Federal Report Criticizes EPA's Response to Lead in Michigan City's Water Supply
Video Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories - Duration: 01:31s - Published
Federal Report Criticizes EPA's Response to Lead in Michigan City's Water Supply
Federal Report Criticizes , EPA's Response to Lead in , Michigan City's Water Supply.
According to a new report, high levels of lead in drinking water in an impoverished Michigan city were not quickly reported to U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) leadership.
.
Fox News reports that the EPA said that staff monitoring the state's response failed to "elevate"
the issue of health risks to the city's residents.
.
In October of 2018, the Benton Harbor water system
was notified by the state that water samples
tested for lead had exceeded 15 parts per billion.
Fox News reports that those numbers remained high
through 2021, when the issue gained national attention.
At the time, residents were told to switch to
bottled water for basic needs while state officials
worked to quickly remove the city's lead pipes.
In 2016, the EPA passed its Policy on Elevation of
Critical Public Health Issues following a similar
lead-contaminated water crisis in Flint, Michigan.
In February of 2022, federal auditors announced
a probe into the government's response to
lead contamination in Benton Harbor.
.
Because the elevation policy was not
used, the Office of the Administrator’s
senior-level team did not have an
opportunity to assess and recommend
steps for resolving elevated lead levels
in the Benton Harbor water system, Federal auditors' report on EPA response, via Fox News.
According to Cyndi Roper, the Natural Resources Defense Council's senior policy advocate, the Benton Harbor response was , "another abject failure of the EPA.".
The EPA must do better to end the
public health disaster linked to lead-
contaminated drinking water, starting
with issuing and enforcing a new federal
lead and copper rule that will finally tackle
the lead crisis, so no other community
is poisoned by leaded tap water, Federal auditors' report on EPA response, via Fox News
RFK Jr. Speaks About , Past Health Incidents , Including Brain Parasite.
CNN reports that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. offered his first public
explanation of a medical abnormality he experienced in 2010, which
he said was the result of a parasite that entered his brain and died. .
While speaking on the podcast 'Pushing the Limits with Brian
Shapiro,' Kennedy said the experience involved "brain fog" and
"having trouble with word retrieval and short-term memory.".
According to the Independent presidential
candidate, doctors initially told him they
thought he had a tumor in his brain. .
A second docotor revealed that "this is almost certainly
a parasite that got into your brain … it’s a parasite that’s very
common in India where I had done a lot of environmental work.”.
Stefanie Spear, a spokesperson for Kennedy’s campaign,
said he had “traveled extensively in Africa, South America
and Asia” while working as an environmental advocate.
When asked how the condition could impact his presidential bid,
Spear said, “The issue was resolved more than 10 years ago and he
is in robust physical and mental health. Questioning Mr. Kennedy’s
health is a hilarious suggestion, given his competition.".
In the same podcast, Kennedy detailed another experience
he had with mercury poisoning, which he said occurred
near the same time as the incident with the parisitic worm.
Kennedy said tests revealed "sky high" levels of mercury
in he blood, forcing him to undergo chelation therapy
to have the metals removed from his body.
At the same time, I was having my mercury tested,
and I was getting all kinds of tests, and my mercury
test came back sky high. So, ten times what,
you know, the EPA levels were for blood mercury,
I think it was. They were over ten times what–
what anybody considered safe. And I had that
chelated out and all of that brain fog went away, Robert Kennedy Jr., via CNN.
CNN reports that Kennedy insisted that he has
since made a full recovery from both health scares
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
EPA Announces First-Ever Regulations , for PFAS in Drinking Water.
On April 10, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is issuing a country-wide regulation to limit the amount of "forever chemicals" in drinking water, CBS News reports.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are commonly found in the air, water and soil.
According to the EPA, there is no amount of exposure to PFAS that is considered safe.
They can be found in everything from
nonstick cookware to cleaning and personal
care products. But there's no doubt that
many of these chemicals can be harmful
to our health and our environment, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, via statement.
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to reproductive
problems, developmental delays, low birth weight,
immune system issues, high cholesterol, cardiovascular
issues and some cancers, CBS News reports. .
Public water utilities will now be required to
"test for six different types of PFAS chemicals"
in drinking water, CBS News reports.
The agency estimates that the new requirement will lower exposure to
PFAS for about 100 million people. .
Drinking water contaminated with
PFAS has plagued communities
across this country for too long, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, via statement.
$1 billion will be made available to help states
and territories comply with the new standards.
