News from the USA, United States of America

[Chandelier]

'Punching down': Comedian Jon Stewart under fire as mockery falls flat with progressives

www.rawstory.com

400-word article.

AI Summary

• Jon Stewart faced backlash after joking on The Weekly Show about people who still wear masks in progressive workplaces.
• Critics accused him of “punching down” at COVID-cautious and medically vulnerable people.
• Disabled individuals, caregivers, and Long COVID advocates said masking is a necessary health precaution, not a joke.
• Commentators argued that asking why someone masks is invasive and dismissive of disability and chronic illness.
• Stewart was also accused of hypocrisy, given his strong advocacy for 9/11 first responders suffering long-term health effects.

 

[rvallee]

Sometimes I wonder if after all this messaging rejoicing the good news of how "only" vulnerable people were dying of COVID has led to most people just assuming that COVID killed everyone who was vulnerable and therefore there aren't any left.

Which, ooof. But also years of messaging promoting infections as good for health might do that all by itself. In combination, though, yikes.

 

[V.R.T.]

Sometimes I wonder if after all this messaging rejoicing the good news of how "only" vulnerable people were dying of COVID has led to most people just assuming that COVID killed everyone who was vulnerable and therefore there aren't any left.

Which, ooof. But also years of messaging promoting infections as good for health might do that all by itself. In combination, though, yikes.

I keep seeing people saying locking down to protect the vunerable was a mistake. Because people think only old and disabled people died or got really sick.

[*The media and governments during the lockdowns] were saying everyone who died who wasn't elderly had 'pre existing conditions'. But when you looked even things like depression counted, so anyone could have pre existing conditions. In The Wire, they call this kind of figure manipulation 'juking the stats'.

*Used to read 'they'. Edited for clarity.

 

[rvallee]

They were saying everyone who died who wasn't elderly had 'pre existing conditions'. But when you looked even things like depression counted, so anyone could have pre existing conditions. In The Wire, they call this kind of figure manipulation 'juking the stats'.

It's not a perception that can be fully controlled or managed, but it seems that there is a huge problem with how people understand "pre-existing conditions" as basically "were going to die soon anyway", rather than literally anything that can be diagnosed, including things like relatively benign asthma and so on, which amounts to something like 1/3 of the population in most countries.

It takes a very close reading of the news to know better, while most people only ever see bits and pieces and so missed the context entirely. Because of course that perception was thoroughly abused to hint strongly that it was all fine. Many big problems fall in this category, where similar things are equated for a purpose, but the comparison sticks for entirely different ones, like how "infections are good for you" was meant (by most MDs anyway) to only apply to some viruses, but even then the whole "it's just the flu" mess. Just like "hey, the flu and other common infections also trigger chronic disabling health problems that can't be treated so let's keep ignoring it all, yeeehaw!"

 

[DHagen]

It takes a very close reading of the news to know better, while most people only ever see bits and pieces and so missed the context entirely. Because of course that perception was thoroughly abused to hint strongly that it was all fine. Many big problems fall in this category, where similar things are equated for a purpose, but the comparison sticks for entirely different ones, like how "infections are good for you" was meant (by most MDs anyway) to only apply to some viruses, but even then the whole "it's just the flu" mess. Just like "hey, the flu and other common infections also trigger chronic disabling health problems that can't be treated so let's keep ignoring it all, yeeehaw!"

As with so much else in this world, I think the essential problem is that people do not want to be bothered, in any sense of the word. The only course of action that is acceptable is that which is understood to preserve or restore comfort; the logic which allows this is essentially irrelevant. They want to not feel bad - they do not want to do anything, that would require effort and inconvenience, so any line of reasoning that will allow them to take this course of action will be accepted as the default. The only way to break through this is to create the perception that doing nothing will bring a higher personal cost in the immediate future than taking action, which usually requires public shaming. Unfortunately, once someone realizes that divesting themselves of shame, empathy, and even reason brings less obviously negative immediate consequences (and may even bring immediate rewards) than taking action (like wearing a mask) would, it becomes all but impossible to persuade them to reconsider.
I don't have any solution for this. People are awful.

