Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Pennsylvania School Officials Accused Of Covering Up Lead, Asbestos Contamination
AP: School Officials Charged With Hiding Lead, Asbestos Problems
The former superintendent of a Pennsylvania school district and two other officials were charged Wednesday with felony child endangerment over allegations they covered up lead and asbestos contamination in the schools and exposed students and staff to serious health risks. Starting in 2016, officials in the Scranton School District were repeatedly told about dangerous lead levels in drinking water in at least 10 schools but failed to ensure tainted water fountains and sinks were disconnected or remediated and misled the public about the problem, according to a grand jury presentment released Wednesday. (Rubinkam, 9/30)
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WCIV: Gov. Henry McMaster Signs "Health Education Act" To Teach Mental Health In Schools
A bill that focuses on mental health in schools was signed into law this afternoon, a spokesperson for [South Carolina] Governor Henry McMaster confirmed to ABC News 4 on Tuesday afternoon. It's called the "Health Education Act" and it is a bill that is personal to a former Fort Dorchester High School student and a critical conversation for a South Carolina State Representative. (Ellis, 9/29)
Fox News: FSU Cancels Spring Break After 1,000-Person Party Over The Weekend
Florida State University canceled its spring break on Wednesday to try to protect against the spread of coronavirus. Sally McRorie, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at FSU, told students that the administration is altering the schedule and canceling spring break because the school's "highest priority remains the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff." (Best, 9/30)
