For the first time in decades, public health data shows a sharp drop in U.S. drug overdose deaths. But at the same time, numbers from the CDC show that fatal overdoses involving antidepressants have been on the rise for the past two decades. John Yang speaks with clinical psychologist and behavioral scientist Alison Athey for more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The official death toll from Hurricane Milton may not be telling the whole story. New research suggests that lasting damage from storms like Milton could result in thousands of additional deaths in future years, particularly among society's most vulnerable. John Yang speaks with Washington Post climate reporter Sarah Kaplan for more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Officials at Tufts University are investigating an athletic team workout that resulted in nine lacrosse players being hospitalized. The incident has put a spotlight on rhabdomyolysis, a serious, somewhat rare and potentially fatal muscle condition that can be brought on by overexertion. Ali Rogin speaks with Dr. Miho Tanaka to learn more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

When a baby fusses or cries, exhausted parents may wish they could know what's going on inside their baby's brain. Now, scientists hope clues could come with the help of a wearable brain imaging device. The new technology can track cognitive functions and may one day help identify early signs of autism or ADHD. ITV News science correspondent Martin Stew reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Ozempic and Wegovy are some of the most popular drugs in the country, driven by their remarkable success in treating diabetes and obesity. But the drugs are extremely expensive, and the drugmaker's CEO appeared on Capitol Hill Tuesday to face questions about why those prices are so high. William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

For many parents, feeding their infant or toddler healthy foods is a priority. But a recent study found that nearly two-thirds of baby foods sold in U.S. grocery stores don't meet nutrition guidelines set by the World Health Organization. Pediatric nutritionist and dietitian Jill Castle joins Ali Rogin to discuss what parents need to know to ensure they are giving their children a balanced diet. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

We're learning more about the effects of abortion restrictions enacted after the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade. ProPublica found at least two women in Georgia who died after being unable to get either a legal abortion or timely medical care. Committees examining pregnancy-related deaths concluded that both were preventable. John Yang discussed more with ProPublica's Kavitha Surana. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

About 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. That's one reason doctors recommend women get yearly mammograms beginning at age 45, but for some women, mammograms won't detect their cancer. A new FDA requirement could lead to more breast cancer cases being identified, saving lives. JoAnn Pushkin, executive director of DenseBreast-info.org, joins Ali Rogin to discuss. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The CEO of the nation's largest private for-profit hospital chain is under fire for ignoring a subpoena to testify before the Senate. The hearing examined the financial collapse of Steward Health Care, a group created by a private equity firm that generated huge fortunes for investors and its CEO, but left patients in dangerous conditions. William Brangham discussed more with Mark Arsenault. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

There has been a flood of state laws restricting abortion since the Supreme Court said access to the procedure was no longer a constitutional right. Those laws are affecting how medical residents in obstetrics and gynecology are trained in performing abortions and in counseling patients about their reproductive choices. Ali Rogin speaks with Dr. Sarah Osmundson to learn more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Many studies have shown that the burden of air pollution in the United States disproportionately falls on racial minorities, especially Black Americans. In August, a federal judge barred the EPA and DOJ from using part of the Civil Rights Act to investigate how Louisiana regulates industrial plants. John Yang speaks with Beverly Wright of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice for more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The Democratic Republic of Congo received its first delivery of mpox vaccines. It comes nearly a month after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Mpox has infected an estimated 18,000 people and killed more than 600 in the DRC alone. William Brangham discussed the outbreak and response with Lawrence Gostin of Georgetown University. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

As summer temperatures have soared across the nation, so have electric bills as air conditioners work overtime. Every year, nearly 3 million American households have their electricity shut off because of unpaid bills. We hear from people dealing with this issue and John Yang speaks with Sanya Carley, professor of energy policy and city planning at the University of Pennsylvania, to learn more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Climate change is making extreme weather events like wildfires, floods and hurricanes more frequent and severe. Scientists now say that carbon monoxide poisonings are on the rise amid widespread power outages following those events. ProPublica's Lexi Churchill joins Ali Rogin to discuss her recent reporting on this issue. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Parts of New England are on high alert after health officials in New Hampshire confirmed the first death from the rare, mosquito-borne virus known as eastern equine encephalitis. Another illness transmitted by mosquitoes, West Nile Virus, paralyzed a teenager in Missouri and hospitalized Dr. Anthony Fauci. Geoff Bennett discussed the risks with Dr. Peter Hotez of Baylor College of Medicine. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

As most parents will attest, raising children can be challenging. But today, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory, saying it's even more difficult now and it's time to recognize the stress and mental health toll associated with parenting is a serious public health concern for the country. Geoff Bennett spoke with Dr. Murthy about his concerns and recommendations. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Millions of Americans are priced out of homes and apartments. For people with disabilities, finding an accessible place they can afford can be even more challenging. Judy Woodruff reports on the affordable housing shortage for our series, Disability Reframed. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

According to a new study, the percentage of people who say they've tried to end a pregnancy outside of the medical system has gone up since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade two years ago. John Yang speaks with Shefali Luthra, reproductive health reporter for The 19th News, for more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The American Red Cross says there's an emergency shortage of blood for transfusions. In July, the national supply dropped by more than 25 percent. The Red Cross says the only solution is more blood donors. Jessa Merrill, director of biomedical communications at the Red Cross, joins John Yang to discuss. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

As new, highly contagious mutations are making this summer's COVID surge significantly bigger than expected, the FDA approved updated COVID vaccines on Friday. But funding runs out this month for a federal program providing free vaccines to uninsured and underinsured Americans. John Yang speaks with PBS News digital health reporter Laura Santhanam for more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

As summer winds down, much of the U.S. is seeing the biggest COVID wave in at least two years, and hundreds of people are still being killed by the virus every week. According to a CDC analysis of hospitalizations, 25 states have or likely have rising numbers of COVID infections. William Brangham speaks with Dr. Eric Topol about what's behind the uptick and how people can protect themselves. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Americans rely on the Food and Drug Administration to make sure that medical devices are safe. Reporting by KFF Health News has raised questions about how the FDA has dealt with some products, including a device that treats a heart condition with concerns surrounding its safety. Ali Rogin sits down with David Hilzenrath, senior Washington correspondent for KFF Health News. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

New federal minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes could eventually require facilities that are paid by Medicare to hire tens of thousands of nurses and aides. But, like many industries around the U.S., these facilities are grappling with staffing shortages. Ali Rogin sits down with Jordan Rau, senior correspondent at KFF Health News, for more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

While cancer deaths in the U.S. have decreased in recent years, experts say one group has seen an overall rise in cancer rates: younger Americans. William Brangham spoke with Karen Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society, to learn more about the shift in demographics and what can be done to address it. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

More than 2 million American middle and high school students now use e-cigarettes, also known as "vaping." A clinical trial found that teens enrolled in the "This is Quitting" anonymous text message program were 35 percent more likely to report quitting after seven months. To learn more about youth nicotine addiction, Stephanie Sy spoke with Amanda Graham, the principal investigator of the study. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

According to the CDC, more than 1 in 3 adults say they are not getting sufficient sleep. Now, new research suggests it's not just how much sleep you get, but what time you go to bed and wake up that matters. Laura Barrón-López speaks with Azizi Seixas, associate director at the Center for Translational Sleep and Circadian Sciences at the University of Miami, to learn more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

An ongoing shortage of pediatric specialists in areas like neurology and pulmonology has meant long waits or long drives for specialized care. Experts warn that missing early treatment and prevention of diseases can mean more problems and higher costs down the road. John Yang speaks with Dr. Sallie Permar to learn more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Scientists are uncovering the healing power of plants with help from an unlikely source: chimpanzees. For years, researchers at the University of Oxford have taken samples of plants favored by injured wild chimps to learn about their medicinal properties. Sangeeta Kandola of Independent Television News reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

