Vicious Norovirus Strain Driving Surge In US Outbreaks: What To Know Vicious Norovirus Strain Driving Surge In US Outbreaks: What To Know
Vicious Norovirus Strain Driving Surge In US Outbreaks: What To Know A highly contagious strain of norovirus, GII.17, is rapidly spreading across the United States, fueling an unusually high number of outbreaks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Key Facts Record Outbreaks: The CDC reported 91 suspected or confirmed norovirus outbreaks in the first week of December, the highest for this time of year in recent history. Dominant Strain: GII.17 accounts for nearly 70 percent of US cases and has driven a similar surge in Britain. Foodborne Threats: Contaminated oysters from a Los Angeles event sickened at least 80 people. Recall…
Michelle Obama Won't Attend President-Elect Donald Trump's Inauguration Michelle Obama Won't Attend President-Elect Donald Trump's Inauguration
Michelle Obama Won't Attend President-Elect Donald Trump's Inauguration Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, Jan. 20. “Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies,"  said a statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama. "Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration." No explanation was given and Michelle Obama has not commented. Former Presidents Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush will attend the inauguration, along with former first ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton, the former Secret…
FDA Proposes Nutrition Labels On Front Of Food Packages To Fight Chronic Disease FDA Proposes Nutrition Labels On Front Of Food Packages To Fight Chronic Disease
FDA Proposes Nutrition Labels On Front Of Food Packages To Fight Chronic Disease The Food and Drug Administration has proposed moving nutrition labels to the front of most packaged foods, aiming to help consumers make healthier choices, officials said. The FDA officially unveiled its proposal requiring front-of-package nutrition labels, the agency said in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 14. This effort is part of a broader strategy to combat chronic diseases, which affect about 60 percent of Americans and account for $4.5 trillion in annual health care costs. The proposed "nutrition info box" would display saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars content i…
Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map
Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map Respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, are surging across the United States, with healthcare systems feeling the strain as more people seek care for these conditions.  The CDC reported on Monday, Jan. 13 that the nation is experiencing high levels of acute respiratory illnesses, with young children and older adults particularly affected. COVID-19 activity has increased in most areas, fueled by rising emergency department visits, elevated lab test positivity, and high levels of virus detected in wastewater.  Influenza remains widespread, while RSV activity …
Full Wolf Moon To Eclipse Mars In Rare Lunar Event — Here’s When, How To Watch Full Wolf Moon To Eclipse Mars In Rare Lunar Event — Here’s When, How To Watch
Full Wolf Moon To Eclipse Mars In Rare Lunar Event — Here’s When, How To Watch Skywatchers are in for a rare treat as January’s Full Wolf Moon aligns with Mars in a celestial event called a lunar occultation.  On the evening of Monday, Jan. 13, the Moon will pass directly in front of Mars, temporarily hiding the planet from view in a stunning display visible across much of the world. When To Watch The Full Wolf Moon will reach peak fullness at 5:27 p.m. EST on Jan. 13. Shortly after, the occultation of Mars will begin. The exact timing of the event depends on your location: In the continental United States, most regions will see the occultation occur between 7 …
Biden Extends Deportation Protections Ahead Of Trump Inauguration Biden Extends Deportation Protections Ahead Of Trump Inauguration
Biden Extends Deportation Protections Ahead Of Trump Inauguration In a last-minute move, President Joe Biden extended deportation protections on  for approximately 900,000 immigrants from countries facing conflict or instability, including Venezuela, Ukraine, El Salvador, and Sudan.  The decision, announced on Friday, Jan. 10, shields these individuals from deportation and allows them to work legally in the US for the first 18 months of the incoming Trump administration. Biden’s action utilizes Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a program granting renewable 18-month protections for individuals from countries deemed unsafe due to armed c…
TikTok Ban: Fate Of Video App Unclear As Deadline For Chinese Parent Company To Divest Looms TikTok Ban: Fate Of Video App Unclear As Deadline For Chinese Parent Company To Divest Looms
