Trump Autism Tylenol Anti-Vax SNAP Morning Rounds

News Summary: Gene Drive Project Halted & Food Insecurity Survey Canceled

Here’s ‍a summary⁢ of the news presented in the text:

1. Gene Drive Project in Burkina Faso Shut Down:

* A gene drive ⁣project aimed at fighting malaria, run by the international nonprofit Target Malaria in Burkina Faso, has been halted by the goverment.
* The shutdown followed a raid on the project’s offices and labs described as “brutal and humiliating” by scientists.
* The project, which began in 2012, involved releasing genetically modified mosquitoes. It initially had government support but faced growing local opposition fueled by misinformation (accusations of weaponizing mosquitoes or sterilization).
*⁢ The article highlights the importance of community trust-building, referencing earlier ⁢reporting on the ⁤project’s efforts in this area.

2. Trump Governance Cancels Food Insecurity Survey:

* The Trump administration has canceled the annual federal food insecurity survey,despite recent cuts to the SNAP (food benefits) program.
* The Department of Agriculture deems the 30-year program “redundant, costly, politicized and extraneous.”
* Critics worry this will prevent assessment of the impact of SNAP cuts on the estimated 2.4 million Americans losing benefits, and other policies.
* Food insecurity is linked to ⁤chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, and recent ‍data shows it is increasing (13.8% ⁢of US population⁤ in 2023, up from 12.8% the previous year).
* The survey was valued for its nuanced questioning, identifying food insecurity even when individuals don’t⁣ self-identify as⁢ “hungry.”

The article provides links to further reading on both topics.