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IDR, police serve search warrant at Champaign business
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign Police Department and the Illinois Department of Revenue served a search warrant at a business in Champaign on Monday. In a statement sent to WCIA, the …
Leveraging medical device reprocessing to reduce healthcare’s carbon footprint
In celebration of Earth Day, we highlight the impact of our Sustainable Technologies business Many hospitals and health systems have committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by...
Mobility equipment repairs, health services available at Caldwell Health and Resource Fair
Seniors and other Idaho residents are encouraged to attend a health resources and social services fair on Wednesday in Caldwell.
Samsung SmartThings Expands Seamless Integration With IKEA Matter Devices
SmartThings, Samsung Electronics’ global smart home platform, has built enhanced integrati
NMSU Extension to host soil health workshop May 6
New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service will host a Biochar-Soil Health-RAWCS Field Workshop from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, at the Leyendecker Plant Science...
Gas prices down last week in Santa Fe, across New Mexico
While prices remain high, the cost of fuel throughout New Mexico and the Santa Fe area declined last week, according to Thursday's AAA New Mexico Weekend Gas Watch.
The jet-fuel surge is making global flight connections disappear
Airline passengers should brace for more aggravation in the next few months as carriers around the world deepen cancellations and ground planes to cope with stratospheric increases in jet-fuel prices.
Daughter of slain business owner to address Watertown City Council on gun violence
Five years after her mother was killed in a workplace shooting, Kennedy Quigg will address the Watertown City Council on Monday about violence prevention and mental health services.
Apple names Johny Srouji as chief hardware officer
Apple has a new CEO and new head of hardware.
All Samsung smartphones that are getting Galaxy S26 AI features with One UI 8.5
Samsung introduced several new Galaxy AI features with the Galaxy S26 series and is bringing them to older devices with One UI 8.5.
Longtime Florida Official Named Head of EPA’s Science Office
The EPA on Monday announced the permanent head of a new science office created by the Trump administration that replaced the shuttered research and development wing.
Apple CEO Tim Cook steps down
John Ternus, currently Apple's senior vice president of hardware engineering, will become Cook's successor
Johny Srouji Taking Over as Apple's Chief Hardware Officer as John Ternus Transitions to CEO
Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies Johny Srouji is set to take on an expanded role as Apple's Chief Hardware Officer as John Ternus transitions to his role as Apple's next CEO. Srouji is going to lead Hardware Engineering, reporting to Ternus. Current Apple CEO Tim Cook said that Srouji has been pivotal in Apple's transition to Apple silicon. Johny is one of the most talented people I have ever had the privilege to work with.
Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down
John Ternus, Apple's senior vice president of hardware engineering, will be taking the helm as chief executive.
Trump's tariff revival sparks business pushback
(The Center Square) – Businesses worldwide are urging caution as the U.S. Trade Representative's Office prepares for key hearings central to President Donald Trump's renewed push for higher import taxes,
S.F. health dept. plans to cut managers, clinics and more. Here’s what you need to know.
Half of the proposed savings will come from axing 121 full-time staff positions, mostly managers. Nurses say it will impact their services.
Trusted Care Home Health Distances Itself from CFO Arrest
Trusted Care Home Health acknowledges recent public attention surrounding the arrest of its chief financial officer.
A Dallas business was raided. Police say it was operating as a "sexual encounter center".
Technologist And Media Vet David Dibble Named Vice Chairman Of Sphere
David Dibble, a technologist and former senior executive at Cablevision and Yahoo, has been named vice chairman of Sphere. The appointment by Sphere Entertainment will formalize Dibble’s work helping ...
Joe Rogan and Trump: From podcast praise to clashes
Joe Rogan joined the president in the Oval Office on April 18 in a show of support amid recent criticism from the podcaster toward Trump.
Is It Healthy to Eat Yogurt Every Day? A Dietitian Explains
Full of protein and probiotics, yogurt is a healthy choice. But can you eat it every day?
