Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has announced her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and stated that she may occasionally be absent from Congress for treatment. Despite this, she remains committed to working on critical legislation with House leaders. Jackson Lee has represented Texas' 18th District for 30 years and recently won a primary election to regain her seat.
UK lawmakers have backed a landmark bill aimed at gradually phasing out smoking, making it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born after January 1, 2009. The bill also includes measures to crack down on youth vaping and aims to create the first smoke-free generation in modern Britain. Despite opposition from some members of the Conservative Party, the bill passed its first hurdle in Parliament and is set to implement the phased changes, raising the legal age of sale for cigarettes each year until it becomes illegal for the entire population.
The British government's proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill, aimed at creating the first "smoke-free generation" by banning the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after 2008, has passed its first parliamentary hurdle despite opposition from within Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party. The bill also includes measures to crack down on youth vaping. While praised by health experts and the opposition Labour Party, some Conservative lawmakers criticized the proposals as "unconservative," arguing that it limits personal freedoms and risks creating a black market. If passed, the bill will gradually raise the legal age of sale for cigarettes until it becomes illegal for the entire population, with the aim of implementation by 2027.
Argentina is battling a severe dengue outbreak, with a 2,153% increase in cases and 47 deaths reported in the first eight weeks of 2024. The outbreak is exacerbated by record temperatures and overcrowded hospitals, particularly affecting vulnerable populations living in densely populated areas. The government's decision not to include the dengue vaccine in the country's vaccination schedule has sparked criticism, with environmentalists and experts expressing concerns about the lack of public policies to combat dengue and shortage of mosquito repellents. The far-right government's stance on the climate crisis and environmental matters has raised suspicions of vaccine denialism, as it downgraded the environment ministry and reduced the health ministry's budget.
The Arizona and Florida Supreme Court rulings are set to significantly impact abortion access, with millions of women facing increased travel distances of over 200 miles to obtain abortions. Florida's ban on abortions after six weeks gestation and Arizona's complete ban except in life-threatening situations will force residents to travel long distances to neighboring states. While the number of abortions has been declining in Arizona, it has been rising in Florida, partly due to out-of-state travel. Telehealth and out-of-state travel remain options for some, but many will face substantial barriers to obtaining abortions. Both states are facing upcoming ballot measures related to abortion access.
President Joe Biden faces criticism from MAGA supporters for a measles outbreak in Chicago largely spread by migrants, with 57 confirmed cases linked to the city's largest migrant shelter. The outbreak has reignited debate over immigration policies, with Trump supporters using it as a talking point against the Biden administration's handling of the southern border. The situation has also raised concerns about the resurgence of diseases like measles and tuberculosis in various states, prompting efforts to prevent further spread and ensure vaccination among affected populations.
Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez accuses Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration of covering up a public health crisis in city-run migrant shelters, alleging the existence of measles and tuberculosis cases that have been concealed for months. Despite city health officials confirming "a small number" of tuberculosis cases, specific details and shelter locations have not been disclosed. Lopez claims that the city has downplayed the severity of the situation and delayed public disclosure, while also expressing concerns about the potential for increased illness cases as the city consolidates shelters. The issue has escalated since nearly 2,000 migrants were sent to local police precincts due to health ailments, prompting a CDC investigation into the measles outbreak.
Pregnant women in Florida are experiencing confusion and distress after the state's Supreme Court upheld a law banning abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, leading to concerns about access to care and the impact on marginalized communities. The ruling has prompted fears about forced pregnancies and limited options for those unable to travel to other states for abortion services. However, a ballot measure in November could potentially overturn the ban, sparking political implications and mobilizing voters in the state.
Florida's upcoming six-week abortion ban is expected to have devastating consequences for women in the Southeast, as it will prohibit abortions at six-weeks gestation, before most women know they are pregnant. Pro-abortion groups are concerned about the impact on women in the region, especially those traveling from neighboring states with severe restrictions. The ban is set to go into effect on May 1, and pro-abortion activists are hopeful that a November ballot question in Florida could help restore abortion access in the state.
Florida's stricter ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy is expected to drive more women to seek abortions in other states, putting pressure on clinics like the Bristol Women’s Health Center in Virginia. The ban, upheld by the Florida Supreme Court, will force many women to travel long distances and incur higher costs for abortion care. The impact will extend beyond Florida, affecting neighboring states and potentially leading to legal challenges regarding medication abortion. Planned Parenthood centers in Florida are implementing measures to help women access abortion care, but the ban is expected to have a devastating impact on public health systems.
Rep. Lauren Boebert was hospitalized in Colorado after experiencing severe leg swelling and was diagnosed with May-Thurner Syndrome, undergoing successful surgery to remove a blood clot and insert a stent. She is expected to make a full recovery and expressed gratitude to the medical team. May-Thurner Syndrome is not particularly dangerous on its own, but can lead to life-threatening complications if a blood clot travels to the lungs. Boebert represents Colorado's 3rd Congressional District and is seeking the Congressional seat in the 4th district.
Arizona congressman Raúl Grijalva, 76, has been diagnosed with cancer but plans to continue working while undergoing treatment. He expressed confidence in his medical team's treatment plan and is determined to fight the cancer. The specific type of cancer has not been disclosed. Grijalva's office stated that his illness will not affect his ability to perform his duties as a congressman, and his district office remains open to serve constituents.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will undergo hernia surgery on Sunday, his second such procedure since 2013, while also dealing with the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The 74-year-old leader, who was fitted with a pacemaker last year, assured reporters that he will return to action quickly. Netanyahu's popularity has declined amid the conflict and a judicial crisis, with protests against his government's handling of the situation. Justice Minister Yariv Levin will stand in for Netanyahu during the surgery.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will undergo surgery for a hernia on Sunday, less than a year after being fitted with a pacemaker. The 74-year-old leader's office stated that the surgery will take place while he is under general anaesthetic, and he is expected to hold a news conference before the procedure. Netanyahu's popularity has declined amid a war against Hamas in Gaza and ongoing domestic crises, including protests and his corruption trial. Justice Minister Yariv Levin will stand in for Netanyahu during the operation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will undergo hernia surgery under full anesthesia on Sunday night after being diagnosed during a routine checkup. The operation will be performed at a hospital, and Netanyahu will be unconscious during the procedure. Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin will act as the prime minister during this time. Netanyahu's health has been a topic of concern, as he underwent surgery last year to have a pacemaker implanted. Tensions between the U.S. and Israel have been growing, with Netanyahu canceling a delegation's trip to Washington after the Biden administration did not veto a U.N. resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza.