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Paramount ups bid for Warner Bros. as sale veers into politics
Over the weekend, President Trump threatened Netflix, telling the streamer to fire Susan Rice from its board or "pay the consequences."
How Trump will use his State of the Union address to appeal to skeptical midterm voters
President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday is likely to be a test run of the message Republicans will give to voters in November's elections for control of the House and the Senate.
Trump says he's kept all of his campaign promises. PolitiFact's MAGA-Meter shows otherwise
President Donald Trump has said he already delivered on all he returned to office to do. The truth? Trump fulfilled a decent chunk of his domestic agenda in his first year, but many promises remain undelivered.
Las Vegas residents receive essential health, hygiene support during weekend event
Blake Shelton is set to play a private concert at Ole Red Nashville on April 29. Fans can enter to win tickets by visiting any Ole Red location nationwide betwe
Trump's big speech will be delivered to a changed nation and a Congress he has sidelined
One year back in office, Trump has emerged as a president defying conventional expectations. He has executed a head-spinning agenda, upending priorities at home, shattering alliances abroad and challenging the nation's foundational system of checks and balances.
Trump’s Suddenly High-Stakes State of the Union
The president is visiting Congress in a dramatically different place from where he was a year ago.
The science of Ramadan fasting
UC Riverside’s Dr. Sherif Hassan breaks down the medical benefits and potential risks of fasting
Meddling with private business need not spiral after Trump
Susan Rice wants Democrats to go after companies that supposedly played nice with the president.
Scientists engineer bacteria to eat cancer tumors from the inside out
Researchers are engineering bacteria to invade tumors and consume them from the inside. Because tumor cores lack oxygen, they’re the perfect breeding ground for these microbes. The team added a genetic tweak that helps the bacteria survive longer near oxygen-exposed edges — but only once enough of them are present to trigger the change. It’s a carefully programmed biological attack that could one day offer a new way to destroy cancer.
Trump faces a skeptical public and myriad challenges ahead of State of the Union address
President Donald Trump on Tuesday night will get his highest-profile opportunity to convince skeptical Americans that his policies are working — and that a promised economic golden age is right around the corner.
Five Big Political Questions About Trump’s State of the Union Speech
Tariffs, the cost of living, immigration: The president has a careful line to walk on major issues.
To spotlight Trump cuts to health insurance, Welch brings Vermont lawmaker to the State of the Union
Both elected officials are striving to call attention to expired Obamacare subsidies and the high cost of health insurance they say only federal action can address.
This is Trump 2.0, bro. What do you bench?
Their policies divide the country, but on social media the president’s men are crushing it as influencers, bro.
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.
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.
‘A Long Speech’: Trump Prepares for State of the Union
President Trump does not like to practice reading the speech out loud, but he spent time mimicking the setup of the House chamber, officials familiar with his plans said.
Inside the state lab guiding North Carolina’s measles response
With at least 23 measles cases reported in North Carolina since December, critical public health decisions begin inside the State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh. Scientists there confirm high-risk cases, shaping how officials notify the public and limit further spread.
NYC mayor threatens property tax hike, raising concerns for businesses
Partnership for New York City president and CEO Steve Fulop discusses the city’s budget shortfall and Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposed property tax hike on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
IBM stock price sinks after latest Anthropic AI update
IBM shares tumbled after Anthropic unveiled a tool aimed at business that use a decades-old programming language
Unequal Access to Nature Fuels America’s Health Crisis
Communities of color and low-income neighborhoods face the worst impacts as the U.S. loses forests, wetlands and other green spaces.
Anthropic says DeepSeek fraudulently used Claude
"These campaigns are growing in intensity and sophistication," Anthropic said as part of its lengthy statement.
Former WNBA two-time champion Kara Braxton died in a car accident
Braxton was in a single car crash outside of Atlanta. Here's what we know about how the 43-year-old mother of two died.
