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OCPS rejects compromise on teacher health insurance ahead of school board hearing
The local teachers union accepted the compromise recommendations made by a special magistrate late last week. Both sides will share their views about teacher health insurance costs and salaries at Wednesday’s hearing, scheduled to…
OCPS rejects compromise on teacher health insurance ahead of school board hearing
Orange County Public Schools rejected on Tuesday a compromise on health insurance costs meant to break a months-long contract dispute between the district and its teachers union, saying that a special...
Could Our Universe Be a Simulation? ‘Glitches’ at the Limits of Reality Could Offer Clues, Physicists Suggest
A simulated universe implies that the cosmos has an intentional design—or does it?
Seattle Public Theater’s ‘नेहा & NEEL’ is a fun, heartwarming journey
“नेहा & NEEL,” a coproduction from Pratidhwani and Seattle Public Theater, is all about the journey and what it teaches us.
$5 Million in Maternal Health Research Funding to Support Projects Aimed at Improving Outcomes for Native Mothers
Overview: The University of Oklahoma has received more than $5 million in federal funding for maternal health research, including projects focused on improving outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native mothers through culturally responsive care, technology and traditional food systems. The University of Oklahoma’s Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing has received more than […]
‘High Potential’ star Matthew Lamb, 14, reveals his mother died: ‘Still doesn’t feel real’
‘High Potential’ star Matthew Lamb, 14, shared a heartbreaking message announcing the death of his mother: ‘There’s so much she is going to miss in my life.’
On3 Sports Honors Kentucky’s Lance Heard, Coach Will Stein in Midseason National Awards
Kentucky football head coach Will Stein has been named On3 Sports’ Midseason National Coach of the Year and offensive lineman Lance Heard a First Team All-American.
The Secret to Life on Earth Was What Made It Stop Being a Poisonous Ice Ball
Ancient South African rocks expose the chain reaction behind life’s first real growth spurt.
Jay-Z, U2 and ‘Star Wars' headline NFL's next big entertainment events
U2 will headline the NFL's first Thanksgiving Eve halftime show, while Jay-Z is reportedly set for Super Bowl LXI and a "Star Wars" alternate broadcast will recreate the game in animation.
Villion: Code launches January 26, 2027 in the west
Compile Heart-developed action RPG Villion: Code will launchfor PlayStation 5, Switch 2, PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC via Steam on January 26, 2027 in the west, publisher Idea Factory Internationa…
Georgia: Secretary General Alain Berset calls for safeguarding democracy and political pluralism ahead of opposition ban hearings
Council of Europe to closely follow developments and continue dialogue with Georgia
Georgia: Secretary General Alain Berset calls for safeguarding democracy and political pluralism ahead of opposition ban hearings
Council of Europe to closely follow developments and continue dialogue with Georgia
Paxton campaign showing ‘desperation’ with manufactured story: Political commentator
In the final days until election, President Trump is set to hold another rally in Texas for Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton. MS NOW National Reporter Rosa Flores shares what she is hearing from voters there. MediasTouch Journalist Adam Mockler, Democratic Strategist Basil Smikle, Bloomberg Businessweek Journalist Max Chafkin, and Rolling Stone Magazine Politics Reporter Nikki McCann Ramirez join the Group Chat with Stephanie Ruhle to share their analysis.
MCG and Itiliti Health Form Partnership to Support Health Plans with CMS-0057-F Compliance
/PRNewswire/ -- MCG Health, part of the Hearst Health network and the industry's source of truth for trusted clinical guidance, today announced a strategic...
Hampton Beach businesses want free trash pickup; residents say it’s time to pay
Should businesses pay for trash collection at Hampton Beach? A packed hearing showed a division between residents and business owners.
300+ Charleston builders to gather for heart health talk at Hard Hats with Heart event
Hard Hats with Heart will be hosting their annual networking celebration Tueday. They state that theCharleston construction industry leaders build healthier he
Business Beat : Insight Coldwater Performs First Stress Echocardiogram, expanding heart care close to home
COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) - Insight Hospital & Medical Center Coldwater has successfully performed its first ec...
