Health

Here's why there's so much smoke in the air right now

By Kathy McCormack, Michael Phillis, Associated Press

The effects reach as far south as North Carolina and west to Ohio, blotting out skylines and irritating throats.

Wildfire smoke over U.S. and Canada may last into the weekend

By Jennifer Peltz, Rob Gillies, Michael Sisak, Associated Press

Across the eastern U.S., officials warned residents to stay inside and limit or avoid outdoor activities again Thursday, extending “Code Red” air quality alerts in some places for a third-straight day as forecasts showed winds continuing to push smoke-filled air…

How a 950-mile bike ride is helping Cherokee youth reclaim their history

By Adam Kemp, Gabrielle Hays, Hannah Grabenstein

For the 15th straight year Cherokee youth are retracing the Trail of Tears on bikes in hopes of achieving a deeper understanding of their homeland and the forced removal that took it away.

As conservative adults target schools, LGBTQ+ kids and students of color feel less safe

By Annie Ma, Claudia Lauer, Adriana Gomez Licon, Associated Press

As politicians and activists push for limits on discussions of race, gender and sexuality, some students say the measures targeting aspects of their identity have made them less welcome in American schools — the one place all kids are supposed…

How to stay safe when the air outside is toxic

By Laura Santhanam

Wildfire smoke is estimated to be 10 times more toxic than pollution from burnt fossil fuels.

Missouri governor signs bill banning gender-affirming care for minors and some adults

By Summer Ballentine, Associated Press

Beginning Aug. 28, Missouri health care providers won't be able to prescribe those gender-affirming treatments for teens and children.

LGBTQ+ Americans are under attack, Human Rights Campaign declares in state of emergency warning

By Hannah Schoenbaum, Associated Press

Along with its warning on Tuesday, the HRC released a guidebook with summaries of laws in each state, "know your rights" information and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers as well as those already living in so-called hostile states.

Federal judge blocks Florida ban on gender-affirming care for minors in narrow ruling, says 'gender identity is real'

By Brendan Farrington, Associated Press

The lawsuit challenges the law Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the same week he announced a run for president. The ruling was narrowly focused on the three children whose parents brought the suit.

Hormone patches or creams for menopause symptoms may have lower blood pressure risk than pills

By Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press

Women often use hormone therapy to relieve hot flashes and other menopause symptoms — and new research suggests whether they choose pills, patches or creams might matter for their blood pressure.

$1.18 billion deal reached over drinking water contamination by 'forever chemicals'

By John Flesher, Associated Press

DuPont de Nemours Inc., The Chemours Co. and Corteva Inc. said they would establish a fund to compensate water providers for contamination with the chemicals used widely in nonstick, water- and grease-resistant products, as well as some firefighting foams.