 

[Trish]

The only way to break through this is to create the perception that doing nothing will bring a higher personal cost in the immediate future than taking action, which usually requires public shaming. Unfortunately, once someone realizes that divesting themselves of shame, empathy, and even reason brings less obviously negative immediate consequences (and may even bring immediate rewards) than taking action (like wearing a mask) would, it becomes all but impossible to persuade them to reconsider.
I don't have any solution for this. People are awful.

That's a very bleak view of humanity. I prefer to see it as some people are awful and have power over others who they misinform and/or keep in ignorance for their own ends. I think most people are decent but ill informed and struggle to know who to believe.

 

[Sly Saint]

Trump 2.0 is dismantling American science. Here's what's at stake, according to researchers​

From beginning to end, 2025 was a year of devastation for scientists in the United States.

January saw the abrupt suspension of key operations across the National Institutes of Health, not only disrupting clinical trials and other in-progress studies but stalling grant reviews and other activities necessary to conduct research. Around the same time, the Trump administration issued executive orders declaring there are only two sexes and ending DEI programs. The Trump administration also removed public data and analysis tools related to health disparities, climate change and environmental justice, among other databases.
February and March saw a steep undercutting of federal support for the infrastructure crucial to conducting research as well as the withholding of federal funding from several universities.

And over the course of the following months, billions of dollars of grants supporting research projects across disciplines, institutions and states were terminated. These include funding already spent on in-progress studies that have been forced to end before completion. Federal agencies, including NASA, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Agency for International Development have been downsized or dismantled altogether.

The Conversation asked researchers from a range of fields to share how the Trump administration’s science funding cuts have affected them. All describe the significant losses they and their communities have experienced. But many also voice their determination to continue doing work they believe is crucial to a healthier, safer and more fair society.

MSN

 

[Chandelier]

The silent struggle of Long COVID patients in Nevada - The Nevada Independent

One Sparks resident says Long COVID has led to everything from fatigue and an 85-pound weight loss to the inability to enjoy a cup of coffee. Nevadans have fewer options than those in other states to get help.

thenevadaindependent.com

1600-word & reader-funded article.

 

[Dolphin]

Director of NIH neurological disorders institute is ousted, adding to leadership churn

Walter Koroshetz, director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, will soon be leaving his role, STAT has learned. His departure

www.statnews.com

Director of NIH neurological disorders institute is ousted, adding to leadership churn​

Agency declines to reappoint Walter Koroshetz, who has led NINDS since 2015​

Medscape Medical News:

"Long-Time NINDS Director Walter Koroshetz Terminated"

Long-Time NINDS Director Walter Koroshetz Terminated

After a decade leading NIH’s neurologic research arm, NINDS Director Walter Koroshetz was abruptly terminated — 1 day after Christmas.

www.medscape.com

*National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

 

[Sly Saint]

US government overhauls the childhood vaccine schedule in unprecedented move​

The U.S. federal government has rewritten its childhood vaccine schedule, reducing the number of shots universally recommended to kids 18 and under from around 17 to 11.

This policy change effectively downgrades the recommendations for several shots, such as those against rotavirus, the flu and hepatitis A. Rather than being recommended to all children by default, those vaccines will now be recommended to only certain "high-risk" groups or will be accessible through "shared clinical decision-making" between parents and providers.

MSN

 

[ahimsa]

From CIDRAP, another report on the US changes to the childhood vaccine schedule:

"HHS announces unprecedented overhaul of US childhood vaccine schedule"

HHS announces unprecedented overhaul of US childhood vaccine schedule

www.cidrap.umn.edu

Public health experts immediately decried the change. Experts said there’s no reason to change a system that has prevented 1.1 million deaths over the past 30 years.

“Abandoning the U.S. evidence-based process is a dangerous and potentially deadly decision for Americans,” said Jason M. Goldman, MD, president of the American College of Physicians. “The evidence is clear that vaccines prevent deaths, hospitalizations, and spread of disease.”

Experts say changes are radical, dangerous

“This is a very dark day for children and for their parents and for our country generally,” said Jesse Goodman, MD, MPH, a professor of medicine and infectious diseases at Georgetown University, who spoke at a press conference of vaccine experts following the announcement.