Former state Controller Betty Yee drops out of the governor's race
Yee, lacking financial resources and voter recognition despite being elected to statewide office twice, dropped out of the 2026 governor's race.
Sphere Entertainment Appoints David Dibble As Vice Chairman
Sphere Entertainment has named David Dibble, a seasoned technologist and business leader, Vice Chairman, Sphere.
How long will high gas prices last? Trump’s team doesn’t seem to have any idea
The domestic politics of the Iran war can mostly be summed up by two words right now: gas prices.
Personnel note: Shutts & Bowen launches Education Section, adds Jordan Clark
'His leadership and insight will be instrumental as we expand our services in the education sector.'
Smartphone pickpockets can easily block access lost device location tools — here's the hack to stop them
Keep this tip in your back pocket instead of your phone.
Fitbit Air leak points to a May launch and plenty of color options
Fitbit Air could take on Whoop with a one-time $100 price tag.
Op-ed: Healthy rural communities strengthen all of Indiana
Rural hospitals and clinics report thin operating margins and say worker shortages and rising costs make it difficult to sustain services such as primary and maternity care.
PlayStation To Require Age Verification For Certain Online Features
PlayStation has revealed that players will need to verify their age later this year to continue using communication features.
‘Where’s our proposal?’: Daniel Perez frustrated with inaction on property taxes by Gov. DeSantis, Senate
With no clear proposal from the Governor’s Office and time running short, Perez says it’s ‘tough to hear this rhetoric over and over again’ from DeSantis.
5 semi-trucks burn outside New Smyrna Beach business
The New Smyrna Beach Fire Department said it happened Sunday night at Reddy Ice off Industrial Park Avenue.
What is President Donald Trump's approval rating? See latest polls
President Trump's approval rating has long been underwater, spelling trouble for Republicans in the midterms. Iran, high gas prices aren't helping.
Space Health Research Fills Day Before Cargo Craft Departs
The trash-packed Progress 93 cargo spacecraft from Roscosmos will depart the International Space Station later today completing a seven-month mission docked to the Zvezda service module’s aft port.
Florida unemployment rate jumps 2 months in a row
The professional services, government and leisure, and hospitality industries were hit hardest.
Xfinity Kicks Off Member Celebration with Three Weeks of Exclusive Entertainment, Sports, Live Experiences and Savings from Comcast NBCUniversal
PHILADELPHIA, April 20, 2026--Comcast’s Xfinity today launched its Xfinity Member Celebration, a limited-time event running through May 10 that delivers three weeks of bonus benefits, sweepstakes, and exclusive experiences for Xfinity members. Members can also unlock special Xfinity product offers, featuring savings on mobile devices, smartwatches, and smart home technology, with even more value available at higher membership tiers. The celebration spotlights the unmatched power of Xfinity membe
UP-based basketball flooring provider expands service within WNBA
Connor Sports’ established presence in women’s professional basketball includes work with the Las Vegas Aces, Atlanta Dream, Connecticut Sun and Dallas Wings.
2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Offers GTD-Like Power for a Third of the Price
The new supercharged Mustang will make nearly 800 horsepower from the factory—just don't call it a Shelby.
PS5 Age Verification Coming to UK and Ireland, Needed for Messages and Voice Chat
Get your phone out
Reform’s Richard Tice posts picture with telltale signs of AI manipulation, say experts
Tice’s image on X was almost certainly generated or altered using AI, according to Peryton Intelligence
Leaked Memos Reveal Just How Much the Supreme Court Has Betrayed the Constitution
All in service of its corporate patrons.
Accel Entertainment (ACEL): Buy, Sell, or Hold Post Q4 Earnings?
Accel Entertainment’s 15.4% return over the past six months has outpaced the S&P 500 by 10.9%, and its stock price has climbed to $12 per share. This was partly thanks to its solid quarterly results, and the performance may have investors wondering how to approach the situation.