Dejan Kulusevski shares heartbreaking admission after making ‘impossible’ injury comeback
Surgery on his right patella in May last year was followed by multiple setbacks
Scientists finally uncover why statins can cause muscle pain
Scientists have uncovered a surprising reason why statins, the widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs that help prevent heart attacks and strokes, can sometimes cause muscle pain, weakness, and even severe muscle damage. Using advanced imaging technology, researchers discovered that statins can attach to a crucial protein in muscle cells and force open a channel that normally controls calcium flow. This causes calcium to leak continuously, potentially damaging muscle tissue.
JFK’s mistresses recall their ‘irresistible’ and ‘solicitous’ affairs with the president in new book
Laurence Leamer’s latest book, “Ladies Man: The Careless Heart of John F. Kennedy,” is available for purchase wherever books are sold.
Lil Jon recalls learning man who raised him isn’t his biological father
The rapper writes about the experience in his new memoir, “I Only Shout So You Can Hear Me.”
In their own words: Israeli politicians' extreme speech surges ahead of elections
LUBBAN AL-SHARQIYA, West Bank (AP) — Extreme speech has surged under Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's far-right government and can be heard at the highest levels ahead of Israel's Oct. 27 elections.
Texas Health Fort Worth Earns Commitment to Quality Award for Second Consecutive Year
FORT WORTH, TEXAS, Oct. 16, 2026 – Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth has once again earned the American Heart Association’s Commitment to Qu
Former Las Vegas Councilwoman denies misusing donations during judicial discipline hearing
Michele Fiore testified that she believed a developer paid for a memorial statue honoring slain Metro officer Alyn Beck as she denied misusing donations during a Nevada judicial discipline hearing.
Houston Museum of Natural Science scores massive Marvel exhibit
Costumes, iconic comics and life-size statues of Marvel Heroes are coming to Houston.
Friday Night Lights Stars Campaign For James Talarico In Midterms Final Push
Watch Friday Night Lights stars campaign for James Talarico in "clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose" ad
Dodgers’ Free Agent Sends Heartfelt Message to Fans
Los Angeles Dodgers free agent reliever Alex Vesia sent a message to Dodger fans before heading into free agency this offseason. Vesia played all but five games of his MLB career thus far with the Dodgers, spending his last six MLB seasons in Los Angeles. He has a 2.66 ERA through 367 games with the […] The post Dodgers’ Free Agent Sends Heartfelt Message to Fans appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Fifth annual ¡ARTE VIVA! celebrates Hispanic arts, culture
Embark on a journey into the vibrant heart of Hispanic arts and culture as Florida's Paradise Coast offers another year of exhilarating celebration of ARTE VIVA! , presented by the
Israel prepares for a high-stakes election
Israel holds an election on October 27th, electing members of the Knesset, their parliament. And this election will decide the future of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.It is the first vote since Hamas-led attacks of October 7th, 2023 and the Gaza war. And a major question shaping the elections is whether the prime minister should be held responsible for the Hamas attacks. We go to Israel, to hear how Israelis are thinking about this election.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Supreme Court may strike down school policies that limit Asian students
The court agreed to hear an appeal from parents in Montgomery County, Md., who were upset by a sharp drop in Asian students at its four magnet schools for gifted students.
What Does a Human Heart Need to Grow? Scientists Found the Answer in a Bioprinted Model
Heart problems that babies are born with, called congenital heart defects, often begin developing early in pregnancy. Approximately three weeks after fertilization, the human heart is still a simple, straight tube of cells and, over the course of about five weeks, this tiny structure must undergo a remarkable transformation to reshape itself into the complex organ that eventually pumps blood throughout the body.
