Autism now more common among Black, Hispanic kids in US
March 23, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — For the first time, autism is being diagnosed more frequently in Black and Hispanic children than in white kids in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.
NC approves Medicaid expansion, reversing long opposition
March 23, 2023 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A Medicaid expansion deal in North Carolina received final legislative approval on Thursday, capping a decade of debate over whether the closely politically divided state should accept the federal government's coverage for hundreds of thousands of low-income adults.
Appeals court blocks vaccine mandate for US gov’t workers
March 23, 2023 GMTNEW ORLEANS (AP) — President Joe Biden’s order that federal employees get vaccinated against COVID-19 was blocked Thursday by a federal appeals court.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans rejected arguments that Biden, as the nation’s chief executive, has the same authority as the CEO of a private corporation to require that employees be vaccinated.
Many millions die without clean water or sanitation, UN says
March 23, 2023 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — A lack of drinking water and healthy sanitation infrastructure is dire around the world and getting worse, United Nations experts warned in a report issued Thursday.
What made Beethoven sick? DNA from his hair offers clues
March 22, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Nearly 200 years after Ludwig van Beethoven's death, researchers pulled DNA from strands of his hair, searching for clues about the health problems and hearing loss that plagued him.
Equatorial Guinea confirms 8 new cases of Marburg virus
March 23, 2023 GMTNAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Equatorial Guinea has confirmed another eight cases of the “highly virulent” Marburg virus, a deadly hemorrhagic fever with no authorized vaccine or treatment.
The World Health Organization on Thursday said that brings the country’s total number of cases to nine in the outbreak declared in mid-February.
Ohio toxic train derailment upends school baseball, track
March 23, 2023 GMTEAST PALESTINE, Ohio (AP) — On the surface, everything looks normal.
There's the East Palestine High School baseball team learning the finer points of baserunning at one edge of Reid Memorial Stadium.
Fetterman expected back ‘soon,’ but no certain timeline yet
March 23, 2023 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman's office said Thursday that he is expected to return soon to the chamber, although Democratic leaders are giving no timeline five weeks after he sought inpatient treatment for clinical depression.
Surge in eating disorders spurs state legislative action
March 23, 2023 GMTDENVER (AP) — Stranded at home amid pandemic lockdowns in spring 2020, Emma Warford stumbled down a social media rabbit hole in her quest to get in shape. Viral 28-day fitness challenges. YouTubers promising “hourglass abs.” Diet videos where slim-stomached influencers peddled calorie-tracking apps.
What to know about new research on coffee and heart risks
March 22, 2023 GMTCoffee lovers — and their doctors — have long wondered whether a jolt of java can affect the heart. New research published Wednesday finds that drinking caffeinated coffee did not significantly affect one kind of heart hiccup that can feel like a skipped beat.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s lawyer asks about missing GoPro video
March 23, 2023 GMTPARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Gwyneth Paltrow's attorneys asked the daughter of a man suing the actor-turned-lifestyle influencer over a 2016 ski collision about missing GoPro camera footage that they called “the most important piece of evidence" at trial Thursday.
Lawsuit challenges Florida ban on gender-affirming care
March 23, 2023 GMTTALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Four families challenging Florida’s prohibition against puberty-blocking hormones and gender-affirming surgeries for minors filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against state health officials.
Minnesota moves to strengthen status as ‘trans refuge state’
March 23, 2023 GMTST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota House was moving Thursday toward strengthening the state's protections for children and their families who come for gender-affirming care by making Minnesota a “trans refuge state,” bucking a national backlash against transgender rights.
Lawmakers advance hospital visitation protections
March 23, 2023 GMTMONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama lawmakers on Thursday advanced legislation requiring hospitals and nursing homes to allow in-person visits, even during a pandemic.
The Alabama Senate approved the bill on a 33-0 vote after members shared stories of people being separated from loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Georgia budget may cut university funds, boost scholarships
March 23, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — The Georgia Senate passed a budget on Thursday that cuts $87 million from teaching at the state’s public universities, money connected to a dispute with the House over hospital permits and funding.
Georgia House approves blocking COVID-19 vaccine mandates
March 23, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Any COVID-19 vaccine requirement by public schools, state agencies or local governments would be blocked under legislation given final approval by the Georgia House on Thursday.