Trump Makes a Bold Prediction on Gas Prices
President Trump contradicted his own energy secretary and projected optimism about a crisis he created.
iOS 27 Rumored to Drop Support for These iPhone Models
iOS 27 will be compatible with the iPhone 12 series and newer, according to Instant Digital, a known Apple leaker on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. If this rumor is accurate, iOS 27 will drop support for the following iPhone models:iPhone 11 iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone SE (2nd generation)However, these devices will continue to receive iOS 26 security updates for at least a few years.
AI in health care: Experts discuss the future of AI practices and policies
Jim VandeHei, CEO of Axios; Marc Boom, M.D., AHA board chair and president and CEO of Houston Methodist; Anne Klibanski, M.D., president and CEO of Mass General Brigham; Jonathan Perlin, M.D., president and CEO of Joint Commission; and Ladd Wiley, senior vice president of global corporate affairs, public policy and advocacy for Epic, all participated in the panel discussion “AI in Health Care: Navigating Policy, Regulation, and the Road Ahead."
Taxpayer advocates back Trump push for medical price transparency in federal plans
Trump admin pushes health price transparency for federal workers; advocates support it, while industry leaders raise privacy concerns.
McLeod Health Pharmacy Services Team Receives Best Practice Award
The McLeod Health Pharmacy Services Team recently received the “Practice Advancement Initiative – Best Practice Award” during the South Carolina Society of Health-Systems
iPhone 18 Pro Launching in September With These 10 New Features
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not launching until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. It was initially reported that the iPhone 18 Pro models would have fully under-screen Face ID, with only a front camera visible in the top-left corner of the screen. However, the latest rumors indicate that only one Face ID component will be moved under the screen on the devices, which will result in merely a smaller Dynamic Island.
MBA Voices: How London Business School Gave Me The Motivation & Tools To Reimagine My Career
The biggest takeaways from B-school aren't always the lessons you take from the classroom, says one London Business School MBA.
Stage and Screen Unifies Global Sports and Entertainment Offering, Strengthening U.S. Presence
Stage and Screen, a specialist division of Corporate Traveler, has today announced a strategic realignment of its global brand structure that will bring its sports and entertainment travel services under the Corporate Traveler banner worldwide.
Bridgepoint ramps up business services push with Exponent hire
The private equity group has already inked several deals in the sector this year
Motorola Razr (2026) prices leak from $799 with big price hikes, Fold at $1,899
Motorola’s new Razr lineup is likely debuting very soon and, in a new report, we’re getting US prices on the...
Ty Simpson turned down $6.5M from Miami: Here's where ex-Alabama QB must land in 2026 NFL Draft to break even
The former Tide signal caller turned to the legendary Nick Saban for advice on his final decision
Public Services Committee to review 1,260-acre Cox Ranch business park annexation
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — City Council members will consider supporting a resolution to overrule the Cheyenne Planning Commission today as they weigh a proposed
Despite back-and-forth world politics, Idaho fuel prices see a welcome dip
Trump tells Maria ‘deal will be signed tonight’ as tensions explode in Strait of Hormuz
Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to debate the escalating U.S.-Iran conflict, clash over oil exports and gas prices, and challenge President Donald Trump’s strategy as tensions surge in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump picks top Texas health official for CDC deputy director
Dr. Jennifer Shuford has led the Department of State Health Services in Texas since 2022 after serving as the state's chief epidemiologist and helping to lead the COVID-19 response here.
April 20 "Colorado Chamber Office Hours": The housing debate from a business lens | The Sum and Substance
A leader in the homebuilding industry and a Senate Republican offer opposing viewpoints on this year's housing package.
UEG Expands Celebrity Brand Building Business Ventures Division
UEG Ventures will combine star wattage, investment and strategic advice to move the needle for consumer brands and businesses.
Prego Has a Dinner-Conversation-Recording Device, Capisce?
The pasta-sauce company has partnered with the nonprofit StoryCorps on a device designed to record family conversations around the table and save them for all time.
