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Courtside chess: Inside the Lakers' defensive plans to slow Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — and give themselves a puncher's chance
First Hawaiian Bank: Open for Business – Seven Brothers
Seth Hannemann of Seven Brothers shares how his family’s humble vision became a local favorite and how First Hawaiian Bank has helped support their growth
Arts-Entertainment: Source Alvon Johnson set for Mother’s Day shows
To purchase advanced tickets for Johnson’s performance at The 4th Corner Speakeasy, visit 4thcornerspeakeasy.com/alvon-johnson-2/
Tonopah business owner arrested for alleged drug possession
A business owner in Tonopah has been arrested after police say he was found with drugs.
iOS 27 Will Let You Pick Claude or Gemini Instead of ChatGPT for Apple Intelligence
iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 will let users set third-party AI services as the default for Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools and Image Playground, reports Bloomberg. Apple has signed a deal with Google and plans to use a Gemini-based model for Apple Intelligence and Siri features in iOS 27, but users will also be able to choose their favorite AI service as an alternative.
Sony Xperia 1 VIII: European model leak showcases Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 performance but only 12 GB RAM
The Sony Xperia 1 VIII has now surfaced on a popular benchmarking website. Featuring Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, the new Xperia flagship is once again saddled with 12 GB of RAM unlike many of its peers.
Xperia 1 VIII listed on Amazon: Release date, specs, colors, sky-high price revealed; WH1000XM6 headphones with pre-orders
A massive leak on Amazon UK and Germany has revealed the Sony Xperia 1 VIII ahead of schedule. The listings detail a June 26 release date, new colors, 6.5-inch 120Hz OLED display, a new telephoto lens, and a launch bundle. With prices starting at £1,728, Sony's next flagship faces scrutiny over a significant price hike compared to the Xperia 1 VII.
Romanian Government Collapses, Sowing Doubts Over Fiscal Reforms
Romania’s minority government collapsed after losing a no-confidence vote, throwing the country into renewed political turmoil and potentially stalling reforms needed to narrow the widest budget shortfall in the European Union.
We Still Haven’t Seen How Bad Gerrymandering Can Get
The Supreme Court has opened the door to aggressive Republican redistricting schemes that will trigger escalating Democratic reprisals.
World-renowned ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro plays the Englert
Jake Shimabukuro’s album “Calm Seas” blends his ukulele mastery with ambient recordings from Hawaii’s natural landscapes, creating a tranquil musical experience inspired by the ocean and forest sounds.
Lifeline or monopoly? MU Health Care plan would allow expansion even if competition shrinks
A bill in Jefferson City would grant antitrust immunity to MU Health Care to acquire hospitals and other healthcare facilities in a 25-county area.
Ramaswamy looks to put primary behind him and turn to expensive fall campaign for Ohio governor
Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy aims to put a long and sometimes unpleasant primary season behind him Tuesday
Every Bradley player drafted by the Brooklyn Nets
Let's take a look at every player who has been drafted by the Nets out of Bradley.
Michigan football predicted to land another 4-star commitment
Michigan football recruiting could land another big commitment soon, with experts predicting 4-star EDGE Jayce Brewer.
Legislature to vote on releasing $55M in held OHA funding
Legislature to vote on releasing $55M in held OHA funding
Cavaliers-Pistons: Will Cleveland suffer another second-round exit? Series keys, schedule and prediction
2027 Summer Scouting: Earnest Greene III, OT, Georgia
Another Summer scouting report is ready, this time on Georgia's Earnest Greene III.
NASA just released 12,000 more Artemis II photos — here are a dozen of our favorites
NASA just uploaded more than 12,000 photos snapped by the Artemis II crew during their record-breaking flyby around the moon. Here are some of the most inspiring ones.
From The Sports Desk: Joel Embiid’s revenge tour
The Philadelphia 76ers star vanquished the Boston Celtics in Game 7 on Saturday night. Now he gets the New York Knicks in round 2.
Clemson football offers 2027 cornerback Nash Johnson III
Nash Johnson III, a cornerback out of McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Ga., announced Monday that he received an offer from Clemson football.