The House voted 99-69 in favor of Senate Bill 1, which would make permanent what had been a one-year ban enacted in 2022.
Idaho abortion law one reason hospital won’t deliver babies
March 23, 2023 GMTA rural hospital in northern Idaho will stop delivering babies or providing other obstetrical care, citing a shifting legal climate in which recently enacted state laws could subject physicians to prosecution for providing abortions, among other reasons.
Missouri school to stay closed after contamination scare
March 23, 2023 GMTA Missouri grade school that was shut down last year amid concerns of possible radioactive contamination will not reopen, the school district said Thursday.
Georgia law will ban most transgender care for kids under 18
March 23, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Georgia will ban most gender-affirming surgeries and hormone replacement therapies for transgender people younger than 18, under a new law signed by Gov. Brian Kemp on Thursday.
Legislators gave final approval to the law on Tuesday, despite impassioned pleas from Democrats and LGBTQ advocates against what has become the most fiercely contested bill of Georgia's 2023 legislative session.
Abortion-rights supporters prevail in New Hampshire House
March 23, 2023 GMTCONCORD, N.H. (AP) — In a victory for abortion-rights supporters, the Republican-led but closely divided New Hampshire House on Thursday rejected multiple bills to further restrict abortion access while also approving legislation to protect it.
Iowa governor signs gender-affirming care ban, bathroom law
March 23, 2023 GMTDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed a pair of laws restricting the bathrooms transgender students can use and banning gender-affirming medical care amid a flood of legislation nationwide targeting the trans community.
Man sentenced in girlfriend’s slaying; remains found buried
March 23, 2023 GMTCOLUMBUS, Ind. (AP) — A southern Indiana man has been sentenced in the death of his live-in girlfriend whose remains were found in a shallow grave.
A judge on Thursday ordered Patrick Doyle, 40, to serve 85 years in prison, Bartholomew County Prosecutor Lindsey Holden-Kay said.
Feds: Woman charged in Wyoming clinic fire opposes abortion
March 23, 2023 GMTCHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A woman accused of setting fire last year to a Wyoming abortion clinic that was under construction told investigators that she opposes abortion and was experiencing anxiety and nightmares over the facility opening, authorities say in court documents.
Missouri Senate OKs limits on transgender treatments, sports
March 23, 2023 GMTJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri youths no longer could receive gender-affirming treatments under a bill passed Thursday by the state Senate.
Ky governor stops sale of drug known as ‘gas station heroin’
March 23, 2023 GMTFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky's governor took emergency action Thursday to halt the sale of a drug commonly known as “gas station heroin” that he warned poses a threat in a state battling addiction and overdose problems.
‘Appalling’: Southern Africa counts toll of Cyclone Freddy
March 23, 2023 GMTHARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — The death toll from Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which ravaged Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique over the past two months, now stands at more than 600 people, the World Health Organization said Thursday.
Nigerian politician found guilty in UK organ harvesting plot
March 23, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — A senior Nigerian politician and his wife were found guilty Thursday of conspiring to transport a street trader to the U.K. as part of an organ-harvesting plot.
Ike Ekweremadu, who was deputy president of the Nigerian Senate and a lawyer, and his wife, Beatrice, were accused of arranging the travel of a 21-year-old man to the U.K.
Georgia Senate unveils new mental health bill at late hour
March 23, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — An effort to make more changes to Georgia's mental health system could stall in the closing days of the 2023 legislative session even though a Senate committee on Wednesday unveiled a rewritten bill that House sponsors and advocates found broadly acceptable.
Kansas lawmakers near approval of ‘born alive’ abortion bill
March 23, 2023 GMTTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas proposal based on the claim that providers leave infants to die after they're born during certain types of abortions is nearing legislative approval, as Republicans pursue limited anti-abortion measures following a decisive statewide vote last year protecting abortion rights.
Georgia House and Senate in power struggle over budget
March 23, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — The Georgia Senate on Tuesday rolled out a budget that would slice $87 million from the state's public universities in a power struggle with the House over hospital funding and permitting.
