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Raiders rookie minicamp attendees: Drafted, undrafted, visits, tryouts
We compiled the Raiders rookie minicamp roster including drafted, undrafted, and visits/tryouts.
Political blame game begins and upset passengers stuck after Spirit ceases operations
Republicans blame Biden administration block on JetBlue deal; Democrats point to fuel price surge amid Iran war
Apple stops selling the M4 Mac Mini's 256GB storage model through its online store
The new base storage is 512GB now. Apple launched the M4 chip-powered Mac Mini in 2024, with its base model having 256GB of storage. This model went out of...
Troop withdrawal announcement adds to friction between Europe and Trump
The German defense minister has responded to the U.S. plan to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, emphasizing the mutual benefits of the U.S. military presence in Europe.
Apple's $599 Mac Mini is no longer available
The company's 256GB option is no longer available
The politics of Trump's ballroom
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — President Trump was about a half-hour into his second speech of the day, musing about the danger he faced last week at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. “Saturday night, it was good for one thing. People are loving my ballroom now,” Trump told a crowd last night. “That’s the only thing. They love my ballroom.” Ever since he was hustled off stage at the Washington Hilton last week, after an attempted shooter breached the dinner’s security perimeter and sent guests diving to the floor, the president has argued that the incident is proof for why his White House ballroom is needed. Only his planned $400 million, 90,000-square-foot project, Trump has reasoned, can keep a president truly safe at major events. It’s true that a bunch of GOP lawmakers have jumped on board with new legislation and words of support for Trump’s project. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Sen. Rand Paul and other prominent Republicans went on TV to talk about the need for a ballroom. But as we reported at The Washington Post this week, “people” aren’t really changing their minds on Trump’s ballroom. A new Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found that most Americans still oppose the ballroom project: 56 percent against it versus 28 percent in favor. The numbers are the same as a poll from last year, the Post’s polling whiz Scott Clement found. Other new polls have found similar margins, too. “I’m just not a giant fan, especially of extravagance,” one independent voter told me. “I mean, in the era we’re in right now, given how much people are struggling, it just doesn’t make a lot of sense to me to spend $400 million on a ballroom.” How we got here The Washington Post has followed Trump’s ballroom project very closely. (My colleague Jonathan Edwards may have written the most total words of any reporter about the project; I may be second.) The project exploded as a national issue after Trump tore down the White House’s East Wing after initially promising not to touch it.1 Historic preservationists sued, and about a month ago, a federal judge ordered a halt to ballroom construction.2 The only way the ballroom could proceed, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled, was if Congress explicitly authorized Trump’s plans. (An appeals court has stayed Leon’s order for now.) The judge’s ruling raised an obvious question: would Congress authorize the project? Keep in mind, “authorization” doesn’t mean that Congress needs to necessarily fund the planned $400 million project; they could just sign off on the private donations that Trump has solicited to pay for the ballroom.3 But GOP lawmakers really didn’t want to talk about the ballroom, we reported at The Post just a few weeks ago. One major reason was the ballroom’s bad polling — not a small detail with many of their own midterm elections looming. The White House Correspondents’ Dinner incident, and Trump’s advocacy, may have changed the political conversation around the ballroom. As this week’s polling shows, it doesn’t seem to have affected the fundamental questions surrounding the project. To put it another way, voters still say that cost-of-living concerns are top-of-mind heading into the midterms. Some Republican and independent voters have told me that they see the ballroom as a vanity project that will help Trump but do nothing for their own lives. It might not help Republicans that Trump has dismissed some of the cost-of-living concerns. He’s described “affordability” as a buzzword manufactured by Democrats whose policies helped cause inflation. “They’ve got one good line of bullshit,” Trump said in his first speech yesterday, delivered at a Florida retirement community known as The Villages. Thanks for reading Dan Diamond's newsletter! Subscribe for free to stay up-to-date on my work. Subscribe Speaking of Trump’s speeches… I’m down in Florida because it’s my “duty week” as a White House reporter — basically, I follow the president wherever he goes. (And then hand