Utah Royals FC travels to Kansas City Current at 4 p.m. ET on ION, as the NWSL regular season progresses with multiple U.S. matchups. This game follows Gotham FC at Boston on ABC, highlighting league expansion and talent depth. Subsequent fixtures include Denver at Bay FC and Houston at San Diego. NWSL aims to build on growing fan interest.[2]
The NWSL 2026 season opened Saturday with NJ/NY Gotham FC visiting Boston Fleet at 12:30 p.m. ET on ABC, followed by Utah Royals at Kansas City at 4 p.m. Other matchups include Denver at Bay FC and Houston at San Diego Wave. 'This season promises more parity and star power,' said commissioner Jessica Berman. Attendance is projected up 20% after last year's record crowds, with playoffs set for November.
The 2025-2026 flu season is concluding with one of the lowest vaccine effectiveness rates in more than a decade, with the CDC reporting effectiveness of approximately 25-30% in preventing adults from needing medical care, according to data released Friday. A viral mismatch between the vaccine strain and dominant H3N2 variant that emerged early winter caused the poor performance, with vaccination proving more protective in children at around 40% effectiveness against medical visits. Despite low effectiveness, the CDC estimates 27 million illnesses, 350,000 hospitalizations, and 22,000 deaths from flu this seasonβsubstantially lower than the prior year's 40 million illnesses and 520,000 hospitalizations at the same point.
The NWSL 2026 season kicks off March 14 with Gotham FC visiting Boston Impact at 12:30 p.m. ET on ABC, followed by Utah Royals at Kansas City 4 p.m. and Denver at Bay FC 6:30 p.m. on ION. Houston Dash faces San Diego Wave at 8:45 p.m., marking key US women's soccer rivalries with stars like Alex Morgan expected to feature. These openers set early standings in the 14-team league expanding playoff contention. Expansion side Boston aims to surprise, per coach Ali Krieger.
Apple TV+ announced *Shrinking* Season 3 premieres next week, rated TV-MA with an A from critics for its humor on family dynamics and healing. The series explores loss and forgiveness, building a 'found family vibe' as noted by cast insights. Seasons 1-2 are available now for catch-up viewing. The release adds to streaming momentum during Oscars weekend.
An FDA advisory committee has recommended the development of next year's flu vaccine, as new data from the CDC indicates the current 2025-2026 flu vaccine provides moderate protection against hospitalization for vaccinated individuals despite concerns about late-emerging H3N2 strains. The committee reviewed winter flu shot effectiveness reports published in the CDC's online MMWR journal, which showed moderate protective efficacy against severe outcomes requiring hospitalization. The timing of vaccine selection remains critical as late-emerging H3N2 variants can significantly undermine vaccine effectiveness, a concern flagged by the committee during this year's review. Current guidance continues to emphasize vaccination for those at high risk of severe illness, particularly elderly and immunocompromised populations.