Arrest made in fire at planned Wyoming abortion clinic
March 23, 2023 GMTCHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A woman was arrested on charges of setting fire to a building in Wyoming that was being renovated to house the state’s only full-service abortion clinic, authorities said Wednesday, hours after a judge temporarily blocked a ban on abortion that went into effect a few days ago.
Oregon issues first license under psilocybin program
March 23, 2023 GMTSALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon has issued its first license under its new system that offers controlled use of psilocybin to the public.
Judge halts Wyoming abortion ban days after it took effect
March 23, 2023 GMTCHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Abortion will again be legal in Wyoming — at least for now — after a judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked a ban that took effect a few days earlier.
A hectic week for abortion policy with laws and lawsuits
March 23, 2023 GMTNine months after the U.S. Supreme Court ended a nationwide right to an abortion, the landscape is far from settled, with lawmakers considering broader bans or stronger protections and legal challenges popping up nationwide.
5 hurt in building explosion in California mountain town
March 22, 2023 GMTMAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. (AP) — An explosion at a condominium complex injured five people, one critically, on Wednesday in the California mountain community of Mammoth Lakes, authorities said.
North Carolina lawmakers nearing final Medicaid expansion OK
March 22, 2023 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — An agreement to expand Medicaid in North Carolina neared final legislative approval Wednesday as the House agreed to a bipartisan plan to ease or eliminate regulations that block the opening of new hospital beds or operating expensive equipment.
Doctors may miss how addiction patients cheat drug tests
March 22, 2023 GMTDoctors often use urine tests to make sure patients taking medication for opioid addiction are sticking with treatment. A new study suggests they may be missing some cheaters.
Nearly 8% of these patients sometimes spike their urine by adding their treatment medicine, buprenorphine, to the samples.
Report: 119K people hurt by riot-control weapons since 2015
March 22, 2023 GMTSALEM, Ore. (AP) — More than 119,000 people have been injured by tear gas and other chemical irritants around the world since 2015 and some 2,000 suffered injuries from “less lethal” impact projectiles, according to a report released Wednesday.
Senators press Moderna CEO on COVID-19 vaccine price hike
March 22, 2023 GMTModerna’s CEO on Wednesday defended a plan to more than quadruple the company’s COVID-19 vaccine price, but he also said the drugmaker will work to ensure patients continue paying nothing at drugstores or clinics.
Biden administration plans revamp of organ transplant system
March 22, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration said Wednesday it will attempt to break up the network that runs the nation’s organ transplant system as part of a broader modernization effort.
More people than ever are getting new organs, with a record 42,888 transplants last year — but that’s not nearly enough to meet the demand.
Massachusetts governor: Pharmacies must stock abortion pills
March 22, 2023 GMTBOSTON (AP) — The governor of Massachusetts reminded pharmacies Wednesday that they are required to stock a key abortion pill, despite a nationwide effort by anti-abortion activists to ban the medication.
A quarter of world population lacks safe drinking water: UN
March 22, 2023 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — A report issued on the eve of the first major U.N. conference on water in over 45 years says 26% of the world’s population doesn’t have access to safe drinking water and 46% lacks access to basic sanitation.
Under oath, Boris Johnson denies he lied over ‘partygate’
March 22, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson insisted “hand on heart” Wednesday that he never lied to lawmakers about rule-breaking government parties during the COVID-19 pandemic, mounting a robust defense at a hearing that could damage or even end his tumultuous political career.
More deaths, injuries linked to recalled eyedrops
March 22, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials are reporting two more deaths and additional cases of vision loss linked to eyedrops tainted with a drug-resistant bacteria.
The eyedrops from EzriCare and Delsam Phama were recalled in February and health authorities are continuing to track infections as they investigate the outbreak.
5 people at campground developed Legionnaire’s disease
March 22, 2023 GMTCONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Five people who stayed at a New Hampshire campground came down with Legionnaire's disease, a bacterial pneumonia spread by inhaling droplets of water contaminated with the bacteria, the state health department said.
Ignoring experts, China’s sudden zero-COVID exit cost lives
March 22, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — When China suddenly scrapped onerous zero-COVID measures in December, the country wasn’t ready for a massive onslaught of cases, with hospitals turning away ambulances and crematoriums burning bodies around the clock.