A recent Senate investigation found that children in residential treatment facilities are sometimes subjected to abuse and neglect. We hear from people who lived in these facilities when they were younger, and Ali Rogin speaks with Sixto Cancel, founder and CEO of Think of Us, a nonprofit aimed at improving conditions for youth in the child welfare system, to learn more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Serious questions are rising over a new player in American health care: Amazon. In 2023, the online giant bought One Medical and its primary care clinics across the country. But leaked documents reported by The Washington Post show call center staff who lacked medical training put more than a dozen patients at risk. Lisa Desjardins speaks with Washington Post reporter Caroline O'Donovan for more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

More than 90 million Americans are under heat advisories this week. Many may not realize it but heat is the leading cause of weather-related death in the U.S. The triple-digit temperatures in the days ahead come as President Biden unveils long-awaited regulations designed to protect workers from excessive heat. Stephanie Sy discussed more with Hayley Smith of The Los Angeles Times. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

It's been more than two years since the Supreme Court ended the constitutional right to abortion. Since then, nearly two dozen states have banned or restricted access to the procedure and abortion pills. Special correspondent Sarah Varney traveled to Tennessee to report on the disproportionate impact abortion bans are having on Black women. It's part of our series, Race Matters. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Every year, about 1 million pregnancies in the U.S. end in a miscarriage. In as many as half those cases, doctors are at a loss to explain why, and experts say stigma and shame are hampering efforts to learn about what causes miscarriages. PBS News Hour's Courtney Norris reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Bowel cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, killing nearly 1 million people per year, and cases of colorectal cancer have been on the rise. But there are glimmers of hope after two studies found that using immunotherapy drugs before surgery dramatically increased the chance of curing bowel cancer in certain patients. John Yang speaks with Dr. Vikram Reddy to learn more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

A first-of-its-kind report from the American Cancer Society is shedding new light on cancer risks for LGBTQ+ people. It found that some LGBTQ+ populations are more likely to have cancer risk factors, less likely to be screened for certain types of cancer, and face barriers to high-quality health care. John Yang speaks with Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer for the ACS, to learn more. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

U.S. drinking water is among the world's safest and most reliable, but aging infrastructure across the country is posing challenges. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that there's a water main break every two minutes. Shannon Marquez, professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University, joins John Yang to discuss why these problems are so common. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Malaria is one of the world's deadliest diseases. Across Africa, it kills nearly half a million children younger than 5 each year. A new vaccine, only the second of its kind, holds the promise of saving thousands of lives and moving the world closer to eradicating malaria. Ali Rogin speaks with Andrew Jones, deputy director of immunization supplies for UNICEF, to learn more. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Smoke from wildfires hundreds of miles away is still a health threat, contributing to nearly 16,000 deaths a year, according to a recent National Bureau of Economic Research analysis. Laura Kate Bender, who leads the Healthy Air campaign for the American Lung Association, joins John Yang to discuss what makes wildfire smoke so hazardous and how people can protect themselves. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

A key FDA advisory committee rejected the use of a psychedelic drug to help patients struggling with PTSD, questioning its safety and effectiveness. The FDA must now decide whether it will follow suit and reject the use of what's known as MDMA. Some patients and researchers had long hoped the government would approve it. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The pace of COVID fatalities in the U.S. has slowed significantly, with the nation's death toll standing at more than 1 million people. With precautions like mandatory masking no longer in place, it can seem as if worries about the virus are gone as well. But for many people with disabilities, the threat is still very real. We hear from people in the disability community about their concerns. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

A new study adds to the evidence that girls in America are reaching puberty earlier with potentially troubling implications for their long-term health. More girls are getting their first periods sooner than previous generations and experiencing longer periods of menstrual irregularity. Amna Nawaz discussed more with Dr. Shruthi Mahalingaiah of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Tyson Foods is one of the world's biggest meat and poultry producers. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, it's also a major polluter in the United States. A new report from the group says Tyson plants dumped more than 371 million pounds of pollutants into U.S. waterways between 2018 and 2022. John Yang speaks with UCS research director Stacy Woods about the report's findings. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

As many as 476,000 people in the U.S. contract Lyme disease each year, according to the CDC. For most people, symptoms go away after two to four weeks of antibiotics, but five to 10 percent of patients have debilitating, long-term symptoms. To discuss, Ali Rogin is joined by Lindsay Keys, who's been battling the disease for years, all while advocating for more awareness and research. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Hospitalizations for COVID are at an all-time low four years after the start of the pandemic, but new variants are in circulation. Meanwhile, bird flu has been found in 36 dairy herds across nine states, though there has been only one confirmed human case so far in 2024. To find out how concerned we should be about all of this, John Yang speaks with epidemiologist Katelyn Jetelina. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

America's population is older than it's ever been, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. About 18 percent of Americans are at least 65 years old, a number that's projected to hit 28 percent in 30 years. And as that demographic grows, some of them are reimagining retirement. Ali Rogin reports for our series, "Rethinking Aging." PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

For former congressman Patrick J. Kennedy, advocating for mental health care is part of his family's legacy. His uncle, President John F. Kennedy, signed the bill that established the nation's community-based mental health care system. Ali Rogin sat down with Patrick Kennedy to discuss his new book, which details the mental health struggles and triumphs of everyday Americans. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In late April, the Biden administration issued new rules designed to keep prosecutors from obtaining medical records of patients who seek legal abortions. The expansion of HIPAA prohibits the disclosure of health information to state officials as part of a criminal investigation. Carmel Shachar, head of the Health Law and Policy Clinic at Harvard University, joins John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Data shows that cases of inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer are on the rise. At the same time, social media is inundated with ads and influencers touting products that promise to boost what's broadly called "gut health." How do we separate the facts from the fads? Dr. Shazia Siddique, an assistant professor of gastroenterology at the University of Pennsylvania, joins John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The near-total abortion ban that the Arizona Supreme Court revived this week dates back to 1864, a time when Arizona wasn't a state, slavery was legal and only white men could vote. Many GOP officeholders and candidates scrambled to distance themselves from the law. John Yang speaks with Republican strategist Barrett Marson for more about how party members are navigating the political fallout. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Since Medicaid was created 60 years ago, it's been expanded again and again. Now, it's the U.S. government's biggest public health insurance program. For our series "America's Safety Net," John Yang reports on efforts to expand it even further with a visit to Georgia, the only state with a work requirement for Medicaid coverage. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Currently, 1 in 6 Americans is older than 65, a number that's projected to rise to 1 in 4 by 2050. As older Americans' needs for medical care and other support grow, women bear the biggest part of the burden of caring for them. Ali Rogin speaks with some women about their experiences and author Emily Kenway about the often unseen costs of caregiving. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Medicaid is the nation's largest health insurance program, covering nearly 80 million people, or more than 1 in 5 Americans. For many people who have low incomes or a disability, or who are either very young or very old, it's a vital government program. John Yang reports from Georgia for our series, "America's Safety Net." PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Tuesday in a case challenging FDA rules that make it easier to get mifepristone, the medication that accounts for more than half of all U.S. abortions. John Yang speaks with legal historian Mary Ziegler about the role executive branch agencies can play in a post-Roe world and the potential consequences of the 2024 election for reproductive rights. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

