INSIDER
Sand and dust storms affect about 330 million people in over 150 countries, UN agency says
Read full article: Sand and dust storms affect about 330 million people in over 150 countries, UN agency saysSand and dust storms affect about 330 million people in over 150 countries and are taking an increasing toll on health, economies and the environment.
Trump administration sues California over egg prices and blames animal welfare laws
Read full article: Trump administration sues California over egg prices and blames animal welfare lawsThe Trump administration is suing California over its animal welfare laws, claiming they unconstitutionally raised egg prices.
'The Salt Path:' A book that captured the hearts of millions, but now mired in controversy
Read full article: 'The Salt Path:' A book that captured the hearts of millions, but now mired in controversy“The Salt Path” is a memoir of resilience and courage that captured the hearts of millions and which was subsequently adapted for the big screen with actors Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs taking the lead roles.
Head Start will be cut off for immigrants without legal status, Trump administration says
Read full article: Head Start will be cut off for immigrants without legal status, Trump administration saysThe Trump administration says it will restrict immigrants in the country illegally from enrolling in Head Start, a federally funded preschool program.
CDC finds nearly 1 in 3 US youth have prediabetes, but experts question scant data
Read full article: CDC finds nearly 1 in 3 US youth have prediabetes, but experts question scant dataA new federal estimate shows that nearly 1 in 3 U.S. adolescents had prediabetes in 2023, far higher than a previous estimate of 1 in 5.
Here are some things you can do to be better prepared for major flooding
Read full article: Here are some things you can do to be better prepared for major floodingCatastrophic floods often bring with them loss of power, cuts to key emergency communications and sudden hazardous situations that leave victims with only minutes or seconds to seek higher ground and stay safe.
The UN warns millions will die by 2029 if US funding for HIV programs isn't replaced
Read full article: The UN warns millions will die by 2029 if US funding for HIV programs isn't replacedA new report by the U.N. AIDS agency says the sudden withdrawal of U.S. funding has caused a “systemic shock” to the global effort against AIDS and HIV.
Senate committee advances Susan Monarez to be Trump's CDC director
Read full article: Senate committee advances Susan Monarez to be Trump's CDC directorA U.S. Senate committee has approved Susan Monarez to be President Donald Trump’s director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Biden's former doctor refuses to answer questions in House Republican probe
Read full article: Biden's former doctor refuses to answer questions in House Republican probePresident Joe Biden’s White House physician is refusing to answer questions as part of the House Republican investigation into Biden’s health in office.
Focus on first responders' mental health grows as death toll rises in flood-ravaged Texas
Read full article: Focus on first responders' mental health grows as death toll rises in flood-ravaged TexasThe psychological toll of recovering the bodies of flood victims in Texas is drawing increased attention as the death toll grows.
Burning of fossil fuels caused 1,500 deaths in recent European heat wave, study estimates
Read full article: Burning of fossil fuels caused 1,500 deaths in recent European heat wave, study estimatesScientists have linked last week’s European heat wave to human-caused climate change and estimate that climate change was responsible for 1,500 deaths.
The biggest gender-affirming care center for trans kids in the US is closing, prompting protests
Read full article: The biggest gender-affirming care center for trans kids in the US is closing, prompting protestsProtesters are rallying against the closure of a major gender-affirming care center for kids and teenagers at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Trump administration pulls back on plans to rewrite Biden-era asbestos ban
Read full article: Trump administration pulls back on plans to rewrite Biden-era asbestos banThe Trump administration is dropping plans to allow continued use of the last type of asbestos legally allowed in U.S. manufacturing after an outcry from asbestos opponents.
The first drug to treat infants sick with malaria is approved by Swiss authority
Read full article: The first drug to treat infants sick with malaria is approved by Swiss authoritySwitzerland’s medical products authority has granted the first approval for a malaria medicine designed for small infants.
Wisconsin Supreme Court clears the way for a conversion therapy ban to be made permanent
Read full article: Wisconsin Supreme Court clears the way for a conversion therapy ban to be made permanentThe Wisconsin Supreme Court has cleared the way for the state to permanently enact a ban on conversion therapy.