Ignoring experts, China’s sudden zero-COVID exit cost lives
AP ExclusiveMarch 22, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — When China suddenly scrapped onerous zero-COVID measures in December, the country wasn’t ready for a massive onslaught of cases. Hospitals turned away ambulances, crematoriums burned bodies around the clock, and relatives hauled dead loved ones to warehouses for lack of storage space.
Oklahoma court OK’s abortion to preserve mother’s life
March 22, 2023 GMTOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A divided Oklahoma Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned a portion of the state’s near total ban on abortion, ruling women have a right to abortion when pregnancy risks their health, not just in a medical emergency.
Doctors question aspects of Missouri transgender care limits
March 22, 2023 GMTMissouri’s attorney general has said he will issue an emergency regulation that at least temporarily puts strict limits on transgender medical treatment for youth.
Lawsuit seeks to block abortion pill ban in Wyoming
March 22, 2023 GMTCHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Abortion-rights supporters filed an amended lawsuit Tuesday seeking to block Wyoming's new abortion pill ban from taking effect.
A group hoping to open what would be the state's second clinic offering abortions filed the amended lawsuit days after Republican Gov.
Timberwolves’ Towns nears return from long-term calf injury
March 21, 2023 GMTMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns is moving closer to a return to the court in his recovery from a severely strained right calf muscle.
Georgia senators send gender care restrictions to governor
March 21, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — A bill banning most gender-affirming surgeries and hormone replacement therapies in Georgia for transgender people under 18 is headed to Gov. Brian Kemp's desk after senators gave it final passage on Tuesday.
Superbug Candida auris now reported in more than half of states
March 21, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — U.S. cases of a dangerous fungus tripled over just three years, and more than half of states have now reported it, according to a new study.
The COVID-19 pandemic likely drove part of the increase, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wrote in the paper published Monday by Annals of Internal Medicine.
Evers pushes to repeal abortion ban ahead of court election
March 21, 2023 GMTMADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and his fellow Democrats worked Tuesday to keep the spotlight on abortion ahead of next month's state Supreme Court election, resurrecting a bill that would repeal the state's 1849 ban on the practice.
Navratilova says she is cancer-free, returns to her TV work
March 21, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Martina Navratilova returned to TV work at Tennis Channel for its coverage of the Miami Open on Tuesday, less than three months after saying she had throat cancer and breast cancer.
Tanzanian officials confirm 5 dead from Marburg disease
March 21, 2023 GMTNAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Tanzania’s health ministry on Tuesday confirmed that five people have died and three others are being treated for the Ebola-like Marburg disease.
Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu said the cases were identified in the western region of Kagera and the government had managed to control its spread to other regions.
North Carolina House advances ban on COVID vaccine mandates
March 21, 2023 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's public schools, colleges and universities would be prohibited from requiring a student to prove they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 under a bill that advanced Tuesday in the state House.
Iowa prison searched after repeated use of overdose antidote
March 21, 2023 GMTANAMOSA, IA (AP) — Authorities are searching for contraband at an Iowa prison after several sickened inmates and workers were treated over the weekend with the life-saving overdose antidote Narcan.
Missouri Senate endorses transgender health restrictions
March 21, 2023 GMTJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri Senate advanced a pair of bills to prohibit gender-transitioning health care treatments for minors and restrict them from competing in sports, a hard-fought GOP win Tuesday following intense pressure from protesters to act.
Georgia bill restricting vaping in public gets final passage
March 21, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Georgia lawmakers gave final final passage Tuesday to a bill that would restrict vaping in public spaces.
The state House voted 152-14 to pass Senate Bill 47, which would regulate vaping in the same way the state already regulates smoking.
Paul Newman’s camp for sick kids rises from the ashes
March 21, 2023 GMTASHFORD, Conn. (AP) — Amarey Brookshire was devastated when she heard about the fire at the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for seriously ill children — her camp.
The February 2021 blaze destroyed much of the retreat in the woods of eastern Connecticut, which was founded by the late actor Paul Newman in 1988 to give children with devastating medical conditions a place to, as he said, “raise a little hell.”
New law puts Wyoming at forefront of abortion pill bans
March 21, 2023 GMTCHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming has pushed to the front of state efforts to prohibit the most common type of abortion by instituting the nation’s first explicit ban on pills that terminate pregnancies.