Judge grills Trump administration over plans to overhaul Washington golf course
A federal judge hearing testimony about President Donald Trump’s plans to redevelop a Washington golf course is expressing deep skepticism over the government’s claim that the recent mass cutting of
Americans With Disabilities Worry About Proposed Changes to Major National Health Survey
Questions that have been proposed for removal deal with memory, fatigue, arthritis, difficulty walking and climbing stairs, as well as others about the use of hearing aids, canes, wheelchairs and scooters.
Supreme Court to Hear New Case on Race and School Admissions
The court’s decision to review an admissions policy for selective middle school programs in Maryland follows its rejection of affirmative action in higher education.
Supreme Court passes on Chicago parking-ticket case, but two justices sound alarm
The high court declined to hear a challenge to Chicago's policy of confiscating cars over unpaid parking tickets, but two justices raised serious constitutional concerns.
Supreme Court Declines to Hear Los Angeles Business Owner’s Case Seeking Compensation After SWAT Team Destroyed Shop
WASHINGTON—Today, the United States Supreme Court declined to hear a Los Angeles small business owner’s lawsuit seeking compensation after a SWAT team destroyed his print […]
Factbox-Top cases on the US Supreme Court's docket
Oct 19 (Reuters) - The US Supreme Court is hearing a series of important cases during its current nine-month term involving issues such as President Donald Trump's immigration policies, asylum,
Essentia Health hosting Hypertension Night
There, attendees can get their blood pressure checked, receive educational materials, have experts review your medications and have an at-home blood pressure cuff calibrated.
Your Fruits and Veggies Are Losing Their Nutrients—Here’s Why
The Green Revolution did wonders to increase calories to feed a growing population, but the nutritional value of those crops didn’t experience the same boom.
Joseph H. Neal Health Collaborative's Awards Brunch this month!
JHN Health Collaborative's Heart of the People Awards Brunch Fundraiser starts Saturday, October 31 at 11 a.m. at Segra Park.
Centennial Yards lands flagship retail for growing Entertainment District
A company described as world-class and one of the most powerful players in sports retail is planting its flag in the growing Entertainment District at the heart of Centennial Yards and the doorstep of Atlanta’s largest sports coliseums.
The Best Mayo for Heart Health, According to Dietitians
Dietitians recommend avocado oil mayonnaise for heart health and share what to compare on labels, plus lighter swaps for creamy dishes.
Paxton, Talarico pull in celebrities as Senate race heats up
It's all about eyes, hearts and red meat as we reach the finish line.
Sports on TV/radio listings: Oct. 19
Where to watch and/or listen to today's sporting events that will be televised or broadcast on the radio.
Election stakes are high for Colorado’s farming future
U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans is running to defend his seat against Manny Rutinel. I don’t know either of the two, but I was able to visit with Evans for half an hour earlier this week and while we aren’t aligned on everything, we have similar feelings about dear Manny. Evans said he’s hearing the same […]
Candidates for Austin City Council District 9 discuss affordability, public safety and homelessness
Current City Council member Zo Qadri will face off with four challengers on the ballot in November.
When the Haze Keeps You Indoors, Your Health Routine Doesn’t Have to Stop
From indoor workouts and mindful eating to better sleep and heart health, Samsung Galaxy Watches and Samsung Health offer practical ways to stay on top of your wellbeing when the air outside keeps you home.
Bay Area sports calendar, Oct. 19-20
Cecilia Zandalasini and the Valkyries will face the Dream in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center at 5 p.m. Monday. (USA CNBC E!)