From Service to Science - McCourt School of Public Policy
How Khai Booker, program coordinator at McCourt's Massive Data Institute (MDI), explores the real-world impacts of analytic insights.
A Majority of Americans, 54-26% View It as Good For Sports for Coaches And Athletes To Speak Out On Perceived Social Injustices
Majorities Remain Opposed to Transgender Athletes Competing with Those Who Share Their Gender Identity – But 20% Say They ‘Don’t Know’ If Prompted 62% Have Used a Streaming Service to…
ECU art students showcase artwork, practice business skills
ECU’s School of Art and Design held its second Studio Crawl, when students open their studios to the public, showcase and sell their artwork.
U.S. Delivers Maternal Health Equipment Across Madagascar - U.S. Embassy in Madagascar
U.S. Delivers Maternal Health Equipment Across Madagascar U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Arnold today provided critical maternal and newborn health equipment that will reach healthcare facilities across Madagascar, demonstrating how U.S. foreign assistance builds a safer, healthier world by helping recipient countries build self-reliant health systems in line with the America First Global Health Strategy. Under President Trump’s America First foreign assistance policy and the America First Global Health Policy, U.S. support serves as a tool of strategic engagement – not global charity. Every U.S. taxpayer dollar is subject to rigorous oversight to ensure measurable results, maximum efficiency, and accountability, with zero tolerance for fraud, waste, or abuse. Through the bilateral Global Health Memorandum of Understanding with Madagascar’s Ministry of Public Health, both governments agreed on shared priorities and responsibilities, including a strong focus on maternal and newborn health and Madagascar’s increasing co-investment in its own health system. Madagascar continues to face major challenges in maternal and newborn health, including high maternal mortality rates and significant gaps in access to quality delivery care. In rural regions, many women still give birth at home or in facilities without adequate infection-prevention supplies. Through the U.S.-funded Momentum Country and Global Leadership Project, the United States is providing essential equipment to healthcare facilities nationwide: calibrated reusable drapes for infection prevention in approximately 1,000 community health centers (CSBs), single-use calibrated drapes for 35 hospitals, and management tools for health workers to improve data collection and care coordination. “U.S. foreign assistance makes America safer by preventing instability and strengthening health systems that can detect and contain infectious diseases before they cross borders,” said Chargé d’Affaires Arnold during the handover ceremony. “Our support is temporary and targeted, designed to help Madagascar build greater self-reliance and reduce long-term dependence on U.S. taxpayer resources.” This U.S. support will help standardize safe delivery practices, strengthen infection prevention, and improve data management systems. Used effectively, these materials will contribute directly to reducing maternal and newborn deaths, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas where access to quality delivery care remains limited. From major hospitals to remote health centers, U.S.-funded equipment is already delivering results. The nationwide scope of this support ensures that women and newborns across Madagascar benefit from improved infection prevention and safer delivery practices. This targeted assistance helps save lives today while supporting Madagascar’s transition toward a self-sufficient health system, ensuring that today’s U.S. support leads to Madagascar’s future independence from foreign assistance.
Matthew Deemer advancing research on wrist worn devices
With growing concerns about the accuracy of wrist-worn health devices, a Slippery Rock University student is charting a…
For aging justices, politics of retirement looms large
Donald Trump says Justices Alito and Thomas should remain on the Supreme Court as retirement speculation grows ahead of midterm elections.
Digital Science launches Compass to track real-world publication impact
New platform from tech company combines data from Dimensions and Altmetric into a single, self-service platform
Blue Shield of California Announces New Leader to Drive Nonprofit Health Plan’s Innovative Pharmacy Services for Members
“What drew me to Blue Shield is that it’s a mission-driven nonprofit health plan that’s committed to improving member health and their lives — not just lowering costs for medications.”