According to KFF Health News, more than half a million babies are delivered each year in Catholic-run hospitals across the United States. In most cases, there are no complications, but during an emergency, patients can find themselves caught between accepted medical standards and these facilities' religious-based policies. KFF Health News correspondent Rachana Pradhan joins John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The all-Republican Alabama Supreme Court ruled in February that embryos created using in-vitro fertilization are legally children, a move that was hailed by many in the anti-abortion movement. John Yang speaks with Julie F. Kay, a human rights attorney who defends reproductive rights in cases globally, to learn more about a recent legislative push to give fetuses the legal rights of a person. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Mexico City, one of the world's most populous cities, could be just months away from running out of water. It's a crisis brought on by geography, growth and leaky infrastructure, all compounded by the effects of climate change. Journalist Emily Green joins John Yang to discuss the situation. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Crisis pregnancy centers provide counseling and other prenatal services from an anti-abortion perspective. Supporters say they help ensure that pregnant people know the risks of abortion, but abortion rights advocates say the information that they provide can have no scientific basis. The Guardian reporter Carter Sherman joins Ali Rogin to discuss the debate over federal aid for these facilities. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The end of pandemic-era protections has meant the end of Medicaid coverage for more than 17 million low-income Americans so far. Now, Florida is considering other changes to how it provides health insurance to children from low- to moderate-income families, expanding access for some and limiting it for others. KFF Health News correspondent Daniel Chang joins Ali Rogin to discuss what's happening. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Vaccines have been proven to be an effective weapon against many diseases. Measles, for instance, was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, and more recently, vaccines helped curb the spread of COVID. But both of those diseases are on the rise in 2024. PBS NewsHour digital health reporter Laura Santhanam joins John Yang to discuss why cases are climbing. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

According to the American Psychiatric Association's latest monthly poll, 1 in 3 Americans said they felt lonely at least once a week over the past year, with younger people more likely to report these feelings than other age groups. Edward Garcia, head of the nonprofit Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness, joins Ali Rogin to discuss the cause and how communities can work to combat it. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

For years, eating disorders were thought to predominantly affect women and girls. But it's estimated that 1 in 3 people with the condition is male, and that 10 million American boys and men will struggle with it at some point in their lives. John Yang speaks with Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician specializing in eating disorders at the University of California, San Francisco, to learn more. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Saturday, Alexei Navalny's mother is pressing for details of how the Russian opposition leader died in an Arctic penal colony, outnumbered Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from the devastated eastern city of Avdiivka, U.S. Secretary of State Blinken met with Israeli officials to discuss hostage negotiations, and the FDA approved a novel type of cancer treatment for melanoma. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The number of syphilis cases in the United States is the highest it's been since the 1950s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Philip Chan, chief medical officer for Open Door Health and an associate professor at Brown University, joins Ali Rogin to discuss what's behind the surge and what public health officials are doing about it. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Dr. Uché Blackstock has seen firsthand how medical racism shapes health care in America. She's dedicated her career to work at the intersection of medicine, health equity and systemic racism. Her new memoir, "Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine," details both historic health care inequities and her own family history. She joins John Yang to discuss her work and experiences. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The 2024 Australian Open was an example of a growing trend in women's professional sports: eight players in the tournament had returned to tennis after pausing their careers to have children. USA outdoor track champion and Olympic medalist Alysia Montaño, who heads &Mother, a nonprofit focused on removing systemic barriers to allow mothers to succeed in sports, joins Ali Rogin to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Heman Bekele spent the last year developing a bar of soap that could treat skin cancer. It was the winning entry at the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge, considered one of the top science and engineering competitions for fifth through eighth graders. For our Weekend Spotlight, John Yang speaks with Bekele about his work. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The effects of an Oct. 2023 recall of applesauce pouches with high concentrations of lead are widening, raising questions about how food reaches store shelves, who watches over it and how far that oversight extends. Helena Bottemiller Evich, founder and editor of Food Fix, a publication that focuses on food policy, joins Ali Rogin to discuss the unfolding recall and its impact. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

More than 50,000 Americans took their own lives in 2023, the nation's highest yearly rate of suicide on record. Farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, according to the National Rural Health Association. Special correspondent Megan Thompson reports from Wisconsin on the burden farmers often deal with and what's being done to help them. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The U.S. and other parts of the world are in the midst of another COVID-19 wave. Infections and hospitalizations are on the rise this winter and a new variant is responsible for most of those cases. John Yang discussed these current trends and if the approach to the virus needs to change with Dr. Eric Topol. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In 2021, a widely used breathing device manufactured by Philips was the subject of a safety recall. Now, new reporting shows that the replacement machines sent out to customers might also pose dangerous problems. Ali Rogin speaks with Debbie Cenziper, one of the leaders of the ProPublica and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette investigation, to learn about the latest developments. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The U.S. is experiencing another uptick in COVID infections after the holidays, with hospitalizations rising for the eighth week in a row. A new dominant variant, JN.1, has quickly spread to account for more than 60 percent of cases. John Yang speaks with epidemiologist Jessica Malaty Rivera to learn more about the surge and what it tells us about how we deal with COVID moving forward. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The number of Americans experiencing homelessness is now at its highest since records started being kept in 2007, according to estimates in a new report from the federal government. 2023 saw a 12 percent increase in homelessness over the previous year, the biggest one-year jump on record. John Yang speaks with Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, to learn why. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Many people try all sorts of things to have long and healthy lives, from complex diet plans to expensive supplements. But in the Netflix series "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones," bestselling author Dan Buettner says a lot of that is misguided. He traveled to places where people live much longer than average to figure out how they're doing it. John Yang speaks with Buettner about the series. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

A coroner's finding that actor Matthew Perry died from "acute effects" of ketamine is drawing new attention to the drug, a powerful anesthetic intended for use during surgery that has also become a popular treatment for chronic pain and mental health conditions. John Yang speaks with epidemiologist Dr. Caleb Alexander to learn more about a rise in ketamine prescriptions and its effects and risks. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

As we head into the winter holidays, John Yang speaks with epidemiologist Katelyn Jetelina about the current state of affairs with COVID, RSV and flu infections, lagging vaccination rates and how to stay healthy this season. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Sickle cell disease is a chronic, debilitating condition that affects nearly 100,000 Americans, most of them with African ancestry. Now, the FDA has approved a groundbreaking treatment for it that uses the gene-editing tool CRISPR. John Yang speaks with Yale School of Medicine assistant professor Dr. Cece Calhoun and New York Times reporter Gina Kolata to learn more. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

When arctic ground squirrels hibernate for the winter, they can lower their body temperatures to freezing levels and stay dormant for up to eight months. Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are studying how these animals survive on the edge of life and the clues they may hold to treating injuries and disease in humans. Alaska Public Media's Kavitha George reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

While the number of legal abortions has risen nationwide since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a recent report from a group that supports reproductive rights says there have been sharp declines in states that imposed new restrictions. PBS Wisconsin's Marisa Wojcik spoke with doctors in the state about the effect of those restrictions on their work and their patients. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

A decades-long Harvard study has concluded that good relationships and close friendships are the key to lifelong health and happiness. Ali Rogin speaks with Dr. Robert Waldinger, a clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the study's director, to learn more about his team's research and how people can nurture the relationships in their lives. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The food we eat affects us in many ways. A recent study from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School found a link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and an increase in the risk of depression. Ali Rogin speaks with Olivia Okereke, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School who worked on the study, to learn more. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Last year, the U.S. exported more than 950 million tons of plastic waste meant for recycling and a significant portion of that ended up in Southeast Asia. The region has been inundated with plastic scrap after China blocked all but the cleanest plastic waste imports in 2018. Special correspondent Fred de Sam Lazaro reports on how Thailand is dealing with the problem of plastic. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

For many people in the United States, mosquitoes are merely a summertime nuisance. But around the world, mosquitoes and the diseases they carry are a growing public health concern. Ali Rogin speaks with Stephanie Nolen, a global health reporter for The New York Times, to learn more. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