Those funds are part of a $9 billion investment generated by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
President Biden believes that
everyone deserves access to clean,
safe drinking water, and he is
delivering on that promise, Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
EPA Takes Aim at, US Chemical Emissions, That Are Likely Carcinogens.
'The Independent' reports that over 200 chemical
plants in the United States will be required
to reduce toxic emissions under a new rule. .
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
released the new rule regarding toxic
emissions likely to cause cancer on April 9.
The rule is meant to deliver critical health protections
for communities faced with industrial pollution from
dangerous chemicals, such as chloroprene and ethyl oxide.
The rule will significantly reduce
emissions from the Denka Performance
Elastomer facility in LaPlace, Louisiana.
The facility is the largest producer of
chloroprene emissions in the U.S., according
to EPA Administrator Michael Regan.
Every community in this country
deserves to breathe clean air.
That’s why I took the Journey
to Justice tour to communities
like St. John the Baptist Parish,
where residents have borne
the brunt of toxic air for far too long, Michael Regan, EPA Administrator, via 'The Independent'.
We promised to listen to folks that
are suffering from pollution and act
to protect them. Today we deliver
on that promise with strong final
standards to slash pollution,
reduce cancer risk and ensure
cleaner air for nearby communities, Michael Regan, EPA Administrator, via 'The Independent'.
According to officials, the changes
are meant to reduce ethylene oxide and
chloroprene emissions in the U.S. by nearly 80%.
'The Independent' reports that the rule updates
several regulations on chemical plant emissions
that have not been altered in nearly 20 years.
The EPA said that the new rule will reduce a total of over
6,200 tons of toxic air pollutants annually in an effort
to address health risks in neighboring communities
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Happy Birthday,
Stevie Wonder!.
Stevland Hardaway Morris, also
known as Stevie Wonder, was born
on May 13, 1950, and turns 70.
He was born in Saginaw, Michigan.
Blind since birth, he later signed with
Motown’s Tamla label at 11 years old.
Wonder released his debut album, 'The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie,' in 1962 when he was 12 years old.
His discography includes his hit singles, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours," "Superstition" and more.
The Grammy-winning artist is one
the best-selling musicians.
Wonder also campaigned to make Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a U.S. holiday in 1980.
Wonder was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 2009.
and one of 'Billboard’s' Hot 100
All-Time Top Artists.
Happy Birthday,
Stevie Wonder!
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:01Published
Pop-Tarts is calling out Jerry Seinfeld ahead of the release of his new movie 'Unfrosted.' Seinfeld directed and co-wrote the film, which he also stars in, about the fictional origin story of Pop-Tarts. The actor and filmmaker has said of the movie, "This really did happen in Battle Creek, Michigan, where Kellogg's and Post were located, and they did compete to come up with this product. But the rest of it is complete lunacy." Now, a new video sees Seinfeld get called into Pop-Tarts HQ for a major meeting.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:55Published
FDA Testing Reveals , Bird Flu Virus , in 1 in 5 Milk Samples.
'Time' reports that the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) has warned that traces of bird flu have been found
in nearly one-fifth of commercial milk samples tested. .
In a statement released on the agency's website,
the FDA said that traces of the virus do not
necessarily indicate a risk to consumers. .
According to the FDA, more tests are needed
to confirm if intact pathogens that remain
infectious are present in the samples.
Those tests would determine , "whether there is any risk of illness
associated with consuming the product.".
'Time' reports that the results of the study
come as a stark warning of how quickly the
virus is spreading among dairy cows in the U.S.
The virus has already killed millions of birds globally,
raising both health and food security concerns,
as well as spooking global markets.
The virus has already killed millions of birds globally,
raising both health and food security concerns,
as well as spooking global markets.
So far, the Department of Agriculture has already
confirmed 33 infected herds across eight states,
including Texas, Michigan and Ohio.
So far, the Department of Agriculture has already
confirmed 33 infected herds across eight states,
including Texas, Michigan and Ohio.
In an effort to understand the extent of the outbreak
and potentially contain it, the USDA has implemented
mandatory testing of cows moving across state borders.
Authorities have stressed that the current
risk to humans remains low, with only one
identified human case in the U.S. this year. .
To date, the retail milk studies
have shown no results that would
change our assessment that the
commercial milk supply is safe. , FDA statement, via 'Time'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Credit Card Delinquencies , Are on the Rise.
New York Federal Reserve data that was published on May 15 shows that credit card delinquencies kept rising from January to March, Fox Business reports. .
In Q1 2024, delinquencies reached
8.9% at an annualized rate.
America hasn't seen this high of a
percentage of serious credit card
delinquencies since 2012, Fox News reports. .