US women’s hockey team declines Trump’s State of the Union invite, citing scheduling
The gold medal-winning US Olympic women’s hockey team has declined an invitation to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, citing scheduling issues.
How have you been affected by tariffs?
During the past year, President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping and steep tariffs on most imported goods with the intent to reduce trade deficits and bolster US-based manufacturing.
Former Chuck E. Cheese Entertainment CEO Takes Same Post With Topgolf
Plus: Former Topgolf CEO named to same role with Oh YAAS, Vista Bank appoints new south Dallas president and more.
Blizzard Plans: Updates on Diablo, Wow, Overwatch, Johanna Faries
Blizzard Entertainment president Johanna Faries reveals 35th anniversary plans across "Diablo," "World of Warcraft," "Overwatch" and more.
Meta employee shares OpenClaw email-deletion nightmare
Meta alignment director Summer Yue hooked OpenClaw up to her inbox. Then, the bot tried to delete her emails. Yue chalked it up to a "rookie mistake."
Accolades: UVA Health ranks among America’s great hospitals and top employers
Also in this roundup: a group salutes a Virginia Athletics communicator’s career, Yale lauds a president emeritus, and more.
Winter Olympics 2026: Team USA women's hockey declines President Donald Trump's invite to State of the Union
Economist: China’s politics, not prices, driving U.S. ag purchases
The chief commodities economist with StoneX Group says he’s recently become more optimistic about China buying more ag products from the United States. Arlan Suderman tells Brownfield President Xi Jinping is dealing with internal Chinese politics and he needs U.S. support. “My bias at this point is he will survive it, but in the meantime, […]
Rochester-area man says Trump's tariffs have been devastating for his business
Ben Pearson will be attending the president's address as a guest of Sen. Chuck Schumer.
‘Angel Families’ Return to Washington to Back Up Trump Ahead of State of the Union
The families of people killed by undocumented immigrants have forged a bond with the president, who has invited some of them to his address on Tuesday.
Tackling elite colleges and D.C. fountains, Stephen Miller's reach goes beyond immigration
Miller is one of President Donald Trump's longest-serving aides, and his many roles include executing Trump's agenda on "woke" universities and beautifying Washington.
Portland City Council to consider extending moratorium on new music venues
If passed, the moratorium will last until September.
2026 Business Leaders of the Year
Central Massachusetts is full of amazing professionals, each with their own unique skills, talents, and dedication to their companies, industries, and communities. You could make a strong case for hundreds of them to be considered as WBJ’s Business Leader of the Year. Yet, to actually win the award, you need to have that little something extra: a magic spark, an insight no one else sees, years of knowledge that pay off with the right decision at the right time, a leadership style inspiring people to follow, a push for a paradigm shift at a stagnant organization. Business Leader of the Year is WBJ’s oldest award, launched in 1982 when Herb Dunnington of First Safety Fund Bank won the sole award. In the decades since, BLOY has expanded to honor winners from different corners of the economy: small businesses, large businesses, nonprofits, innovation, families. Each of the six winners this year has that something special setting them apart as true leaders in our Central Massachusetts business community: Neelu Mohaghegh’s creativity, Nick Haritos’ compassion, Nicolette Sacco’s adaptability, Julie Bowditch’s energy, Sean Rose’s steadiness, the Vaccaro family’s culture. You can read more about each of them through the links below.
Previewing Louisville at North Carolina
Louisville Cardinals (20-7, 9-5) at North Carolina Tar Heels (21-6, 9-5) Game Time: 7 p.m. Location: Dean E. Smith Center: Chapel Hill, N.C. Television: ESPN Announcers: Dave O’Brien (play-by-play), Jay Williams (analysis), and Molly McGrath (sideline) Favorite: Louisville by 2.5 Series: North Carolina leads, 20-8 Last Meeting: Louisville won 83-70 on Jan. 1, 2025 in Louisville Series History: Projected Starting Lineups: Louisville North […]
Crews, business owners work to make roads, sidewalks passable in Roxborough
Action News reporter Leland Pinder is in Roxborough, where city crews and business owners are working to clear the snow.
