May 23 top stories
Hello, it is May 23. Here are today’s top stories.
Microplastics found in every human testicle in new study
A new small study from University of New Mexico (UNM) researchers found that human testicles contain microplastics and nanoplastics at levels three times higher than animal testes and human placentas.
The new study tested 23 preserved testes from cadavers who were ages 16 to 88 at the time of their death, then compared the levels of 12 different types of plastics in those testicles with plastics found in 47 dog testes. They found every testicle sample contained microplastics.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are less than 5 millimeters across, about the size of a sesame seed or smaller.
Experts warned such minuscule particles can interrupt cellular processes and potentially deposit endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Endocrine disruptors interfere with the human reproductive system.
A professor at UNM said this is an eyes wide open situation right now. We are just now realizing how much plastic is in our bodies. We need a surge of research around this topic to confirm or deny a role for microplastics in driving infertility, testicular cancer and other cancers.
Nikki Haley says she will vote for Trump
Nikki Haley said Wednesday that she will vote for Donald Trump.
During an event at the Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C., her first public speaking event since exiting the presidential race in March, Haley said her priorities as a voter are supporting a president who would back America’s allies and hold its enemies accountable, who would secure the border, support capitalism and freedom, and who would lower the national debt.
She continued: “Trump has not been perfect on these policies. I’ve made that clear many, many times. But Biden has been a catastrophe. So I will be voting for Trump.”
Haley has been guarded about what her future political plans may be.
Norway, Ireland and Spain say they will recognize a Palestinian state
Norway, Ireland and Spain said Wednesday that they would recognize a Palestinian state on May 28, a step toward a long-held Palestinian aspiration that came amid international outrage over the civilian death toll and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip following Israel’s offensive.
Malta and Slovenia, which also belong to the 27-nation European Union, may follow suit.
Some 140 of 190 represented in the U.N. countries have already recognized Palestine.
While dozens of countries have recognized a Palestinian state, none of the major Western powers has done so. The decisions from Norway, Ireland and Spain may generate momentum.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Katz has ordered Israel’s ambassadors from Norway, Ireland and Spain to immediately return to Israel.
In response, the White House reiterated its stance for a two-state solution through negotiations and opposed “unilateral recognition.”
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Tennessee, Delaware to become first states to offer free diapers for Medicaid families
State officials have confirmed Tennessee will soon become the first state in the country to offer free diapers to families enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program after receiving federal approval.
Similarly, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has also approved extending a pilot program in Delaware that provides free diapers and wipes to postpartum parents for the first three months after giving birth.
The recent approvals in both Delaware and Tennessee come as public health advocates say that families are increasingly struggling to afford enough diapers for their children – not only putting babies at risk of infection and rashes but also forcing parents to miss work or school because they can’t afford enough diapers required at many childcare centers.
On average, newborn babies can require eight to 10 diapers a day, or around 300 a month. Toddlers can use around 150 diapers a month.
Health experts explained that diaper rash is one of the most common medical conditions for infants and toddlers, and changing diapers frequently is the mainstay of recommendations to prevent this condition.
See Alex’s brief on Iowa’s deadly tornado and storms.
5 killed, dozens injured by tornado in Iowa
On Tuesday afternoon, a powerful EF-3 tornado hit Greenfield, Iowa. At least four people were killed and 35 people were injured. The city was damaged.
A fifth person, a 46-year-old woman, was killed when her car was blown off the road about 25 miles away.
There were several other tornadoes that hit Iowa and several states on Tuesday. Greenfield is one of the hardest-hit places.
News reports said there is a bleak landscape of destroyed homes and businesses, shredded trees, smashed cars, and widely strewn debris. Survivors said the tornado sounded like a freight train and was roaring.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds visited Greenfield and said the storm was “horrific.”
The White House said FEMA officials would head to Iowa on Thursday (today) to provide support.
Thanks for the brief. That’s all the top stories for today. See you tomorrow and stay with the light!
Microplastics found in every human testicle in new study
https://hsc.unm.edu/news/2024/05/hsc-newsroom-post-microplastics-testicular.html
Nikki Haley says she will vote for Trump
https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/22/politics/nikki-haley-donald-trump/index.html
Norway, Ireland and Spain say they will recognize a Palestinian state
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/05/22/israel-hamas-war-news-gaza-palestine-rafah/
Tennessee, Delaware to become first states to offer free diapers for Medicaid families
5 killed, dozens injured by tornado in Iowa
https://apnews.com/article/severe-weather-midwest-iowa-tornadoes-26c73e14ab481ef77a1b0606a2b10adc