One in four health visits in the U.S. are now provided by non-physicians, as a growing number of nurse practitioners fill in critical health care gaps. But nurse practitioners say their work is hampered by outdated restrictions on providing care without physician supervision. Stephanie Sy reports from Ohio for our series, "Critical Care: The Future of Nursing." PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The federally funded President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief provides HIV prevention, treatment and education around the world. The program has seen broad bipartisan support on Capitol Hill for years, but now, a battle led by a small group of House Republicans is putting its future at risk. John Yang speaks with Jennifer Kates, director of global health and HIV policy at KFF, to learn more. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday over whether the government may bar people subject to domestic violence protective orders from owning a gun. According to research, women are five times more likely to die when a domestic abuser has access to a gun. Kelly Roskam, director of law and policy at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, joins John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

An estimated 15 percent of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from PTSD and depression. For some, it's the invisible wounds that take the greatest toll. A program at a farm in Connecticut is helping ease those struggles by connecting veterans with horses. Pamela Watts of Rhode Island PBS Weekly reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Data shows that interest in vasectomies as a form of birth control is on the rise after the Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to seek an abortion in 2022. To learn more, John Yang speaks with communities correspondent Gabrielle Hays, who talked with doctors and patients in Missouri about their experiences. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Shortages of over-the-counter drugs and prescription medications for ADHD, cancer and diabetes have been disrupting hospitals and pharmacies for the past year. Now, RSV treatments for infants are the latest to be affected. Michael Ganio, a senior director at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, joins Ali Rogin to discuss what's driving the shortages and what can be done about it. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Finding a neighborhood pharmacist is becoming more challenging. Over the past two years, CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid have either closed or announced plans to close hundreds of stores. At many of the remaining locations, worsening working conditions have led to unannounced walkouts by pharmacy workers. Tom Murphy, national health writer for the Associated Press, joins John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

CPAP machines help about 8 million Americans with sleep-related breathing disorders, like sleep apnea, by keeping their airways open while they sleep. But one manufacturer, Philips Respironics, is coming under fire for a critical change it made to millions of its breathing machines. Michael Sallah, a reporter and investigations editor at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, joins Ali Rogin to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Learning how to swim is a rite of passage for many, but a surprising number of American children can't swim. Part of that comes down to access and restrictions rooted in racism that have kept generations of swimmers out of pools. Isabella Jibilian of Rhode Island PBS reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

News about food safety can be hard to keep straight. That's been complicated by a little-known tactic used by the food and beverage industry to influence what we eat and drink through social media, the subject of a joint investigation by The Washington Post and The Examination. John Yang speaks with Washington Post health columnist Anahad O'Connor, who worked on the investigation, to learn more. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cancer has been one of the top two leading causes of death in the United States for 75 years. A recent international study revealed the unique challenges women with cancer can face that make it harder to overcome the disease. Dr. Ophira Ginsburg, one of the co-authors of the study, joins Ali Rogin to discuss the findings. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The Biden administration has made recent moves against China-based firms and executives blamed for supplying chemicals used to make fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin. It's part of the U.S. government's effort to disrupt the global illegal drug trade and stem the opioid epidemic. Brookings Institution senior fellow Vanda Felbab-Brown joins Ali Rogin to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Nearly 30 million Americans struggle with alcohol addiction. Medication used to treat alcohol-use disorder have been on the market for decades, but is rarely prescribed. Dr. Sarah Wakeman, medical director of the Substance Use Disorder Initiative at Massachusetts General Hospital Brigham, joins Ali Rogin to discuss medication's potential for treating this disease and why it's underused. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Eight months after a train derailed and spilled toxic chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio, people are still waiting for answers about long-term health and environmental consequences. What happened isn't uncommon -- on average, there's a chemical incident in the U.S. every two days. John Yang reports from North Carolina, where one city is trying to move forward after a chemical disaster in 2022. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Jeanann Verlee uses her work to bring awareness to issues surrounding mental health. She has authored three books of poetry and writes about mental health awareness, trauma survival and domestic abuse and domestic violence. She shares her Brief But Spectacular take on destigmatizing mental illness through poetry. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

When federal health officials approved new COVID shots in September, doses were expected to be available in pharmacies within days. But two weeks later, many people are having trouble finding the vaccines, and if they do get an appointment, some are having trouble getting insurance to cover the cost. Katelyn Jetelina, a University of Texas epidemiologist, joins John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Cities across the U.S. broke thousands of heat records this summer, but in many of them, some areas were hotter than others. These areas are known as urban heat islands, which can mean higher energy bills and unsafe conditions for residents. Blair Waltman-Alexin of Austin PBS, in partnership with Austin Vida, reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Nearly 300,000 American men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone, though most of those diagnosed don't die from it. Ali Rogin speaks with Dr. Charles Ryan, a genitourinary oncologist and head of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, about the screening, diagnosis and treatment of the disease, and what it means to live with it. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Nearly one in three Americans surveyed this summer said they have at least one tattoo, according to the Pew Research Center. But while tattoo artists are required to have a license in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, tattoo ink is totally unregulated in the United States. Dr. Thomas Rohrer, a dermatologic surgeon, joins John Yang to discuss the associated health risks. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Health care workers are five times as likely to experience workplace violence as other workers, according to government data. In a National Nurses United survey in 2022, 40 percent of hospital nurses said they'd seen an increase in violent incidents. Karen Coughlin, chair of the Massachusetts Nurses Association's workplace violence and abuse prevention task force, joins John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

With a possible government shutdown looming, one federal program facing funding cuts is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), which helps low-income families buy healthy foods. Nell Menefee-Libey, public policy manager for the nonprofit National WIC Association, joins Ali Rogin to discuss the potential impact on millions of children and pregnant people. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

A new round of COVID-19 boosters will be available within days as cases and hospitalizations continue to rise across the country. The Food and Drug Administration approved the new shots Monday and a CDC advisory panel recommended the updated boosters for all Americans 6 months or older. Amna Nawaz discussed the latest with CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Firearms are involved in more than half of suicides in the U.S. The gun suicide rate has reached an all-time high, and for the first time, the rate is higher among Black kids and teens than white ones, according to a recent analysis by Johns Hopkins University. William Brangham speaks with Dr. Emmy Betz, director of the Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, to learn more. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Medicaid enrollments reached unprecedented levels when Congress temporarily blocked states from kicking people off of the health insurance plan during the pandemic. But that policy has ended, and now states have until 2024 to check people's eligibility and remove those who no longer qualify. Ali Rogin reports from Arkansas, which is nearing the end of its Medicaid unwinding process. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

One million Americans live with Parkinson's disease, a progressive condition that causes problems with body movement. New research has identified a genetic variant that increases the risk of Parkinson's in people of African descent, and is not seen in those with European ancestry. Ekemini Riley, managing director of Aligning Science Across Parkinson's, joins John Yang to discuss the findings. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, everyone older than six months should use sunscreen every day to decrease the risk of skin cancer. But today's sunblock is full of ingredients that are decades old and increasingly obsolete. Dr. Rita Linkner, a board-certified dermatologist, joins Ali Rogin to discuss the state of American sunscreen. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Across the country, states are trying to tackle the growing mental health crisis. Some are enacting laws and policies that would make it easier to hospitalize or detain the severely mentally ill against their will or through voluntary court-ordered treatment. California is taking steps toward compelling more mentally ill patients into care. Stephanie Sy reports from San Diego. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

As the war in Ukraine rages on, a critical need has emerged, with some 20,000 to 50,000 Ukrainians forced to amputate one or more limbs. The Ukrainian non-profit Superhuman Center is helping survivors move forward, offering reconstructive surgery and physical and psychological support. Co-founder Andrey Stavnitser joined Nick Schifrin to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The head of the Maui Emergency Management Agency resigned this week amid criticism for not activating warning sirens during the wildfire that killed more than 100 people. It has put a spotlight on how communities respond to emergencies. Tricia Wachtendorf, the director of the Disaster Research Center at the University of Delaware, joined John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Families and medical providers in Montana are preparing for a new law set to take effect in October that bans certain medical treatments for minors with gender dysphoria. Proponents of the bill say the law protects children from making medical decisions they may later regret, while others call it dangerous and unethical. Montana PBS's Joe Lesar reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

