Global Trends and Politics
Teal Health At-Home Cervical Cancer Screening Test Wins FDA Approval

The Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved the first-ever at-home test for cervical cancer screening, developed by San Francisco-based startup Teal Health. The company began developing the prototype for its Teal Wand just over five years ago. The concept was to make cervical cancer screening more accessible via telehealth and a test that could be self-administered at home, rather than at a doctor’s office.
Development and Approval
“The pandemic showed everyone that telehealth is a thing that is preferred … and made it easier to get care for most Americans,” said Kara Egan, CEO of Teal Health, adding that Covid also demonstrated “at-home testing was a thing that people could handle and really understand.” The Teal Wand works much like a tampon applicator, with a large swab that the user can insert themselves to collect a sample for testing. The FDA designated the tool as a breakthrough device after the company’s clinical trial results showed the precision of the self-administered test was comparable with an in-office screening performed by a clinician, with a 96% accuracy rate.
Availability and Insurance Coverage
Teal plans to make the wand available in California first, starting in June. The company has had discussions with carriers about insurance coverage for the test as a preventive screening, which for most women would be covered without copays just like an annual doctor’s visit. The American Cancer Society recommends women get screened for cervical cancer every three years starting at age 21. Yet Egan says 1 in 4 women fall behind on screening, in part because they can’t find time for an in-person gynecologist appointment, a problem especially for women in rural areas who often have to travel beyond their community to get to a doctor.
Increasing Access to Care
“This is about increasing access to care and making sure we have more options to get that care,” she said. Ahead of its anticipated FDA approval, Teal Health raised $10 million in its latest funding round in January to help ramp up production for the launch of the Teal Wand. The investment was led by Forerunner Ventures and Laurene Powell Jobs’ Emerson Collective. The company has raised a total of $23 million from investors including Serena Williams’ Serena Ventures, as well as testing firm LabCorp.
Growth in Women’s Health Tech
The company’s milestone comes as investors have grown more interested in women’s health tech. Last year, there was an influx of $680 million into the space invested across 30 deals, according to data from Deloitte. About 60% of those funds went to later-stage investments, according to Jen Radin, principal in Deloitte’s life sciences and health-care practice. “From 2023 to 2024 femtech saw 41% growth, outpacing overall health tech, which grew only 10%,” Radin said. FemHealth Ventures managing partner Maneesha Ghiya says while investors are now more cautious, in general, interest in women’s health tech is moving beyond maternity and menopause.
Conclusion
The approval of the Teal Wand is a significant step forward in making cervical cancer screening more accessible and convenient for women. With its high accuracy rate and potential for widespread availability, this at-home test has the potential to increase screening rates and improve health outcomes for women. As the women’s health tech industry continues to grow, we can expect to see more innovative solutions like the Teal Wand that prioritize accessibility, convenience, and preventive care.
FAQs
Q: What is the Teal Wand and how does it work?
A: The Teal Wand is an at-home test for cervical cancer screening that works like a tampon applicator, with a large swab that the user can insert themselves to collect a sample for testing.
Q: How accurate is the Teal Wand?
A: The Teal Wand has a 96% accuracy rate, comparable to an in-office screening performed by a clinician.
Q: Will the Teal Wand be covered by insurance?
A: Yes, the company has had discussions with carriers about insurance coverage for the test as a preventive screening, which for most women would be covered without copays.
Q: How much did Teal Health raise in its latest funding round?
A: Teal Health raised $10 million in its latest funding round in January to help ramp up production for the launch of the Teal Wand.
Q: What is the current state of women’s health tech investing?
A: Women’s health tech has seen significant growth, with $680 million invested in the space last year, and interest is moving beyond maternity and menopause to include broader women’s health issues.
Global Trends and Politics
YouTube to Stream NFL Week 1 Game for Free in Brazil

Introduction to YouTube’s NFL Streaming
Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass in the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
YouTube to Stream NFL Game for Free
YouTube will stream the NFL’s week one game on Sept. 5 for free — the first time the dominant streaming platform has ever broadcast a live NFL game in its entirety.
The game, which will be between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers, will take place in São Paulo, Brazil.
Statement from YouTube Chief Business Officer
“Last year, people spent over 350 million hours watching official NFL content on YouTube, so it’s both fitting and thrilling to continue to build our relationship with our partners at the NFL,” YouTube Chief Business Officer Mary Ellen Coe said in a statement. “Streaming the Friday night game to fans for free around the world will mark YouTube’s first time as a live NFL broadcaster – and we’ll do it in a way that only YouTube can, with an interactive viewing experience and creators right at the center of the experience.”
