June 17, 2024
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 | Yasmeen Khalifa, Audience Engagement Producer |
Best of the Bayou
Today we're talking about Houston doctors launching 'cutting-edge' syphilis testing...
If you read one thing: Houston doctors have implemented a new testing program that, if widely adopted, could help address the nationwide epidemic of babies born with syphilis.
What is the program?
Memorial Hermann and UTHealth Houston's Preg-Out program provides rapid congenital syphilis testing for all pregnant patients admitted to the emergency department at the hospital's medical center campus. This is important because traditional testing can be cumbersome and take up to 24 hours. By that point, many patients have already left the hospital.
Rapid testing is especially beneficial in high-risk areas like Houston, according to public health officials. It gives patients results within 15 minutes and allows doctors to start treatment early, preventing more severe side effects for the pregnant person and the baby.
How high are congenital syphilis cases?
Texas accounts for 25% of all cases in the U.S. and has the nation's fourth-highest rate, according to the CDC. In 2022, Harris County accounted for the largest share of the 922 new cases in Texas and had the highest rate among the 10 most populous counties, public health data shows.
Read Julian Gill's full story here.
Stay in the Loop
Photo by: Susan Barber
📰 Need to Know
- Why do we celebrate Juneteenth? As a Texan, it's an important history lesson. Juneteenth is not a marker of shame or ignorance but an acknowledgment of resilience and strength, writes news columnist Joy Sewing.
- Kashmere Gardens residents feel 'forgotten,' awaiting extreme weather resources. Residents in the neighborhood were promised a resilience hub meant to provide resources during extreme weather, but they say it has yet to come to life.
- An innocent Houston man spent 6 weeks in jail before officials admitted error. With help from the "Brothers in Arms" jail program, Jabon Barrett's mother convinced Harris County jail staff to re-check his identity.
- Fact check: Marco Rubio says at least 20M people live in the U.S. illegally. Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican and a possible vice presidential pick for Donald Trump, said the number of people in the U.S. illegally is "upwards of 20, 25, maybe 30 million." Here are the facts.
💼 Business
- The massive Chevy Suburban offers power and luxury touches. The Chevy Suburban is road royalty, older than the American interstates it once ruled, writes auto columist Jesus R. Garcia.
Point of View
Photo by: Yasmeen Khalifa
Texas leaders say offshore wind is an environmental threat. It's not.
"Offshore wind platforms help fish. There's no evidence they endanger whales, and they pose a fraction of the threat to birds as cats do. Plus, it will make the Texas grid cleaner and more reliable," writes UT Austin associate professor Hugh Daigle.
Houston vs. All Y'all
Photo by: Julio Cortez, Associated Press
Astros injuries: Tucker is 'moving in right direction' while Verlander is 'better.'
Astros manager Joe Espada is "hopeful" Kyle Tucker can return during the upcoming White Sox series, while Justin Verlander is feeling "better" after his scratch from Saturday's start.
- If the Rockets have the option of drafting Alex Sarr at No. 3, how would he fit? Alex Sarr is considered one of top two picks in the draft, but if he were to fall to No. 3, how would his defensive skills fit with Rockets? Here's what to know.
Get Out
Photo by: Raquel Natalicchio/Staff Photographer
Paul Wall is trending after joining Megan Thee Stallion in Austin.
"The People's Champ," as he's known, joined Megan Thee Stallion onstage Thursday in Austin. Here are seven things to know about Paul Wall.
- Fade to Black festival at MATCH gives Black playwrights a voice. Denise O'Neal started the festival featuring ten 10-minute plays 12 years ago, and the latest edition begins June 20.
- Inside George Strait's concert attendance record at Kyle Field. The 110,905 in attendance broke the record for a ticketed concert in the United States.
Events at the Chronicle
Photo by: Sharon Steinmann / Susan Barber
Fifth Ward students risk life and limb to get to school. What can be done?
The Editorial Board's recent video on Fifth Ward students stuck a chord with readers. Find out more and what can be done in a live virtual event with lawmakers and community leaders.
If you like to hunt, this one's for you. Texas approved new statewide deer carcass disposal regulations to reduce the spread of chronic wasting disease. The new rules will go into effect at the start of hunting season.
I couldn't even kill the spider in my car the other day, so I think I'm good.
Puzzle of the Day:
Poker meets solitaire: try your hand.
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