Punxsutawney Phil prepares to issue his Groundhog Day weather verdict

The groundwork has been laid for a sunrise ceremony Monday when international woodchuck celebrity Punxsutawney Phil’s annual long-term weather forecast will be announced – six more weeks of winter or an early spring.

Collar cams offer a bear's eye view into the lives of grizzlies

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – The life of one of the most remote grizzly bear populations in the world is being documented by the animals themselves, with collar cameras that provide a rare glimpse of how they survive on Alaska’s rugged and desolate North Slope.

Why some dog owners share music with their 4-legged friends

People use music to set moods, create a desired atmosphere and evoke memories of family and friends. The right song at the right time can have similar effects for some dogs. Pet owners, trainers and animal shelter workers sometimes use music as a training tool, a distraction from triggers and to create a relaxing environment for dogs kept in kennels or left alone at home.

Ethiopia declares the end of its first Marburg virus outbreak

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) – Ethiopia on Monday declared the end of its first outbreak of Marburg virus after completing the mandatory 42 days with no new confirmed cases. A total of 14 cases, including nine deaths and five who recovered, were confirmed in the southern region bordering South Sudan since Nov. 14, 2025.

India says it has contained Nipah virus outbreak

NEW DELHI (AP) – Indian authorities said they had contained a Nipah virus outbreak after confirming two cases in the eastern state of West Bengal, as several Asian countries tightened health screenings and airport surveillance for travelers arriving from India.

Trump announces 15 new drugs for Medicare price negotiation program

NEW YORK (AP) – Drugs that treat Type 2 diabetes, HIV and arthritis are among 15 new medications chosen for a Medicare drug price negotiation program that allows the federal government to haggle directly with drug manufacturers, the Trump administration said Tuesday.

Eating snow cones or snow cream can be a winter delight, if done safely

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Take two snowballs and call me in the morning? Dr. Sarah Crockett, who specializes in emergency and wilderness medicine, doesn’t explicitly tell her patients at New Hampshire’s Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center to swallow snow, but she often prescribes more time outside.

Senegal's aquagym classes offer hope and healing

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) – The sun has not yet risen in Senegal’s capital, Dakar, but about 100 people in swimsuits and life jackets already crowd a section of beach, ready for aquagym class.

What to know about breast self-awareness and how it fits into cancer prevention

NEW YORK (AP) – What does it mean to have breast self-awareness?  It’s a more general, flexible approach to breast cancer prevention that involves staying familiar with how your breasts look and feel. It goes along with other early detection measures like getting regular mammograms. Doctors suggest breast self-awareness as an alternative to self-exams.