungie faithful who found the pure PvP extraction loop too abrasive. PvE is safer than PvP these days. There’s an argument that a thin PvE mode would have just felt like a budget Destiny, potentially hurting the brand more. But given how dire the FTUE is, I think it would have been a net positive. Any kind of tutorialised loop that demystifies the stakes, really. While there is merit in a studio sticking firmly to a singular creative vision, and going all in on the hardcore extraction loop. Less forgiving is the technical reality is that the user interface and first-time user experience (FTUE) were not at a commercial standard for launch. Subscribe for free to get the most accurate games estimates in your inbox twice a week 🫶 Subscribe In a landscape where player time is oversaturated and the most contested currency, a flawed FTUE is a critical failure point. But it’s not all doom and gloom, as Marathon has an incredible, unique gameplay loop, suggesting that financial success is still attainable if Bungie can pivot effectively. Bungie and PlayStation now face a difficult strategic crossroads, though – one within a challenging games market. They could: Double down on Marathon with a long-term Rainbow Six Siege- or No Man’s Sky-style recovery plan, which is something I heard Last Stand Media’s Chris Maldonado mention last week. While this could be a sunk-cost fallacy in action, it could eventually yield the audience the game’s mechanical depth deserves. Shift focus toward the inevitable Destiny 3 or another project, mitigating the escalating opportunity cost and cutting their losses, so to speak. Doing both is an expensive proposition, given the high overhead and burn rate of operating out of Bellevue, Washington. With Sony recently demonstrating a lower threshold for underperforming studios and projects, the margin for error has vanished. Whatever happens, the next six months will determine whether Marathon becomes a cornerstone of Sony’s live-service portfolio or a cautionary tale of vision exceeding accessibility. I’m hoping it’s the former, because Marathon rocks. As always, hit subscribe to get updates on Marathon and other relevant games. Subscribe Want to get your hands on our data for yourself – for free? We’re offering a free trial of our platform for games companies. Send us a message here, or reply to this email, and we’ll set you up. The last word Reply to this email – or reach out here – if you have any feedback for the newsletter – or want to request a game for us to cover. [Alinea Analytics boasts the most accurate PC and console estimates in the business. Game makers use our platform to understand their audience, keep an eye on the competition, monitor sales trends, and spot new opportunities. We equip game studios and financial institutions with accurate data and the confidence to make smarter, data-driven decisions. Want to talk about all things games market data? We’d love to chat!]
Pop-up bar dedicated to women's sports now open in Boston
261 at Para Maria is named for the bib number worn by the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon.
Pacers Sports & Entertainment Launches Fieldhouse Media Network, Delivering First-Of-Its-Kind Global Media Channel for Partners
Deloitte and Yieldmo help PS&E to grow market size through first-party fan data while producing convertible ROI INDIANAPOLIS (March 24, 2026) – Pacers Sports & Entertainment today launched the Fieldhouse Media Network, a first-of-its-kind global AI-powered media platform built on authenticated sports fandom, giving brands measurable access to one of the most engaged audiences – the fan. Developed in collaboration with Deloitte and Yieldmo, the network leverages Yieldmo’s Ymax.ai, an advertising platform with a dedicated sports vertical, and Converge™ by Deloitte for Sports fan data platform built on Deloitte Ascend™ to activate first-party, authenticated data from approximately 250 million sports and entertainment fans worldwide in a privacy-safe, cookieless […]
Pacers Sports & Entertainment Launches Fieldhouse Media Network, Delivering First-Of-Its-Kind Global Media Channel for Partners
Deloitte and Yieldmo help PS&E to grow market size through first-party fan data while producing convertible ROI INDIANAPOLIS (March 24, 2026) – Pacers Sports & Entertainment today launched the Fieldhouse Media Network, a first-of-its-kind global AI-powered media platform built on authenticated sports fandom, giving brands measurable access to one of the most engaged audiences – the fan. Developed in collaboration with Deloitte and Yieldmo, the network leverages Yieldmo’s Ymax.ai, an advertising platform with a dedicated sports vertical, and Converge™ by Deloitte for Sports fan data platform built on Deloitte Ascend™ to activate first-party, authenticated data from approximately 250 million sports and entertainment fans worldwide in a privacy-safe, cookieless […]
Carbonsphere launches for carbon science and net-zero solutions
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The 3DFX Voodoo Lives Again In An FPGA
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Albuquerque The Magazine Recognizes 7 UNM Health ‘Top Docs’ for 2026
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AEO Engine Launches ’AEO Engine AI Search’ Podcast – First Show Dedicated to How AI Is Reshaping Business Discovery, Search Visibility, and Brand Trust
AEO Engine logo representing the launch of the new "AEO Engine AI Search" podcast, hosted by Aria Chen and focused on
Bloomberg: Google begins testing dedicated Gemini app for Mac
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Google Begins Testing Gemini Mac App to Match ChatGPT and Claude