Akin, an Elite Global Law Firm
(Chicago) – Akin announced today that Rory Wellever has joined the Chicago office as head of its music practice, bringing deep music industry experience that expands the firm’s media, entertainment &…
Third party mayor finds no honeymoon from partisan politics
Jay Doyle was 100 days into his first term as Mayor of Georgetown. He hadn’t been counting up, he said. He had been counting down. “I was retired, living a nice, peaceful life, and this just throws your life into chaos,” Doyle said. “I think it’s intended to be a part time job. It’s anything […]
Lawsuits, licensing, and royalties are complicating 4K video support in gadgets
How does HEVC implementation really work these days?
HONEYWELL TO SELL PRODUCTIVITY SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES BUSINESS TO BRADY CORPORATION
/PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON) today announced that it has agreed to sell its Productivity Solutions and Services ("PSS") business to Brady...
Galaxy S24 and Fold 7 get Galaxy S26 AI features with latest One UI 8.5 beta
Samsung is making good on its promise to bring new Galaxy AI features from the Galaxy S26 lineup to existing devices. It has released new One UI 8.5 beta updates today that include these features for several devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Galaxy S24 series. The Galaxy S25 series has also […]
Ushio Industry & Entertainment Appoints Takuya Matsumoto as President & CEO and Outlines Strategic Direction for the Next Phase
BERLIN, April 20, 2026--Ushio Industry & Entertainment (Ushio INE GmbH) announces the appointment of Takuya Matsumoto as President and Chief Executive Officer, marking a key milestone in the evolution of the business and its integration within the Ushio Group.
Honeywell Said Close to Selling Unit to Brady for $1.4 Billion
Honeywell International Inc. is nearing a deal to divest its productivity solutions and services business to industrial manufacturer Brady Corp., according to people familiar with the matter.
Revealed: Scientists tell Colombia fossil-fuel transition summit to ‘halt new expansion’
Around 50 nations will gather in Colombia to debate ways to “transition away” from fossil fuels, in the face of worsening climate change and high oil prices
How the Professionalization of College Sports Changed Who Wins
The House v. NCAA private antitrust settlement professionalized collegiate sports by requiring colleges and universities to compensate student athletes. The case has changed the economics of college sports, pushing schools to spend big to pay for top athletes to field teams that compete for championships. New research from the Progressive Policy Institute finds that although the new model has narrowed success to the top programs, the ability for schools to pay for success has now been mostly priced in, writes Diana L. Moss.
Score MS Office 2024 Home and Business plus 8 training courses for 72% off
Unlock all the features.
Orbán’s Hungary Defeat Shows Disinformation is Not a Political Magic Trick
Counter-disinformation work should be supported continually, not to prevent certain election outcomes but to give voters the chance to make an informed choice.
Inside war-hit Sudan’s only functioning hospital curing tropical diseases
Sudan's health ministry says 37 percent of country's health facilities are out of service as war enters its fourth year.
Vance Heads to New Talks With Iran. At Stake: Peace and His Own Standing
The vice president is again center stage, after abruptly leaving the first round of high-level Iranian peace talks without an agreement.
Why Gas Prices Go Up Fast and Take So Long to Fall
Fuel station owners take some of the hit for consumers when oil prices surge. On the way down, they try to get their money back.
Supreme Court justices are writing children’s books
The trend is fueled by their status as political celebrities in a deeply divided country.
Chatbots often offer 'problematic' cancer advice, study finds
Popular artificial intelligence programs told users where to find alternative, potentially dangerous treatments for cancer and other health scenarios.
Got wearable data? Your doctor can help you connect the dots
The American Academy of Neurology issued guidance on using wearable data devices, like smart watches or Oura rings, to track key health metrics that can help flag serious conditions.
Cleveland’s workplace evolution: Why the old office playbook no longer works
Cleveland companies rethink office strategy to balance cost and employee experience, using flexible space and focusing on cognitive wellness.