Missouri budget earmarks fight becomes part of St. Louis County political battle
Two small community agencies with personal ties to state Sen. Angela Mosley face questions about their Missouri budget earmarks.
Sporting KC Weekly Schedule: May 4-10, 2026
Sporting Kansas City II News: The official source for all SKC II news, photos, videos, highlights, and more.
Biggest question for each second-round playoff series: Can Lakers hang? Can Knicks bigs slow down Joel Embiid?
The conference semifinals get underway Monday night
Former Nintendo of America boss cut off Amazon's supply of Wii and DS consoles due to "obscene" demands: "I wasn't going to do something illegal"
Former Nintendo of America president, Reggie Fils-Aimé, claims stock pressure and "obscene" demands contributed to the …
The ravioli king of Brooklyn making nearly $2 million a year
George Joseph Switzer III runs Queen Ann Ravioli, a Brooklyn pasta shop founded in 1972. Inside, vintage machines make thousands of pounds of pasta.
Why are McBurnie and Stewart not in World Cup mix?
Oli McBurnie and Ross Stewart are arguably Scotland's two most in-form strikers, yet neither appear to be in Steve Clarke's World Cup plans, writes Tom English.
A tipsy twist on science
The last "Science on the Rocks" of the season is on May 15 at Discovery Place, 168 W. Sixth St.
Redistricting war accelerates winner-take-all political combat that's straining American democracy
The U.S. Supreme Court has escalated a nationwide redistricting war by removing one of the few remaining limits on partisan gerrymandering
Met Gala guests from Beyoncé to Nicole Kidman set to flaunt fashion as art
Fashion biggest night is making a statement this year with its dress code, “Fashion is art."
Empowering Veterans: The 2026 Fayetteville Veterans Business Expo aims to close the opportunity gap
This is the first year of the Veteran Business Expo, and it grew out of Fayetteville PWC’s Economic Impact Program, which focuses on expanding access and opportunity in public-sector contracting while strengthening the local economy. It builds off the success of previous events held by PWC, like the 2024 Industry Day (pictured above). Photo provided by PWC. The Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) will host the inaugural 2026 Veterans Business Expo on May 14 at the PWC Main Operations Complex at 955 Old Wilmington Road, seeking to connect former U.S. Military members with vital business opportunities in their community. The event, which will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., is part of a partnership between PWC and the Veterans Business Outreach Center at Fayetteville State University (VBOC) and Fayetteville-Cumberland Regional Entrepreneur and Business HUB (FSU HUB).Aaron Harris, PWC’s manager of economic inclusion programs, said the event is designed to connect Veteran-owned businesses with partners and decision-makers who can help move opportunities forward.“This event brings together Veteran entrepreneurs alongside government agencies, public entities, contractors and resource partners in one place, creating a purposeful space to build relationships, exploring procurement and contracting possibilities and strengthening our region’s Veteran-owned business community,” Harris said. The Veterans Business Expo was devised to feature, highlight and facilitate direct connections and commerce. “We want to get our Veterans a platform for their businesses,” said Camille Little, the supplier diversity analyst at PWC. “Here at PWC, we have 20 departments, and we procure… I can’t tell you all the goods and services. This is our first expo. We’re looking for general contractors, electricians, landscapers, janitorial, construction suppliers, architecture, farms and engineering firms.” Little said, much like businesses in every industry, Veterans are often in need of assistance getting their foot in the door.“When Veterans are starting up, they have to know what resources are [available],” Little noted. “They have this ample amount of resources, but they need to know how to get started.” Identifying those resources and connecting Veteran business owners with opportunities and business development programs are made possible by the partnership between PWC and VBOC, Little said. The partnership has allowed the expo to flourish, she added.“There are opportunities, there are consultant workshops and different things that we partner with them for all the time,” Little said. “It’s about easing that transition because starting a business is hard. Having the dedication to continue after that first year is even harder right now.” That is why, Little said, the partnership with resources from Fayetteville State University brings decision makers to the table. “If you are a Veteran business owner, you may not know how to do business with PWC or the City of Fayetteville or FSU, or partners,” Little said. “‘Where do I get started?’ ‘How do I get contracts?’ Bringing people to an understanding and then having an opportunity like this, where you’re talking to that person who’s making the decision… that is our goal.”Those meetings between Veteran-owned businesses and other decision-makers will present a chance to showcase products and services directly to organizations seeking qualified vendors and capable partners, Harris said. Agencies and contractors, he added, can meet and engage businesses ready to support upcoming needs. Little said PWC and all of its departments, as well as the City of Fayetteville, and FSU will be on hand. Additionally, there will be procurement officers from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. “Resource partners who support small business development will also be on hand, helping make introductions and reinforcing pathways that support growth for Veteran entrepreneurs,” Harris said.For Veteran entrepreneurs, Little said she recommends two things: an answer to “why?” and a business plan.“I would ask them, what problem are they solving with their business?” she noted. “Then I would also tell them to start making a business plan. I run into a lot of firms, and it’s like, ‘What is your plan?’ So just knowing where you want to go with your business is important.”Little said it is important to differentiate between a business that helps transition servicemembers away from the U.S. Military versus a business that Veterans consider the next chapter of their lives.“How much dedication are you going to give to this business to make it successful?” Little noted. “So I would always start with what’s your business plan.”For Harris, the event will be able to cover the needs of all types of Veteran-owned businesses.“Another important lesson is the need to meet businesses where they are,” he said. “Veteran-owned businesses are at different stages of development, so offering multiple entry points, networking, education and referrals has proven essential.”Registration information can be found at: www.eventbrite. com/e/2026-veterans-business-expo-connecting-heroes-to-opportunity-tickets-1984308563329?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
National Australia Bank's first-half cash earnings miss estimate
National Australia Bank reported weaker-than-expected first-half cash earnings on Monday as a higher credit impairment charge and a charge related to its software capitalisation policy offset robust growth in business lending volume.
2.3K views · 28 reactions | Spirit Airlines has announced it's going...
Spirit Airlines has announced it's going out of business after 34 years. The low-cost US carrier says all its flights have been cancelled as it begins an "orderly wind-down of operations." It cited...
Local businesses Salsa Queen, Kiitos Brewing file for bankruptcy
Local businesses Salsa Queen and Kiitos Brewing both filed for bankruptcy over the last several months.
76ers limit ticket sales vs. Knicks to Philadelphia as Joel Embiid implores fans not to sell: ‘If you need money, I got you'
Wisconsin lands 2027 defensive lineman over fellow Big Ten schools
The Badgers stocked up on the defensive line this week.
One dead, two injured in shooting at Valdosta business; suspect in custody
One dead, two injured in shooting at Valdosta business; suspect in custody
Scenes from the USF St. Petersburg fire show billowing smoke, roof ablaze
St. Petersburg Fire District Chief Michael Lewis said more than 60 units with about 200 firefighters were summoned to the scene.
Joel Embiid implores 76ers fans not to sell their tickets for playoff series vs. Knicks: 'If you need money, I got you'
Pistons vs Magic preview: It’s time for Game 7
It’s do or die time. Game Vitals Where: Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MIWhen: Sunday, May 3 at 3:30 PM ESTWatch: ABCOdds: Pistons (-8.5) Analysis Game 7, baby – IT’S TIIIME! Lineups Detroit Pistons (3-3): Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren Orlando Magic (3-3): Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Jamal Cain, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr Question of […]
76ers' Joel Embiid gives health update following injury scare
Joel Embiid provided a humorous health update following a physical match against the Celtics.
Serhii Huliienko, Ph.D. on Ukrainian Science, Membrane Research, and Wartime Academic Life
How does Dr. Serhii Huliienko explain Ukrainian scientific culture, membrane research, and the challenges facing scientists during wartime?
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower peaks this week: How to see 'shooting stars' dropped by Halley's Comet
The Eta Aquariids will peak May 5-6, with debris from Halley's Comet creating swift meteors, though bright moonlight will make them harder to see.