the baton off to one of my Washington Post colleagues next week.) As part of my duty week, I’ve spent a few days covering the White House’s reaction to Saturday’s attempted shooting, including officials’ review of the security protocols to protect the president. Trump was restrained in the wake of the incident, addressing the nation from the White House briefing room about the need for peaceful dialogue and trying to lower the temperature. But he’s clearly been itching to get back out of the White House, and I was curious to hear how his Florida speeches would go. And — to my ears — it was an unburdened Trump. Not the one we saw Saturday night in the White House briefing room, but the one we witnessed on the campaign trail in 2024. Loose, dropping profanities, mocking everyone, including members of his team. “We have a man here who knows more about Medicaid, Medicare, medical crap than any human being. Where’s Dr. Oz? Where the hell are you, stand up,” Trump said, referring to Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “It’s the most boring trip I’ve ever made. He’s telling me about Medicare, Medicaid. All I want to do is take care of you, I don’t care. I said, ‘You work out the details.’” I wrote up the speech, as Trump headed to West Palm Beach to deliver more remarks a few hours later. The White House didn’t like my story. Their rapid-response team called it the work of a “total loser”4 and “a miserable TDS-ridden moron.” You can be the judge of whether it’s a fair story or the product of someone afflicted with “TDS.” (The White House’s shorthand for “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”) I’ve pasted the story below with a gift link, meaning that you don’t need to be a Washington Post subscriber to read it. It might prompt you for an email address, though. Meanwhile, I’ll be down in Florida for the rest of the weekend, covering the president. It’s TBD whether those stories will be deemed TDS-afflicted, too. 1 Jonathan details the past six months of ballroom fallout, reactions and the implications for executive authority here. I also had a great time talking about Trump’s ballroom and other projects with Australia’s ABC News Daily on a podcast this week. 2 The judge allowed underground construction and national security-related work to continue. But that hasn’t been enough for Trump, who says the ballroom itself is essential for his protection. 3 The ballroom donors include companies like Palantir, Google and Amazon. For transparency, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post, where I work. No one has ever interfered with our team’s coverage of the ballroom or our mentions of Amazon or Bezos, and if that changed, I’d speak out. 4 To be fair, I’ve spent the morning working on stories and writing this Substack post rather than enjoying the beautiful Florida weather. So they may be onto something about who’s winning and who’s losing.
Immigrants have made huge contributions to U.S. science
The current administration’s policies impede the best and the brightest foreign-born researchers' access to research laboratories in America.
The Cannabis Industry’s New Best Friend? President Trump
The administration’s decision to relax federal regulations on medical marijuana comes with big tax breaks for many cannabis companies, and could drive new investment in the budding sector.
Titans Rookie Minicamp Photos
See the Top Images from the Titans Rookie Minicamp practice on Saturday at Vanderbilt Health Football Center
Cuban Americans have been big Trump backers. His Cuba policy may change that.
Florida’s Cuban American community is on a pressure campaign to make sure the Trump administration knows it’s regime change, or else.
Cowboys news: Dallas rookie minicamp has begun
The latest news surrounding the Dallas Cowboys is here!
Thirteen killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, health ministry says
Four women and a child are among the dead, as fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah continues despite a ceasefire.
Spirit Airlines shutting down after rescue talks collapse
The airline had been in talks with the Trump administration about a $500m bailout.
Trump Endorses Andy Barr for Senate as Musk-Backed Candidate Exits Race
The candidate in Kentucky, Nate Morris, said he would be joining the Trump administration. He met with the president a day before his announcement.
Photos: 2026 Rookie Minicamp
Head inside Intermountain Health Performance Center to view photos from the first day of 2026 Rookie Minicamp.
Mac Mini starting price jumps to $799 as AI demand grows
The entry-level model of the Mac Mini is no longer listed on Apple's website, making the $799 version the cheapest.
Mac Mini starting price jumps to $799 as AI demand grows
The entry-level model of the Mac Mini is no longer listed on Apple's website, making the $799 version the cheapest.
Small Business Administration opens disaster loan applications for March 6 tornadoes
The Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for Michigan businesses, private nonprofits and residents affected by the March 6 tornadoes.