 

[Dolphin]

Source: New York State Senate
Date: January 12, 2026
Author: Roxanne J. Persaud
URL: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/J1375


Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness
Month in the State of New York
------------------------------------------------------------
Senate Resolution No. 1375

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious illnesses
that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month in the State
of New York, in conjunction with the observance of International Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day; and

WHEREAS, International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome (ME/CFS) Awareness Day is observed every year on May 12th to
support and recognize people with this disease and other chronic
immunological and neurological diseases by raising awareness and
providing useful information; and

WHEREAS, On May 12, 2026, people from across the world are encouraged to
wear blue to raise awareness and show support for people with ME/CFS,
their families and caregivers, and researchers who study this disease;
and

WHEREAS, ME/CFS is a serious, long-term illness that affects multiple
body systems; people with this illness suffer from inability to perform
usual activities associated with extreme fatigue, post-exertional
malaise or PEM, sleep problems, and other problems with thinking and
concentrating, pain, and dizziness; and

WHEREAS, In 2018, it was reported 1 to 2.5 million Americans of all
ages, races and genders are living with ME/CFS, and approximately
62,000-152,000 people in New York; and

WHEREAS, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome persists for
years or decades due to a lack of treatments, leaving 25% of patients
housebound or bedbound, with many students unable to attend school and
75%-85% of patients unable to work, costing the economy of New York
State millions of dollars; and

WHEREAS, The National Academy of Medicine noted a lack of knowledge
about the disease due to a lack of research and funding for research,
owing largely to a lack of awareness of the disease; and

WHEREAS, The National Academy of Medicine stated that as a result of
this lack of awareness and research, many patients encounter medical
professionals who doubt the existence of their disease and have
tremendous difficulty being properly diagnosed and accessing appropriate
medical care; and

WHEREAS, ME/CFS is a tragic, disabling disease which destroys the lives
of many patients and imposes a severe toll on their families, friends,
and caretakers; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health condition, and more must be done to increase awareness
and funding at the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month in the State
of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.

 

[SNT Gatchaman]

I was a little confused about the language, but Google says:

In state legislative bodies, such as the New York State Senate, members often pass resolutions to "memorialize" the current governor. This is a formal request for the governor to officially recognize a specific cause, event, or group with a gubernatorial proclamation.

 

[Dolphin]

2025-J1383

Commemorating the 34th Anniversary of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day in the State of New York

www.nysenate.gov

2025-J1383​

Commemorating the 34th Anniversary of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day in the State of New York

Sponsored By​

Roxanne J. Persaud​

(D) 19th Senate District

text​

2025-J1383​

Senate Resolution No. 1383

BY: Senator PERSAUD

COMMEMORATING the 34th Anniversary of Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness
Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
illnesses that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 34th Anniversary of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome (ME/CFS) Awareness Day is observed every year on May 12th to
support and recognize people with this disease and other chronic
immunological and neurological diseases by raising awareness and
providing useful information; and

WHEREAS, On May 12, 2026, people from across the world are
encouraged to wear blue to raise awareness and show support for people
with ME/CFS, their families and caregivers, and researchers who study
this disease; and

WHEREAS, ME/CFS is a serious, long-term illness that affects
multiple body systems; people with this illness suffer from inability to
perform usual activities associated with extreme fatigue,
post-exertional malaise or PEM, sleep problems, and other problems with
thinking and concentrating, pain, and dizziness; and

WHEREAS, In 2018, it was reported 1 to 2.5 million Americans of all
ages, races and genders are living with ME/CFS, and approximately
62,000-152,000 people in New York; and

WHEREAS, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis persists for years or decades due
to a lack of treatments, leaving 25% of patients housebound or bedbound,
with many students unable to attend school and 75%-85% of patients
unable to work, costing the economy of New York State millions of
dollars; and

WHEREAS, The National Academy of Medicine noted a lack of knowledge
about the disease due to a lack of research and funding for research,
owing largely to a lack of awareness of the disease; and

WHEREAS, The National Academy of Medicine stated that as a result of
this lack of awareness and research, many patients encounter medical
professionals who doubt the existence of their disease and have
tremendous difficulty being properly diagnosed and accessing appropriate
medical care; and

WHEREAS, ME/CFS is a tragic, disabling disease which destroys the
lives of many patients and imposes a severe toll on their families,
friends, and caretakers; and


WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health condition, and more must be done to increase awareness
and funding at the local, State, and National levels; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 34th Anniversary of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day in the State of New York.

actions​

• 12 / Jan / 2026
  • REFERRED TO FINANCE

Resolution Details​