Curing U.S. Health Care, Part II
On March 23, 2010 President Barack Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act — usually referred to either as the Affordable Care Act or as Obamacare — into law. Joe Biden, then the vice president, could be overheard whispering “This is a big fucking deal.” And it was. The ACA, which went into full effect in 2014, created a system of subsidies and regulations designed to make health insurance available to many Americans who had previously been left out. It worked: In 2010 there were 47 million uninsured people in America, but by 2016 this number had dropped to 27 million. This still fell short of the universal health insurance that every other advanced nation has, but it was real progress. In 2017, during his first term, Donald Trump tried to destroy the ACA, replacing it with the American Health Care Act — legislation that would have eliminated most of the provisions that expanded health insurance under Obama. At the time the Congressional Budget Office projected that the G.O.P.’s replacement bill would nearly double the number of Americans without health insurance, increasing the total uninsured population by 23 million and undoing all of the progress achieved under the ACA. However, the attack on Obamacare failed by one vote in the Senate, and the ensuing public backlash against the G.O.P. delivered a large victory in the 2018 midterms to the Democrats. After these developments many observers assumed that the ACA had become a more or less permanent feature of American life. Such assessments, however, failed to take into account the deep hostility of the U.S. right toward policies that expand access to healthcare. As we’ll see, this hostility goes back generations. And the second Trump administration has taken actions that the CBO projects will add 16 million people to the rolls of the uninsured by 2034. How did we get here? And now what? Today’s primer will analyze the political economy of U.S. healthcare since the 1940s and the combination of danger and opportunity created by the current crisis. Beyond the paywall I will discuss the following: US health care on the eve of Trump II 80 years of US health politics The Obamacare story The new assault on healthcare
The full series schedule and more for Sixers vs. Knicks in Round 2
The Sixers will start their second-round series vs. the Knicks on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.
CISA Adds Actively Exploited Linux Root Access Bug CVE-2026-31431 to KEV
CVE-2026-31431 exploited in Linux since 2017, enabling root access via simple PoC, increasing container and cloud risks.
76ers' Joel Embiid Shares Health Update After Celtics Game
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid did not finish Game 7 against the Boston Celtics.
76ers' Joel Embiid Shares Health Update After Celtics Game
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid did not finish Game 7 against the Boston Celtics.
Jaylen Brown accuses Joel Embiid of 'flopping around,' points to refs after Celtics' Game 7 loss to Sixers
76ers Coach Makes Statement on Joel Embiid’s Health After Game 7
Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse addressed the state of Joel Embiid's health after the Game 7 victory over the Celtics.
Intestinal infection linked to animal yoga, health officials warn
Nevada health officials are investigating reported cases of an intestinal infection they say has been linked to animal yoga.
Embiid, Maxey shine as 76ers eliminate Celtics in NBA playoffs
Joel Embiid scored 34 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to propel the Philadelphia 76ers to a 109-100 victory over Boston that eliminated the Celtics from the NBA playoffs on Saturday.Jaylen Brown scored 34 points and pulled down nine rebounds to lead the Celtics and Derrick White added 26 points.
Dodgers vs. Cardinals game II chat
The Dodgers look to snap their three-game losing streak against the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday. Roki Sasaki faces Michael McGreevy. SATURDAY GAME INFO
Embrace science, logic to counter misconceptions: Ahmadiyya leader
Qadian (Gurdaspur): Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, headquartered in Qadian, has issued a strong call for greater focu.
Opinion | Target’s problem isn’t politics. It’s credibility.
Target didn’t lose customers because it took a stand. It lost them because it didn’t, marketing professor Akshay R. Rao writes.
🚨 Need a miracle? Heidenheim are doing plenty against Bayern
FC Heidenheim is backing up its words with actions and doing everything it can to still avoid the looming relegation from the Bundesliga, which many already see as certain. In the match against the a...
2026 Cram for the Exam AP Government & Politics Exam Review
Former C-SPAN Teacher Fellow and Troy, Michigan teacher Ryan Werenka and Petaluma, California teacher Kevin Jackson answered students' questions about the upcoming Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics Exam and shared tips on how students can best prepare for the test.