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Cycle Nova: Villanova students unite to honor a legacy and advance heart health
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Lenovo brings retro arcade cabinet gaming to high-end Android tablets with new releases
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Orange Bank & Trust Company Celebrates Women’s Leadership at Annual Bronx Women in Business Event
MIDDLETOWN, N.Y., March 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orange Bank & Trust Company proudly hosted its second annual Bronx Women in Business event recently, an initiative created to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and leadership of women throughout the Bronx business community. Founded by Vanessa Baijnauth, Branch Manager of the Bank’s Williamsbridge Road office, along with the dedicated Bronx Women in Business Committee, the event continues to serve as a dynamic platform for empowering wom
NEWS CENTER Maine
Through in-depth storytelling, through direct contact on digital on social platforms, through long-standing community service programs like Coats & Toys for Kids, Project Heat and Buddy to Buddy, NEWS CENTER Maine is dedicated to keeping Mainers connected. We can't do it alone, though. Only by listening and interacting with YOU can we continue to connect ALL Mainers.
Kansas City’s first women’s sports bar kicks off first full season with KC Current
A new sports bar dedicated to women’s sports opened Saturday in Kansas City, coinciding with the KC Current’s season opener.
Open-Source "GreenBoost" Driver Aims To Augment NVIDIA GPUs vRAM With System RAM & NVMe To Handle Larger LLMs
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iPhone Fold: 5 Things We Learned This Week About Apple's Foldable
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Pittsburgh businesses ready for 2026 NFL Draft
Jim Coen expects his football-themed merchandise to fly off the shelves when the 2026 NFL Draft comes to town April 23. “I’m projecting this NFL Draft to be like two Super Bowls combined,” said Coen, who owns Yinzers in the Burgh, a Strip District store dedicated to all things Pittsburgh
The Sports Bra to open new women's sports bar location in Maine
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ASU-led SPARCS mission achieves 'first light,' marking the start of its science operations in orbit
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Women’s sports bar coming to Maine
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Microsoft Joins Crowd With Health Assistant for Copilot Chatbot
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Faulkner University Dedicates New Mental Health Center
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March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month: free, confidential support available statewide | Health and Human Services North Dakota
Gov. Kelly Armstrong has officially proclaimed March 2026 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in North Dakota. March is also recognized nationally as a time dedicated to raising awareness about gambling-related harm and connecting individuals and families with support. North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) encourages everyone to learn the warning signs of problem gambling and to reach out for help when needed.
(Half) Twisted Science: Researchers Build a Molecular Möbius Strip With Only Half the Twist
The Quantum Insider (TQI) is the leading online resource dedicated exclusively to Quantum Computing.
Windows 12 release date in 2026 possible, with AI features that may force CPU upgrades
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Plans for Mobile Sports Hall of Fame take another step forward
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On World Hearing Day, Hearing Research International Launches to Accelerate the Future of Hearing Health and Deaf Studies
Toronto, Canada, March 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASL On World Hearing Day, Hearing Research International officially launches as an international research foundation dedicated to advancing innovative, life-changing research in Hearing Health and Deaf Studies, positioning this work on the world stage and investing in the future of Hearing Health and Deaf Studies to improve lives. Building on five years of impact, the foundation is designed to strengthen research leadership, inform systems and
JLG Architects and Sanford Health Team Up to Support Athletes' Mental Health at the Basketball Championships
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Girls & Science Kick-Off will include dedicated space for teens to explore STEM careers
Trump's pick to lead new Justice Department unit scrutinized as president declares 'war on fraud'
President Donald Trump's pick to lead a new Justice Department division dedicated to rooting out fraud said Wednesday he would pursue prosecutions “without fear or favor" as questions grow about how the new unit will operate free of political influence.
Trump's pick to lead new Justice Department unit scrutinized as president declares 'war on fraud'
President Donald Trump’s pick to lead a new Justice Department division dedicated to rooting out fraud says he would pursue prosecutions “without fear or favor,” amid growing questions about how the new unit will operate free of political pressure from a White House that has declared a “war on fraud.”
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
Hamtramck dedicates basketball court to Hall of Famer Rudy Tomjanovich
On Friday, Hamtramck honored and dedicated its basketball court to 1966 alumnus and Hall of Famer Rudy Tomjanovich.