US adults want the government to focus on child care costs, not birth rates, AP-NORC poll finds
Read full article: US adults want the government to focus on child care costs, not birth rates, AP-NORC poll findsA new AP-NORC poll finds most Americans do not want the government to focus on increasing birth rates, despite efforts by the Trump administration to make this a priority.
LIST: Here are mental health resources offered to those impacted by the Central Texas floods
Read full article: LIST: Here are mental health resources offered to those impacted by the Central Texas floodsIn the aftermath of the devastating floods in Central Texas, several companies are reaching out to offer free mental health services to the impacted communities.
Doctors and public health organizations sue Kennedy over vaccine policy change
Read full article: Doctors and public health organizations sue Kennedy over vaccine policy changeDoctors groups and public health organizations are suing the U.S. government over the decision to stop recommending COVID-19 vaccinations for most children and pregnant women.
American kids have become increasingly unhealthy over nearly two decades, new study finds
Read full article: American kids have become increasingly unhealthy over nearly two decades, new study findsA new study shows that the health of U.S. children has deteriorated over the past 17 years, with kids today more likely to experience obesity, chronic diseases and other problems.
Key risks, precautions to keep families, children safe during Fourth of July celebrations
Read full article: Key risks, precautions to keep families, children safe during Fourth of July celebrations🎆🤕❌ KPRC 2 wants everyone to have fun during the Fourth of July celebrations, but we cannot stress the important safety warnings enough to keep families safe during this holiday weekend.
Texas braces for impact of Medicaid funding cuts and new rules
Read full article: Texas braces for impact of Medicaid funding cuts and new rulesIn Texas, Medicaid covers a third of all children, half of all pregnant women, the elderly in long-term care, and the disabled. Critics say new requirements in the bill will disrupt lives, while supporters argue it will prevent people from scamming the system.
Rural hospitals brace for financial hits or even closure under Republicans' $1 trillion Medicaid cut
Read full article: Rural hospitals brace for financial hits or even closure under Republicans' $1 trillion Medicaid cutStates and rural health advocacy groups are sounding the alarm that Congress’ slashing of Medicaid will devastate already financially fragile rural hospitals.
Foreign medical residents fill critical positions at US hospitals, but are running into visa issues
Read full article: Foreign medical residents fill critical positions at US hospitals, but are running into visa issuesSome hospitals in the U.S. are without essential staff because international medical residents set to start their training this week were delayed by the Trump administration’s travel and visa restrictions.
EPA puts on leave 139 employees who spoke out against policies under Trump
Read full article: EPA puts on leave 139 employees who spoke out against policies under TrumpThe Environmental Protection Agency has placed on administrative leave 139 employees who signed a so-called “declaration of dissent” against the federal agency's policies.
Latin America’s top human rights court says states have duty to act on climate crisis
Read full article: Latin America’s top human rights court says states have duty to act on climate crisisLatin America's top human rights court has issued a groundbreaking advisory opinion linking states’ human rights obligations to their duty to address climate change.
North Carolina governor vetoes anti-DEI and transgender rights bills, calling them 'mean-spirited'
Read full article: North Carolina governor vetoes anti-DEI and transgender rights bills, calling them 'mean-spirited'North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has vetoed three anti-DEI bills and another targeting transgender rights.
Supreme Court rejects Montana's bid to revive parental consent law for minors' abortions
Read full article: Supreme Court rejects Montana's bid to revive parental consent law for minors' abortionsThe Supreme Court won't hear a case involving a push to revive a law that minors must have their parents’ permission for an abortion in Montana.
The House gives final approval to Trump's big tax bill in a milestone for his second-term agenda
Read full article: The House gives final approval to Trump's big tax bill in a milestone for his second-term agendaHouse Republicans have propelled President Donald Trump’s multitrillion-dollar tax breaks and spending cuts bill to final congressional passage.
FDA vaccine official restricted COVID vaccine approvals against the advice of agency staff
Read full article: FDA vaccine official restricted COVID vaccine approvals against the advice of agency staffA top official at the Food and Drug Administration recently overruled government scientists on the availability of two COVID-19 vaccines.