Former Nintendo exec reveals why it stopped selling Wii and DS systems to Amazon
Reggie Fils-Aime, former president of Nintendo of America, has shared behind-the-scenes information as to why the company stopped selling Wii and DS systems to Amazon back in the day. Over the years, the two companies have had a bit of tumultuous relationship. It’s caused the two sides to stop working together on multiple occasions. One of the first instances of...
Feeling hot-headed this summer? You’re not alone. Science explains why
India News: Have you ever noticed your mood shifting on days when the heat feels almost unbearable? The smallest things start to feel irritating and even routine .
Raptors force Game 7 vs. Cavaliers with RJ Barrett bouncing in a 3-pointer for the overtime win
Toronto hasn't seen a fortunate bounce like that since Kawhi Leonard's game-winner in 2019.
Audrey Beth Davis Dies: Retired Entertainment Publicist Was 82
Audrey Beth Davis, a retired entertainment publicist who worked with The Lippin Group, has died. She was 82. Davis’ colleagues from Lippin announced that she died of natural causes on Friday in Pennsy...
Hawaii high schoolers compete to take home first-ever state surfing championship
Surfers from across Hawaii competed in the inaugural state surfing championship, which was made possible by the Hawaii High School Athletic Association’s inclusion of surfing as an official h…
30,000 Facebook Accounts Hacked via Google AppSheet Phishing Campaign
30,000 Facebook accounts hacked via AppSheet phishing emails, exploiting Meta lures, leading to large-scale account theft and resale.
"It's Rare For Me To Make Downtime" - Naoki Hamaguchi Talks Final Fantasy VII's "Packed And Eventful" Development
"Rebirth is significantly different"
UFC Perth preview, ‘Jack Della vs. Prates’ predictions
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is just one day away from the upcoming UFC Perth mixed martial arts (MMA) event, set to go down tomorrow afternoon (Sat., May 2, 2026) on Paramount+ from inside RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia. UFC Perth features a welterweight main event between former 170-pound champion, Jack Della Maddalena, and No. […]
Business–labour cooperation and long-term competitiveness in the age of AI
Modern economic competitiveness depends on how effectively industries and workers collaborate to adopt new technologies.
How Netflix's 'Man On Fire' Stacks Up Against Denzel Washington's 2004 Classic
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II takes over for Denzel Washington as a worthy action lead in Netflix's adaptation of A.J. Quinnell's novel series.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Devs Answered Fan Questions on Reddit and Inevitably Most Were About AI
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II developer Warhorse Studios came under fire during a reddit AMA in which fans repeatedly questioned the team on its use of generative AI after it allegedly dismissed a translator to cut costs.
Instagram disables account of decade-old Native Hawaiian business
Kakou Collective had used the social media platform to reach its 50,000 followers/
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Has Done So Well, Live Support Has Been Officially Extended Into a Third Year
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 live support has been officially extended into a third year, publisher Focus Entertainment has announced.
Embedding physician support into the culture of health care
Geisinger integrates well-being into every level of care, creating a flexible, data-driven culture that supports the whole team—mind and mission.
May Day: Some SF businesses staying open despite calls for economic blackout
It's anticipated to be the largest national day of action since the No Kings rallies in January but this time around, some San Francisco businesses aren't on board.
Joel Embiid admits he is tired of losing to the Boston Celtics in the Playoffs
Joel Embiid and the 76ers have the chance to finally end the franchise's struggles against the Celtics in the Playoffs with a potential Game 7 win.
Florida Republicans slice and dice congressional districts: How a new map could cost Democrats seats
The redrawn congressional district lines that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will soon sign into law are intended to help Republicans pick up as many as four U.S. House seats in November — a scenario that would cost some Democrats their seats
Reflections on My First Year at Hawaii Business Magazine
Over the past 12 months, we have been strategic about how we evolve our storytelling and expand our reach, and the results have been incredibly rewarding.
Caroline Kennedy makes rare public appearance months after daughter Tatiana's death, 'Love Story' portrayal
Caroline Kennedy made a rare public appearance at a reception honoring King Charles III and Queen Camilla's state visit in New York on Wednesday. The outing came months after the death of her daughter Tatiana Schlossberg, and her depiction on the FX series 'Love Story.'
