Author: Lester Holt

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…

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it will remove the “black box” warning from many hormone-replacement therapies used to treat menopause symptoms. The decision follows updated research demonstrating the therapies are safer than previously indicated. Black-box warnings are the strictest labels the FDA uses to indicate serious risks. The original warnings on menopause hormone therapies, which include certain estrogen and progesterone treatments, were intended to alert patients and healthcare providers to potential cardiovascular and cancer risks. Updated clinical evidence shows that short-term use of these therapies carries fewer risks than previously thought, particularly for women under 60 or within…

UBS Global Research has raised its year-end target for the S&P 500 to 7,500, signaling optimism about U.S. stock market growth into 2026. The firm cited strong corporate earnings, significant AI-related investments, and expectations of lower interest rates as key drivers of the projected gains. Analysts at UBS highlighted that corporate balance sheets remain robust, supporting sustained profitability and investor confidence. Technology companies investing in artificial intelligence are expected to lead much of the market’s growth, fueling innovation and higher valuations. Lower interest rates are also seen as a major factor for market performance. UBS noted that declining borrowing costs…

Ongoing Transmission Triggers Loss of StatusCanada has officially lost its measles elimination status, the country’s health agency confirmed. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) determined that measles had been spreading continuously for more than 12 months, exceeding the criteria for elimination. The outbreak, which began in late 2024, has led to over 5,000 reported cases across multiple provinces and territories. This development also affects the Americas region, as elimination in all member states is required to maintain regional measles‑free status. Declining Vaccination Rates Fuel the OutbreakHealth authorities attribute the resurgence to declining vaccination coverage, vaccine hesitancy, and clusters of under‑immunised…

Rising Costs Push Families to the BrinkPolicyholders across the country say their Affordable Care Act insurance plans are becoming impossible to afford. After receiving a renewal notice showing her monthly premium would jump from $1,400 to nearly $1,900, Colorado resident Astrid Storey said she’s considering leaving the United States altogether. “I’m a cancer patient, and I can’t keep paying this,” she said, noting that she holds citizenship in two other countries with lower medical costs. Expiring Subsidies Could Double RatesThe steep increases come as pandemic-era premium tax credits are set to expire at the end of 2025. Those credits helped…

Observational Study Highlights Potential RisksA recent large-scale study presented at the American Heart Association conference found that adults with chronic insomnia who used melatonin supplements for 12 months or longer faced significantly higher risks of heart-related problems. Over a five-year period, individuals taking melatonin had about a 90% higher chance of developing new-onset heart failure compared to insomnia patients not using the supplement (4.6% vs. 2.7%). Those who filled multiple prescriptions spaced 90 days apart had an 82% increased risk, and hospitalization rates for heart failure were nearly 3.5 times higher in the melatonin group. Mortality and Health ImplicationsThe study…

Recent U.S. inflation data points to modest price growth, fueling optimism for potential interest rate cuts. Investors responded positively, seeing opportunities for a more supportive monetary policy environment and stronger corporate earnings. The latest figures indicate that inflationary pressures remain manageable. This trend reduces costs for businesses, making operations more predictable and easing financial burdens. Lower inflation may also allow companies to access cheaper financing, supporting expansion and investment plans. Markets reacted with increased buying activity, particularly in equities sensitive to interest rate movements. Sectors such as technology, consumer goods, and industrials saw notable gains as traders anticipated easier borrowing…