A recent government study estimates nearly half of America's tap water could contain toxic "forever chemicals" known as PFAS. These chemicals have been used in many everyday items since the 1940s from nonstick cookware to cosmetics to rain jackets. Exposure to them can lead to serious health outcomes. Stephanie Sy discussed the possible health implications and what can be done with Jamie DeWitt. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

One in five coal miners in central Appalachia with at least 25 years of experience has black lung disease. It is caused by inhaling toxic dust in and around mines and the most severe form is at its highest rate in decades. In June, the federal agency charged with overseeing miners' health and safety proposed cutting the exposure limit to hazardous silica dust in half. William Brangham reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

What happens when doctors spread misinformation during a pandemic, potentially endangering peoples' lives? A new investigation from The Washington Post looks at why doctors who pushed medical misinformation, particularly about alleged COVID remedies or treatments, faced so few repercussions for their behavior. William Brangham spoke with Lena Sun, one of the lead reporters on that investigation. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Saturday, a Texas judge has ruled that the state's abortion ban is too restrictive, the Justice Department asked a federal judge to bar Trump from publicly discussing evidence or witnesses in the 2020 election case, Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested after a court sentenced him to jail, and five more schools are leaving the Pac-12 college football conference. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Postpartum depression is one of the most common complications of childbirth, affecting about a half million Americans each year. It's among the leading causes of pregnancy-related death. Now, the FDA has approved the first pill for treating postpartum depression. Patricia Kinser, co-chair of perinatal mental health research at VCU's Institute for Women's Health, joins John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In July, a Nebraska teenager and her mother were convicted after the teen terminated her pregnancy using abortion pills. Among the prosecution's key evidence was exchanges between the two on Facebook Messenger. Caitlin Seeley George with the nonprofit digital rights advocacy group Fight for the Future joins John Yang to discuss data privacy issues in a post-Roe America. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The State Department is putting lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic into action. The Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy is aimed at better preventing, detecting and responding to existing and future health threats. Its first leader is renowned virologist Dr. John Nkengasong. He sat down with Geoff Bennett to discuss the new effort to respond to global health crises. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Signs point to a COVID-19 summer surge for the fourth consecutive year. Overall, infections remain much lower compared to the past, but cases began increasing last month and between 300 and 400 Americans are dying each week. John Yang discussed the growing concerns with epidemiologist Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

This summer, millions of Americans are experiencing firsthand the effects of climate change, from triple-digit temperatures to wildfire smoke to bleached coral reefs in warming oceans. For some, growing concern about climate change can become an overwhelming sense of despair that psychologists call climate anxiety. Climate psychology therapist Leslie Davenport joins John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Doxycycline, a cheap and widely available antibiotic, is gaining attention as a promising new way to prevent the spread of some sexually transmitted infections. But some health officials are raising concerns that wider use of the preventative antibiotic could breed drug resistance. Washington Post journalist Fenit Nirappil joins Laura Barrón-López to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

With no end in sight for the extreme heat gripping much of the nation, the sizzling temperatures can quickly become hazardous, and in some cases, deadly. Dr. Aneesh Narang, an emergency medicine physician at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, joins Ali Rogin to discuss how emergency rooms are dealing with an influx of patients for heat-related issues and give tips on staying safe. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Texas women seeking to block a portion of their state's abortion law are in court this week testifying the strict restrictions put their lives in jeopardy. The lawsuit is believed to be the first filed by women directly impacted by abortion bans that went into effect after the overturn of Roe v. Wade. Stephanie Sy discussed the case with Sarah Varney of KFF Health News. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Smoke from the record-setting Canadian wildfires is again making the air hazardous to breathe this weekend across the Northern Plains and upper Midwest. As the smoke triggers breathing problems for many, it also highlights the fact that more than 5 million Americans don't have easy access to a respiratory specialist. John Yang reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The extreme heat scorching much of the country is particularly brutal for incarcerated Americans. In Texas, more than two-thirds of prisoner living areas lack air conditioning. Earlier in 2023, an effort to include funding for prison air conditioning in the state's budget failed in the Texas Senate. Maurice Chammah, a writer for the Marshall Project, joins John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Nearly 4.5 million Americans live in "ambulance deserts" -- in a medical crisis, they have to wait as long as 25 minutes or more for an emergency medical crew to arrive. Nick Nudell, president of the American Paramedic Association, joins Ali Rogin to discuss what's causing these shortages and what's at stake for people in these regions. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The World Health Organization has classified the artificial sweetener aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans. That has led to some concerns and confusion about the risks. Besides diet sodas, aspartame can also be found in a variety of foods, including breakfast cereals, chewing gum and some desserts. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Allison Aubrey of NPR News. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Long before the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, researchers noticed a link between women having abortion access and a reduced risk of violence from men. In the wake of the court's decision, the opposite is happening and abortion restrictions have led to a significant uptick in intimate partner violence. Amna Nawaz discussed more with NewsHour health reporter Laura Santhanam. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

U.S. regulators approved the nation's first over-the-counter birth control pill. The FDA signed off on Opill, a once-a-day tablet available by prescription since 1973 that will soon be readily available online and in stores. The move is being applauded by medical societies and women's health groups who pushed for wider access. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Dr. Jennifer Villavicencio. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Many Americans have enrolled in an alternative to traditional health insurance called health care sharing plans. But unlike insurance, these plans are unregulated and don't have to meet minimum health benefits mandated by the Affordable Care Act. Kate Harris with the Colorado Division of Insurance and KFF Health News senior Colorado correspondent Markian Hawryluk join John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Across the country, many Americans are staying indoors with air conditioning on to avoid the summer's heat and humidity. But that's not an option for thousands of Californians who are unsheltered and living outside. Dr. Margot Kushel, head of UCSF's Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, joins Ali Rogin to discuss a new study that offers insights into this population. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a blood test that can identify pregnant women at severe risk for preeclampsia, a high blood pressure disorder that can develop during pregnancy and is a leading cause of maternal death worldwide. Roughly one in 25 pregnancies in the U.S. is affected by preeclampsia, according to the CDC. Stephanie Sy spoke with Dr. Ravi Thadhani about the test. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The U.S. is in the midst of an ongoing prescription drug shortage with more and more medication in short supply for longer stretches of time. Those medications include chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, ADHD medication and more. It's making treatment decisions difficult for doctors and patients. Laura Barrón-López discussed the shortages with Erin Fox. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

It's been a year since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and the nationwide right to abortion access. Since then, six states have voted on abortion-related ballot measures and in each case, voters have supported abortion rights. Laura Barrón-López discussed a new effort underway in Ohio with Dr. Lauren Beene, co-founder of Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

For the first time in 20 years, malaria has been locally transmitted within the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified five cases, four in Florida and one in Texas. William Brangham spoke with infectious disease epidemiologist Catherine Troisi about what we know and how concerned we should be. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The search for the origin of COVID-19 has highlighted the risks of viruses transmitted by certain species of bats. In the wild, they can incubate and spread diseases to other animals and humans. Dr. Neil Vora, a physician with Conservation International, joins Ali Rogin to discuss the global health concerns posed by an increasing number of interactions between humans and bats. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The U.S. faces a growing shortage of physicians, especially those in primary care fields like internal medicine, mental health and pediatrics. The shortfall is driven by population and demographic trends and burnout. Fred de Sam Lazaro found a doctor-patient model at a clinic in Wisconsin that may help the problem. It's part of his series, Agents for Change. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The sudden death of Olympic sprinter Tori Bowie at age 32 sent shockwaves around the world. The idea that a young, elite athlete could go into labor and die stunned many. But this problem is more common than many realize, and it's particularly bad for Black women. William Brangham discussed more with Amanda Williams of the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Recent studies report that two-thirds of American physicians report feeling burned out, something only aggravated by the pandemic. One of the consequences is a decline in the quality of care for patients, who find it increasingly difficult to navigate the healthcare system. Fred de Sam Lazaro looks into one effort to improve on both scores. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