Haverhill Councilors to Hear School Roof Borrowing, Condo Changes, Health Board Choice
Haverhill city councilors Tuesday are expected to hear plans for the estimated $3.6 million roof replacement at Golden Hill Elementary School, proposed changes to a Marshland Street condominium plan and approve a changing of the guard on the city Board of Health. Councilors are expected to file the school roof request for the required 10
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Health Screening Assistance at Flagler Schools
Volunteers needed to assist with Health Screenings (vision, hearing, height/weight BMI and screening for scoliosis) for Flagler Schools Adults over 18 years of age. Community Service hours for school and/or […]
Saginaw's No Kings rally urges residents to vote early
Nationwide rallies on Saturday, including one in Saginaw, urged people to vote early and use the midterm elections to make their voices heard, with organizers emphasizing nonpartisan participation, accessibility, and
Three Ballad Health hospitals recognized nationally for excellence in stroke care
Bristol Regional Medical Center, Holston Valley Medical Center and Johnson City Medical Center earned awards from the American Heart Association for stroke care.
Cindy Crawford breaks silence on death of son Presley Gerber
The supermodel and actress shared a heartfelt Instagram post about her son Presley Gerber who died at 27 last month. His death remains under investigation.
Kaia Gerber pens heartbreaking tribute to late brother Presley: ‘This party sucks so bad without you, Prez’
“I am learning how to love you when I cannot see you,” the model wrote in a letter addressed to her brother, who died on Sept. 20.
Cindy Crawford breaks silence on son Presley Gerber’s death: ‘We are beyond heartbroken’
Cindy Crawford has penned a heartfelt tribute to her son, Presley Gerber, nearly one month after his death at 27: ‘So proud of how he showed up in the world.’
Berkeley's Nabolom Bakery blames political backlash for decline ahead of closure
Nabolom's owners say an Instagram removal and backlash over its political positions hurt sales, but they also point to rising costs, staffing problems and fierce competition.
The 5 Best Canned Soups You Should Be Eating for Heart Health, According to Dietitians
Warm up with one of these heart-healthy soups this season.
Black and Gold take care of business in Conway
App State football traveled down to Conway, South Carolina Friday. The Black and Gold looked to bounce back after a heartbreaking loss to Old Dominion University in a back and forth shootout with rival Coastal Carolina University. The first quarter was off to a shaky start. App State, who let penalties rule it last week...
South Texas Health System (@stxhealthsystem)
2 likes, 1 comments - stxhealthsystem on October 18, 2026: "Put Your Skills at the Heart of Innovation: South Texas Health System is seeking skilled and dedicated Cardiac Cath Lab Technologists to join the cardiovascular teams at STHS Heart and STHS Edinburg. In this vital role, you’ll support advanced cardiac procedures, help deliver potentially lifesaving care and make a meaningful difference for patients when it matters most. Join a team committed to clinical excellence, innovation and compassionate care. Ready to take your career to the next level? Explore opportunities with the Rio Grande Valley’s largest integrated healthcare network. STHS offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits and an increased sign-on bonus for qualified applicants. Ready to make your next career move? View current openings and apply at the link in our bio.".
Andy Cohen Reveals the Two ‘Real Housewives’ Franchises That Hold a Special Place in His Heart
Andy Cohen says two Real Housewives cities hold a place in his heart: New York and Atlanta. However, he stops short of naming one cast member as his favorite. “I will say New York and Atlanta have alw...
‘Landman’ Fans, the Show Just Made a Huge Announcement About Season 3
Or maybe...you are.
What Doctors Want Women to Know About Menopause and Heart Health
The American Heart Association and The Menopause Society share four facts about menopause and cardiovascular risk for Menopause Awareness Month.
2 Cups of Orange Juice a Day May Help Lower Blood Pressure, Study Shows
Orange juice may influence genes that help lower blood pressure, but whole fruit offers more heart-healthy benefits.
Five players who stood out in Nebraska football’s loss to Oregon
Saturday night hope turned into Sunday morning heartbreak for Nebraska football fans this weekend. Former Husker quarterback Dylan Raiola entered the game down five points in the fourth quarter and led Oregon to victory on his new home field. Nebraska (5-2, 2-2) lost 17-14 to the Ducks (4-2, 2-1) in Autzen Stadium late Saturday night. Over the last two weeks, fourth-quarter execution has plagued NU, with Oregon and Indiana outscoring them 25-7 in the final period.