Skokie discusses hiking, expanding entertainment tax in early budget review
As Skokie staff and trustees meet this month to review their budget for fiscal year 2027, officials have recommended raising the local entertainment tax to fund a new ambulance and improvements to the village’s development services. The proposed tax hike, which trustees would have to approve by an ordinance separate from the budget, would raise […]
Pinwheels and the ‘lobster district’: How Virginia Democrats drew up a US House map to all but lock out Republicans
Virginia Democrats hope the new congressional map they’re asking voters to approve Tuesday will flip four Republican House districts, delivering 10 of 11 seats in a state Vice President Kamala Harris won with just 52% of the vote in 2024. To do it, they want to dramatically rework entire sections of the state, slicing up deep blue districts in the Washington, DC, suburbs and around Richmond, and creating a new district running along the Blue Ridge Mountains that connects liberal cities. That’s required something called the “lobster district,” stretching from northern Virginia into two “pincers” grabbing up rural territory.
Opinion | This is why health insurance isn't working
High deductibles and flawed incentives are pushing prices higher while leaving patients less protected.
Oil price jumps with US-Iran ceasefire ‘on tenterhooks’
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
Is Flutter Entertainment (NYSE:FLUT) Starting To Look Attractive After A 50% Share Price Slide
If you are wondering whether Flutter Entertainment is starting to look attractively priced or still has more room to fall before it offers value, this article walks through what the current share price might really be telling you. The stock last closed at US$110.08, with recent returns of 4.5% over 7 days and 5.0% over 30 days, set against a much larger 49.6% decline year to date and a 50.3% decline over the past year. These price moves sit against a backdrop of ongoing attention on Flutter...
What to Stream: Charlize Theron, ‘Marty Supreme,’ Kehlani, Kate Hudson and Lainey Wilson
Timothée Chalamet starring as a ping-pong master in “Marty Supreme” and a Netflix comedy competition show hosted by Kevin Hart are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.
Accel Entertainment (ACEL): Buy, Sell, or Hold Post Q4 Earnings?
Accel Entertainment’s 15.4% return over the past six months has outpaced the S&P 500 by 10.9%, and its stock price has climbed to $12 per share. This was par...
Great Women of Science Go Missing: The Matilda Effect
It’s now been two years since Great Women of Science debuted, featuring women who have made notable contributions to science, technology, or health and have largely gone unnoticed, often with Nobel prizes they deserved awarded to the men with whom they collaborated. There’s a name for this phenomenon - it’s called “the Matilda Effect.”
Xiaomi 18 Pro Max leak reveals Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro and more details
Details have leaked about an upcoming Xiaomi phone, which is expected to be the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max. The device is said to bring notable upgrades, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset.
San Francisco’s mental health board, drug policy under scrutiny this week; Pyramid to get landmark status
This week, the highlights at City Hall include the likely reorganization of a commission overseeing mental health policy, support for drug-free supportive housing, and the possible landmarking of the city’s most visually distinctive building after over 50 years on the skyline. On Monday, the Rules Committee will have a full docket ranging from an ordinance […]
Hundreds pack Montevideo’s plaza as La Rueda de Candombe caps a breakout run
Every Monday night in Montevideo, hundreds of people gather around a table in a public square, drawn by the pulse of drums, guitars, and voices. La Rueda de Candombe started as a casual jam session...
PUMA appoints Laurent Fricker to lead Sportstyle Business Unit
Sports company PUMA has appointed Laurent Fricker as the new Vice President of its Business Unit Sportstyle, starting June 1. He will report directly to Maria Valdes, Chief Brand Officer (CBO) at PUMA.
