Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
FBI Investigates Cyberattacks Targeting Water Systems In Michigan, Minnesota
AP: Michigan And Minnesota Report Cyberattacks On Water Systems
Michigan on Saturday joined Minnesota in reporting cyberattacks on nine of the state’s water systems but an official said all systems were operating “safely.” Earlier this week, authorities said cyberattacks targeted over 30 water systems in Minnesota. The source of the attacks is being investigated, but they came amid warnings that Iranian hackers have been focused on such systems. The reports in Michigan surfaced after the state received a federal cyber alert Tuesday about attempts to tamper with operational technology at water systems. (Casey, 8/1)
In other environmental health news —
Spotlight on Maryland: Maryland PFAS Sewage Sludge Law Faces Criticism Over Limits
Maryland lawmakers say they’re cracking down on harmful chemicals entering our food and water supply, but critics question whether the new legislation is really making state residents any safer. (Conrad, 8/1)
Cardinal News: As $43 Million For Southwest Flood Relief Remains Unspent, Residents Who Can't Afford To Fix Their Homes Wait For Help
David Cruey hadn’t slept well — he woke up in the middle of the night gasping for air. The power had gone out briefly. The four box fans and the window air conditioning unit circulating air throughout the trailer home had turned off, along with his oxygen machine. (Beyer, 8/3)
Coastal Review: ‘Peering Into The Black Box Of Nutrition’: Study Tracks Diets
Research Technology used to track COVID-19 in municipal wastewater is now being used to track populations’ dietary habits, according to a new paper released last week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. (Sherer, 8/2)
More health news from across the U.S. —
NBC News: New York Law Will Soon Let Terminally Ill Patients Choose Medical Aid In Dying
A New York law allowing medically assisted death goes into effect Wednesday, allowing patients who have less than 6 months to live to take a medication to end their lives. (Bendix, 8/1)
The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer: ‘No Glory In Suffering’: Family Caregivers Describe End-Of-Life Struggles, Need For Options
Caring for a loved one through a long decline can change the way people think about the end of life. Family caregivers who spoke with cleveland.com described the emotional, physical, and financial burdens of caring for someone through their final days. (McGowan, 8/2)
Post Tribune: IUN Professor Uses Hydrocephalus Diagnosis To Help Teach, Advocate
Kyle Gospodarek is fascinated by “biological art,” specifically with the brain. In fact, those pieces cover the walls at his Indiana University Northwest office. But, one piece is more personal to Gospodarek: a light-up shadow box showing CT scans. “That’s me,” Gospodarek said, pointing to the scans. “You can see my actual name and information somewhere.” (Wilkins, 8/2)
San Francisco Chronicle: 49ers Voice Papa Survived Lung Failure. Now Comes Uncertain Recovery
Greg Papa sounded like Greg Papa. During a recent two-hour phone interview from his North Bay home, the San Francisco 49ers radio announcer’s distinctive baritone was robust. He recalled dates and details with his usual precision and punctuated stories with trademark humor. But every three seconds, there was a loud click. (Branch, 8/2)