Olympic canoeist at center of Reflecting Pool scandal becomes a Trump foil
David Hearn, cleared of allegations that he intentionally damaged the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, is now fighting to save a public golf course
Chuck Lorre claims Les Moonves made ‘no f---ing way’ gesture at Jon Cryer’s ‘Two and a Half Men’ audition
Chuck Lorre recalls casting ‘Two and a Half Men’ in his new memoir, ‘Sitcom,’ and being told by the network, ‘We don’t want to hear the words ‘Jon Cryer.’’
Naomi Watts, 58, wants women to know about this unexpected menopause symptom – here’s how to fix it
We shouldn't just put up with discomfort as 'normal',
‘These are really tough times’: House Republicans confront voter fury over Trump’s Washington in final midterm stretch
GOP operatives conducting a focus group in a traditionally red Midwestern state this month were shocked by what they heard from Republican voters.
Recap: Glocester Council Expands Planner's Hours for Health Grant, Continues Senior Tax Hearing
The Glocester Town Council made the town planner full-time to run a rural health grant and continued its senior tax exemption hearing to Nov. 5.
Peggy Gossett-Seidman grateful for arrest of man who threatened her life over political mail
The suspect remains in jail pending his next court hearing.
This Common, Preventable Condition Could Cost You Up to 6 Years of Good Health, Scientists Say
Your mental health may be at greatest risk.
SpaceX Dragon Delivers Groundbreaking Science and Solar Arrays to ISS
SpaceX has delivered tiny brain models, 3D heart tissue, and artificial retina technology to the space station in a mission that could open new doors for medical research on Earth. SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft successfully arrived at the International Space Station on October 15, docking at 10:27 a.m. EDT with the space-facing port of the station’s
Three takeaways from Spurs' 126-97 preseason rout of Sacramento
Dylan Harper scored 19 as the Spurs routed the Kings 126-97, finalized their starting lineup and emerged healthy ahead of Tuesday's season opener.
Bakersfield man detained by ICE on his way to work; business partner raises concerns over his treatment
A Bakersfield man was detained by ICE on his way to work. His business partner heard it over the phone and is raising concerns about his treatment.
NBA bans certain types of sports bets following high-profile gambling scandals involving players
The NBA is banning certain player prop parlays and other wagers while expanding measures to detect suspicious betting activity and protect players from harassment.
DC Lawmakers Focus on Business, Wealth Taxes in Budget Hearing
DC lawmakers held a marathon hearing Friday to debate different revenue raisers to fill a projected $700 million budget gap next year, but most focused on measures to implement a business activity tax and wealth tax.
‘Whalefall’ ending explained: Who survives? What happened on the boat? How does it differ from the book?
Austin Abrams and Josh Brolin star in Whalefall, a heart-racing thriller based on Daniel Kraus’ novel. Who survives? What happened on the boat? How does it differ from the book? Here’s the answers.
What causes sleep paralysis; health indicators of Alzheimer's diagnosis; sober October; plus other stories with Vanderbilt Health sources
(iStock) Food and Wine interviewed Peter Martin, MD, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, for a story about sober October. William Schaffner, MD, Professor of Preventive Medicine, was quoted in CNN International’s Connect the World with Becky Anderson and NewsNation Morning in America for stories about the reported plague situation in Russia, after a laboratory worker at an institute in Siberia dedicated to studying the plague and other infectious diseases died of a mysterious illness. Prevention interviewed James McGuirk, MD, Assistant Professor, Division of Sleep Medicine, for a story about what causes sleep paralysis. Modern Healthcare interviewed Daniel Fabbri, PhD, Associate Professor of Biomedical Informatics and Computer Science, for a story about how health systems are managing AI token costs. WNKY interviewed Ziv Beckerman, MD, Associate Chief of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Surgical Director of Pediatric Heart Transplantation in the Golisano Pediatric Heart Institute at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt about rapid recovery with extended ultra oxygenated preservation (REUP) that is a new form of preservation for heart organs. Ray Romano, PhD, MPH, MSN, Nurse Practitioner, Vanderbilt Memory & Alzheimer’s Center, was quoted Prevention about research that found other health issues may be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s.
Barbara Bush's latest political move backs James Talarico's U.S. Senate bid
Barbara Bush gave $2,500 to Lone Star Rising PAC, which supports Democrat James Talarico in his U.S. Senate race against Republican Ken Paxton.
Inside 'Dancing With the Stars' rehearsals with Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik: Sore ribs, sharp humor and 'no days off'
Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik talk "DWTS" rehearsals, taking criticism and who's on his "dead to me" list.
Heart surgeons now earn more than $1 million per year
Cardiac surgeon compensation is up 11%, according to new survey data from MedAxiom and the American College of Cardiology. Vascular surgeons experienced an increase in pay as well, but it was much smaller.
Sister Monica Heeran, longtime PeaceHealth leader and Northwest healthcare pioneer, dies at 95
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. — PeaceHealth mourns the passing of Sister Monica Heeran, a visionary leader who rose through the ranks of Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene and would shape healthcare throughout the Northwest and beyond.Sr. Monica died Oct. 9 at St. Mary on the Lake in Bellevue, Wash. She was 95.She boldly led PeaceHealth through a period of great innovation, guided by her faith, compassion and generosity toward those in need.
The Bay Area's biggest show of the year just opened. Is it worth splurging on a ticket?
It scandalized off-Broadway and is now on a national tour. Is the biggest show to come to Bay Area theater this year worth the price of admission?
This Eerie State of Consciousness Makes Your Brain Feel Broken—but It May Be Keeping You Alive
Suddenly everything becomes unfamiliar...
Julia Stiles says she’s been ‘crying’ in “DWTS” rehearsals for Heath Ledger dedication: ‘I didn’t expect it’
Ledger, who starred alongside Stiles in 1999’s “10 Things I Hate About You,” died in 2008 at age 28.
Joe Manganiello Says He’s Heard From Sofía Vergara Since Writing Memoir
Joe Manganiello spoke to Andy Cohen on "Andy Cohen Live" about his new memoir "Bloodlines" and more.
The Next Pandemic Might Already Be Taking Shape at the Edge of the World’s Vanishing Forests
Outbreaks cluster where people, livestock, and damaged ecosystems collide, a new Nature study finds.
God Help Me, I Actually Loved Street Fighter
Stupid, surreal, and a little sexy are how best I can describe yet another video game movie.
Uniting Hearts Music Festival combines entertainment with community service on October 17
The Uniting Hearts Music Festival returns for its seventh annual event on Saturday, October 17th.
Billy Joel says he can no longer perform or drive due to health condition
Billy Joel said he has hydrocephalus, a condition affecting his balance, memory, vision and hearing, and that he is unable to perform or drive.
Billy Joel Shares Heartbreaking Health Update After Brain Disorder Surgery
The 'Piano Man' singer, 77, was forced to cancel his tour in 2025 due to normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Billy Joel Shares Heartbreaking Health Update After Brain Disorder Surgery
The 'Piano Man' singer, 77, was forced to cancel his tour in 2025 due to normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Can AI solve our mental health access problem?