New numbers from the Census Bureau show the U.S. population is older than it's ever been, with the nation's median age over 38. William Brangham spoke with Philip Bump and Wendy Edelberg about how an older America could pose significant challenges for the economy, workforce and social programs in the years to come. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

A year ago, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and ended the constitutional right to an abortion. While some states expanded access, 14 states have banned abortions in nearly all cases. We hear from people across the country on each side of the debate about the past twelve months and Laura Barrón-López reports on President Biden's executive order aimed at protecting reproductive health care. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

A raft of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in mostly Republican-led states faces mounting legal challenges. Twenty states have put into place bans or severe restrictions on transition-related medical care for minors, but measures in at least five of those states have now been permanently or temporarily blocked from taking effect. White House Correspondent Laura Barrón-López reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

After years of work, there is progress in the fight against Alzheimer's disease, the incurable brain condition that affects more than six million Americans. Several new drugs have shown small but positive results in reducing the cognitive decline associated with this disease. William Brangham discussed these advances and what obstacles lie ahead with Dr. Richard Hodes. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Hospitals and cancer centers are running out of two major injectable cancer drugs: carboplatin and cisplatin. Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky, head of breast medical oncology for the Valley Health System in New Jersey, joins Ali Rogin to discuss the causes and effects of the shortages, and the dilemmas that providers and their patients now face. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Firearm-related injuries among children have been on the rise, with nearly 16 in 100,000 children experiencing gun violence, according to the latest data. Dr. Jennifer Hoffmann, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and a lead author of the new study, joins Ali Rogin to discuss the impact this is having on children's mental health across the country. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In the earliest days of the pandemic, Dr. Ashish Jha emerged as an authoritative and trusted voice on the issue. He's now the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, but with the public health emergency officially over, he's leaving the Biden administration this week and returning to Brown University's Public School of Health. Dr. Jha discussed his experience with Amna Nawaz. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Texas is the largest state in the country to ban transition-related medical care for minors, joining 19 other states that have restricted access. Laura Barrón-López recently spent time in Texas to learn more about the law and spoke with one family grappling with what's next. A warning: this story includes discussions about suicide and depression. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

More than three years into the pandemic, physicians and researchers are still struggling to understand long COVID. A recent study at Mass General Brigham has tried to take a step toward defining the condition affecting millions of people. PBS NewsHour digital health reporter Laura Santhanam joins John Yang to discuss the findings. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

According to the Centers for Disease Control, as many as 476,000 people in the U.S. contract Lyme disease every year. Climate change and human encroachment into wilderness areas means ticks and the disease-causing bacteria they carry are becoming more common. Dr. Linden Hu, an immunology professor and co-director of the Lyme Disease Initiative at Tufts University, joins John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The U.S. government found child labor violations involving over 3,800 minors in 2022. At the same time, some states say there is too much regulation of child labor. Katherine Walts, director of the Center for the Human Rights of Children at Loyola University Chicago, and Dan Bowling, a distinguished fellow at Duke University School of Law, join Ali Rogin to discuss the state of child labor laws. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

A court ruled the owners of Purdue Pharma, the Sackler family, will be protected from civil lawsuits linked to the opioid crisis in exchange for a $6 billion settlement. Purdue, which filed for bankruptcy in 2019 amid thousands of lawsuits, made drugs like OxyContin and is blamed for fueling the opioid epidemic. William Brangham discussed the settlement with Aneri Pattani of KFF Health News. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has been diagnosed with dementia. That news comes about three months after it was announced her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, was moving into hospice care. Caregiving has been a major focus of Mrs. Carter's life and work. William Brangham looks at that legacy and the impact dementia has on millions of families. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

More than a dozen GOP-led states have passed bans with limits ranging from healthcare to sports participation, while Democratic-controlled states have sought to shore up protections for LGBTQ+ rights. Geoff Bennett discussed the efforts with NewsHour Communities correspondents Gabrielle Hays in Missouri, Adam Kemp in Oklahoma and Frances Kai-Hwa Wang in Michigan. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

For many immigrants, a mastery of everyday English doesn't mean they feel comfortable in all settings, like doctors' offices. That's where medical interpreters play a crucial role -- but access to these highly skilled professionals isn't guaranteed for many Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Ali Rogin reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The U.S. maternal mortality rate continues to steadily increase, with 2021 being one of the worst years on record. According to the Centers for Disease Control, mental health conditions are among the leading causes of pregnancy-related death. Carole Johnson, head of the Health Resources and Services Administration, joins Ali Rogin to discuss what the federal government is doing to help. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Indiana's state medical board fined a doctor who made national headlines last year after she provided an abortion to a 10-year-old rape victim from Ohio. The girl traveled across state lines for the procedure as a result of Ohio's restrictive abortion laws. Ali Rogin discussed the decision with Brandon Smith of Indiana Public Broadcasting. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Memorial Day weekend is here which means many Americans will be spending more time in the sun. Experts are using the holiday as a moment to remind people about preventing sunburns and, in more severe cases, skin cancer. Stephanie Sy spoke with Dr. Adewole Adamson for advice on staying safe in the sun. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

More than half a million Americans are on waiting lists to receive long-term care in their homes. Most people on these lists have intellectual and developmental disabilities and sometimes need help with daily activities like cooking, maintaining a job or getting around town. Judy Woodruff spoke with families in Oklahoma waiting for the help they need. It's part of our series, Disability Reframed. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

More than 50 million Americans struggle with chronic sleep disorders, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. New research suggests that being in tune with the body's circadian rhythm -- a 24-hour internal clock that regulates sleep cycles -- is crucial for our health. Dr. Jennifer Martin, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, joins John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Artificial intelligence is finding its place in all sorts of scientific fields, and health care is no exception. Programs are learning to answer patients' medical questions and diagnose illnesses, but there are problems to be worked out. Dr. Isaac Kohane, editor-in-chief of the New England Journal of Medicine and chair of Harvard's department of biomedical informatics, joins John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Access to medication abortion faced a critical test Wednesday in the conservative Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. A three-judge panel of Republican appointees heard arguments about whether the abortion pill mifepristone, first approved by the FDA more than 20 years ago, should remain on the market. Sarah Varney and Steve Vladeck joined Geoff Bennett to discuss the legal battle. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder in the U.S., with nearly 90,000 Americans diagnosed each year. But its symptoms show up differently in women and men, and women are often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late. Dr. Sonia Mathur, a Parkinson's disease advocate and family physician, joins Ali Rogin to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

After more than three years, the COVID-19 public health emergency has ended. Thanks to vaccines, testing and treatment, we are in a much better place and deaths are at their lowest level since March 2020. But concerns over how the federal government will respond to new variants or even a serious new epidemic remain. William Brangham discussed that with Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Thursday, the end of the COVID health emergency put an end to vaccine mandates for federal employers and contractors, Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered Imran Khan's release after it said the former prime minister's arrest was illegal and the Labor Department reports wholesale prices in April were up 2.3 percent from a year earlier, the smallest annual increase in 2 years. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

New guidelines say women should begin getting regular mammograms every two years starting at age 40 if they are at average risk of breast cancer. That's a significant change from previous guidance by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that said women could start routine mammograms at 50. Stephanie Sy reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

