Sightings

A study of nearly 5,000 women reports that patients with healthy bone density on their first test might safely wait 15 years before getting rescreened. “Our study found it would take about 15 years for 10% of women in the highest bone density ranges to develop osteoporosis. That was longer than we expected, and it's great news for this group of women.” more »

A bill to require a criminal background check for employees of child care providers; a bill to require an abortion provider, before performing an abortion, to wait for a period of at least 24 hours; a measure to prevent Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits from being used in strip clubs, casinos, and liquor stores more »

Freddie Mac, the taxpayer-owned mortgage giant, has placed multibillion-dollar bets that pay off if homeowners stay trapped in expensive mortgages with interest rates well above current rates. Freddie contends it is “actively supporting efforts for borrowers to realize the benefits of refinancing their mortgages to lower rates” more »

Actress Candice Bergen’s list included wisteria and night-blooming jasmine, and she elaborated on her selections: “Flowers to see and smell — by day and night — that bloom underfoot and hang overhead, plus a few insect escorts — butterflies and caterpillars, the odd ladybug — for company” more »