Last week I asked you what worries you most about AI in health. It was close, but your top answer was “AI giving bad health advice.” Last week’s poll results: You’re in good company. This concern was top of mind at a conference I joined at Stanford last week, where researchers, clinicians, and people who build AI systems spent a day debating trust and safety in health AI. Stepping back, I’m also hearing your emerging concerns about AI’s impact on our well-being generally. I see this as a matter of public health, and we’ll take it in pieces as we learn together. Today we’ll focus on AI chatbots used for therapy for mental health. Early this month, Governor Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 903, California’s most ambitious attempt to regulate AI use for mental health. It’s at the center of active debate, and raises the questions patients, family members, citizens, and voters will face as AI moves deeper into health care. Let’s work through it. What is “AI-based therapy”? It’s really two things: purpose-built mental health apps designed to deliver structured support, and general chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini that people increasingly use for emotional support—even if they weren’t built for it. Spoiler alert: I don’t know whether the shift toward AI therapy is good or bad. The evidence isn’t there yet. But I do know it’s already happening, and I have some ideas about how we can roll it out with safety in mind. The therapy dilemma, in a nutshell Mental health challenges are common, and strain health and well-being across populations. Therapy (interactive dialogue with a trained, empathetic practitioner) helps many people heal. The demand for licensed therapists far exceeds the supply in California, and AI-based therapy can narrow that gap. AI-based therapy remains novel, unproven, and not well tested. Right off the bat, we can see we’re dealing with trade-offs here. Since the main driver of demand for therapy from a robot is lack of access to therapy from a human, we’ll start there. It’s too hard to find and afford a human therapist California is short roughly 55,000 licensed, non-prescribing therapists and counselors, about 40% of what we need. Psychiatrists, who rely on talk therapy as a complement to prescribed medications, are even more scarce. Eight counties have none, and density ranges from 1.7 per 100,000 residents in San Benito County, to 68.1 in Marin County. My wife is a psychiatrist in Marin, and even here access is tight. If it’s hard in the best-supplied county, imagine rural Sierra County, or the San Joaquin Valley. In 2024, more than half of Californians who tried to make a mental health appointment struggled to find a provider who took their insurance, compared with 14% for physical health care. When Senate staff posed as “secret shopper” patients and called 120 mental health providers in Medicare Advantage networks, they landed an appointment less than once for every five tries. Insurers pay behavioral health clinicians about 22% less than medical and surgical clinicians for comparable office visits. On top of that, billing denials and prior authorizations hit hardest at the solo and small practices common in mental health. Psychiatrists opt out of Medicare at the highest rate of any specialty. In many places, a cash practice for therapy fills quickly with patients paying $250 or more an hour, with no insurance paperwork at all. Families who can pay cash find providers more easily. Those who rely on insurance, including Medi-Cal enrollees, older adults, rural residents, and non-English speakers, compete for what’s left. So we can’t pretend the human system works, and we can’t blame people for turning to AI for support when they’re in distress. AI is filling the gap It’s estimated that roughly a quarter of AI users use it for mental health support. If you have internet, it’s available 24/7, it’s cheap, and it speaks your language. Uninsured adults are about twice as likely as insured adults to do it (30% vs. 14%). It feels anonymous in ways that may enable people to ask things they’re unsure or embarrassed about. The largely hidden, personal use makes it hard to study whether it’s actually helping people with their mental health issues, but researchers are trying. Does AI therapy work? A 2026 analysis of nearly 40 randomized trials found chatbots showed a real but small reduction in depression symptoms. But most of these trials were compared to an alternative of no therapy, not a human therapist. So the benefit of AI therapy is probably real, but modest, and mostly untested against the alternative of human contact. We need more studies. Serious concerns OpenAI’s own estimate is that more than a million ChatGPT users each week show signs of suicidal planning or intent. These are high stakes encounters, and AI doesn’t always get it right. That’s partly because a chatbot can sound like a therapist, but it has no license, no duty of care, and it’s not clear who to hold accountable when it gets things wrong. AI is also designed to help users in whatever task they’re seeking to accomplish. People may feel like they’re getting therapy, but they’re mainly getting a convincing conversation. It’s easy for an AI companion to wander into gray areas, like playing along with “creative writing” that may be about the user’s own suicidal