In US, it’s time to roll up sleeves for new COVID, flu shots
WASHINGTON — Fall means it’s time for just about everybody to get up to date on their flu and COVID-19 vaccines – and a lot of older adults also need protection against another risky winter virus, RSV. Yes, you can…
SpaceX launches rescue mission for 2 NASA astronauts stranded in space
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — SpaceX launched a rescue mission for the two stuck astronauts at the International Space Station on Saturday, sending up a downsized crew to bring them home but not until next year. The capsule rocketed into orbit…
Rare condor hatched, raised by foster parents in captivity, freed to live wild
By all accounts, Milagra the “miracle” California condor shouldn’t be alive today. But now at nearly 17 months old, she is one of three of the giant endangered birds who stretched their wings in the wild as part of a…
Marburg virus kills 6 in Rwanda, health minister says
KIGALI, Rwanda — Rwanda has confirmed six deaths and 20 cases of Marburg disease, the country’s health minister Sabin Nsanzimana said late on Saturday. The majority of victims are health workers in the intensive care unit, Nsanzimana said in a…
64 dead, millions without power after Helene sweeps US Southeast
PERRY, Florida — Massive rains from powerful Hurricane Helene left people stranded, without shelter and awaiting rescue, as the cleanup began from a tempest that killed at least 64 people, caused widespread destruction across the U.S. Southeast and knocked out…
Cambodia’s new canal could boost trade but risks harming key river
PREK TAKEO, Cambodia — The Mekong River is a lifeline for millions in the six countries it traverses on its way from its headwaters to the sea, sustaining the world’s largest inland fishery and abundant rice paddies on Vietnam’s Mekong…
Nearly 1 in 10 Americans report they are severely obese, says study
Obesity is high and holding steady in the United States, but the proportion of those with severe obesity — especially women — has climbed since a decade ago, according to new government research. The U.S. obesity rate is about 40%,…
African leaders at UN warn against dwindling malaria funding
Abuja, Nigeria — Leaders in Africa say the fight against malaria on the continent is facing significant funding gaps due to the ongoing global financial crisis and the impact of climate change. African leaders this week met in New York…
Hurricane Helene makes landfall in northwestern Florida
The U.S. National Hurricane Center reports that fast-moving Hurricane Helene made landfall late Thursday, hitting northwestern Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm expected to bring damaging winds and flash flooding to parts of the low-lying state. The NHC said…
Report: US health authorities need to play larger role in cannabis policy
With more Americans using ever-stronger marijuana, a federal advisory panel is calling for a public health approach that’s a big departure from “Just Say No.” Thursday’s report proposes a health-focused strategy with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention taking…