by Tim Henderson, Alabama Reflector
May 5, 2025

The number of measles cases is approaching 1,000 across 29 states, according to newly released federal statistics. Even as the outbreaks grow, more local governments are complaining that their efforts to combat measles with vaccination clinics have been shut down by abrupt federal funding cuts.

As of May 1, a total of 935 confirmed cases had been reported, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They were in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

There have been three confirmed deaths, two children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico, all unvaccinated.

Metro Nashville, the combined county and city government in Tennessee, and three other local governments sued on April 24 over reductions in federal public health funding, saying the abrupt $11 billion in cuts nationwide forced Nashville to cancel vaccination clinics needed to combat this year’s measles outbreak. Colorado and a group of other states sued earlier in April, mentioning the impact of cuts on their ability to control measles, flu and other vaccine-preventable illnesses.

Others joining the April 24 lawsuit: Harris County, Texas, where Houston is located; Columbus, Ohio; Kansas City, Missouri; and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union. They called the cuts “a massive blow… at a time where state and local public health departments need to address burgeoning infectious diseases and chronic illnesses, like the measles, bird flu, and mpox.”

The funding cuts also forced Minneapolis to shut down clinics in March that had been scheduled to run through June, said Luisa Pessoa-Brandão, director of health initiatives for the city’s health department.

Last year the city’s clinics served 501 patients with 1,475 vaccination shots, including against measles, she said. About 30% of children in the city are not fully vaccinated, much too high to ensure unvaccinated children won’t fall victim to measles outbreaks like the current one, she added.

“There’s fear and hesitancy about the vaccine, based on some of the misinformation out there,” Pessoa-Brandão said. “There are other factors — access [to medical care] and the COVID pandemic, which delayed people getting vaccinations. We’re playing catch-up the last few years.”

Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org.

Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alabama Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Brian Lyman for questions: info@alabamareflector.com.

The post As measles outbreaks grow, Trump cuts hinder vaccination efforts appeared first on alabamareflector.com

Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Center-Left

The content emphasizes public health concerns related to vaccination and highlights the negative impact of federal funding cuts on local health initiatives. It presents factual information about measles outbreaks and the consequences of reduced funding but tends to frame the funding cuts as harmful, which aligns with a center-left perspective that typically supports robust public health policies and government intervention to address social issues.

SUMMARY: World War II ended in Europe 80 years ago without achieving its main goal: Poland’s sovereignty and independence. Instead of freedom, Poland shifted from Nazi occupation to Soviet control. Despite fighting bravely and enduring a two-front war against Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia, Poland was excluded from the post-war United Nations founding meeting due to Soviet influence. Stalin manipulated political agreements, established a puppet communist government, and rigged elections, denying Poland true self-determination. Poland’s sacrifices were overlooked for global stability, leaving a legacy of struggle until independence returned 45 years later. This history shapes Poland’s strong NATO military stance today.

Read the full article

The post Opinion | Measuring victory at the end of the war appeared first on www.alreporter.com

SUMMARY: The Girl Scouts of North Alabama celebrated the 100th anniversary of Camp Coleman in Trussville, honoring its legacy of empowering young girls. After being rained out Saturday, the event resumed Sunday, drawing hundreds of former and current scouts. Attendees reflected on the camp’s role in shaping leadership and life skills over the decades. Camille Boaz, now 80, began attending in 1947 and still returns each year, emphasizing the camp’s lasting impact. While some aspects have changed, many original buildings remain, preserving the heart and tradition of a place cherished by generations of Girl Scouts.

Girl Scouts of North-Alabama celebrates 100 years of Camp Coleman helping girls reach their potential

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