Business Lookahead: Eyeing oil, US jobs, and European earnings
STORY: From high oil prices and the conflict in the Middle East to U.S. jobs data and corporate earnings, here’s what you need to watch in business and finance in the week ahead.:: Crude and currencyOil prices briefly topped $120 a barrel this week to hit their highest level since 2022 as the war with Iran enters a third month.While the U.S. and Iran face pressure to end a conflict that has shut the Strait of Hormuz, the world watches anxiously as the biggest-ever disruption to energy supplies unfolds.For each week the Strait is closed, keeping oil elevated, the greater the economic risks via higher inflation or weak growth or, for some, both. Oil importer Japan just intervened to prop up a yen that has been weakened by the conflict.A new month is now underway and some traders will be mindful of that old adage, "Sell in May and go away.":: Jobs gyrationsAs the U.S. economy grapples with fallout from the Middle East war, Wall Street's radar turns to Friday's April monthly payrolls report.The U.S. economy likely created 73,000 new jobs, economists polled by Reuters forecast. In March, payrolls increased by 178,000, the most since December 2024, but that followed a sharp decline in February.The U.S. employment data comes amid signs of hawkishness at the Federal Reserve, as Donald Trump pick Kevin Warsh prepares to take over as chair with the U.S. president keen on rate cuts.:: Starmer’s statusThursday's local elections in Britain, usually a non-event for investors, could move markets in a big way, with opinion polls pointing to a heavy defeat for Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour Party.A heavy defeat could spark more widespread demands for his dismissal among his own lawmakers and stoke expectations of a successor more willing to run looser budgets. That would bring more bad news for British bonds.::European earningsIt's a big week for European earnings with Shell and Commerzbank among those reporting.On aggregate, profits are expected to grow 3.2% in Q1, according to LSEG I/B/E/S. Under the surface, it's a little bit more complicated. Growth is expected to be driven by just three sectors: financials, tech and energy. The latter is seen as the biggest beneficiary of the Iran war due to higher oil and gas prices.But if the war, and energy surge, persist, the overall outlook for Europe's earnings could turn.
Appeals court blocks FDA rule that allows women to obtain abortion drugs by mail
A federal appeals court temporarily reinstated a nationwide requirement that abortion pills be obtained in person, undermining access to the method of abortion that has only grown more widespread since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
Spirit is running out of money and time. Trump sounded tepid about a deal to save it
President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House Friday that the administration will likely make an announcement on its decision whether or not to bail out Spirit Airlines “today or tomorrow.”
Apple Appears To Have Discontinued Its Cheapest Mac Mini
The compact desktop Mac now starts at $799 and comes with 512GB of storage.
Apple Raises Mac Mini’s Starting Price to $799 After AI Frenzy Drains Supply
Apple Inc. raised the starting price of its Mac mini desktop to $799 from $599, adjusting to inventory shortages driven by AI demand and the tight supply of processors.
NBA, PGA and NCAA want higher age limits for prediction markets
The major sports organizations cited the potential risks to young bettors in calling for the platforms' minimum age to be raised from 18 to 21 years old.
Nicole Saphier Is Trump’s New Pick For Surgeon General—What To Know About Her Healthcare Agenda
Saphier is broadly aligned with the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, but has split with the Trump administration in a few areas of healthcare policy.
Administration Explains National Science Board Firing as Criticism Grows
The White House says the board's firing was necessary to comply with a 2021 Supreme Court decision.
Apple Stops Offering Mac Mini With 256GB of Storage, Starting Price Rises to $799
Apple this week stopped offering a 256GB storage option for the Mac mini worldwide. As a result, the desktop computer now has a higher starting price. In the U.S., for example, the Mac mini now starts at $799 with the M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage, whereas it previously started at $599 with the M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. Mac mini models with the M4 Pro chip already had a minimum of 512GB of storage, so there is no change to pricing for those configurations.
The high-ranking officials Trump has fired, forced to resign or moved elsewhere in his second term
Administrative turnover is nothing new for this notoriously fickle president
Despite Its Claims, the Trump Administration Isn’t Helping Farmers at All
A group of Iowa soybean farmers who voted for the president are undergoing a very rude awakening.
