Digest

The episode begins with a discussion of the upcoming election and the concerns of voters. Former President Trump continues to make unsubstantiated claims of election fraud in Pennsylvania, while House Speaker Mike Johnson campaigns for re-election in swing districts. The episode then shifts to a report from the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, which calls for a change in how race and ethnicity are used in biomedical research. The report highlights the potential for bias and misuse of these categories, emphasizing the need for a more ethical and scientifically sound approach. The episode concludes with news of the Los Angeles Dodgers' World Series victory, a market update, and concerns about North Korean troops in Russia. Finally, the episode reports on an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's quarter-pounder hamburgers, which has affected 90 people across 13 states.

Outlines

00:00:00

Election Season and Voter Concerns, Trump's Election Fraud Claims, and House Speaker Johnson's Campaign

The episode begins with a brief introduction to NPR's Elections Hub, emphasizing their commitment to covering voter concerns and providing insights into the upcoming election. Former President Trump continues to spread unsubstantiated claims of widespread election fraud in Pennsylvania. The episode highlights investigations into potentially fraudulent voter registration forms in two counties, but emphasizes that no evidence of large-scale cheating has been found. House Speaker Mike Johnson is actively campaigning in swing districts across the country, aiming to secure the Republican Party's hold on the House majority. He emphasizes his close ties to Donald Trump and outlines his agenda for a potential second term, including border security, tax cuts, and energy legislation.

00:02:05

Ethical Use of Race and Ethnicity in Biomedical Research

A new report from the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine calls for a change in how race and ethnicity are used in biomedical research. The report highlights the potential for bias and misuse of these categories, emphasizing the need for a more ethical and scientifically sound approach.

00:03:03

Dodgers Win World Series, Market Update, North Korea Concerns, and E. coli Outbreak

The episode briefly reports on the Los Angeles Dodgers' World Series victory, followed by a market update and news regarding North Korean troops in Russia. Concerns are raised about the potential use of North Korean troops by Russia in the Ukraine conflict. Federal health officials have identified slivered onions as the source of an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's quarter-pounder hamburgers. The outbreak has affected 90 people across 13 states, with one fatality. The onions were sourced from Taylor Farms and distributed to 900 McDonald's restaurants.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the main concerns surrounding the use of race and ethnicity in biomedical research?

  The report highlights the potential for bias and misuse of these categories, emphasizing the need for a more ethical and scientifically sound approach. It suggests that racial and ethnic categories are sometimes used inappropriately as substitutes for factors like genetics or environmental exposures, which can lead to inaccurate conclusions and potentially worse medical care for patients of color.

• What steps are being taken to address the E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's hamburgers?

  Federal health authorities have traced the outbreak to slivered onions sourced from Taylor Farms. McDonald's has stopped serving the quarter-pounder hamburger in several states and is removing the onions from its supply chain. The risk to the public is now considered very low.

Show Notes