Author: Lester Holt

Austin, Texas, has risen as the most affordable rental market in the United States. Renters in the city now spend just 16.5% of their income on housing, down from 19.3% the previous year. The change comes after policy measures and increased construction expanded the local housing supply. Local government initiatives aimed at encouraging new developments have been central to this shift. By streamlining approvals and supporting construction projects, Austin saw a surge in housing availability. This increase has helped stabilize rents and reversed trends that had previously pushed housing costs higher. Analysts note that Austin’s affordability contrasts with many major…

New Cases Linked to Quarantined ContactsHealth officials in South Carolina confirmed that the state’s measles outbreak has expanded to 15 cases, all connected to previously known infections. The Department of Public Health said the new patients were already in quarantine when they became contagious, meaning no new community exposures have occurred. Authorities emphasized that the containment measures appear to be working, with all affected individuals under medical supervision. Schools at the Center of Early SpreadThe outbreak originated in Spartanburg County, where early cases were linked to Global Academy and Fairforest Elementary School. More than 150 unvaccinated students were placed in…

Verily Me Designed to Connect Medical Records Across SystemsAlphabet’s life sciences division, Verily, has introduced a new mobile application called Verily Me, aimed at helping users access, organize, and share their medical data securely. The app consolidates health records from multiple providers into one platform, allowing users to receive personalized health insights and recommendations from licensed clinicians. AI Assistant and Nutrition Tools Among Key FeaturesVerily Me includes an artificial intelligence assistant named Violet, capable of answering questions such as vaccination dates or details from recent doctor visits. The app also features a nutrition component that lets users photograph their meals…

Survey Finds Declining Trust in Nation’s Health LeadershipA new Axios-Ipsos poll shows that most Americans believe the nation’s overall health has worsened under President Donald Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The October survey found that respondents who say the country is less healthy outnumber those who think it has improved by more than two to one. The findings reflect mounting concerns over the administration’s approach to vaccines, public health agencies, and medical misinformation. Public Skepticism Grows Toward Key Health InstitutionsConfidence in federal health agencies such as the CDC, NIH, and FDA has continued to erode, according to…

Cuts Hit Core of Long-Running NHANES ProgramThe U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has dismissed the entire planning team responsible for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), one of the government’s most critical tools for tracking the nation’s health. The layoffs, affecting the National Center for Health Statistics, reportedly include all eight remaining staff overseeing survey planning and logistics. The cuts follow earlier workforce reductions in 2025 that had already downsized the division. Decades of Data Collection at RiskNHANES has operated for more than six decades, providing vital data used to shape national health guidelines, food labeling…

Rising Medical and Drug Prices Drive Forecasted IncreaseJPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said the bank anticipates its employee health care expenses will climb by about 10% next year, reflecting mounting pressures from medical inflation and higher prescription drug costs. The company currently spends roughly $3 billion annually on health coverage for its global workforce, making health benefits one of its largest employee-related expenses. Dimon’s warning aligns with national trends showing that employers across the U.S. expect similar double-digit cost increases heading into 2026. Employers Nationwide Brace for Higher Health Care SpendingAccording to recent industry surveys, most U.S. companies project health…

New Law Targets Mental Health Risks for YouthCalifornia has passed a first-of-its-kind law requiring social media platforms to display health warnings to users under 18, citing “profound risks” to mental well-being. The measure, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, will force apps such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat to issue on-screen alerts modeled after tobacco-style warnings. Mandatory On-Screen Alerts for Young UsersUnder the new legislation, minors logging into social media accounts will see a 10-second skippable warning each day. After three hours of use, a 30-second unskippable warning will appear, repeating every hour thereafter. The messages must clearly state that excessive…

Navan, a fast-growing travel technology company, is preparing for an initial public offering. The company is targeting a valuation of $6.45 billion. This move reflects strong investor confidence in the travel tech industry. The IPO is part of Navan’s strategy to expand its services and accelerate growth. By going public, the company aims to raise capital to invest in new technologies and global expansion. Navan provides innovative solutions for corporate travel management, including booking, expense tracking, and analytics tools. Investor interest in travel tech has grown as the industry recovers from pandemic-related challenges. Companies like Navan offer digital solutions that…

SAMHSA Faces Major Workforce Reductions As the federal government shutdown stretches on, the Trump administration has announced plans to dramatically cut the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The move is part of a broader reorganization that would merge several health agencies into a new department called the “Administration for a Healthy America.” Reports indicate that the restructuring could eliminate up to half of SAMHSA’s staff, raising fears about disruptions to mental health and addiction programs nationwide. Deep Cuts to Federal Health Funding The proposed overhaul accompanies a larger budget reduction across the Department of Health and Human…

Baltimore’s music scene is drawing national attention with the release of Clyne Abstractions, a collaboration between composer Anna Clyne and the SO/Alsop ensemble. The album showcases a fusion of modern classical music and accessible melodies, highlighting the city’s growing reputation as a hub for innovative arts. Clyne Abstractions demonstrates Clyne’s unique approach to composition. She combines traditional orchestral techniques with contemporary influences, creating pieces that are both complex and approachable. The SO/Alsop ensemble brings these compositions to life with precision and artistry, delivering performances that capture both technical mastery and emotional depth. The album features a variety of works, from…