Cy-Fair ISD reverses decision after mother fights to keep school nurse for medically fragile son
Read full article: Cy-Fair ISD reverses decision after mother fights to keep school nurse for medically fragile sonIt was the last day of school—May 29—when someone from Cy-Fair ISD told her that her 11-year-old son Liam would no longer have a one-on-one nurse at school. The decision shocked her.
Nearly 368,000 pounds of Oscar Mayer turkey bacon recalled over possible listeria contamination
Read full article: Nearly 368,000 pounds of Oscar Mayer turkey bacon recalled over possible listeria contaminationThe maker of Oscar Mayer turkey bacon is recalling nearly 368,000 pounds of the product because it may be contaminated with listeria bacteria.
How an empty North Carolina rural hospital explains a GOP senator's vote against Trump's tax bill
Read full article: How an empty North Carolina rural hospital explains a GOP senator's vote against Trump's tax billAn empty hospital in Williamston, North Carolina, offers an evocative illustration of why Republican Sen. Thom Tillis would buck his party and its leaders to vote down President Trump’s signature domestic policy package.
Wegovy and Zepbound prices fall, but access to the obesity drugs still isn’t guaranteed
Read full article: Wegovy and Zepbound prices fall, but access to the obesity drugs still isn’t guaranteedPrices are falling for the popular obesity treatments Wegovy and Zepbound, but steady access to the drugs remains challenging.
Here's how millions of people could lose health insurance if Trump's tax bill becomes law
Read full article: Here's how millions of people could lose health insurance if Trump's tax bill becomes lawRoughly 11.8 million adults and kids will be at risk for losing health insurance if Republicans’ domestic policy package becomes a law.
House GOP struggles to win over holdouts on Trump's tax bill in late-night session
Read full article: House GOP struggles to win over holdouts on Trump's tax bill in late-night sessionHouse Republicans strained through a day of starts and stops trying to advance President Donald Trump’s tax and spending cuts package.
20 states sue after the Trump administration releases private Medicaid data to deportation officials
Read full article: 20 states sue after the Trump administration releases private Medicaid data to deportation officialsThe Trump administration has violated federal privacy laws when it turned over Medicaid data on millions of enrollees to federal deportation officials last month, says California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Mayors, doctor groups sue over Trump's efforts to restrict Obamacare enrollment
Read full article: Mayors, doctor groups sue over Trump's efforts to restrict Obamacare enrollmentNew Trump administration rules that give millions of people less time to sign up for the Affordable Care Act’s coverage, and bar some immigrants from buying the health care coverage, are facing a legal challenge from Democratic mayors.
Luxurious postpartum retreat, Ruby Postnatal Resort, for new moms opens in Houston
Read full article: Luxurious postpartum retreat, Ruby Postnatal Resort, for new moms opens in HoustonOne of the first postpartum retreats in the United States has opened in Houston, offering new mothers a dedicated space to recover physically and emotionally after childbirth.
3 leaders at English hospital where a nurse was convicted of murdering babies are arrested
Read full article: 3 leaders at English hospital where a nurse was convicted of murdering babies are arrestedThree senior leaders at the English hospital where nurse Lucy Letby was convicted of murdering babies have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Supreme Court throws out appellate rulings in favor of transgender people in 4 states
Read full article: Supreme Court throws out appellate rulings in favor of transgender people in 4 statesThe Supreme Court has thrown out appellate rulings in favor of transgender people in four states following the justices’ recent decision upholding a Tennessee ban on certain medical treatment for transgender youths.
EPA employees put names to 'declaration of dissent' over agency moves under Trump
Read full article: EPA employees put names to 'declaration of dissent' over agency moves under TrumpA group of Environmental Protection Agency employees has published a declaration of dissent to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin over the agency's leadership and policies.
This Ukrainian woman beat cancer. But her fight to free her captive husband isn’t over
Read full article: This Ukrainian woman beat cancer. But her fight to free her captive husband isn’t overA Ukrainian woman, Olha Kurtmalaieva, has endured cancer and war while fighting to bring her husband home from Russian captivity.
