Author: Lester Holt

Study Suggests Short Disconnect Can Ease Anxiety and Depression A new study examining the effects of a brief break from social media has found that young adults who stepped away from apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok for just one week reported notable improvements in their mental health. Researchers tracked adults aged 18 to 24 who opted into a seven-day “social media holiday,” observing measurable reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression by the end of the break. Sleep quality also improved, though feelings of loneliness remained largely unchanged. Researchers Note Benefits but Call for Caution The authors emphasized that…

The U.S. travel sector continues to show resilience despite global challenges. International travel has faced headwinds in recent years, but domestic tourism has helped keep the industry strong. Florida is leading the way, with early 2025 data showing that 92% of visitors were from within the United States. This highlights the role of internal demand in sustaining the travel market. Florida’s popularity is driven by a mix of attractions, beaches, theme parks, and cultural destinations. Cities like Orlando, Miami, and Tampa have been especially popular. Families and leisure travelers have been booking trips in large numbers. Many are choosing road…

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art has launched its largest Korean art exhibition to date. Titled “Korean Treasures: Collected, Cherished, Shared,” the exhibit features more than 200 works, including several national treasures. The exhibition highlights Korea’s rich cultural history and artistic achievements. Visitors can explore traditional paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and other priceless artifacts spanning centuries. Curators emphasize that the display offers a rare opportunity to experience Korean heritage up close. Each piece tells a story of craftsmanship, history, and cultural significance. Museum officials say the exhibit aims to deepen understanding of Korea’s art and influence. The selection reflects careful…

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act with a nearly unanimous vote of 427–1. The legislation requires the Justice Department to release all federal investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a move hailed as a victory for public accountability and survivors. Lawmakers from both parties praised the vote as a clear signal that transparency is critical in high-profile criminal cases. The overwhelming support demonstrates a rare moment of bipartisan consensus on an issue of national concern. Advocates say the bill will allow the public to see the full scope of federal investigations into Epstein’s alleged…

National Agencies Align on Research PrioritiesFederal health officials from agencies including the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration convened this week at the Food Allergy Fund’s annual forum to outline a coordinated strategy for advancing food allergy science. Leaders emphasized the urgent need to close knowledge gaps surrounding rising allergy prevalence, the biological mechanisms that trigger severe reactions, and the disparities affecting diagnosis and care across communities. Innovation Pipeline Gains MomentumResearchers and policy specialists highlighted emerging technologies aimed at transforming allergy management—from next-generation immunotherapies to early-detection tools capable of…

Older Adult Hospitalized With H5N5 InfectionHealth officials in Washington state have confirmed the nation’s first human case of bird flu in nine months after an older adult in Grays Harbor County tested positive for the H5N5 strain. The patient, who had underlying health conditions, was hospitalized with high fever, confusion, and respiratory distress before laboratory tests identified the virus. This marks the first known human infection with H5N5 in the United States. Likely Linked to Backyard Poultry ExposureInvestigators believe the infection likely originated from the individual’s backyard poultry, which had potential contact with wild birds. While the virus is known…

First Cases Detected in Southern RegionEthiopia has confirmed its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease after health authorities identified multiple cases in the town of Jinka in the southern Omo region. The Ethiopian Public Health Institute reported that nine people have been infected, prompting an immediate national health alert. Officials have deployed rapid-response teams to isolate patients, trace contacts, and expand community surveillance in surrounding areas. Highly Lethal Virus and Fast-Spreading RiskMarburg virus, a close relative of Ebola, causes severe hemorrhagic fever with symptoms beginning as sudden high fever, headache, and intense fatigue before progressing to internal and external bleeding.…

Rising home prices may return in 2026 as mortgage rates slowly move down and bring fresh energy to the housing market. Many analysts now believe that better affordability will help more buyers plan for a home again. After a long period of high costs and slow activity, even small drops in rates can help buyers feel more confident. This fresh shift could support modest gains in home values across many regions. For much of the past year, mortgage rates stayed high and created a heavy barrier for people who hoped to buy a home. Many families put their plans on…

Premiums Expected to Rise as Subsidies ExpireAs the prolonged government shutdown shows signs of ending, President Donald Trump is contending with another major challenge — surging health care costs. The expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies threatens to push insurance premiums higher for millions of Americans beginning next year. Economists warn that without congressional action, many middle-income families could lose access to affordable coverage. Shutdown Deal Leaves Health Concerns UnresolvedWhile a Senate agreement to reopen the government is expected to pass, it notably excludes a one-year extension of ACA premium tax credits. Democrats had pushed for the measure…

Exposure Reported in Terminals A and BHealth authorities in Philadelphia have issued an alert after a confirmed measles case was detected at Philadelphia International Airport on November 9. The infected traveler was present in Terminals A and B between 8:50 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., potentially exposing others to the virus during that time. Officials from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) are urging anyone who was at the airport during those hours to verify their vaccination status and remain alert for symptoms. Highly Contagious and Airborne VirusMeasles can spread through the air or linger on surfaces for up to…