Game Availability
The game will be available to all YouTube and YouTube TV users globally, except in Canada and certain other countries, and locally on broadcast television in the media markets of the participating teams, YouTube said in a statement.
YouTube is the most-watched streaming platform in the U.S., consisting of 12% of all viewership for March, according to Nielsen.
Existing Deal with YouTube TV
The NFL has an existing deal with YouTube TV for Sunday Ticket, the league’s out-of-market package of games. Those games require a subscription — either $480 per year without YouTube TV or $378 per year for YouTube TV subscribers. YouTube TV is a collection of linear TV networks that approximates a standard cable bundle.
The full 2025 NFL schedule will be released at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday.
Conclusion
YouTube’s decision to stream the NFL game for free marks a significant milestone in the platform’s relationship with the NFL. With its massive user base and interactive viewing experience, YouTube is well-positioned to provide a unique and engaging experience for football fans around the world.
FAQs
Q: Which teams will be playing in the game streamed by YouTube?
A: The game will be between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Q: Where will the game take place?
A: The game will take place in São Paulo, Brazil.
Q: Will the game be available for free to all YouTube users?
A: Yes, the game will be available to all YouTube and YouTube TV users globally, except in Canada and certain other countries.
Q: What is the existing deal between the NFL and YouTube TV?
A: The NFL has an existing deal with YouTube TV for Sunday Ticket, the league’s out-of-market package of games, which requires a subscription.
Q: When will the full 2025 NFL schedule be released?
A: The full 2025 NFL schedule will be released at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday.
Global Trends and Politics
Understanding the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): What You Need to Know

Employee rights and policies are crucial in ensuring a fair and safe work environment. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law that sets standards for employment practices, including minimum wage, overtime pay, and working hours. In this article, we will delve into the details of the FLSA and what it means for employees and employers.
History of the FLSA
The FLSA was enacted in 1938, during the Great Depression, to protect workers from exploitation and ensure fair labor practices. The law has undergone several amendments since its inception, with significant changes in 1961, 1966, and 2007. The FLSA is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division.
Purpose of the FLSA
The primary purpose of the FLSA is to establish a minimum standard for employment practices, including minimum wage, overtime pay, and working hours. The law aims to protect employees from exploitation and ensure that they are fairly compensated for their work. The FLSA also prohibits child labor, sets standards for record-keeping, and provides for enforcement and penalties for non-compliance.
Key Provisions of the FLSA
The FLSA has several key provisions that employers must comply with. These include:
Minimum Wage
The FLSA sets a minimum wage for most employees, which is currently $7.25 per hour. Employers must pay employees at least this minimum wage for all hours worked.
Overtime Pay
The FLSA requires employers to pay employees overtime pay for hours worked beyond 40 hours in a workweek. Overtime pay is calculated at one and a half times the employee’s regular rate of pay.
Working Hours
The FLSA sets standards for working hours, including the maximum number of hours an employee can work in a day and week. Employers must also provide employees with regular breaks and time off for meals and rest.
Child Labor
The FLSA prohibits child labor, with certain exceptions for minors who are allowed to work in non-hazardous occupations. Employers must comply with strict guidelines for employing minors, including restrictions on hours worked and types of jobs performed.
Who is Covered Under the FLSA?
The FLSA applies to most employees, including:
Full-Time and Part-Time Employees
Both full-time and part-time employees are covered under the FLSA, as long as they are engaged in interstate commerce or work for an employer who is engaged in interstate commerce.
Exempt and Non-Exempt Employees
The FLSA distinguishes between exempt and non-exempt employees. Exempt employees, such as executives, managers, and professionals, are not entitled to overtime pay. Non-exempt employees, on the other hand, are entitled to overtime pay and other protections under the FLSA.
Independent Contractors
Independent contractors are not considered employees under the FLSA and are not entitled to its protections. However, employers must ensure that independent contractors are properly classified as such and not misclassified as employees.
Enforcement and Penalties
The FLSA is enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. Employers who fail to comply with the FLSA may face penalties, including:
Back Pay
Employers may be required to pay back pay to employees who were underpaid or denied overtime pay.
Penalties and Fines
Employers may face penalties and fines for non-compliance, including civil penalties and fines of up to $10,000 for willful violations.
