Chad Chronister, President-elect Trump's nominee for the DEA, has withdrawn his candidacy following criticism from conservatives over his enforcement of COVID lockdowns as a Tampa-area sheriff. Chronister cited his commitment to ongoing initiatives in Hillsborough County as a reason for his withdrawal. His nomination was initially praised for his efforts against the fentanyl crisis, a major issue for the incoming administration. The Trump team has not commented on the withdrawal.
A comprehensive academic study found that teenage boys' mental health was more adversely affected by Covid lockdowns than girls, with their mental state failing to recover despite the return to normality. The research followed a cohort of about 200 children aged 11-14, showing an immediate decline in mental health for both sexes, but boys did not experience the natural improvement in mental wellbeing that usually comes with maturation. Experts believe the disruption to their lives at a crucial point in adolescent development, including isolation from peers and disrupted integration into new social groups, contributed to this impact.
A Gallup study has revealed that Americans are experiencing increased rates of obesity and depression due to the COVID lockdowns. The study found that eating habits have deteriorated significantly, leading to weight gain. Data from the CDC also shows a rise in obesity rates across states. Additionally, the poll found that nearly 1 in 5 Americans are battling post-pandemic depression. The impact of the lockdowns on physical and mental health is evident, highlighting the toll of the pandemic on the well-being of the population.
Radio host Howard Stern expresses his concerns about the threat of a new Covid wave and his paranoia about contracting the virus. He reveals that he might stay home and lock himself down again, while his wife has plans to travel. Stern's fear of germs and Covid has kept him mostly isolated for the past three years, and he doesn't plan to return to his studio anytime soon.