Netflix Will Soon Stop Working on Some Streaming Players & Smart TVs
In a move that signals the ongoing evolution of streaming technology, Netflix has announced it will end support for its application on the PlayStation 3 console and several other older devices effective March 2, 2026. This decision affects a niche but dedicated group of users who continue to rely on these aging platforms for accessing […]
His Team Devised Ways to Keep World Cup Crowds Safe
Michael Silevitch leads a research center dedicated to protecting busy public spaces. Last April, he was instructed to “end all work” immediately.
State Infrastructure Can Strengthen Suicide Prevention in Health Systems
State governments that establish suicide prevention infrastructure foster the advancement of sustainable, evidence-based practices within their states’ hospitals and health systems. Recent examples of effective infrastructure include the authorization of comprehensive prevention policies and programs, dedicated funding streams, coordinated leadership, and robust data systems with suicide statistics.
Rivian Adds A Sport Mode To All R1 EVs On The Road
Plus, there’s a dedicated Apple Watch app that allows Gen 1 owners to leave their car key and smartphone at home.
DAV announces new partnership with Solace Health supporting veterans’ care
ERLANGER, Ky. – DAV (Disabled American Veterans) is proud to announce a new partnership with Solace Health as its first new partner in 2026. The partnership is supported by a donation from Solace Health to advance DAV’s mission of empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives. The collaboration brings together two organizations focused on helping veterans receive timely, coordinated, high-quality care, regardless of where they receive it. While many veterans receive care through the VA, which offers an integrated and coordinated whole-health model, others receive some or all of their care through private health systems using Medicare or other insurance benefits. These veterans often need help to understand health insurance rules, manage their treatment, and navigate between multiple health care systems. “Disabled veterans often have complex health challenges, and DAV’s advocacy work strives to minimize barriers to timely, high-quality care, primarily within VA., but increasingly between VA and private providers,” said DAV CEO and National Adjutant Barry Jesinoski. “Our partnership with Solace Health can offer support for veterans who are eligible for VA care and Medicare, particularly those who split their care between the VA and private health systems. Veterans who don’t use VA at all can also benefit from the care coordination services that Solace Health provides, usually with little or no out-of-pocket cost to them.” Solace Health provides professional health care advocacy services, connecting patients with experienced advocates who help schedule appointments, explain benefits, coordinate care among providers, and manage administrative burdens with private health care systems, thereby allowing veterans and their families to focus on health and recovery. “For many veterans, the fight doesn’t end when service does,” said Jeremy Gurewitz, CEO and co-founder of Solace Health. “Veterans living with serious medical conditions often encounter a private health care system outside of the VA that is fragmented and difficult to navigate. Through this partnership with DAV, Solace Health advocates can help cut through red tape, improve care coordination, and simplify scheduling of medical appointments. We’re proud to support DAV in helping veterans to successfully navigate health care systems so that veterans, particularly disabled veterans, receive the care they have earned.” DAV provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Each year, DAV’s no-cost programs and services help more than 1 million veterans access the benefits and health care they have earned, connect with meaningful employment, and ensure their voices are heard on Capitol Hill. About DAV DAV is dedicated to ensuring our promise is kept to America’s veterans. DAV does this by helping veterans and their families access the full range of benefits available to them, fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill, providing employment resources to veterans and their families, offering programs and services to empower them, and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. A nonprofit organization with nearly 1 million members, DAV was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. About Solace Health Veterans face complex health challenges, and the path to care is far harder than it should be. They deal with fragmented services and providers, each with unique requirements and paperwork. Solace Health advocates—healthcare experts with 16 years’ experience on average—help veterans navigate this landscape when they need it most. Advocates schedule appointments, explain benefits and keep doctors aligned. They take the lead on calls and documentation, and their no-homework ethos eases burdens on veterans and their families. Solace Health is covered by Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and most veterans pay little or nothing out of pocket. We’re honored to support DAV members.
Gene Johnson ’73 inducted into North Carolina Business Hall of Fame
Gene Johnson ’73, a dedicated UNC Charlotte advocate and donor, is one of the newest members of the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame, presented by Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas. Johnson joins the group that honors the state’s most influential business leaders. A ceremony celebrating the 2026 laureates was held Feb. 17. Johnson earned […]
First Black UNC student to receive master's and doctoral marine sciences degrees continues making waves
To counteract the lack of representation Aliyah Griffith saw in the field, she founded MahoganyMermaids, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting and promoting children of color in the aquatic sciences.