Class Action Lawsuits
Employees may also bring class action lawsuits against employers for FLSA violations, which can result in significant damages and penalties.
Real-Life Examples
Several high-profile cases have highlighted the importance of FLSA compliance. For example, in 2019, a federal court ruled that Walmart must pay $65 million in back pay to employees who were denied overtime pay. Similarly, in 2020, a California court ordered Uber to pay $20 million to settle a lawsuit alleging FLSA violations.
Global Trends and Politics
The FLSA has implications for global business and politics. With the rise of the gig economy and remote work, there is increasing debate about the classification of workers and the application of labor laws. The FLSA has also been influenced by international labor standards, such as the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Convention on Minimum Wage Fixing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the FLSA is a critical law that protects employee rights and ensures fair labor practices. Employers must comply with the FLSA’s provisions, including minimum wage, overtime pay, and working hours. Employees must also be aware of their rights under the FLSA and report any violations to the authorities. By understanding the FLSA, employers and employees can work together to create a fair and safe work environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is covered under the FLSA?
A: Most employees, including full-time and part-time employees, are covered under the FLSA.
Q: What is the minimum wage under the FLSA?
A: The minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour.
Q: How is overtime pay calculated?
A: Overtime pay is calculated at one and a half times the employee’s regular rate of pay.
Q: Can employers require employees to work more than 40 hours in a week?
A: Yes, but employers must pay overtime pay for hours worked beyond 40 hours in a workweek.
Q: Are independent contractors entitled to FLSA protections?
A: No, independent contractors are not considered employees under the FLSA and are not entitled to its protections.
Q: What are the penalties for FLSA non-compliance?
A: Employers may face penalties, including back pay, penalties and fines, and class action lawsuits.
Global Trends and Politics
Toy Stocks Rally After Levies Slashed

Introduction to Tariff Reduction
Toys made by Mattel, Hasbro and others are seen at a Macy’s store in New York. Shares of major toy makers rallied on Monday after the U.S. agreed to temporarily reduce tariffs on China.
The Agreement
The agreement will pause most tariffs and other trade barriers for 90 days, including reducing the 145% levy President Donald Trump had in place on Chinese imports to 30%.
Impact on Toy Makers
Shares of Mattel jumped more than 10% Monday, Hasbro traded up 6.5%, Jakks rose more than 15% and Funko soared a whopping 46.4%. The rally pushed shares of Hasbro above their trading level from early April, before Trump first announced his "reciprocal tariffs" on dozens of trade partners. The rest of the toy stocks are still trading below their April 1 closing prices.
Previous Concerns
The stocks had been hammered by Wall Street as investors anticipated manufacturing hiccups and price hikes resulting from the tariff scheme. The toy industry is heavily reliant on supply chains in China, leaving toy makers at the mercy of trade policy. Bank of America estimates both Mattel and Hasbro source about 40% of their U.S. product from China.
Estimated Impact
Last month, Hasbro estimated it would see as much as a $300 million hit to its bottom line if Trump’s 145% China duty held. Mattel, too, warned last week that it was taking mitigating actions to fully offset costs associated with Trump’s trade war with China, including raising prices in the U.S.
Previous Forecasts
Both companies had previously issued forecasts that assumed 25% tariffs on Chinese imports. Mattel retracted its guidance earlier this month, citing macroeconomic volatility and uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs. Hasbro, meanwhile, maintained the full-year guidance it issued last quarter, but warned investors about the uncertainty of the current tariff environment.
Company Responses
Representatives from Hasbro, Mattel, Jakks and Funko did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
Conclusion
The temporary reduction in tariffs on China has provided a welcome boost to the shares of major toy makers. However, the industry remains vulnerable to changes in trade policy, and companies will need to continue to adapt to mitigate the impact of tariffs on their businesses.
FAQs
Q: What was the main reason for the rally in toy maker shares?
A: The main reason for the rally was the temporary reduction in tariffs on China, which will pause most tariffs and other trade barriers for 90 days.
Q: How much did the shares of Mattel and Hasbro rise?
A: Mattel’s shares jumped more than 10%, while Hasbro’s shares traded up 6.5%.
Q: What percentage of their U.S. product do Mattel and Hasbro source from China?
A: According to Bank of America, both Mattel and Hasbro source about 40% of their U.S. product from China.
Q: How much did Hasbro estimate it would be impacted by the 145% China duty?
A: Hasbro estimated it would see as much as a $300 million hit to its bottom line if the 145% China duty held.
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