Severe heat wave hits southern Europe and raises wildfire risks
Read full article: Severe heat wave hits southern Europe and raises wildfire risksMajor heat waves have pushed temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius or 104 degrees Fahrenheit in southern European countries including Italy, Spain and Greece.
NYC, San Francisco and other US cities cap LGBTQ+ Pride month with a mix of party and protest
Read full article: NYC, San Francisco and other US cities cap LGBTQ+ Pride month with a mix of party and protestThe monthlong celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride has reached its crescendo as New York and other major cities around the world hosted major parades and marches.
Takeaways from interviews with families forever changed by diseases that vaccines can prevent
Read full article: Takeaways from interviews with families forever changed by diseases that vaccines can preventIn the time before widespread vaccination, young children often lost their lives to devastating infectious diseases that ran rampant in America.
Many forget the damage done by diseases like whooping cough, measles and rubella. Not these families
Read full article: Many forget the damage done by diseases like whooping cough, measles and rubella. Not these familiesIn the time before widespread vaccination, young children often lost their lives to devastating infectious diseases that ran rampant in America.
California Legislature closes $12B deficit by cutting back immigrants' access to health care
Read full article: California Legislature closes $12B deficit by cutting back immigrants' access to health careThe California Legislature has approved a budget that pares back a number of progressive priorities to close a $12 billion deficit.
Celebrate safely: Preventing indoor air pollution from July Fourth fireworks
Read full article: Celebrate safely: Preventing indoor air pollution from July Fourth fireworksDuring the Fourth of July, we are often mesmerized by fireworks lighting up the sky, but we don’t always pay attention to the aftermath. While we’re frequently warned about firework safety to prevent injuries, many people don’t realize the health impacts of the smoke.
Supreme Court preserves key part of Obamacare coverage requirements
Read full article: Supreme Court preserves key part of Obamacare coverage requirementsThe Supreme Court has preserved a key part of the Affordable Care Act’s preventive health care coverage requirements, rejecting a challenge from Christian employers to the provision that affects 150 million Americans.
Thailand starts banning the sale of cannabis without a prescription
Read full article: Thailand starts banning the sale of cannabis without a prescriptionThailand has started banning the sale of cannabis to those without a prescription, three years after becoming the first country in Asia to decriminalize the plant.
Philadelphia's schools accused of failing to properly inspect asbestos in buildings
Read full article: Philadelphia's schools accused of failing to properly inspect asbestos in buildingsPhiladelphia’s public schools are facing federal criminal allegations of failing to properly inspect eight schools for damaged asbestos.
Oklahoma seeks to exclude soda, candy from food stamp purchases
Read full article: Oklahoma seeks to exclude soda, candy from food stamp purchasesOklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt says the state is seeking federal permission to exclude soft drinks and candy from the list of items that can be purchased with food stamps.
States can block Medicaid money for health care at Planned Parenthood, the Supreme Court says
Read full article: States can block Medicaid money for health care at Planned Parenthood, the Supreme Court saysThe Supreme Court says states can block the country’s biggest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, from receiving Medicaid money for health services such as contraception and cancer screenings.
Key Medicaid provision in Trump's bill is found to violate Senate rules. The GOP is scrambling
Read full article: Key Medicaid provision in Trump's bill is found to violate Senate rules. The GOP is scramblingThe Senate parliamentarian has advised that a Medicaid provider tax overhaul central to President Donald Trump's tax cut and spending bill doesn't adhere to procedural rules.
Thimerosal: What to know about the vaccine preservative from a bygone flu-shot debate
Read full article: Thimerosal: What to know about the vaccine preservative from a bygone flu-shot debateThe Trump administration's vaccine advisers have brought up an old flu-shot debate: Whether it's time to wipe out the last small fraction of those vaccines that contain a controversial preservative.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, in ESPN interview, says league taking serious look at Achilles tears
Read full article: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, in ESPN interview, says league taking serious look at Achilles tearsThe NBA had already convened a panel of experts to study Achilles tendon injuries even before Indiana star Tyrese Haliburton ruptured his in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Commissioner Adam Silver said Wednesday night.
CDC nominee Susan Monarez sidesteps questions about disagreements with RFK in Senate hearing
Read full article: CDC nominee Susan Monarez sidesteps questions about disagreements with RFK in Senate hearingCDC nominee Susan Monarez says she values vaccines and rigorous scientific evidence but has largely sidestepped questions about widespread cuts to the agency and whether she disagreed with any of Health Secretary Robert F.
Doctors and moms say these babies in Gaza may die without more formula. They blame Israel's blockade
Read full article: Doctors and moms say these babies in Gaza may die without more formula. They blame Israel's blockadeThe Gaza Health Ministry says hundreds of premature babies are at risk of death from starvation across the war-battered Gaza Strip.
Thailand banning cannabis sales without a prescription 3 years after decriminalization
Read full article: Thailand banning cannabis sales without a prescription 3 years after decriminalizationThailand’s government is further restricting cannabis with a ban on sales of the plant to those without prescriptions.
Know your status: HIV rates climb in Houston and Harris County as testing day nears
Read full article: Know your status: HIV rates climb in Houston and Harris County as testing day nearsThe rates of new HIV infections in Houston and Harris County are higher than the national average. National HIV Testing Day is Friday, June 27th and it's a great reminder to get tested and know your status. Most doctors don't automatically test patients for HIV so ask for a test at your next exam. You can also connect with community organizations like Legacy Community Health and the Montrose Center where you can access free and/or low-cost testing and treatment options. Walgreens is also offering free testing at a dozen sites in the Houston area on National HIV Testing Day -- Friday, June 27th. Watch the full interview with Houston Life to find out more about the latest statistics, how to protect yourself, and how we can all work together to end the HIV epidemic.
Global vaccination efforts stall, leaving millions of children vulnerable to preventable diseases
Read full article: Global vaccination efforts stall, leaving millions of children vulnerable to preventable diseasesGlobal efforts to protect children against diseases including measles, polio and tuberculosis have stalled since 2010, leaving millions vulnerable to deadly infections.
Louisiana files lawsuits alleging pharmaceutical giant CVS deceived customers in text messages
Read full article: Louisiana files lawsuits alleging pharmaceutical giant CVS deceived customers in text messagesLouisiana accused pharmaceutical giant CVS of using its dominant market position to abuse customer information, drive up drug costs and unfairly undermine independent pharmacies.
A West Virginia parent sues seeking a religious exemption from required school vaccinations
Read full article: A West Virginia parent sues seeking a religious exemption from required school vaccinationsA West Virginia woman has filed a lawsuit seeking a religious exemption from required school vaccinations for her young child.
Exercising or playing sports in extreme heat can be extremely dangerous
Read full article: Exercising or playing sports in extreme heat can be extremely dangerousExtreme heat makes it especially hard for your body to cool down, so you need to be extra careful if you exercise or play sports when it’s baking outside.
Texas will put warning labels on some foods, but its additives list has inaccuracies
Read full article: Texas will put warning labels on some foods, but its additives list has inaccuraciesA Texas law promoting the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda requires first-ever warning labels on certain foods like chips and candies.
Wisconsin Supreme Court delivers win for environmentalists in fight over ‘forever chemicals’
Read full article: Wisconsin Supreme Court delivers win for environmentalists in fight over ‘forever chemicals’The Wisconsin Supreme Court has delivered a victory for environmentalists in the battle over the regulation of “forever chemicals” known as PFAS.
Early-season heat dome brings highest temperatures in years to parts of Eastern US
Read full article: Early-season heat dome brings highest temperatures in years to parts of Eastern USAn intense and nearly historic weather pattern is cooking much of America in a dangerous heat dome this week with triple-digit heat that hasn’t been seen in some places in more than a decade.
Houston doctor gives cancer patients a second chance at life
Read full article: Houston doctor gives cancer patients a second chance at lifeFor more than 55 years, a Houston doctor has dedicated his life to cancer medicine, developing a groundbreaking treatment known as ICTriplex. Today Dr. Salem and his team at the Salem Oncology Center offer those fighting cancer renewed hope and a real chance at remission.