Advancing epidemic and pandemic preparedness through research readiness: SEAR Unity Studies Network Sites chart the way forward in 2026
On 25 March 2026, WHO Regional Office for the South‑East Asia Region (SEARO) convened the first meeting of the SEAR Chapter of the Unity Studies Network Meeting in 2026 to take stock of progress and plan next steps for strengthening epidemic and pandemic preparedness across the Region. The meeting focused on reviewing the ongoing adaptation of selected, standard Unity Study methodologies, sharing field implementation experiences from 2025, and identifying key priorities to guide collaborative work in 2026.Held virtually, the meeting brought together representatives from six Unity Studies network sites across five countries (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand) as well as participants from all three levels of WHO.The meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing regional efforts in South‑East Asia to strengthen early investigations and studies for epidemic and pandemic preparedness, with a focus on pandemic influenza and other emerging respiratory pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential. In this context, and as part of preparedness for the rapid generation of evidence, the WHO Health Emergencies Programme in SEAR (WHE/SEAR) encourages Unity Studies sites to adapt prioritized, standardized Unity Study protocols to their national contexts. This approach supports the generation of timely and reliable evidence to inform public health decision‑making during epidemics and pandemics.These efforts are supported through a combination of experience sharing, participation in the global Unity Studies network webinars, capacity‑building of the national public health workforce, and regional collaboration that promotes inter‑country, inter‑agency, and inter‑ministerial action. In parallel, sites are encouraged to explore diversified funding sources to help sustain research preparedness over the long term.Discussions highlighted the importance of WHO’s catalytic financial support through the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contributions (PIP‑PC). When combined with national and institutional resources, this support enables countries and sites to maintain continuity of activities at a core level and remain prepared to respond rapidly and effectively to future epidemics and pandemics.Regional and Global Updates: Opening the session, Dr Pushpa Ranjan Wijesinghe, Programme Area Manager, Pandemic and Epidemic Management (PEM) Unit, WHO Health Emergencies Programme, highlighted the progress made in operationalizing the Unity Studies Network across the Region and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of WHO at all three levels, together with country unity studies sites. He emphasized the availability of limited but catalytic funding through the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PIP‑PC) workplan at SEARO to sustain network activities in 2026, while encouraging sites to leverage additional funding sources to expand implementation.Representing SEARO, Dr Ashok Basnet, consultant, Pandemic Influenza Preparedness reported that, at the regional level, the Unity Studies Network currently includes six sites across five countries: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. He noted that in 2025, catalytic funding supported protocol adaptation, training, and pilot implementation. In addition, a regional Unity Studies symposium held during the Global Public Health Summit in Sri Lanka strengthened and advocated collaboration between the Unity Studies site, national decision‑making forum, relevant technical units of the ministry of health, WHO and other partners.The symposium also highlighted the role of early investigations and studies as a key component of a multi‑source surveillance system needed at country level to generate a broad range of evidence. It underscored the critical role of country Unity Studies sites and similar research entities in generating evidence to support public health decision‑making during epidemics and pandemics.Participants of the WHO GISRS Unity Studies Sites Network- SEAR Chapter Meeting 2026 (Photo credit- PEM/WHE/SEARO). SEARO also updated participants on ongoing efforts to develop a regional Unity Studies webpage and to promote participation in global knowledge‑sharing platforms, including webinars and the WHO Community of Practice. Priorities for 2026 include supporting the implementation of Unity protocols, strengthening collaboration and experience sharing across sites, documenting and publishing findings, integrating Unity Studies activities as a component of multi-source national surveillance systems, and building workforce capacity.Dr Nickle Boddington of the Global Influenza Programme (GIP) at WHO Headquarters, which coordinates the Unity Studies Network globally, provided updates on global Unity Studies activities, noting that the network has expanded to 16 sites worldwide. New and updated protocols, including rapid clinical severity assessment tools and standardized data platforms, are being developed to support implementation. The global Community of Practice has also been launched to facilitate technical exchange, and continued support will be provided to sites for protocol adaptation, ethical approvals, and readiness for early investigation during outbreaks. Updates from Unity Studies sites in SEAR in 2025Unity Studies sites shared progress and experiences in implementing protocols across diverse country