As conservative lawmakers push anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, new data from The Trevor Project underscores the mental toll on LGBTQ+ youth. We hear from young people around the country about the challenges they face and their hopes, and John Yang speaks with Dr. Jack Turban, assistant professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco, to learn more. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

This week, the World Health Organization ended the global public health emergency it declared three years ago as COVID-19 spread around the world. Meanwhile, the U.S. public health emergency is set to end on Thursday, May 11. Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist at the University of Texas, joins John Yang to discuss where the pandemic stands now and what we should be doing about it. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Stigma around weight is pervasive in the United States. But as author and podcaster Aubrey Gordon outlines in her New York Times bestseller book, anti-fat bias is also counterproductive, exacerbating health disparities and interfering with effective obesity intervention treatments. Stephanie Sy speaks with Gordon to learn more. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

With abortion now effectively banned in 15 states, many Americans are crossing state lines to legally end pregnancies. Friday, the first state law aimed at ending that option for anyone under 18 went into effect in Idaho. In a story co-produced with the PBS NewsHour, KFF Health News correspondent Sarah Varney takes a look at this new frontier in the movement to outlaw access to legal abortion. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The U.S. Surgeon General declared a new public health epidemic in America, loneliness. A new report finds loneliness can have profound effects on mental health as well as heart disease, stroke and dementia. It tracks a decline in social connections and links all this to billions of dollars in health care costs. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy joined Amna Nawaz to discuss the risks. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year, 14 states have banned abortions in nearly all cases. Many maternal health doctors say state abortion bans are untenable and OB-GYNs are beginning to pack up and leave. In a segment co-produced with the PBS NewsHour, KFF Health News correspondent Sarah Varney reports on this growing crisis. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The transition into menopause is an inevitable part of life. For many, it's accompanied by a range of symptoms including hot flashes, insomnia and weight gain. Ali Rogin speaks with Dr. Stephanie Faubion, director of the Mayo Clinic's Center for Women's Health and medical director of the North American Menopause Society, about why menopause continues to be understudied and undertreated. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Life expectancy in the U.S. is at its lowest point in nearly two decades, and the projected life spans of Black and Native Americans are shorter than white Americans. According to new research, Black people live longer in areas with more Black primary care doctors. One of the study's authors, Michael Dill with the Association of American Medical Colleges, joins John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Allergy season got a jump start this year and has been more intense all over the country, especially in the North and Southeast. Ali Rogin speaks with Theresa Crimmins, director of the National Phenology Network, and Dr. Stanley Fineman, an allergist and editor-in-chief of Allergy Watch, to learn why the season started so early and is so bad, and what people can do to ease their symptoms. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

More than 3 million children in the U.S. have a disability, and in recent years, alternative therapies have grown in popularity to help them with communication, socialization, and just to have fun. Austin PBS reports on one program using horse therapy to help people with disabilities, but is struggling to expand its footprint. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Nearly two-thirds of areas with a shortage of primary healthcare professionals are in rural communities. With support from the Pulitzer Center and in collaboration with the Global Health Reporting Center, William Brangham visited a hospital and a medical school in West Virginia doing their part to train the next generation of rural doctors. It's for our series Rural RX. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Why the United States fared so badly during the pandemic, especially when compared to other similar nations, was supposed to be one of the many questions examined by a national COVID-19 commission. But that commission was never launched. William Brangham spoke with the co-author of a new report that hopes to start that reckoning. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The Supreme Court's decision late Friday evening allows access to mifepristone, for now. But confusion and questions remain over future access to abortion medication, particularly in states with some of the toughest restrictions. Arkansas is one of seven states that quickly banned abortions after Roe v. Wade was overturned last year. Amna Nawaz discussed that with Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The Supreme Court decided Friday that the abortion drug mifepristone will remain available while the challenge to lower-court restrictions works its way through the legal system. This comes as researchers are examining the vast amount of online misinformation and disinformation about abortion. Jenna Sherman, program manager and researcher at Meedan Digital Health Lab, joins John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Over the past two decades, life expectancy in rural areas has declined. One major reason is the prevalence of diabetes. With support from the Pulitzer Center and in collaboration with the Global Health Reporting Center, special correspondent Dr. Alok Patel reports from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas for our series Rural RX. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The Supreme Court is allowing full access to the abortion drug mifepristone for at least another 48 hours. The justices issued that order Wednesday and promised a new ruling by Friday night. Geoff Bennett discussed the debate over abortion access with Rep. Katherine Clark, the second-highest ranked Democrat in the House. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The government approved a second dose of the COVID booster for the elderly and immunocompromised. The bivalent booster shot targets the omicron variants. Seniors 65 years and older can now receive the updated booster four months after their first dose. Amna Nawaz spoke with Dr. Jeremy Faust to understand why this is a significant move in the fight against COVID. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Three years after the start of the pandemic, some 16 million Americans have long COVID, meaning their symptoms continue well after the initial infection. An estimated 4 million people say long COVID has significantly reduced their ability to carry out day-to-day activities. For many of them, that includes their jobs. Economics Correspondent Paul Solman has the story. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Life expectancy for the average American is now 76 years, hitting the lowest point in nearly two decades after declining for the second year in a row. Dr. Steven Woolf, director emeritus of the Virginia Commonwealth University Center on Society and Health, joins John Yang to discuss the factors behind this trend. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

A federal pandemic-era program that provided free meals for all public school students ended last September. A recent survey by a group that advocates for universal free school lunch found that 847 school districts have racked up more than $19 million in debt from unpaid lunch fees. Crystal FitzSimons from the Food Research and Action Center joins Ali Rogin to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

New CDC data shows a surge of sexually transmitted infections in the U.S. in recent years. The most significant rise is in syphilis and congenital syphilis, which occurs when mothers pass on the infection to their babies during pregnancy. Dr. Irene Stafford, an OB/GYN and maternal fetal medicine specialist at UT Health Houston, joins Ali Rogin to discuss what can be done to address this. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Concerns are growing about overdoses linked with an animal tranquilizer mixed with opioids. The Biden administration declared the combination of xylazine and fentanyl an emerging threat. It's the first time any drug has been given that designation. Ali Rogin discussed the threat with Dr. Raagini Jawa of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The White House will ask the Supreme Court to intervene in the legal battle surrounding the abortion medication mifepristone. A federal appeals court ruled in favor of continuing access to the drug, but also limited its distribution through the mail and said it can only be used through the seventh week of pregnancy. Geoff Bennett discussed the ruling with Dr. Jamila Perritt. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The recent dueling court rulings on the use of mifepristone ignited a new debate over women's health. The Biden administration has asked an appeals court to overturn the controversial Texas ruling to suspend the FDA's approval of the abortion pill. Jennifer Klein, the director of the White House Gender Policy Council, joined Amna Nawaz to discuss the legal battle. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The pandemic highlighted the power of local health departments and brought backlash from people who said these authorities were overreaching. In the wake of the turmoil, many were overhauled, leaving an outsized impact on rural parts of the country. With support from the Pulitzer Center and in collaboration with the Global Health Reporting Center, Dr. Alok Patel reports for our series, Rural RX. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The country is closely watching how the battle over abortion medication unfolds in federal courts. It follows a Texas judge's decision to overturn FDA approval of the mifepristone. But there's also growing concern over what that ruling could mean for the drug approval process in general. Amna Nawaz discussed what's at stake with Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, the former FDA principal deputy commissioner. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Somalia faces one of the world's most acute humanitarian crises. The country is seeing its worst drought in 40 years, famine and an ongoing armed conflict. Humanitarian agencies warn nearly 8 million people, half of the population, are in dire need of assistance. Stephanie Sy discussed the challenges with Omar Mahmood, a senior analyst for East Africa for the International Crisis Group. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Before the pandemic, people had to re-enroll for Medicaid every year by submitting paperwork. That was suspended when COVID hit, but starting this month, Medicaid recipients have to make sure they are enrolled again. Not everyone will receive a notice or complete the applications on time and many will fall through the cracks due to changing addresses or language barriers. William Brangham reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Dueling decisions from federal judges over the FDA's approval of mifepristone, one of the main medications used to provide abortions, mark the latest flash point in the fight over reproductive rights. The two decisions are the most significant abortion rulings since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last summer. Mary Ziegler joined Geoff Bennett to discuss the legal path ahead. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