Democrats say they'll ensure Trump's new 15% tariffs are temporary
President Donald Trump is trying to use a different law to impose new 15% global tariffs. But Democrats say they'll ensure the taxes are temporary.
Amtrak California Zephyr: Tour my $2,200 bedroom on the 53-hour train
I traveled comfortably on Amtrak's California Zephyr in a private bedroom for $2,200. It was worth the price for the longest train ride in the US.
Trump admin discussing sale of $1.7T federal student-loan portfolio
Critics worry about what forgiveness and repayment options borrowers may have if federal student loans are sold to private lenders.
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.
Magnesium is trending, offers many health benefits.
Experts say if you're considering a supplement, talk with your doctor and choose a trusted brand that's been third-party tested.
Armed man shot and killed at Mar-a-Lago was never interested in politics or guns, cousin says
The 21-year-old North Carolina man who entered a gate at 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 walked 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.
Op-Ed: Santa Barbara’s Rent Freeze - Politics First, Housing Second
A local resident writes an opinion letter stating rent stability is good for the economy, not political theater.
My 8-year-old turned her drawings into a business
A parent shares how his daughter turned her drawings into a sticker business, earning over $5,000 while learning entrepreneurship and giving back.
Peru Economy Shook Off Political Turmoil to Expand 3.4% in 2025
Peru posted growth of better than 3% for a second straight year in 2025, as the economy continues to power through the political chaos that’s seen the Andean nation cycle through seven presidents in the past decade.
Armed Man Shot and Killed at Mar-A-Lago Was Never Interested in Politics or Guns, Cousin Says
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.
Mohegan Sports & Entertainment President Tom Cantone Announces Retirement
After more than 40 years in casino entertainment and nearly 20 years as the face of Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, Mohegan Sports &
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.
Ubisoft picks series veterans for new Assassin's Creed leadership team
Three series veterans to lead the brand at Tencent-backed subsidiary Vantage Studios
Health Savings Accounts Can Be a Bad Deal for Low-Income Marketplace Enrollees
In the wake of their actions that have worsened health care affordability, President Trump and Republicans in Congress have pushed to expand health savings accounts (HSAs). But this doubles down on an inequitable coverage model.
Noah Donohoe: Mental health considered in investigation
The body of the Belfast schoolboy was found in a water tunnel almost a week after he went missing in June 2020.
Tyrese Haliburton dealing with 'very painful' shingles diagnosis as Pacers season takes another strange twist
Indiana's already-sidelined superstar will be away from the team as he recovers
Snow Shovel Politics - Petrie-Flom Center
Boston is slowly waking from its snowy slumber. Weeks after one of the snowiest storms in the city’s history, drifts still rise several feet along streets and sidewalks as residents pick their way through narrowed passages and over icy curbs.
California Democrats back establishment candidates despite progressive pushback
California Democrats endorsed aging incumbents and party insiders over grassroots challengers, disappointing progressives.
Former Secret Service agent details disturbing rise of political violence after Mar-a-Lago shooting
Former Secret Service agent Tim Miller discusses the Mar-a-Lago shooting incident, the increase in threats against President Donald Trump and the disturbing rise of political violence in America.
Netflix boss responds to Trump's demand to fire Susan Rice from board
Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, has responded to Trump's calls for the company to fire Susan Rice from its board as it bids for Warner Bros.
RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group Raises the Final Steel Beam for New Multi-Specialty Center in Howell
RWJBarnabas Health raised the final steel beam of its new three-story, 67,000-square-foot Multi-Specialty Center on January 21, alongside joint venture partners New Jersey Imaging Network, Seaview Orthopaedics, and Family First Urgent Care.
