Florida Defies Health Guidelines Amid Measles Outbreak, Allowing Unvaccinated Students to Attend School

Florida Defies Health Guidelines Amid Measles Outbreak, Allowing Unvaccinated Students to Attend School

Dr. Joseph Ladapo’s decision to permit unvaccinated students at a school affected by measles sparks widespread criticism from medical experts.

Florida’s controversial Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, has drawn significant backlash for his handling of a measles outbreak at an elementary school in the state, allowing unvaccinated students to attend classes during the outbreak despite federal health recommendations. This decision directly contradicts the guidelines set out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which advises the exclusion of unvaccinated students for a period of three weeks when a measles outbreak occurs.

Dr. Ladapo, who has gained notoriety for his sceptical stance on COVID-19 vaccinations, sent a letter to parents at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston, Florida, following a measles outbreak in which six students contracted the virus. The letter outlined that while it is “normally recommended” that unvaccinated children be kept home during such outbreaks, the state would not impose a mandate on this practice.

“Due to the high immunity rate in the community, as well as the burden on families, we are deferring to parents to make decisions regarding school attendance,” Ladapo stated in the letter, justifying the choice not to follow CDC recommendations.

Medical professionals have sharply criticised Ladapo’s stance, urging the state to enforce the CDC’s exclusion guidelines to protect vulnerable populations. Dr. Rana Alissa of the American Academy of Pediatrics Florida chapter argued that this decision not only endangers unvaccinated children but also those with compromised immune systems who might be exposed to the virus.

Jodie Guest, an epidemiologist at Emory University, stressed that the CDC’s guidelines are based on years of scientific research, asserting that misinformation about the measles vaccine is driving dangerous decisions.

Florida’s law requires students to be vaccinated against measles, though exemptions are permitted for medical or religious reasons. Measles, which spreads through respiratory droplets, can be deadly, especially to unvaccinated individuals. Though the disease is rare in the US, the number of cases has spiked in recent years, with 35 reported in 2024 alone, up from 58 in 2023.

While the vast majority of vaccinated individuals are protected from the disease, the CDC reports that unvaccinated children have a 20% chance of being hospitalised if they contract measles, with potential long-term effects such as brain swelling, deafness, or even death.

The ongoing outbreak at Manatee Bay Elementary has led to a divided response, with local authorities emphasising that decisions regarding exclusion rest with the health department. The controversy, however, has raised concerns about the state’s approach to managing public health risks in the midst of the outbreak.

Court Rejects Russia’s Appeal Against IOC Suspension Ahead of Paris Olympics

Court Rejects Russia’s Appeal Against IOC Suspension Ahead of Paris Olympics

The Court of Arbitration for Sport upholds the International Olympic Committee’s decision, reaffirming the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed an appeal from the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) challenging its suspension by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). On Friday, CAS confirmed that the IOC’s decision to suspend the ROC, made in October, was valid. The suspension stemmed from the ROC’s incorporation of sports bodies representing regions of eastern Ukraine, a move deemed to breach the Olympic Charter by the IOC.

As a result of this suspension, Russia remains barred from entering athletes for the Paris 2024 Olympics under its national flag. However, the IOC has permitted Russian athletes to compete as neutral participants, without displaying national symbols, as part of an ongoing initiative for neutral athletes.

The CAS ruling concluded that the suspension met the principles of legality, equality, predictability, and proportionality, rejecting the ROC’s claims. The ROC had argued that the decision mirrored the IOC’s arguments and failed to adequately consider Russia’s position. The ROC now has the option to appeal to the Swiss Supreme Court, though it has not yet confirmed whether it will pursue this route.

In its statement, the ROC condemned the ruling, claiming that it represented “civil and sports discrimination” against Russians as the Paris Games approach. The committee also expressed concern that the suspension had effectively excluded Russia’s athletes from participating in the Olympic Games.

The IOC’s original suspension was triggered by the ROC’s controversial decision to integrate sports bodies from four Ukrainian regions, which the IOC argued violated Ukraine’s territorial integrity, as recognised under the Olympic Charter. The IOC also reaffirmed its stance that Russian athletes who support the war in Ukraine would not be allowed to compete, although it has not required athletes to publicly denounce the war.

Despite the suspension, Russian athletes are still able to compete internationally as neutral athletes and are working to qualify for Paris 2024. They will be classified as “Individual Neutral Athletes” for the Games. Similarly, Belarusian athletes are under the same system, though the Belarusian National Olympic Committee has not been suspended.