Trump says he's considering taxpayer-funded deal to bail out Spirit Airlines
Trump said his administration gave Spirit "a final proposal" and would make an announcement Friday or Saturday"
Trump gives Spirit Airlines 'final' proposal as beleaguered carrier prepares to shut down
Spirit Airlines received a final bailout proposal from the U.S. as President Donald Trump says the administration is "driving a tough deal" to aid the beleaguered carrier.
Trump says Spirit given 'final proposal' on bailout
Talks with the Trump administration about a massive federal investment had raised hopes that Spirit could ride out a surge in the price of jet fuel.
Subnautica 2's early access system requirements are on the punishing side
Unknown Worlds and Krafton have released the minimum, recommended and ultra system requirements for Subnautica 2.
Spirit Airlines Prepares to Shut Down After Trump Administration Bailout Falls Through
The low-fare airline, which has struggled for years, had been trying to secure a $500 million lifeline from the Trump administration.
NASA Aircraft Studies Tiny Particles with Atmospheric Impacts
Scientists from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have turned to one of NASA’s high-altitude research planes to characterize
USDA issues health alert for frozen pizza sold nationwide at Aldi stores due Salmonella concerns
A health alert has been issued by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for a frozen pizza brand sold nationwide at Aldi stores because of possible Salmonella contamination.
USDA issues health alert for frozen pizza sold nationwide at Aldi stores due Salmonella concerns
A health alert has been issued by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for a frozen pizza brand sold nationwide at Aldi stores because of possible Salmonella contamination.
Apple may take "several months" to catch up to Mac mini and Studio demand
Chip shortages and demand from AI enthusiasts are both playing a part.
How US equipment ended up in the hands of Iran’s allies in Yemen as USAID was disbanded
The Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen seized US funded equipment, including vehicles, after the Trump administration suspended and slashed humanitarian funding around the world and began dismantling the US Agency of International Development.
Trump administration rejects need for Iran war Congressional approval despite deadline
Pete Hegseth argued that a ceasefire agreement with Iran more than three weeks ago ‘means the 60 day clock pauses, or stops’
Trump says Cuba is “next.” What does that mean?
The island may be next in the administration’s crosshairs after Venezuela and Iran. But it’s not clear what the plan is.
Inexpensive seafloor-hopping submersibles could stoke deep-sea science—and mining
A company called Orpheus Ocean wants to go “deep for cheap.”
Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff and the Profitable Business of Peace
The Trump administration is turning diplomacy into an asset to be leveraged.
Why Iraq’s Politics Haven’t Changed
Iraq’s latest prime minister designate, Ali al-Zaidi, is an embodiment of the corruption that has held Iraq hostage for over 20 years.
Medicare portal database exposed health providers’ Social Security numbers
It is the latest technical problem related to the Trump administration’s push to create a national directory of health providers.
Prosecutors release new video showing moments before shooting at press dinner
Prosecutors filed new evidence Thursday including video showing the moments before the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner that President Donald Trump and administration officials attended at the Washington Hilton hotel in DC on Saturday night.
UK should not keep changing prime ministers, warns John Major
The former Tory PM tells the BBC political leaders are letting young people down by failing tackle long-term problems.
The Trump Administration Casts Out the ‘Soul’ of MAHA
The withdrawal of Casey Means’s nomination for surgeon general is the latest blow to the movement.
Good Luck Getting a Mac Mini for the Next ‘Several Months’
Apple CEO Tim Cook told analysts that AI adoption has happened faster than expected.
Apple was surprised by AI-driven demand for Macs
Apple said it will be supply-constrained on Mac mini, Studio, and Neo in the next quarter, too.
Can Iraq’s new prime minister fix his country’s broken politics?
Ali al-Zaidi must contend with a growing crisis of legitimacy in the very system that brought him to power and the backing of a coalition that is increasingly unstable.
Trump administration ends funding for fentanyl test strips, baffling public health groups: "It doesn't make sense"
FEMA reinstates whistleblowers as Trump administration reverses Noem’s policies
FEMA has reinstated a group of whistleblowers who signed an open letter to Congress last August warning that the Trump administration’s dismantling of the federal agency was setting the stage for a disaster-response breakdown on the scale of Hurricane Katrina, according to five FEMA officials with knowledge of the matter.
Google’s Gemini AI assistant is hitting the road in millions of vehicles
The move signals Google’s push to bring more advanced, conversational AI into the driving experience.
Google is upgrading in-car Assistant to Gemini, and it’s more than just a refresh
If your car has Google built-in, you're getting a free over-the-air upgrade.
One Day Takeover Brings Entertainment, Arts & Music Industry Straight to VVC Festival
Victor Valley College will host a Fine Arts, Animation and Music Experience on May 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free festival features panels with industry professionals like Damon Sharpe and workshops focusing on various creative fields. Check out the live music mini-concerts and food trucks. Read more at vvng.com #vvng #news #victorville
Trump Administration Casts Host of Policies Under Biden as Anti-Christian
A new report is the latest effort by the Justice Department to argue that it is removing political bias from prosecutorial decision-making.
Gemini for Android Automotive is rolling out soon, even if your car isn’t brand new
After releasing for Android Auto, Gemini is replacing the Google Assistant on vehicles with Android Automotive. Gemini is going to...
Trump Administration Imposes Caps on Graduate School Loans
The changes stem from student loan provisions in a sprawling tax and domestic policy bill signed into law last year.
Amazon Price Target as In-House Chip Business Hits $20 Billion
I'm adding to my long position in the big-tech name.
Key US science panels are being axed - and others are becoming less open - College of Arts and Sciences
A Nature analysis shows that the Trump administration has terminated more than 100 advisory committees to science agencies — and reduced the transparency and independence of those that remain. … “I would hope that in the future, in this administration … Read more
Samsung reportedly prepares Galaxy Book laptops running Android with One UI 9 skin
As Google’s “Aluminium” OS slowly makes it way to launch, a new report reveals that Samsung is preparing new Galaxy...
Five first-rounders headline most questionable 2026 NFL Draft picks for every team
Examining the one pick for every team that raised eyebrows during the 2026 NFL Draft.
How much should politics influence science, and vice versa? National Science Board’s ousting resurrects an existential debate
The Trump administration fired the entire board that oversees the National Science Foundation, raising an age-old question about the separation of science and state.
How much should politics influence science, and vice versa? National Science Board’s ousting resurrects an existential debate
The Trump administration fired the entire board that oversees the National Science Foundation, raising an age-old question about the separation of science and state.
A Formula for Promoting Student STEM Success
James Álvarez, a new administrator in the College of Natural Sciences, spoke to us about his work in STEM education.
Google's privacy maze: How Gemini traps you and your data
Google says it respects user privacy in AI, but the reality is not so black and white.
A Dangerous Shift in Maternal Health Policy
The Trump administration is cutting the budget in ways that put the lives of pregnant women and babies at risk, write Stephanie Psaki, Dara Kass, and Liz Tobin-Tyler.
How Good Is Google’s Gemini AI at Making Travel Plans?
Gemini is a digital Swiss Army knife for planning flights, activities and routes, but it isn’t perfect. Why did it forget to put underwear on the packing list?
Russia’s sports comeback fuels anger in Ukraine
Ahead of a key meeting about curling, a top Ukrainian minister tells POLITICO he is “deeply concerned” about the trend toward readmission.
White House says funds to pay TSA and other Homeland Security workers will 'soon run out'
In a memo late Tuesday to lawmakers, the Office of Management and Budget said money that President Donald Trump tapped to pay Transportation Security Administration and other workers through executive actions will be exhausted by May
Illinois business owners navigate murky waters of tariff refunds
A Chicago-area company forced the Trump administration to undo much of its tariff policy. Now that toy company and others want their money back.
FDA approves next-gen mitral valve from Medtronic
The Mosaic Neo mitral bioprosthesis can be implanted through sternotomy, minimally invasive cardiac surgery or robotic access.
US will deny visas to applicants who say they fear persecution at home
Applicants for visas to the United States will now have to affirm that they do not fear persecution in their home countries as the Trump administration seeks to further restrict potential asylum seeks from entering the country.
UTEP president Heather Wilson ousted from U.S. Science Foundation
UTEP president Heather Wilson was among the 24 ousted from U.S. Science Foundation by the Trump administration.
Trump cracks down on women’s retreats, putting ‘new girls’ clubs’ at risk
The administration claims these retreats perpetuate the discrimination they purport to fight
More Gemini features are coming to Google TV
Google TV just got more Gemini features, including the ability to transform photos and videos with tools Nano Banana and Veo.
Gemini app can now generate Google Docs, PDF, Word, and other files
You can now ask the Gemini app to directly generate “downloadable and ready-to-share files.” Google wants you...
The Trump team is quietly eliminating U.S. support for birth control abroad
Congress has allocated more than $500 million for family planning work internationally. The Trump administration hasn't spent it — and the consequences are already being felt.
“Political Disaster for Donald Trump”: Jeremy Scahill on Stalled U.S.-Iran Talks
Negotiations between the United States and Iran to end the war are at an impasse as the conflict enters its third month. The Wall Street Journal reported late Tuesday that Trump has told aides to prepare for an extended blockade of Iranian ports to ramp up the pressure on Tehran. Iran is saying it will enter into direct talks with the U.S. “when President Trump lifts what Iran considers to be the illegal military naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz,” says Drop Site News co-founder Jeremy Scahill. “Iran has maintained that it’s not shut down the strait, but that it’s just shut it down for any vessels that are linked to the U.S. war in any way.” Scahill says a disorganized Trump administration is pushing a “total propaganda narrative” that it has the upper hand in negotiations, while Iran believes it has the “three M’s” on its side: munitions, markets and the midterms.
Ibogaine Hype Is Outpacing the Science
The hype surrounding the psychedelic drug ibogaine reached a fever pitch earlier this month, when President Donald Trump talked up its potential at a White House event promoting increased access to psychedelics. Ibogaine, which comes from the root of a West African shrub, has long been used for ceremonial and spiritual purposes. Now, for the first time, the Food and Drug Administration will allow a clinical trial of the drug.
Miniso store open at Millcreek Mall. Hibbett Sports has closed.
Miniso, a store offering toys, collectibles, snacks and personal items, is open at Millcreek Mall. A restaurant opens soon, and a sports apparel shop closed.
‘Stretched thin’: Secret Service faces renewed scrutiny after White House Correspondents’ Dinner attack
President Donald Trump, the acting attorney general and other top administration officials all publicly say the Secret Service responded as intended when a gunman tried to force his way into the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.
Titans assistant GM Dave Ziegler breaks down draft, previews minicamp
Titans assistant GM Dave Ziegler discusses the draft process, building the offense for Cam Ward, and rookie roles.
Annual car show provides visual entertainment
For me, it’s a chance to reminisce and remember my youth and cars were a big part of that time.
Bills invite former Bengals third-round pick to rookie minicamp
The Bills invited former Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton to rookie minicamp.
Record European Heatwaves Shrink Glaciers And Diminish Snow Cover In 2025
Around 95% of Europe experienced above-average temperatures in 2025, with record heatwaves from the Mediterranean to the Arctic region. This caused rapid loss
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.
Scientists see Trump's firing of the National Science Board as an attack on research
The move follows an administration push for cuts to the NSF and raises concerns in the scientific community that it could jeopardize a tradition of independent decisions about federal science grants.
Scientists see Trump's firing of the National Science Board as an attack on research
The move follows an administration push for cuts to the NSF and raises concerns in the scientific community that it could jeopardize a tradition of independent decisions about federal science grants.
DJI announces Mic Mini 2 with swappable color covers
Sorry, U.S. microphone lovers, you can't get one yet.
OLED TVs have long trailed Mini LED in brightness, but Samsung's S95H narrows the gap
I measured the Samsung S95H at 2,780 nits, making it the brightest OLED TV I've tested. Here are my first-look impressions of its picture and design.
The E.P.A.’s Lost Science
The agency’s prestigious research office is being dismantled by the Trump administration, a plan to dam the Bering Strait and more climate news.
Could At-Home Brain Stimulation Reduce Psychiatry’s Reliance on S.S.R.I.s?
A headset recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration uses a weak electric current to shock the brain. Some researchers hope it could challenge the current pill-centric paradigm.
Trump administration reverses on paying for fentanyl detection strips
The Trump administration is no longer allowing federal funds to be used for purchasing or distributing test strips that can determine if street drugs ha…