J. K. Rowling plans new book series for adults

J. K. Rowling, well-known author of the famous “Harry Potter” book series, announced a new endeavor targeted at adult readers. Rowling now has an agreement with Little, Brown, which is located in both in the U.S. and Britain, to launch a new series of novels for adults. No information is currently known about the title, release date, or plot.

The final book of the Harry Potter series was released in 2007. According to NBC’s Today Show, the seven-book series has sold over 450 million copies and has been translated into 67 languages. It is the best-selling book series of all time, and the eight movies that derived comprise the highest grossing film franchise in history.

The owner of Little, Brown did not say whether Rowling has been paid in advance for the book. Little, Brown is the publisher that made another popular series, “Twilight,” possible.

When asked about the new book, Rowling said in a Today Show interview on Feb. 23, “Although I’ve enjoyed writing it every bit as much, my next book will be very different to the Harry Potter series, which has been published so brilliantly by Bloomsbury and my other publishers around the world. The freedom to explore new territory is a gift that Harry’s success has brought me, and with that new territory it seemed a logical progression to have a new publisher. I am delighted to have a second publishing home in Little, Brown, and a publishing team that will be a great partner in this new phase of my writing life.”

Nelson Mandela recovers from medical procedure

Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa, had a diagnostic procedure this past week prompted by abdominal pain that he had experienced for quite some time. He was released from the hospital on Sunday, Feb. 26.

Mandela, now 93 years old, was reported to be comfortable and fully conscious according to BBC News Africa. However, his health has been in decline, leading to fewer public appearances. Many people are concerned about Mandela’s recent procedure and overall health. As South Africa’s first black president, he holds a special place in the hearts of many worldwide.

A statement from South Africa president Jacob Zuma’s office said, “The doctors are satisfied with [Mandela’s] condition, which they say is consistent with his age. He was in good health before his admission in the hospital, but the doctors felt the complaint needed a thorough investigation.” Information is not known as to what hospital Mandela was admitted.

MetroHealth Medical Center plans new campus in Cleveland

Chief executive of MetroHealth Medical Center Mark Moran delivered the “State of the System” address on Thursday, Feb. 23. The resounding message of the address was MetroHealth, an academic health care system, needing to compete for its patients. A large part of Moran’s address was devoted to the company’s strategy for the future.

Though in his final few months as chief executive, Moran expressed excitement about the new plan, which includes building four new health centers, remodeling the current main campus, and attaining a federal waiver that will allow coverage for some uninsured patients.

His audience, which included over 100 employees, was told that MetroHealth had a long way to go before it would be attractive to patients. According to The Plain Dealer on Feb. 23, Moran’s goal was to be as competitive as possible in a market with many options for healthcare consumers. In fact, he stated that “An attractive main campus is going to attract more patients for us.”

In 2014, federal healthcare reform aims to provide coverage to the region’s uninsured and underinsured patients. In correlation with this provision, these patients will be given a choice of providers. MetroHealth wants to be ready for that choice. Moran spoke of MetroHealth’s strengths, such as its doctors and its patient care and satisfaction. He also mentioned MetroHealth’s electronic medical records system, which lets patients access their own online records.

In the past year, MetroHealth experienced a net loss of $2.7 million and laid off many staff members. The company managed to save $41.6 million to make this building and renovation plan a reality. MetroHealth also plans to use funds from the Build America Bonds to create a $23 million Middleburg Heights health center.