The IOC maintains that this system alleviates the need to consult with the ROC on the selection of athletes for the Paris Olympics, and it has pledged to prevent any political influence from impacting the Games.

The Best Sylvanian Families Sets to Bring Adorable Critters Into Your Home

The Best Sylvanian Families Sets to Bring Adorable Critters Into Your Home

Discover the enduring appeal of these cute, woodland creatures that continue to capture hearts worldwide.

Sylvanian Families, or Calico Critters as they’re known in the US, are a beloved range of miniature animal figurines that embody the charm of a countryside paradise. First introduced in 1985 by the Japanese company Epoch, these endearing characters initially had a lengthy name: ‘Pleasant Friends of the Forest Epoch System Collection Animal Toy Sylvanian Families.’ At that time, the figurines were made from porcelain, while the furniture and accessories were crafted from wood.

However, after launching in North America, the brand underwent several changes. The lengthy title was shortened to simply ‘Sylvanian Families,’ with the term ‘Sylvanian’ deriving from Silvanus, the Roman god of the forest. This perfectly reflects the imaginary woodland world where these adorable creatures live, often referred to as ‘Sylvania’ or ‘Great Nature.’

Sylvanian Families are a refreshing twist on traditional dollhouses, offering a magical vision of rural life filled with anthropomorphic animal characters. It’s no surprise that the figures have been so successful, as humans have long had an affinity for anthropomorphised animals, ever since Mickey Mouse first charmed audiences in 1928. This sense of nostalgia and innocence has ensured that the creatures’ fictional lives are set in a timeless, rural world resembling North America’s past.

Despite enjoying significant popularity, the Sylvanian Families line was temporarily discontinued in the 1990s. However, the brand made a strong comeback in 1999 when Italian toy company Flair began producing the figurines again, reigniting their charm across Europe and Japan.

In the UK, many 90s kids will fondly remember the dedicated Sylvanian Families shop in Finsbury Park, which closed its doors in March 2023 after three decades of operation. However, the brand’s appeal extends beyond children, as collectors—especially those nostalgic for their childhood toys—have embraced the figurines. Sylvanian Families has also gained traction among Gen Z, leading the brand to introduce collectable blind mystery bags to cater to this new audience.

The rise of @SylvanianDrama on TikTok has further boosted the popularity of these figurines, with fans sharing creative stories about their miniature residents. In addition, Etsy has become a hub for fans who customise their critters with new costumes and accessories, adding to the growing community of Sylvanian enthusiasts.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the most beloved Sylvanian Families sets that have continued to captivate both collectors and new fans alike. Before you shop, remember that these delightful animals are intended for children aged three and older.

Europe’s Leading Climate Tech Hub Urges London Councils to Boost Green Start-Up Investments

Europe’s Leading Climate Tech Hub Urges London Councils to Boost Green Start-Up Investments

Lambeth’s support paves the way for climate tech innovation, calling for greater council involvement

The company behind Europe’s largest climate technology hub has called on London’s councils to increase their investment in green start-ups to drive forward sustainable innovation. This initiative has gained significant traction through a shared workspace located in County Hall, directly opposite the Houses of Parliament. The facility was established with a £1.45 million investment from Lambeth Council and opened in July 2023, quickly reaching 97% capacity.

Sustainable Ventures, the organisation managing the space, provides expert guidance and grants to green tech start-ups. Thanks to an additional £3.4 million from Big Issue Invest, the hub has quickly become Europe’s largest climate tech cluster, accommodating over 100 start-ups. Notable among them are ENSO, a finalist in the 2023 Earthshot Prize for creating low-emission electric vehicle tyres, and Packamama, which manufactures innovative, energy-efficient flat wine bottles.

In October 2023, the Prince of Wales visited the facility, praising it as a demonstration of the power of focused efforts towards sustainability. Sustainable Ventures’ managing partner, Andrew Wordsworth, acknowledged Lambeth Council’s pivotal role in the success of the hub, describing it as a “gold standard” in climate tech partnerships. Wordsworth also encouraged other councils to adopt similar sustainability strategies and create green job opportunities, urging them to follow Lambeth’s lead.

The workspace itself is a model of sustainability, crafted with eco-friendly materials such as lamp shades made from discarded coffee cups and panels made from waste beetroot and orange peel. These efforts reflect Lambeth’s commitment to fostering a green economy, with council member Dr Jacqui Dyer noting that the partnership has brought significant growth and investment opportunities to the borough.