‘Inside the Situation Room’ Bridges the Gap Between Politics and Academia
Columbia SIPA Dean Keren Yarhi-Milo and Secretary Hillary Clinton co-edited a book that brings readers into the room where leaders make decisions in times of crisis.
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...
Map: 39 flights to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara diverted amid violence
Two private jets and an 11-hour transatlantic journey from Madrid were among the flights that diverted due to cartel violence in Mexico.
When it comes to health insurance, federal dollars support more than ACA plans
Subsidies. Love ’em or hate them, they dominated the news during the Affordable Care Act’s sign-up season, and their reduction is now hitting many enrollees in the pocketbook.
Meet the 20 most successful M&A bankers of 2025
The top US merger banker last year hails from Wells Fargo. Meet him and 19 other dealmakers who who shaped the $4.6 trillion M&A comeback.
How 3 business owners train their AI agents to be better employees
Three founders who rely mostly on AI share how they've built workflows and prompts to train their AI tools to push back and challenge their ideas.
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.
Checks and balances aren’t working under Trump, growing majority says
On the eve of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, two-thirds of Americans say the system of checks and balances that divides power between the White House, Congress and the courts is not working well, according to the latest PBS News/NPR/Marist Poll.
Trump’s approval rating with independents hits a new low ahead of the State of the Union
When President Donald Trump gives his State of the Union address Tuesday, he will face a public that increasingly questions his priorities and expresses broad doubts about whether his proposed policies are helping the nation, according to a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS.
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.
Resident Evil Requiem Leakers Deserve "A Thousand Deaths", Says Hideki Kamiya
Bit extreme, don't you think?
Jersey Bulls boost play-off push with Faversham win
Jersey Bulls manager Elliot Powell says his side's 1-0 win over fellow play-off chasers Faversham Town sets up their run-in well.
New Jersey regulators take first step to reform electric utility business model
Performance-based ratemaking, multi-year rate plans and lower utility returns are all options to be considered, according to the Board of Public Utilities, which approved hiring a consultant to assist a potential overhaul.
Trump's Swollen Ankles Spark Health Concerns Again: Edema Causes, Risks And What It Means
US President Trump's visibly swollen ankles have reignited scrutiny over his health, drawing attention to edema, fluid buildup in tissues. Here's what causes swelling and when it may signal a serious health issue.
UP health care providers host fundraiser for Belize communities
Hillside Health Care connects with U.P. providers to provide medical services in underserved areas.
From bakeries to beauty shops, Russian businesses are feeling the pain from a new wartime tax policy
Denis Maksimov’s bakery in suburban Moscow became famous overnight after he appeared on President Vladimir Putin’s annual call-in show in December.
From bakeries to beauty shops, Russian businesses are feeling the pain from a new wartime tax policy
Denis Maksimov’s bakery in suburban Moscow became famous overnight after he appeared on President Vladimir Putin’s annual call-in show in December. Standing in front of the bakery — called Mashenka, after his oldest daughter -– he pleaded with Putin via video to look into new tax reforms that are significantly increasing the burden on small businesses like his. As Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine marks four years, the mounting pressure on Russia’s economy is starting to show.
Analysis: Trump won’t blink on tariffs — because he can’t
It was always unthinkable that President Donald Trump would choose a new “most beautiful word” in the dictionary after the Supreme Court knocked back his emergency tariff powers.
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.
Lakers honor championship coach Riley with statue
The Los Angeles Lakers honored legendary coach Pat Riley, mastermind of the team's 1980s "Showtime" era, with a statue outside Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.As head coach in Los Angeles, Riley won 533 games, his winning percentage of 73.3 leading all Lakers coaches.
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.
Pacers insider Dustin Dopirak breaks down loss to Dallas Mavericks
The Indiana Pacers fell to the Dallas Mavericks in a game Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
A product manager on why Chinese AI products are different
An AI product manager who worked at a Chinese tech giant explains what makes Chinese AI different from the West.
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
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