Belgian police fatally shoot patient at psychiatric clinic
March 21, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Belgian police on Tuesday fatally shot a patient carrying a bladed weapon at a psychiatric clinic in Brussels, the local prosecutor's office said.
Police were asked to intervene at the psychiatric institute Fond’Roy for a man aged 49, described as aggressive and whom the clinic staff could not handle.
Boris Johnson says ‘partygate’ untruths were honest mistake
March 21, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson acknowledged Tuesday that he misled Parliament about rule-breaking government parties during the coronavirus pandemic — but insisted he never intentionally lied.
Cyprus court: Briton freely confessed to wife’s killing
March 21, 2023 GMTPAPHOS, Cyprus (AP) — A Cyprus criminal court on Tuesday rejected a defense argument that a British man’s confession to killing his ailing wife was unlawfully obtained, because he was in no frame of mind to speak to police without a lawyer present.
Minnesota moving to fortify state status as abortion refuge
March 21, 2023 GMTST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota is moving to fortify its status as a refuge for patients from restrictive states who travel to the state to seek abortions — and to protect providers who serve them.
Heaps of garbage in Paris streets become protest symbol
March 21, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Garbage. Heaps, mounds and piles of it are growing daily — and in some places standing higher than a human being.
A strike by Paris garbage collectors, which begins its 16th day on Tuesday, is taking a toll on the renowned aesthetics of the French capital, a veritable blight on the City of Light.
UN: Months after Pakistan floods, millions lack safe water
March 21, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — The United Nations children’s agency on Tuesday warned that after last summer's devastating floods, 10 million people in Pakistan, including children, still live in flood-affected areas without access to safe drinking water.
New Mexico gov to abusive caregivers: ‘We’re coming for you’
March 21, 2023 GMTAny caregivers who mistreat and abuse developmentally disabled or otherwise vulnerable people will be held accountable, New Mexico’s governor and top health officials warned Monday.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, members of her cabinet and law enforcement officials gathered at the state Capitol to provide an update on ongoing investigations into an alleged abuse and neglect case involving a developmentally disabled person that was brought to the state's attention March 1.
Tennessee House OKs narrow abortion exemption bill
March 21, 2023 GMTNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee's GOP-dominant House on Monday advanced legislation that would add a narrow exemption to the state's strict abortion ban, despite concerns raised by Democrats and medical experts that the bill does not go far enough to protect doctors and pregnant patients.
Anthony Fauci documentary on PBS covers a career of crises
March 21, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — There's a moment in the new PBS documentary about Dr. Anthony Fauci when a protester holds up a handmade sign reading, “Dr.
Mississippi doctor avoids prison time for health care fraud
March 21, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A Mississippi doctor will not spend time in jail after pleading guilty to federal misdemeanor charges for his role in a health care fraud scheme that prosecutors said cost insurers about $515 million.
Missouri to restrict gender-affirming care for minors
March 20, 2023 GMTJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri’s Republican attorney general on Monday said he will limit access to gender-affirming care for minors, sidestepping the GOP-led Senate as it struggles to pass a law banning the practice for children completely.
Police: Dentist killed wife by lacing shakes with poison
March 20, 2023 GMTDENVER (AP) — Police believe a Colorado dentist laced his wife’s pre-workout protein shakes with arsenic and cyanide, eventually killing his spouse so he could be with a woman he was having an affair with, according to court documents.
Biden signs bill on COVID origins declassification
March 20, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan bill Monday that directs the federal government to declassify as much intelligence as possible about the origins of COVID-19 more than three years after the start of the pandemic.
Maryland lawmakers reach crossover deadline in session
March 20, 2023 GMTANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The Maryland General Assembly headed into the last three weeks of its annual legislative session on Monday, advancing legislation on its deadline known as “crossover day." That's when bills need to be approved by one chamber and sent over to the next, or else face a greater challenge to passage.
‘Ted Lasso’ visits White House, promotes mental health care
March 20, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Fictional soccer coach Ted Lasso used a White House visit Monday to encourage people, even in politically divided Washington, to make it a point to check in often with friends, family and co-workers to "ask how they're doing, and listen, sincerely,”