Lambeth was the first London borough to declare a climate emergency in January 2019, and its green initiatives have since become a model for other councils. The borough aims to become a net-zero compatible organisation by 2030, with goals that include insulating all council-owned homes and ensuring that 100% of energy used in council buildings comes from renewable sources.

On a broader scale, Mayor Sadiq Khan has launched a Green Finance Fund, offering up to £500 million for projects that contribute to London’s net-zero goals. One of the recipients of this funding is the solar membrane installation at London Stadium in the Olympic Park, a key step towards meeting the capital’s sustainability targets.

Over 60 MPs Demand Speaker’s Resignation After Controversial Gaza Vote Handling

Over 60 MPs Demand Speaker’s Resignation After Controversial Gaza Vote Handling

Growing pressure on Sir Lindsay Hoyle following Commons row over Gaza motion.

A growing number of MPs are calling for the resignation of Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle after a contentious vote on Gaza in the Commons on Wednesday. As of Thursday evening, more than 60 Members of Parliament have backed a motion expressing no confidence in Hoyle’s leadership.

The motion, led by Conservative MP William Wragg, has garnered significant support from senior figures within both the Conservative Party and the Scottish National Party (SNP). Among the signatories are prominent figures such as Sir Graham Brady, the Conservative 1922 Committee chair, and the SNP’s Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, along with his deputy Mhairi Black.

The motion stems from frustration within the SNP, with over half of their Westminster MPs signing it. The party expressed dissatisfaction over Hoyle’s handling of its opposition day motion, which focused on Gaza. In total, 39 Conservatives and one independent MP, former Tory Rob Roberts, have also lent their support.

While the early day motion is unlikely to be debated in the Commons, the sheer number of signatories signals a significant erosion of confidence in Hoyle’s ability to lead. There is no formal process for removing a Speaker, but if the motion garners enough backing or if a confidence vote were held, it would be difficult for Hoyle to remain in his role.

The last time a Speaker was forced out of office was in 2009 when Michael Martin resigned after the MPs’ expenses scandal. That resignation followed an “unprecedented” motion supported by 23 MPs, which ultimately led to his departure just days later.

In contrast to the 2009 situation, which saw support for the motion from MPs across all major parties, the current motion has only seen backing from Conservatives and SNP members. Stephen Flynn is the only party leader to have called for Hoyle’s resignation publicly.

WFP Halts Vital Aid to Northern Gaza Due to Escalating Security Risks

WFP Halts Vital Aid to Northern Gaza Due to Escalating Security Risks

Life-saving food deliveries suspended amidst deteriorating humanitarian situation.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has temporarily halted its “life-saving” aid operations to northern Gaza due to growing security concerns. The UN agency expressed regret over this decision, emphasizing the urgency of delivering aid but asserting that safe conditions must first be established before it can proceed with distributions.

The suspension comes at a critical moment, with Gaza’s population facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The WFP noted that the region was teetering on the edge of famine, with hunger-related deaths already reported. The agency highlighted the severe shortage of food and clean water, widespread diseases, and alarming levels of malnutrition, particularly among women and children.

“The situation is dire. Thousands are at risk of starving, and conditions are worsening every day,” the WFP stated in a report. “Gaza is hanging by a thread, and we must reverse the current path towards catastrophe.”

The UN has warned that over 500,000 people in Gaza are on the brink of “catastrophic hunger,” with the risk of famine increasing daily. This crisis has been compounded by Israel’s blockade on many aid deliveries, with the UN noting that 80% of the aid trucks meant for northern Gaza were blocked in January.

Prior to this week’s suspension, the WFP had already paused its deliveries for three weeks following an Israeli strike on a UN aid truck. When efforts resumed, convoys were met with extreme challenges, including crowds of desperate people trying to board trucks, gunfire, and looting. The security situation deteriorated further when a second convoy faced complete chaos, including violence and the beating of a driver.

Despite these setbacks, northern Gaza was already grappling with severe food shortages. A joint report from WFP and UNICEF found that 15% of children under the age of two in the region were acutely malnourished. Nearly 3% of these children suffer from severe wasting, the most life-threatening form of malnutrition, putting them at immediate risk of death without urgent intervention.

UNICEF’s Ted Chaiban warned, “The Gaza Strip is on the verge of a preventable child mortality crisis. If the fighting continues, the health and nutrition of children will worsen, leading to long-term consequences for their lives and for generations to come.”

