Oct 14 Watch 4:00 How fires, dry conditions are drastically increasing air pollution across California Smoke and dust are blanketing central California. Air pollution is a chronic problem in the San Joaquin Valley but it is now reaching levels unlike any previously seen. With no measurable rainfall in weeks, and little chance of rain in… Continue watching
Oct 14 Michigan governor orders urgent response to elevated lead levels in water By David Eggert, Associated Press Thursday's directive came about a week after her administration urged people to use only bottled water for cooking and drinking. That came amid criticism of state and local officials' handling of the response. Continue reading
Oct 14 FDA panel endorses lower-dose Moderna COVID shot for booster By Lauran Neergaard, Matthew Perrone, Associated Press U.S. health advisors said Thursday that some Americans who received Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine should get a half-dose booster to bolster protection against the virus. Continue reading
Oct 14 WATCH: Biden touts COVID-19 response as FDA advisors debate use of booster shots By News Desk and Associated Press President Joe Biden touted the progress his administration has made in battling COVID-19 Thursday, as he stressed the need to continue vaccinating Americans who have not yet received their shots. Continue reading
Oct 14 WATCH: FDA advisory committee endorses Moderna COVID booster shot By Lauran Neergaard, Matthew Perrone, Associated Press The panel of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration voted unanimously to recommend a booster shot for seniors, adults with other health problems, jobs or living situations that put them at increased risk for COVID-19. Continue reading
Oct 13 'You can't just hold your breath.' Toxic smoke, fueled by wildfires, chokes California By Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado A new analysis of air quality in the United States clears up just how far smoke from wildfires burning in the western part of the nation can travel, as the fires continue to pose significant health risks to nearby communities. Continue reading
Oct 13 Watch 7:40 Rural U.S. hospitals stretched thin after nurse shortage exacerbated by the pandemic By John Yang, Frank Carlson Nursing shortages are impacting healthcare workers and hospitals across the United States. In just the past few days, nurses and other workers in Southern California and Oregon authorized a potential strike against provider Kaiser Permanente. Staffing shortages are part of… Continue watching
Oct 13 WHO proposes experts to advise on virus origins By Associated Press The World Health Organization released a proposed list of 25 experts to advise it on the next steps in searching for the origins of the coronavirus after its earlier efforts were slammed for accommodating China, where the first human cases… Continue reading
Oct 13 FDA spells out lower sodium goals for food industry By Candice Choi, Associated Press U.S. regulators on Wednesday spelled out long-awaited guidelines aimed at reducing sodium levels in dozens of foods including condiments, french fries and potato chips. Continue reading
Oct 13 WATCH: White House COVID task force holds briefing as vaccine makers seek approval for boosters By Associated Press U.S. manufacturers of COVID-19 vaccines are seeking additional approvals from federal regulators in order to distribute and administer more booster shots for at-risk Americans and first doses for children ages 5 to 11. Continue reading