Study Finds Preschoolers Are Being Prescribed ADHD Meds Too Soon
Plus: Judge Rules Trump’s Use Of National Guard In LA Is Illegal
Good evening,
The Powerball jackpot has reached $1.3 billion after no one hit the winning numbers on Labor Day. After more than three months with no winner, it is now the 5th largest jackpot in Powerball history. The next drawing is set for Wednesday night.
While we might dream of winning the jackpot, the odds remain a staggering 1 in 292 million.
Put in perspective: You’re far more likely to be struck by lightning in your lifetime (1 in 15,300), die in a plane crash (1 in 13.7 million), or even be killed by a shark (1 in 3.7 million).
Even the odds of being crushed by a vending machine — about 1 in 112 million, with an average of four such deaths in the U.S. each year — are better. (Yes, several people shook machines so hard to free a bag of snacks, the machines fell on them.)
If you still want to take your chance, tickets cost $2 and are sold in 45 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Lauren
Producer
🚨 ONE IMPORTANT THING
ADHD Drugs Are Being Prescribed Too Quickly To Young Children, Stanford Researcher Explains
Young U.S. children are being prescribed ADHD medication too quickly, a new Stanford-led study found.
Researchers found that many (42%) preschool-aged children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were put on medications — often stimulants like Ritalin — within a month of diagnosis, despite guidelines recommending behavioral therapies as the first step.
We spoke with the lead author of the study, Dr. Yair Bannett, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Stanford, to better understand the implications for parents, pediatricians, and kids.
A LOOK AT THE SCIENCE
Researchers analyzed electronic health records, tracking more than 10,000 kids ages 4 and 5 who are diagnosed with ADHD, which is marked by impulsive behavior and difficulty paying attention or sitting still — beyond the typical “high energy” of young kids.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that kids ages 4 and 5 should try at least six months of behavior therapy before starting medication.
This can include tools like visual schedules to help kids stay organized, or parent training programs that reward good behavior and ignore negative behavior.
Stimulant medications cause more side effects in preschoolers than in older children because their bodies don’t yet fully metabolize the drugs, which can lead to stronger side effects.
“Ultimately, for most children with ADHD, we want them to have both types of treatments,” Bannett said. “We know these medications are safe long-term, but for young kids, they are more likely to cause short-term side effects — such as irritability, moodiness, increased crying, or even hitting. When we see those kinds of side effects, we stop the medication immediately.
Dr. Bannett notes research that has shown that children with ADHD who are treated with medication are less likely to develop substance use disorders, be involved in accidents, and experience other long-term negative outcomes.
THE BIGGER ISSUE
While the study does not explore why this is happening, Dr. Bannett says that both a shortage of specialists and a lack of awareness among pediatricians about available resources may be contributing factors.
Luckily, there is hope for parents who want to support their child. Online behavioral therapy programs like Triple P and Incredible Years are easily accessible. Other options include virtual group-based parent trainings.
“It’s not psychotherapy for the child. It’s not play therapy. It’s not CBT. This is different because it focuses on the parents, on the caregivers, and it's teaching them strategies to manage the child's behaviors, changing the environment of the child, putting in place a reward system, and things like that,” Bannett said, noting that there are free and low-cost resources online.
He and other experts are also working to improve training for pediatricians in developmental and behavioral care — especially since many parents turn to them first.
🎧 Listen to our full conversation with Dr. Bannett on the Mo News Premium Instagram page and app. Join today.
🚨 ONE THING WE’RE FOLLOWING
Judge Rules Trump’s Use Of National Guard In LA Is Illegal — Trump Says Chicago Is Still Next
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that President Trump illegally deployed the California National Guard and the U.S. Marines to crack down on anti-ICE protests and enforce immigration policies in Los Angeles in June.
That ruling does not apply to other states, and Trump said Tuesday that the National Guard is "going in" to Chicago next, but did not say when that would happen.
NATIONAL POLICE FORCE
Judge Charles Breyer, a Clinton appointee and the younger brother of retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, said the move violated the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which bars the military from domestic law enforcement. The order is delayed until Sept. 12 to allow for an appeal.
Judge Breyer warned that the move risks creating a “national police force with the President as its chief.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth federalized 2,000 California National Guard troops in early June, sparking a clash with Gov. Gavin Newsom. Trump has since pulled back all but 300.
The Trump administration argued California lacked standing to sue, saying the National Guard was only protecting ICE agents — not enforcing immigration laws.
UP NEXT
Trump has also signaled he would like to similarly deploy National Guard units and hundreds of Homeland Security officers to Chicago and other Democratic-controlled cities — with reports saying that could happen as soon as this week.
“Chicago is a hellhole right now. Baltimore is a hellhole right now. Parts of Los Angeles are terrible," Trump said Tuesday.
⏳ THE SPEED READ
🚨NATION
Trump announces Space Command headquarters moving from Colorado to Alabama (CBS)
Man charged with murder in Houston door-knock prank shooting of 11-year-old boy (ABC)
1.2 million immigrants are gone from the US labor force under Trump, preliminary data shows (AP)
US military conducted 'lethal strike' on Venezuelan drug boat in Caribbean (FOX)
🌎 AROUND THE WORLD
Russia's Putin hails 'unprecedented' ties with China at talks in Beijing (BBC) North Korea's Kim crosses into China to meet Xi, Putin for Beijing military parade (ABC)
Taliban calls for foreign help after Afghanistan earthquake, death toll climbs to over 1,400 (CNN)
As many as 1,000 killed in Sudan landslide (NPR)
GPS jamming of leader's plane puts Putin's hybrid warfare on Europe's radar (NBC)
📱BUSINESS, SCIENCE & TECH
Amazon cracks down on Prime free shipping sharing (CNBC)
McDonald's revives Extra Value Meals as it tries to woo budget-conscious diners (CBS)
Trump family net worth spikes $5 billion from crypto launch (MO NEWS)
Stocks fall as global debt concerns and economic worries grip markets (NBC)
🎬 SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Howard Stern delays SiriusXM return until next week after teasing big reveal about his future (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER)
‘SNL’ Splits Up Please Don’t Destroy: John Higgins exits and Martin Herlihy remains on writing staff as Ben Marshall joins cast (VARIETY)
CEO who snatched boy's hat at US Open says he made 'huge mistake' (BBC)
Sister Wives' Christine Brown details “devastating” oxycodone addiction (E!)
Sheinelle Jones returning to the Today Show nearly 4 months after the death of husband Uche Ojeh (PEOPLE)
ICYMI FROM THE 📲
In case you missed it… The Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) is back at Starbucks — and it’s helping the coffee chain notch a record-setting week. CEO Brian Niccol said Monday that the company had its “best-ever sales week” across the U.S. after launching its fall menu last week.
Behind the headlines: A strong cold front across the Midwest and East is making it feel like fall, and is making us want a warm beverage too!