The ongoing conflict has already claimed over 27,000 Palestinian lives, the majority of whom are women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

Dazn Responds to Josh Taylor’s Offensive Remark Towards Jack Catterall

Dazn Responds to Josh Taylor’s Offensive Remark Towards Jack Catterall

Streaming service condemns vulgar insult aimed at Catterall during press conference ahead of rematch.

Streaming service Dazn has issued a statement following an offensive remark made by Josh Taylor at a press conference earlier this week. During the second face-off between Taylor and Jack Catterall on Tuesday, a nearby microphone captured Taylor calling his opponent a “fing r**.” This insult comes ahead of their long-anticipated rematch on 27 April in Leeds, over two years after their controversial first fight.

The initial bout, which took place in Glasgow, saw Taylor retain his undisputed super-lightweight titles with a points victory over Catterall. However, the result sparked significant backlash, with Catterall’s MP in Chorley referring the scoring to the police due to concerns over fairness.

The second press conference ended with a heated exchange, following an already tense face-off on Monday (19 February), when Catterall placed his hand on Taylor’s neck—an action reminiscent of the weigh-in before their first fight.

In response to the derogatory language used by Taylor, Dazn, which is broadcasting the rematch, told The Independent: “Dazn does not condone the use of discriminatory language, and will remind Josh Taylor of his responsibilities.”

Taylor, aged 33, and Catterall, 30, are set to clash once again after a turbulent few years in their careers. Since their first fight, Taylor has relinquished three of his four titles and suffered his first professional loss against Teofimo Lopez in June, who took the WBO belt from the Scotsman in New York City. Meanwhile, Catterall has continued his career with victories over Darragh Foley and Jorge Linares in 2023, maintaining his pursuit of a world title.

X Temporarily Suspends Yulia Navalnaya’s Account by Mistake Amid International Backlash

X Temporarily Suspends Yulia Navalnaya’s Account by Mistake Amid International Backlash

The widow of Alexei Navalny vowed to hold Vladimir Putin accountable, but her account was briefly taken down before being reinstated after global outcry.

Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, had her newly created account on X (formerly known as Twitter) briefly suspended this week, sparking a wave of criticism. The suspension occurred just a few days after the announcement of her husband’s death. She had used the platform to pledge to continue her late husband’s campaign against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On Tuesday afternoon, her account disappeared, replaced by a message stating it had been suspended for violating X’s rules. However, the notice failed to specify which particular guidelines had been breached. A link to the platform’s rules was provided, highlighting its commitment to enabling “safe and free” public conversations while prohibiting harmful behaviour such as harassment or violent speech.

The last post on Yulia Navalnaya’s account before it was taken down showed a video of Alexei Navalny’s mother outside the penal colony where her son had died. The footage, which urged President Putin to release Navalny’s body, appeared shortly before the account was suspended.

After about an hour, Navalnaya’s account was restored, with all posts intact. Despite numerous requests for clarification, X did not respond immediately, offering only an automated message saying, “Busy now, please check back later.” Since acquiring Twitter in 2022, Elon Musk has dismissed the company’s press team and instead used his own account to announce policy changes and updates.

The Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), established by Alexei Navalny, was among the many users demanding an explanation from Musk regarding the suspension. The FBK tweeted, “Hey Elon Musk! Please explain exactly which rules were violated by @yulia_navalnaya.”

Critics of the suspension, including supporters of free speech, pointed to Musk’s past statements on free speech as a core principle of democracy. Late last year, Musk tweeted, “Free speech is the bedrock of democracy,” leading to further questions about the rationale behind blocking Navalnaya’s account.

SNP Pushes for New Vote on Gaza Ceasefire, Stirring Tensions Within Labour Party

SNP Pushes for New Vote on Gaza Ceasefire, Stirring Tensions Within Labour Party

The SNP will initiate a fresh call for a ceasefire in Gaza, potentially deepening Labour divisions as the Rochdale by-election looms.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) is set to table a new vote next week, demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, with the potential to further split the Labour Party ahead of the Rochdale by-election. The party plans to use an opposition day debate in Parliament to urge both the UK Government and Parliament to support an urgent halt to the ongoing conflict when MPs return from recess.

Stephen Flynn, leader of the SNP in Westminster, accused both Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer of being indecisive over the escalating crisis in Gaza. This comes as Labour faces internal struggles, especially in the wake of controversial remarks made by a Rochdale candidate regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The Labour Party has faced backlash after it initially backed Azhar Ali, the candidate, who later faced suspension following media reports of his remarks, which also involved accusations of media bias.