contexts. Sites initiated activities in 2025 using catalytic funding from SEARO, complemented by the mobilization of internal national resources. The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Bangladesh, reported the adoption and piloting of investigation protocols on non‑seasonal influenza and emerging respiratory diseases during recent avian influenza outbreaks, demonstrating a multi‑source funding approach involving government, WHO and One Health partners.The Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (HIMSR), New Delhi, India, highlighted the piloting of household transmission investigation studies, the expansion of the national Unity Studies network, and the contribution of study findings to global evidence through published outputs. The All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India, shared experiences from large‑scale seroprevalence studies conducted during the COVID‑19 pandemic, recent efforts to strengthen national Unity network sites through training activities, and plans to initiate multi‑centre studies on respiratory viruses.Similarly, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand, highlighted its experience in developing integrated surveillance and diagnostic protocols for multiple respiratory pathogens, enhancing readiness for targeted investigations of emerging threats. The University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, reported ongoing engagement with the Ministry of Health and exploration of additional funding sources to initiate studies. Meanwhile, the National Public Health Laboratory, Nepal, provided updates on continued coordination with national stakeholders to initiate implementation, despite delays related to the country context.Across sites, shared experiences underscored the importance of protocol adaptation, multisectoral collaboration, and sustainable funding to operationalize Unity Studies and generate evidence for public health action.Discussions and Way ForwardThe meeting reinforced key priorities for 2026, including strengthening unity studies protocol implementation, enhancing collaboration, knowledge sharing, integrating research as a component of national multi-source surveillance systems, and ensuring that generated evidence informs public health decision‑making. Participants also emphasized the importance of documentation, visibility, and leveraging multiple funding sources, and agreed on the following action points.Unity Studies Sites and WHO Country Offices:Advance adoption and implementation of at least one Unity protocol, continuing activities initiated in 2025 with catalytic funding, supplemented with other sources of funding where feasible.Document site-specific experiences, outcomes, and lessons learned; participate in regional and global knowledge-sharing platforms including WHO webinars and the Community of Practice.Work closely with ministries of health to establish unified national platforms for translating generated evidence into national public health decision-making. WHO Country Offices may facilitate technical support and complementary, synergistic funding opportunities where feasible. WHO Regional OfficeCoordinate with WHO Country Offices to support implementation of core unity studies activities by network sites through catalytic funding and provide technical guidance and virtual engagement opportunities throughout 2026.Facilitate the participation of all Unity Studies sites in the regional meeting on Unity Studies implementation in October 2026, to be held back‑to‑back with the Annual SEAR Regional PIP‑PC Meeting; develop and host a SEAR Unity Studies website; and mobilize support from academic institutions within the SEAR Unity Studies Network to support the development of regional manuscripts that showcase Unity Studies activities to scientific audiences and promote knowledge‑sharing.Explore complementary funding opportunities and partnerships to sustain and expand network activities across the Region.WHO HeadquartersProvide global technical guidance, updated protocols, and toolkits to support the implementation of Unity Studies in SEAR.Facilitate engagement of SEAR sites in global webinars, the Community of Practice, and opportunities to showcase their work.Support joint publications, inclusion of SEAR experiences in global outputs, and identification of additional funding and collaborative opportunities to strengthen Unity Studies activities.
State House moves forward with Health Dept. budget
LANSING — Two and a half months before the state’s budget deadline, members of the Republican-led Michigan House of Representatives unleashed a flurry of budget proposals from their respective subcommittees, including a three-part plan to fund the Department of Health and Human Services. With the department making up nearly half of the state budget, members […]
‘Sport as a Public Good’ talk spotlights gaps in youth sports education, access
There’s little that people enjoy more than play. Unfortunately, when it comes to our youth, we often fail in nurturing that love, former President of the U.S. Tennis Association and Chief Medical Officer of the NCAA Brian Hainline said. On Wednesday, April 15, Hainline spoke at the University of New Mexico Physics and Astronomy Interdisciplinary Science Building and said sports should be a public good to an audience including local sport leaders and athletes. He highlighted what he called an inadequate systemic support for sports in the U.S. Hainline’s lecture was hosted jointly by the UNM School of Medicine and Alumni Association.