healthWednesday, September 16, 2026

Measles outbreak and AI companion risks

Today's health news is split between a worsening public health crisis and a quieter, longer-term question about technology's impact on kids. The US measles outbreak has become a political flashpoint as the death toll rises, while a deep dive into AI companion toys for neurodivergent children raises uncomfortable questions about what happens when those relationships end.

Sources

Measles and vaccines

The biggest outbreak in decades is no longer just a health story; it's a political one.

#01en.politis.com.cySep 16

US Measles Outbreak Becomes Political Flashpoint as Death Toll Rises

With over 3,200 cases and several deaths, the outbreak is now a political flashpoint, reigniting the vaccine debate at a national level.

Read original

#02omny.fmSep 16

WCPT 820 Interview: Dr. Judy Stone - Joan Esposito: Live, Local & Progressive

Dr. Judy Stone warns that vaccine misinformation is driving the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles and predicts COVID-19 will remain endemic with recurring surges.

2 min readRead original

Tech and kids

A thoughtful piece on AI companions for neurodivergent kids asks what happens when the toy stops working.

#03www.technologyreview.comSep 16

What happens when a kid’s robot best friend dies?

This MIT Tech Review piece explores what happens when an AI companion toy like Moxie, designed to help neurodivergent kids with emotional regulation, breaks or shuts down. It raises real questions about attachment and loss that parents and clinicians haven't fully grappled with.

Other notable items

A few other stories worth knowing about today.

#04www.news-medical.netSep 16

One brain implant could give people with paralysis a more expressive way to communicate

A single high-density ECoG implant allowed two people with severe paralysis to control a full-body avatar by decoding attempted speech and gestures in parallel. It's a proof of concept for more expressive communication tools.

#05recalls-rappels.canada.caSep 16

Alasko brand frozen whole raspberries recalled due to norovirus

Alasko brand frozen whole raspberries are being recalled in Canada due to potential norovirus contamination. Check your freezer.

Also today15

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Winnie Yiphsph.harvard.edu
Dr. Winnie Yip, Professor of the Practice of Global Health Policy and Economics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, is a leading scholar in health policy and health systems...
1975 Everly Brothers Soft-Rock Cover Became a No. 2 Billboard Hitparade.com
Her voice is everything.
The Death of a Young Friendspectator.org
It’s a perfect, cloudless day here. The temperature is 78. Mild by recent standards. I was awake most of the...
NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for Wednesday, September 16, 2026parade.com
Everything you need to solve Connections Sports Edition #723.
Third Police Complaint Over Unlicensed Larnaca Clinicen.politis.com.cy
A Larnaca medical centre has been reported to police for a third time while continuing to operate without a licence.
Secure Platform Account Creation Guideunaids.org
Secure Platform Account Creation Guide pcbgovernance Wed, 09/16/2026 - 06:27 Publication Date Tuesday, September 15, 2026 - 14:30 Asset Type Publication Keywords PCBSpecial26Oct_informationofthemeeting Show in Archive list 1 Generate Landing page 1 Show banner in homepage 0 Docum
Quick-Pickled Radish & Cucumberwww.pickuplimes.com
Crisp mini cucumbers and peppery radishes soak in a lightly sweet, tangy brine with mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and peppercorns. The flavour intensifies as they rest, giving the spices time to infuse, making them perfect with sandwiches, bowls, salads, or snack plates.
Pirates farm report for Sept. 15, 2026: Winston-Salem sweeps Greensboro for South Atlantic League championshiptriblive.com
INDIANAPOLIS (Triple A, 72-73) scored three runs in the top of the 10th and beat Gwinnett (Braves), 8-6. 3B Duce Gourson (.280) went 2 for 4 with his fourth homer, two walks, two RBIs and his ninth stolen base. LF Robert Hassell III (.227) went 2 for 3 with a triple and three run
PCB Special Session_October 2026_Meeting Scheduleunaids.org
PCB Special Session_October 2026_Meeting Schedule pcbgovernance Wed, 09/16/2026 - 06:19 Publication Date Tuesday, September 15, 2026 - 15:00 Asset Type Publication Keywords PCBSpecial26Oct_informationofthemeeting Show in Archive list 1 Generate Landing page 1 Show banner in homep