Johnson & Johnson to acquire Atraverse Medical
The move, once finalized, helps Johnson & Johnson add multiple FDA-approved technologies to its EP portfolio.
Sikich buys Manpower division for $100M
The acquisition follows a private-equity infusion by Bain Capital two years ago.
Anne Frank exhibit at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry opens the door to her secret annex
The full-scale recreation of the Frank family’s hideout during World War II in Amsterdam is the stunning centerpiece of a new exhibition opening Friday.
Light Phone Is Making Its Dumb Phone More Useful With Third-Party ‘Tools’
A new developer program for LightOS allows anyone to create tools for the Light Phone, whether that’s a local public transit app for your city or a way to read ebooks.
What draft experts said about new Jaguars WR Josh Cameron
Here is what several draft analysts had to say about new Jaguars' WR Josh Cameron in their pre-draft scouting reports.
Bengals draft picks assigned jersey numbers, and their historical significance
These are some good numbers for the rookies.
Will King Charles' visit clear tensions in US-UK friendship?
King Charles III has won praise for his deft diplomacy and dealings with President Donald Trump in his visit to the United States. Is it enough?
Popular Science: Orleans Elementary School Celebrates STEM education
ORLEANS – Who says learning can’t be fun? Parents and family members were invited to take part in STEM Night at Orleans Elementary School on April...
Notre Dame alumna discusses Artemis lunar science
NASA scientist and Notre Dame alumna Kelsey Evans Young returned to campus to discuss the Artemis II mission, sharing insights on lunar science, astronaut training and how her Notre Dame education shaped her path to Mission Control.
Who was invited to dinner with King Charles: Justices, business leaders and Palm Beach friends
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump hosted a white-tie dinner at the White House with King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Nearly 130 guests enjoyed Dover sole meunière and a beehive-shaped chocolate dessert on Tuesday night. The guest list included business leaders, tech CEOs and friends from Palm Beach, Florida. The six conservative justices on the Supreme Court also attended, despite Trump’s recent criticism over tariffs. Fox News stars and other conservative media figures were present, along with three of Trump’s children, his father-in-law, sports figures and lawmakers, including House and Senate leaders.
Trump welcomes Artemis II astronauts to Oval Office — and fields questions on Iran, Comey and UFOs
The Artemis II astronauts’ journey to the moon and back landed them at the White House Oval Office on Wednesday afternoon — standing by while President Donald Trump talked UFOs, the Space Force and the Iran war.
Who was invited to dinner with King Charles: Justices, business leaders and Palm Beach friends
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump hosted a white-tie dinner at the White House with King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
From The Sports Desk: Short leash
The Red Sox and Phillies fired their managers amid early-season slumps.
NASA Chief Hits Capitol Hill in Defense of Trump’s Science Cuts
White House is calling for yet another substantial decrease to the space agency’s overall budget.
What 76-team NCAA Tournament fields would mean; Joel Embiid extends 76ers' season; new manager for Phillies
Plus, the first leg of the second UEFA Champions League semifinal is on CBS this afternoon
See photos from Artemis II Lunar Science lead's talk at Notre Dame
Kelsey Young, the Artemis II Lunar Science lead and Artemis Science Flight Operations lead for NASA, spoke at DeBartolo Hall at the University of Notre Dame on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. See our photos.
Final Fantasy VII Trilogy Director Says Part 3's Development Is "On Time And On Schedule"
"We know many fans are eagerly waiting"
Jeff Bezos and Tim Cook Among Guests at State Dinner Honoring King Charles III and Queen Camilla
Business leaders, Supreme Court justices, cabinet secretaries and Trump family members attended the white-tie festivities at the White House.
Joel Embiid takes over, leads 76ers from 13 down in Game 5 to extend series vs. Celtics
The 76ers dominated the fourth quarter and silenced a stunned TD Garden crowd.
Time to Leave the College Nest. Now What?
Searching for a job right after graduation can be a perilous task. Here's what I learned from my journey that might help others.
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.