TikTok Ban: Fate Of Video App Unclear As Deadline For Chinese Parent Company To Divest Looms The future of TikTok in the United States is facing a critical juncture as the Supreme Court deliberates on whether to delay a looming ban on the popular video-sharing app. On Friday morning, Jan. 10, the Court heard oral arguments regarding the Biden administration's law requiring TikTok's parent company, ByteDance to separate from TikTok, and whether or not it's in violation of the First Amendment. ByteDance, which is headquartered in China, has until Jan. 19 to separate from the video-sharing app under the law passed last year over national security concerns. Noel Francisco argued on be…
400+ REI Employees Laid Off, Outdoor Retailer Ends Adventure Travel Program 400+ REI Employees Laid Off, Outdoor Retailer Ends Adventure Travel Program
400+ REI Employees Laid Off, Outdoor Retailer Ends Adventure Travel Program More than 400 employees will lose their jobs as REI closes its Experiences program, ending the adventure travel and outdoor education programs that have been part of the retailer’s identity for 40 years. REI announced the shutdown of its Experiences division in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The decision will result in 438 layoffs for 180 full-time employees and 248 part-time guides as the company shifts focus to its core business. The retail chain cited ongoing financial challenges as the reason for ending the program. Experiences included adventure travel, day to…
East Coast Ports Dodge Shutdown As Dockworkers Reach Tentative Six-Year Deal East Coast Ports Dodge Shutdown As Dockworkers Reach Tentative Six-Year Deal
East Coast Ports Dodge Shutdown As Dockworkers Reach Tentative Six-Year Deal Dockworkers and port companies have come to a tentative agreement on a new six-year deal, avoiding another work stoppage that would cause major shipping disruptions along the East Coast. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) announced the tentative agreement in a joint news release at night on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The deal aimed to avoid another potential strike on Wednesday, Jan. 15. The ILA and USMX agreed to extend the current master contract until ILA representatives can convene for a ratification vote and USMX members can final…
Staggering Number Of Potentially Unsafe Elderly Drivers Still Behind Wheel, Study Warns Staggering Number Of Potentially Unsafe Elderly Drivers Still Behind Wheel, Study Warns
Staggering Number Of Potentially Unsafe Elderly Drivers Still Behind Wheel, Study Warns A new study reveals a staggering number of elderly Americans experiencing cognitive decline continue to drive, raising concerns about road safety nationwide. There are approximately 48 million licensed drivers aged 65 and older in the United States, with around 17 percent of seniors suffering from mild cognitive impairment, according to a StudyFinds.org. This situation presents a considerable challenge in ensuring road safety while also preserving the independence of older adults. According to an analysis conducted by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, the healthcare …
Trump Eyes US Expansion Of Canada, Greenland, Panama Canal, New 'Gulf Of America' Trump Eyes US Expansion Of Canada, Greenland, Panama Canal, New 'Gulf Of America'
Trump Eyes US Expansion Of Canada, Greenland, Panama Canal, New 'Gulf Of America' President-elect Donald Trump unveiled sweeping plans for US territorial expansion in the Western Hemisphere during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, his private club in Palm Beach, Florida.  He refused to rule out military action to retake the Panama Canal, proposed the acquisition of Greenland, and suggested economic measures to incorporate Canada into the United States. Leaders in all three countries swiftly condemned the remarks. The remarks came during a news conference on Tuesday, Jan. 7, where Trump covered a wide range of topics, including his plans to reshape American energy pol…
Meta Drops Fact-Checking Program Ahead Of Trump's White House Return, Company Says Meta Drops Fact-Checking Program Ahead Of Trump's White House Return, Company Says
Meta Drops Fact-Checking Program Ahead Of Trump's White House Return, Company Says Meta is dismantling its third-party fact-checking program in the U.S. and aims to bring back political content as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, the company said. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the changes in a video statement on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The company that owns Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, will replace its fact-checking program with a Community Notes system similar to the one implemented on X (formerly Twitter). Zuckerberg said the new system's goal is to reduce bias and restore free expression. "Fact-checkers have be…