Further complicating Labour’s position, former MP Graham Jones was suspended after his comments were recorded at the same meeting as Ali’s, where he used inflammatory language about Israel. These incidents have heightened tensions, and the Jewish Labour Movement has called for disciplinary action against those involved.

The SNP’s push for a new vote increases the pressure on Labour, especially after a similar vote in November led to eight shadow ministers breaking ranks to support the ceasefire amendment. The motion, however, was ultimately defeated by a large margin.

Flynn criticised Sunak and Starmer for their hesitance, stating, “The UK parliament cannot sit idly by while over 28,000 Palestinian civilians and children have lost their lives. The UK has a moral responsibility to demand an immediate ceasefire and to exert international pressure for peace.”

Labour’s handling of the situation has drawn further scrutiny, especially regarding its response to antisemitism allegations under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership. Despite Starmer’s claims of tough action on the issue, the party is facing ongoing questions about why Ali was not suspended earlier.

As the by-election draws near, Labour’s position on the Gaza conflict may influence voter sentiment in Rochdale. Shadow defence secretary John Healey has urged party members to report any relevant information from the controversial meeting, highlighting the importance of transparency in addressing allegations.

Best Reach Tools for Seniors: Extend Your Reach and Stay Independent

Best Reach Tools for Seniors: Extend Your Reach and Stay Independent

From picking up everyday items to aiding gardening tasks, these reach extenders provide essential support for seniors and others with mobility challenges.

For those struggling with mobility or bending over, grabber tools offer invaluable assistance in maintaining independence. Whether you’re elderly, disabled, or simply need a little extra help, these handy tools are perfect for reaching items that would otherwise be difficult to access.

New parents, for example, can use a grabber to collect fallen toys or nappies without leaving their newborn’s side. Gardeners can spare their backs from constant bending by using a reach extender to gather leaves and trimmings. They’re also useful for retrieving things from awkward spaces like behind sofas or in high cabinets, picking up litter, or even collecting broken glass safely. Some people even use them to rotate snacks while relaxing on the couch.

A typical grabber consists of a long arm with a handle, trigger, and claw for grasping. While the exact inventor of the device remains unclear, the Banu Musa brothers from 9th century Persia are often credited with creating the first clamshell-grabbing mechanism, while Benjamin Franklin is believed by some to have adapted it for reaching high shelves in the 18th century. Regardless of the origin, the grabber has certainly proved to be a brilliant invention designed to make life easier.

If you’re looking to buy one for yourself or a loved one, we’ve compiled the best options to suit various needs, including extendable models and those with built-in lights for low-visibility situations.

Here are some of the best grabbers currently available:

Thinkwork Grabber Reacher Tool
This versatile tool stands out with LED lighting for dim areas, a foldable arm, a rotating head, and a magnet for collecting metal items. At just 400g, it can handle objects up to 5lbs.
Price: £15.99
Buy on Amazon

Handy Reacher Grab Stick
Perfect for lightweight items, this grab stick features TPR jaws that securely grasp objects. Its compact design makes it easy to store when not in use.
Price: £10
Buy at Argos

NRS Combi Grabber Reaching Aid 660mm
Extending your reach by 26 inches, this grabber is lightweight and comes with a comfortable handle, built-in magnet, and a shoehorn for added convenience.
Price: £13.99
Buy at Boots

Kingfisher Reaching Tool
Gain an extra 76cm with this handy tool, which features rubber jaws for a secure grip. Ideal for grabbing items up to 8cm wide.
Price: £4.99
Buy at Robert Dyas

Aidapt Folding Handy Reacher Grab Stick
Great for on-the-go, this foldable reacher is made from rust-proof aluminium and includes a magnetised end to pick up small metal items like coins and keys.
Price: £12
Buy at Argos

SLAH 32-inch Litter Picker
Perfect for collecting litter or garden debris, this gripper extends to 81cm and features a 360-degree rotating head. It’s best suited for items weighing up to 500g.
Price: £9.99
Buy on Amazon

WNSC Reaching Assist Tool
Ideal for bin stores and outdoor tasks, this tool is useful for picking up litter, taking out the rubbish, and retrieving items from high shelves.
Price: £12
Buy at Robert Dyas

Whether for household chores, gardening, or simply extending your reach, these tools make a significant difference in everyday life for seniors and anyone in need of assistance.