North Carolina is now the 40th state to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The bipartisan expansion, signed into law last month, comes after a decade of Republican resistance in the state. As John Yang reports, it will be life-changing for some uninsured North Carolinians and their providers, but not all. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Saturday, access to the abortion drug mifepristone is up in the air after dueling rulings from two federal judges, the DOJ launched an investigation into a potential leak of Pentagon documents detailing aid to Ukraine, China sent warships and fighter jets closer to Taiwan, and police in Iran started installing cameras in public places to identify women not wearing veils. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

On Friday, a federal judge in Texas invalidated FDA approval of mifepristone, threatening access to the most common abortion pill in the country. Earlier this week, legislatures in Idaho, Kansas and Florida moved to further restrict abortion access in those states. Sarah Varney, senior correspondent for Kaiser Health News, joins Ali Rogin to discuss the latest developments. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The FDA recently made it easier for people to obtain a powerful overdose-reversing medicine. Narcan previously required a prescription, but soon will be sold over the counter. Communities are already using it to fight overdose deaths. With support from the Pulitzer Center and in collaboration with the Global Health Reporting Center, William Brangham reports from New York for our series, Rural RX. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Monday, the death toll has reached 32 from the onslaught of tornadoes that struck the South, Midwest and the Mid-Atlantic over the weekend, Pentagon officials say they're still analyzing whether a Chinese spy balloon sent intelligence back to Beijing, NASA named the four astronauts slated to fly around the moon and oil prices spiked after OPEC announced plans to scale back output. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Federal data shows that health insurance companies denied more than 49 millions claims in 2021, but customers appealed less than 0.2 percent of them. Investigative journalists at ProPublica found that the insurance company Cigna is using an automated system to assess, and often deny, claims in bulk. Reporter Maya Miller joins Ali Rogin to discuss the findings. ProPublica is collecting comments from health insurance policy holders who have had their claims denied. Share your experience... PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

This week, the FDA approved nationwide over-the-counter sales of Narcan, the brand name version of the generic overdose reversal drug naloxone. Overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., driven in large part by opioid use. Dr. Andrew Kolodny, co-director of opioid policy research at the Heller School at Brandeis University, joins John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

A federal judge in Texas ruled that employers can not be required to cover key preventative health care benefits under the Affordable Care Act. It jeopardizes free coverage of a wide range of preventative services for some 160 million Americans. The Biden administration is expected to request a stay on the ruling. Amna Nawaz discussed the case with Larry Levitt of the Kaiser Family Foundation. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

At the start of the pandemic, we were all urged to stay at home and avoid crowds. But for homeless people, packed shelters made COVID transmission nearly unavoidable. Many cities used federal money to house people in vacant hotels to better protect them. This year, Washington announced it would phase out its program leaving some unhoused people unsure where they will go. William Brangham reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

A CDC report shows maternal deaths nearly doubled over three years, with over 1,200 deaths in 2021. Rural communities, where maternal mortality is almost double urban rates, struggle to access lifesaving maternal healthcare. With support from the Pulitzer Center and in collaboration with the Global Health Reporting Center, Stephanie Sy reports from Pickens County, Alabama, for our series Rural RX. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

North Carolina became the latest in a growing number of states to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Gov. Roy Cooper signed the bill into law marking a major victory for Democrats in their efforts to expand federally assisted healthcare coverage. North Carolina Secretary of Health and Human Services Kody Kinsley joined Geoff Bennett to discuss the investment in Medicaid access. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

A class of toxic chemicals known as PFAS has made its way into food, soil, water and even most people's blood in America. In March, the EPA proposed the first regulatory standard limiting the quantity of PFAS in drinking water. Erin Bell, an environmental epidemiologist at the State University of New York at Albany, joins Ali Rogin to discuss these "forever chemicals" and our exposure to them. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Endometriosis affects one in 10 people with uteruses over the course of their lifetime. But despite its debilitating symptoms, it can take years for doctors to correctly diagnose the disease. Ali Rogin speaks with Shannon Cohn, the director of "Below the Belt," a new documentary that tells the story of several people as they battle endometriosis and fight to raise awareness. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The women and men of the U.S. military routinely put themselves in harm's way, and a recent Pentagon study found U.S. military airmen and ground crews face another risk: higher cancer rates. Tara Copp, the Pentagon and National Security reporter for the Associated Press, joins Ali Rogin to discuss the study, one of the largest and most comprehensive of its kind. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Nearly a third of Americans lack access to primary care services, including routine checkups, while 40 percent of U.S. adults say they're delaying care or going without because of the financial costs. We hear from people around the country about the barriers they face and then John Yang speaks with Dr. Maya Artandi, a clinical professor of primary care and population health at Stanford University. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Health care systems and hospitals across the country are grappling with a nationwide shortage of liquid albuterol, a common medication used to treat asthma, COPD and other lung diseases. Stephanie Sy speaks with people feeling the impact and Dr. Juanita Mora, an allergist and immunologist in Chicago and national spokesperson for the American Lung Association, about what's being done. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

New CDC data revealed an increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in the U.S. The report shows in 2020, one out of every 36 children in America was diagnosed with autism. In 2018, that figure was one in 44, and in 2010, it was one in 68. Amna Nawaz discussed the findings with Dena Gassner of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. Gassner was diagnosed with autism at age 40. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Three years into the pandemic, cases, hospitalizations and deaths are all declining. But questions remain about new variants and whether some people may need a spring booster shot, and there are many concerns about the impact of long COVID. Epidemiologist Katelyn Jetelina joined William Brangham with an update on the state of COVID in the U.S. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The Biden administration announced plans to overhaul the network that has run the nation's organ transplant system for nearly four decades. The United Network for Organ Sharing has faced criticism for inadequately managing the process. The proposal would open up bidding for other organizations to take over the network to shorten wait times. Amna Nawaz discussed the latest with Dr. Jayme Locke. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

When it comes to health, rural America lags far behind the country's urban and suburban areas. The reasons are complex and these challenges are the focus of a new series called Rural RX. With support from the Pulitzer Center and in collaboration with the Global Health Reporting Center, William Brangham starts our series in Martinsburg, West Virginia. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The causes of global hunger are many and well-known: conflict, climate and in too many cases, cruelty. But it is the job of the United Nations World Food Programme to push through those barriers to feed hundreds of millions in need. The WFP won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 under the leadership of David Beasley. He joined Amna Nawaz to discuss how to address growing global hunger. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

This week, Michigan's Senate passed a major gun safety package and sent it to the House, where it is expected to pass. The action was spurred by last month's shooting at Michigan State University that killed three students and wounded five others. Lisa Geller, director of state policy at Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, joins John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The debate over COVID-19's origin is focused on two theories, that humans were first infected by a wild animal or that the virus leaked from a lab. Scientists say the natural transmission theory has been strengthened by new genetic evidence from the market in Wuhan, China, where there was a big COVID outbreak in December 2019. John Yang discussed the report with Katherine Wu of The Atlantic. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The CDC released two reports about mortality rates for mothers and babies in America and they include some stark racial divides. New mothers are dying at higher rates than mothers in any other industrialized nation. And while the overall rate of infants dying is at record lows, the deaths of Black infants spiked during the pandemic. William Brangham explores the trends with two of the researchers. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders