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Broome County Health Department continues to examine increase in stomach infection cases
According to medical director Lazarus Gehring, the outbreak appears to be local to Broome County unlike the majority of the typically observed cases.
Can Six Flags Entertainment Stock Beat the Market?
Six Flags will try to boost attendance and spending to improve revenue.
How tanking became the biggest conundrum in sports
The Jazz are among a handful of teams in the midst of tanking seasons. Will it pay off in the long run?
Science Museum Oklahoma reopens beloved 'Mighty Mouth' exhibit
Science Museum Oklahoma's popular dental exhibit, "Mighty Mouth," has reopened after renovations, thanks to support from Delta Dental of Oklahoma.
Politics Aside Season 2, Episode 4
On this episode of Politics Aside, Chris Cillizza runs drills at M&T Bank Stadium with Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and later, shoots hoops with Virgina Rep. Suhas Subramanyam at Wizards legend Gheorghe Muresan’s Giant Basketball Academy in Ashburn. Along the way, Chris explores how youth sports and community shape political leadership.
KEA asks for lawmaker pledge against rising health insurance costs
The KEA and state retirement groups are the latest to sound the alarm over a state budget proposal that Republicans maintain is still a work in progress that needs more information.
Vt. business blames Trump tariffs for first layoffs in nearly 50 years
A Westford business says the president's tariffs drove sales down and forced layoffs.
What to watch in the race for North Carolina's open Senate seat
North Carolina’s primary election is next week, and early voting is already underway. We discuss what to watch in the race for the state's open Senate seat and a competitive Democratic primary in the state's 4th congressional district.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, political correspondent Ashley Lopez, and WUNC Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
Women suffer heart attacks too. Understanding risks and symptoms
More than 60 million women in the U.S. live with cardiovascular disease and about 37,000 die from heart attacks each year.
Dave & Buster’s, other new businesses coming to Valley View Mall
The Valley View Mall has undergone several changes in recent years, with new businesses opening and established stores closing. Documents now show plans to bring a Dave & Buster’s to the mall.
Andrew Painter healthy and firing despite chilly Clearwater weather
The 52-degree temperature greeted Andrew Painter and Jesus Luzardo when they faced hitters Monday at Phillies camp … but it wasn’t such a bad thing.
iOS 26.4 beta 2: Here's what's new
One week after the release of the first beta, iOS 26.4 beta 2 is now available. The update continues to...
Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints, Answers for Feb. 24 #519
Here's today's Connections: Sports Edition answer and hints for groups. These clues will help you solve The New York Times' popular puzzle game, Connections: Sports Edition, every day.
WhatsApp is finally working on scheduled messages
Meta is at last bringing scheduled messages to WhatsApp, delivering on one of the app’s most-requested features.
Ex-Apple team launches Acme Weather, a new take on weather forecasting
The team that sold their last app Dark Sky to Apple are back with Acme Weather, which offers alternative forecasts, rainbow and sunset alerts, and more.
Kaiser Permanente health workers return after four-week strike
An estimated 31,000 registered nurses and other front-line Kaiser Permanente health care workers will return to work on Tuesday after a four-week strike in California and Hawaii to demand better wages and staffing.
The PC VR Demos In Steam Next Fest February 2026
The first Steam Next Fest of 2026 is live now through March 2, with dozens of PC VR demos to play.
Temple Health reported a $50.5 million operating loss in the first half of fiscal 2026
Temple attributed some of the losses to costs related to the opening of Temple Women & Families Hospital in September.
Enhabit’s stock soars as home health firm gets buyout offer worth $1.1 billion
The Dallas-based company is part of a growing demand story for home-based health care.
Political Backlash After Pro-Palestine Comments at Berlin Awards Ceremony
A German cabinet minister walked out during one acceptance speech, and Berlin's conservative mayor said the ceremony was “misused for political destruction.”
Who was the New Orleans area prep sports athlete of the week for Feb. 16-21? Vote now.
The past week in New Orleans area high school sports included several outstanding performances in many different sports.
How Can Infinity Come in Many Sizes?
Intuition breaks down once we’re dealing with the endless. To begin with: Some infinities are bigger than others.
NYC blizzard postpones Dallas officials’ trip to lure more businesses to ‘Y’all Street’
The delegation was scheduled to visit New York on Thursday and Friday, but as of Monday, no new date has been set.
Significant component of Leaving Certificate science exams risks student safety, report finds
Department of Education advised to pause AAC implementation immediately on health and safety grounds
Spring sports roundup: Pelham edges McGill-Toolen in wild walk-off fashion
Check out the highlights from high-school spring sports from this weekend.
Americans sour on Trump ahead of State of the Union, polls find
New polls show the president’s approval rating falling among Democrats and independents, though it remains strong among Republicans.
Prior authorization is a top health care burden, KFF poll finds
About 32% of Americans say prior authorization requirements are a major burden, more than billing confusion or finding appointments, according to the January 2026 survey.
PS Plus Essential March Games Leak May Disappoint PS5 Owners
A new leak regarding the upcoming PS Plus Essential March 2026 games has appeared online, and may leave some fans a bit disappointed.
THE WEEK OF FEB 23, 2026
- NSF director nominee announced - Confusion over NIST foreign researcher policies - Science Republicans reviewing AI laws
Citi nears Banamex stake sale to investor group including Blackstone, Bloomberg News reports
Citigroup is nearing a deal to sell a 24% stake in its Mexican retail bank Grupo Financiero Banamex to a group of investors that includes Blackstone , Bloomberg News reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.
AbbVie to invest $380 million to expand US manufacturing in Illinois
AbbVie on Monday said it would invest $380 million to build two new active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing facilities at its Illinois campus, expanding its domestic production capacity for its neuroscience and obesity medicines.
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 4 Pro will support head-shaking gestures, lacks case speaker
Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Buds 4 Pro will take at least one page out of Apple's playbook, but that rumored case speaker seems to be missing.
Utica Anime-Fest for Collectors and Fans in Mohawk Valley
Anime fans can look forward to a day packed with collectibles, cosplay and special guests at the upcoming Utica Anime-Fest.
Apple Could Launch at Least Five New Products, Including iPhone 17E, Next Week
A Bloomberg report suggests a potential one-two-three punch of product launches over consecutive days from Apple, including three new MacBooks and an iPad with M4 chip.
3 Amazon AI data centers planned for north Louisiana: ‘Something unlike we have ever seen’
“The massive amount of development that will result in this is something unlike anything that we've ever seen.” Here’s what we know.
Nationwide recall issued for popular supplement, consumer health risk: Return ASAP
The product is being recalled because it contains a higher level of a potent compound than is listed on the label, which poses a health risk.
Matt Maiocco's NFL mock draft 1.0: 49ers select Missouri defensive end Zion Young with pick No. 27
Here is who NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco has the San Francisco 49ers selecting in the first edition of his 2026 NFL mock draft.
McClaren Institute for Health and Quality of Life prepares for reopening by summer 2026
The McClaren Institute for Health and Quality of Life honors the life and legacy of Dr. Edward E. McClaren.
Armed man killed at Mar-a-Lago never interested in politics or guns: Cousin
The 21-year-old North Carolina man who drove onto President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort with a shotgun before he was shot and killed worked as a golf course groundskeeper and sold illustrations of golf courses. Braeden Fields, a cousin who grew up with Austin Tucker Martin says he never talked about politics and seemed afraid of guns. Fields told The Associated Press that he has no idea why his cousin would do this. Authorities say Martin drove through a gate at Mar-a-Lago in Florida early Sunday and raised a shotgun when confronted by law enforcement, who opened fire. Trump was at the White House at the time.
New Leadership Team Set to Shape the Next Era of Assassin’s Creed
Today, Vantage Studios, a Ubisoft subsidiary, announced the appointment of three seasoned leaders who will play a pivotal role in driving the Assassin’s Creed brand’s long-term vision.
This Gen Zer skipped university and built a six-figure dog walking business
As AI threatens entry-level jobs, some young people are starting their own businesses.
'Saturday Night Live' Star Performing in Verona
A breakout comedian is coming to Turning Stone Resort Casino.
New ‘Acme Weather’ app from Dark Sky creators wants to fix weather apps’ biggest problem
The team behind Dark Sky is back with a new weather app for iPhone called “Acme Weather.” One of the...
US orders non-emergency personnel to leave Beirut embassy amid tensions
US official says Washington determined it was 'prudent to reduce our footprint to essential personnel' in Lebanon.
AMC Entertainment beats revenue estimates as box office recovers
AMC Entertainment beat Wall Street expectations for fourth-quarter revenue on Monday, offering a sign of confidence in the slow recovery of cinema traffic from pandemic-era lows.
Oregon’s Behavioral Health Talent Council releases final report
Many parts of Oregon lack mental health care providers, especially in rural counties.
Column: Some Democratic candidates for California governor need to drop out
The jig is up for Democrats lagging in the race for governor
New off-Broadway show stars Elizabethtown native, viral TikTok husband-and-wife dancers
Perhaps you're not in love with your job, or your relationship is feeling a little rocky.
OpenAI deepens partnerships with consulting giants to push enterprise AI beyond pilot
OpenAI is expanding its push into the enterprise market by teaming up with four of the world’s largest consulting firms, betting that a more hands-on approach will help corporate clients move beyond pilot projects to full-scale AI deployments.
Four questions with Tennessee Finance Commissioner Jim Bryson
With governor's proposal in hand, state's top finance official talks through it
We already have a good idea how capable the new MacBook will be
Once the new low-cost MacBook launches this week, those wanting to buy a portable Mac will have a choice of...
"I Will Never Financially Recover From This": 29 People Who Woke Up One Morning And Watched Their Entire Lives Slowly Spiral Out Of Control
That, my friends, is not an ideal situation.
A massive youth sports complex could be coming to this N.J. city under $6M deal
There's a deal to purchase 108 acres near a local college for a regional sports facility designed to boost tourism and create jobs.
Another health system is coming to Onondaga County soon, with room for 2,000 new primary patients
The new providers will see patients ages 5 and older.
Politics Unplugged Podcast: Richard Ruelas on the Guthrie media circus
Arizona Republic reporter Richard Ruelas joins the pod to talk about the media circus in Tucson for the Guthrie case.
Super selfless seniors are key to UCLA women's basketball success
UCLA honored seniors Lauren Betts, Angela Dugalić, Gabriela Jaquez, Gianna Kneepkens, Charlisse Leger-Walker and Kiki Rice, who turned the Bruins into champions.
Carolina Celebrates Successful National Girls & Women in Sports Day - University of North Carolina Athletics
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Carolina Athletics spotlighted National Girls & Women in Sports Day on Sunday morning, hosted at the Bill Koman Practice Complex. The ann...
2026 NFL mock draft: Eagles go to the trenches
Here’s our first mock draft of 2026 as we figure out what the Eagles will do at No. 23.
The growing number of US scientists moving to Spain: ‘My colleagues are having a very hard time’
One in three recipients of the state-funded Atrae program comes from the United States
House Science Committee takes on data center permitting
The panel will discuss barriers that may slow the development of infrastructure for artificial intelligence.
Business license fees increased this year, some by as high as 400%
Some advocates contend higher business license fees are yet another burden for small businesses facing economic headwinds.
Merck to create separate cancer business to offset Keytruda patent loss, WSJ reports
Drugmaker Merck is separating its human-health business into two divisions to offset pressures related to the patent loss of its top-selling drug Keytruda, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.
Deep in Antarctic ice, these particles can answer basic questions about the universe
A dense network of sensors is looking for the fleeting footprints of neutrinos, the most mysterious in the pantheon of known particles.
Edward Rogers and Rogers Communications steer a unified Toronto sports empire
As Rogers Communications moves to fully own MLSE and leverage the Blue Jays, Maple Leafs, Raptors and Sportsnet for content, growth and possible spin-off, Edward Rogers steers a unified Toronto sports empire.
Don't Buy a Refurbished or Used Windows 10 Computer
It's a trap! There are some great deals on used and refurbished desktops and laptops that are still running Windows 10. Don't do it.
Sports betting drives jump in calls to Florida problem gambling helpline
Calls over online gambling have increased by 138% since 2023.
What happened in Iowa politics the week of Feb. 16-20
Listen as Morning Edition Host Meghan McKinney and IPR's State Government Reporter Katarina Sostaric review the latest in Iowa politics.
Country music singer battling incurable disease still performing despite rough 2025
The 56-year-old has been open with fans about his battle with the disease.
Biden, aides project optimism in cancer fight, but some close friends worry
The former president announced last year he has an aggressive form of prostate cancer. He and his aides say he’s doing well and has upcoming public appearances.
New research suggests some cases of autism could be preventable
Studies say avoiding environmental exposures, especially pre-conception, may help. Influencers are branding the idea “trimester zero,” but the science is in early stages.
New research suggests some cases of autism could be preventable
Studies say avoiding environmental exposures, especially pre-conception, may help. Influencers are branding the idea “trimester zero,” but the science is in early stages.
Influencers are promoting peptides for better health. What's the science say?
The latest wellness craze involves injecting these molecules for athletic performance, longevity and more. Scientists say the research isn't keeping pace with the health claims.
Influencers are promoting peptides for better health. What's the science say?
The latest wellness craze involves injecting these molecules for athletic performance, longevity and more. Scientists say the research isn't keeping pace with the health claims.
Influencers are promoting peptides for better health. What's the science say?
The latest wellness craze involves injecting these molecules for athletic performance, longevity and more. Scientists say the research isn't keeping pace with the health claims.
Mike Wampold has developed properties across the region. He's bullish on Baton Rouge.
Developer Mike Wampold has a vast portfolio that includes hotels, apartments, office buildings and an 1800-acre planned community. His focus these days is on Baton Rouge, where he sees untapped potential.
Poll: Most say the state of the union is not strong and the U.S. is worse off
Ahead of the State of the Union address on Tuesday, evidence continues to mount that President Trump is facing political headwinds.
Trump’s law is crushing the next generation of RFK Jr. disciples
Schools that educate medical contrarians like the health secretary are about to face a massive cut in federal funding.
German business sentiment rose more than expected in February, Ifo survey finds
German business morale rose more than expected in February, a survey showed on Monday, as both current conditions and expectations increased.
‘Flow’ dramatically improves Android voice typing without replacing Gboard
Voice-to-text on Android is really good if you’re using a Pixel, and pretty hit or miss everywhere else. But the...
AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results
LEAWOOD, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AMC) (“AMC” or “the Company”) today reported results for the…...
A new era for Dutch politics with Rob Jetten set to be sworn in as prime minister
The Netherlands is getting a new minority government led by Rob Jetten, the country’s youngest-ever prime minister.
Teton Science School, Indian Springs Ranch plan for tunnel to ease left turns onto Highway 22
Left turns out of the Teton Science Schools’ Jackson campus onto Highway 22 are harrowing.
‘Wuthering Heights’ reaches remarkable lows: subpar adaptation
Released on Feb. 13, “Wuthering Heights” has acquired approximately $83 million in gross revenue from the box offices globally since premiering, with numbers continuing to climb. Starring Margot Robbie as
UP health care providers host fundraiser for Belize communities
Hillside Health Care connects with U.P. providers to provide medical services in underserved areas.
Josh Shapiro, in his own words, on political violence and antisemitism
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is opening up about his Jewish faith at a pivotal moment in his political rise
From bakeries to beauty shops, Russian businesses are feeling the pain from a new wartime tax policy
As Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine marks four years, the pressure on Russia’s economy is starting to show.
As antisemitism rises and strife over Israel continues, Josh Shapiro turns toward his Jewish faith
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro may be the nation’s most prominent Jewish politician as antisemitism surges across America
Omaha bar owner files lawsuit over right to use ‘barbershop’ in business name
An Omaha bar owner has filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the Nebraska Board of Barber Examiners after the state threatened him with fines and possible criminal charges over his business name.
Local health experts emphasize importance of American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month -- a time set aside each year to remind Americans that heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the country.Fortu
Snow surge in Sierra sparks business boom in Truckee
Along Donner Pass Road, the Wagon Train diner—an area staple established in the 1940s—has been especially busy as residents and visitors look for a warm place to gather.
This year's Mag Lab open house connects books and science
The immersive demonstrations and exhibits showcase the world changing research that takes place every day at the famed facility.
Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints, Answers for Feb. 23 #518
Here's today's Connections: Sports Edition answer and hints for groups. These clues will help you solve The New York Times' popular puzzle game, Connections: Sports Edition, every day.
Understanding the science of sports tape
That kinesiology tape you see on elite athletes is more than a joint stabilizer. It plays a much bigger role
Alaska to highlight rich sports history with ‘Week of Dreams Kickoff’
Visitors to the Mountain View Library on Thursday will have a chance to both read and hear about the rich history of Alaskan athletics.
Med City Sports Card Show collects big crowd on Saturday
More than 70 vendors attended the show, selling and trading from cheap trading cards to expensive collectibles worth big money.
Gold rises as dollar falls on US Supreme Court tariff verdict
Gold rose to a more than three-week high on Monday, as the dollar fell after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a vast swathe of President Donald Trump's tariffs on Friday and as U.S.-Iran tensions simmered.
‘Biblical’ flooding damages Oahu church, business
Members of a Kaneohe church and employees at a Haleiwa business spent much of Sunday cleaning both locations after they were flooded from Saturday's heavy rains.
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