Department of Health

Tennessee’s voter registration deadline is July 7 for the August 6 elections. Eligibility requires being a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, a Tennessee resident, and meeting felony conviction guidelines. Registration options include online, via the GoVoteTN app, mail, or in-person at designated offices.

Alaska’s food assistance program had the highest SNAP payment error rate in the U.S. for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, with 23% of payments in error compared to a national average of 11%. The state attributes the errors to complex eligibility rules, manual processes, and workforce challenges, while implementing a modernization plan to improve accuracy by 2028. The error rate has declined from 25% in 2024 and over 55% in 2023 and 2022.

A Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City has infected 18 people, with some hospitalized in critical condition. The number of cases has increased from 14 reported previously to 18, marking a nearly sevenfold rise from the initial two diagnoses on July 2.

Hong Kong is shifting antenatal services from maternal and child health centres to public hospitals starting Monday. The Department of Health will transfer these services to hospitals under the Hospital Authority as part of a reform initiative.

An extreme heatwave is expected to hit NYC this week, with temperatures reaching the upper 90s and real-feel temperatures exceeding 100 due to humidity. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch through Friday, and elevated ozone levels have prompted an air quality health advisory. Health officials warn of dangerous conditions, especially for vulnerable groups, and advise limiting outdoor activity.

Legionella bacteria has been confirmed in the water supply of an East Village apartment complex, according to city health officials. The Department of Health initiated an evaluation of the building after two residents were affected.

A Boca Raton psychiatrist, Andrew Sorial, faces emergency suspension after patients allege he demanded they undress during telehealth mental health appointments. The state Department of Health claims he instructed patients to pose in revealing clothing and view specific body areas, while an alleged victim, Donna, refused and now advocates for others to come forward. No criminal charges have been filed.

President Donald Trump’s administration is moving oversight of special education and civil rights out of the Department of Education. The Department of Justice will enforce civil rights in education, while the Department of Health will handle special education.

Two infants in Hong Kong have been confirmed severely infected with Covid-19 within a week, with one in critical condition. Both infants had good past health but were unvaccinated. Health authorities urged unvaccinated high-risk groups to get vaccinated amid ongoing concerns about Covid-19 activity.

Health Secretary James Murray announced he will act as a data controller for England's Single Patient Record (SPR), a system requiring all NHS providers to share patient data. The SPR aims to improve healthcare safety by allowing professionals to access medical histories without patient repetition, but the British Medical Association raised concerns about data oversight and confidentiality.

New York State's maternal mortality reforms, initiated eight years ago, show delayed progress in addressing racial disparities, with Black women still dying at disproportionately high rates during and after childbirth. A 2023 audit highlights expanded initiatives but persistent gaps, including Black women being five times more likely than white women to die pregnancy-related deaths.

Wes Streeting is the health secretary and is known for being ambitious and divisive, with potential plans to move into Number 10. He wields significant influence and power in his current role. His career trajectory is being closely watched.

Wellness influencers on social media are claiming to be healthcare professionals, but many are misrepresenting themselves according to a new report. These influencers often spread misinformation, blurring the line between advice and false information. The issue has raised concerns about the authenticity of health advice on social media.