intent. Courts are driving safety conversations A wave of lawsuits have been filed on behalf of families claiming that chatbots pushed people they loved toward self-harm, including teens who died by suicide. The first settlements came this year. OpenAI is headquartered in San Francisco, and dozens of cases alleging that ChatGPT drove users to suicide or self-harm are now before a San Francisco judge. Character.ai has filed for bankruptcy after several states brought lawsuits accusing the chatbot of pushing dangerous content to kids. But the technology seems to be improving. Last month, an independent evaluation found that newer AI models “almost never endorse suicide.” That’s progress, but our societal appetite for even one preventable death is very low. So how do we move forward? Finding a middle ground Earlier this month the governor vetoed Senate Bill 903, a bill designed to place guardrails on the use of AI for therapy. The bill would have prohibited any AI-based platform from being advertised as psychotherapy, and would have required a licensed professional to review and approve each encounter where AI was used to support therapeutic decisions. Newsom called it overly broad, since even routine screening questions would have needed clinician sign-off. Knowing we’re already short on mental health providers, requiring human review of AI encounters may not relieve our access problems. Still, the answer isn’t no oversight. Here’s one feasible short term solution. Rather than reviewing each encounter, a licensed clinician can design the guardrails: what counts as a crisis, what triggers an immediate handoff to a human, and what gets sampled for audit each month. The AI runs inside that structure. Conversations get checked, failures get reported, and a real clinician owns the framework. Medicine already has models to learn from. The FDA process for rolling out newly approved medications is an example. After a product reaches patients, we keep watching for adverse events. Patient-facing AI needs the same “digital pharmacovigilance”: systematic tracking of harms, near misses, and the types of groups that get hurt and why. It’s also critical that users know that they can reach a human if they’re in crisis. Most chatbots now include messages like these: Bottom line The rush to use unproven AI tools for mental health support is mostly a workaround, a sign of a health system people can’t get into. We need better access to proven care from licensed clinicians. That takes reimbursement that makes accepting insurance viable, and a bigger workforce. But, built and tested well, AI could be part of the answer. It could be the 2 a.m. check-in when no one else is awake, or a way for patients to practice skills their therapist taught them. It could be the first step to get someone the right level of care, and take paperwork off clinicians’ plates so they spend more time with patients. None of this is simple. The SB 903 veto doesn’t end the debate, and the legislature will be back. In the meantime, those of us using these tools need to stay informed, ask hard questions, and hold the companies building them accountable. I’ll try to do my part, and we’ll keep learning together. Love,Matt P.S. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988- you’ll reach a real person— or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7. Dr. Matt Willis is the author of Your Local Epidemiologist in California. A California native, he’s served as a primary care physician, CDC epidemiologist, and public health officer for Marin County, where he guided the pandemic response. He lives in Marin with his family and their dogs, Teddy and Ramona. Thank you Cynthia He, MD, PhD, and Parnika Saxena, MD, for their guidance in preparing this article. Cynthia works in an outpatient mental health clinic, treating patients who have Medi-Cal or, sometimes, no insurance. Parnika works in an inpatient psychiatric unit, treating patients with public or private insurance or self-pay ability. All opinions are their own and do not represent their employers.
To the editor: The taint of corporate involvement in politics and government
hen we hear Republican candidates earnestly talking about reducing regulations, cutting government programs and lowering taxes to help ordinary Americans, we need to recognize the distinction between tactics and strategy. These proposals are tactics. The broader strategy behind them is to drastically reduce the role of government in our lives. We have watched this strategy
Rod Stewart, 81, issues health update ahead of bowing out on 'farewell' tour
Rod Stewart has issued a health update following his heart surgery and retirement news.
Can States Still Protect Public Health? The Risk of a Climate Regulatory Vacuum - Petrie-Flom Center
On Oct. 5, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that has the potential to greatly impact state and local municipalities’ ability to fight widespread threats to public and environmental health.
100 WWI Shipwrecks Are Being Eaten By The Sea. Scientists Figured Out How to Save Them.
Zinc and aluminum rods absorb corrosion so Gallipoli’s war graves can survive decades more.
Every Species Lives in Its Own Private Version of Time—and Yours Is Stranger Than You Realize
Humans and animals perceive the movements they see through a startlingly different lens.