Break

• The largest measles outbreak in the United States in more than 35 years has ended, with no new cases reported in more than 42 days, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health. • The outbreak began in October 2025 in South Carolina and resulted in nearly 1,000 confirmed cases over six months, with more than 600 cases occurring in 2026 alone; at least 21 hospitalizations were recorded with no reported deaths. • Canada has been significantly impacted, losing its measles elimination status on November 10, 2025, and reporting 907 cases since the start of 2026, with Manitoba accounting for 556 cases.

• East Bay man in Contra Costa County died after consuming toxic wild mushrooms amid statewide spike. • California recorded 35 mushroom poisoning cases from Nov. 18 to Jan. 4, far above average of under five yearly. • Surge prompts health warnings on foraging risks during wet weather conditions.

Men’s and women’s-only world records fall, along with fastest knightOrganisers hopeful record number will finish course by midnight deadlineThe London Marathon’s organisers have hailed the “greatest day” in the event’s 45-year history after huge crowds watched Sabastian Sawe become the first man to shatter the two-hour barrier in an official race, and a world record tally of more than 60,000 runners started the event.By 6.30pm on Sunday evening, organisers were also hopeful of breaking the record number of 59,226 finishers, set by the New York Marathon last year, although they said it could go right down to the deadline of 11:59pm. Continue reading...

• The United States has suspended a $150 million military aid package to the Philippines following tensions over Manila's softened stance on South China Sea disputes with China. • State Department officials cited the Philippines' decision to reduce joint naval operations in disputed waters as the reason for the suspension, marking a significant shift in regional alliance strategy. • The move reflects US frustration with shifting regional dynamics and concerns that strategic partners may be accommodating Beijing's territorial claims under economic pressure.

• Google DeepMind released AlphaFold 4 on April 25, 2026, predicting protein structures with 98.5% accuracy, including dynamics for drug discovery. • Model simulates folding pathways in seconds for proteins up to 5,000 residues, licensed to 200 US biotech firms. • Advances could accelerate FDA approvals for 50+ new therapies, valued at $100 billion market impact.

• Marie Osmond publicly addressed the death of her brother Alan Osmond, sharing emotional reflections amid family grief. • The Osmond family matriarch spoke out in a Us Weekly feature on the loss. • This revelation adds to ongoing celebrity family tragedies, impacting music legacy discussions.