In the first quarter of 2024, credit
card and auto loan transition rates
into serious delinquency continued
to rise across all age groups, Joelle Scally, regional economic principal within the Household and
Public Policy Research Division at the New York Fed, via Fox Business.
An increasing number of borrowers
missed credit card payments,
revealing worsening financial
distress among some households, Joelle Scally, regional economic principal within the Household and
Public Policy Research Division at the New York Fed, via Fox Business.
Researchers aren't sure why delinquencies
are so high since the unemployment rate
is low, but they have a few theories.
One of those theories is that consumers drained savings throughout the pandemic
but continue to spend at high levels.
Another theory is that some Americans switched to jobs with lower salaries.
Additionally, credit card eligibility may have been expanded for many whose student debt wasn't being reported to credit bureaus amid the pandemic.
These are all kinds of complex issues.
We don't exactly know what's behind the
increase of these delinquency rates. But it's
definitely something that we're tracking, New York Fed researchers, via Fox Business.
The average annual percentage rate for
credit cards hit a record of 20.72% recently.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
US Military Looks to , Recruit Tech Experts While , Cutting Overall Troop Numbers.
United States special operations commanders have
been tasked with cutting overall forces by 5,000
troops, while also adding more high-tech experts. .
United States special operations commanders have
been tasked with cutting overall forces by 5,000
troops, while also adding more high-tech experts. .
United States special operations commanders have
been tasked with cutting overall forces by 5,000
troops, while also adding more high-tech experts. .
Fox News reports that the conflicting goals, which have
forced a broader restructuring of commando teams,
have been influenced by Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.
U.S. Army Special Operations Command plans to
increase the size of Green Beret teams by adding
members with specialized technical abilities.
U.S. Army Special Operations Command plans to
increase the size of Green Beret teams by adding
members with specialized technical abilities.
Additional team members could include
computer software experts capable of
reprograming drones and other tech gear on the fly. .
Additional team members could include
computer software experts capable of
reprograming drones and other tech gear on the fly. .
Additional team members could include
computer software experts capable of
reprograming drones and other tech gear on the fly. .
Gen. Bryan Fenton, commander of U.S. Special
Operations Command, says the U.S. is "taking a lot
of lessons learned out of the experience in Ukraine.".
Gen. Bryan Fenton, commander of U.S. Special
Operations Command, says the U.S. is "taking a lot
of lessons learned out of the experience in Ukraine.".
According to Fenton, special operations
were ordered to cut about 2,000 personnel,
including 750 from the army. .
According to Fenton, special operations
were ordered to cut about 2,000 personnel,
including 750 from the army. .
In 2024, the department was
ordered to cut an additional 3,000
personnel over the next five years. .
So the real Army reduction in totality is
almost 4,000, and the remaining 1,000
will come from the joint force, SEALs,
Marine raiders, other Army units, Gen. Bryan Fenton, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command.
So the real Army reduction in totality is
almost 4,000, and the remaining 1,000
will come from the joint force, SEALs,
Marine raiders, other Army units, Gen. Bryan Fenton, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command.
Maj. Gen. Patrick Roberson, deputy commander of the
command at Fort Liberty in North Carolina, estimates
that at least 30% of those cuts will be in open jobs. .
According to Roberson, other cuts will be aimed at
redundancies among trainers and instructors, as
well as civil affairs and psychological operations. .
According to Roberson, other cuts will be aimed at
redundancies among trainers and instructors, as
well as civil affairs and psychological operations.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Iranian President Vows to Destroy Israel , if It Launches the ‘Tiniest Invasion’.
On April 13, Iran attacked Israel with
hundreds of drones and missiles.
It was the first time that Iran has ever launched a direct military attack on Israel, Fox News reports. .
Although Israel was able to fend off
about 99% of the projectiles, the
country is considering retaliation.
On April 17, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned Israel that if it does decide to
attack with even the "tiniest invasion," .
Iran's response would be "massive and harsh.".
Nothing would remain
from the Zionist regime, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, via Fox News.
Raisi delivered his remarks during
a military parade north of Tehran.
Prior to Raisi's threats, Israel vowed
to respond to the attacks.
The country did not provide details,
but its military council met on April 16
to decide how to proceed.
Leaders around the world have
urged Israel to stand down. .
While Israel and Iran have been at odds
for decades, their conflict came to a
head recently since Iran supports Hamas, .
which attacked Israel on Oct. 7 and
prompted Israel's current offensive in Gaza.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Samsung Knocks Apple , From Top Phonemaker Spot.
Samsung Knocks Apple , From Top Phonemaker Spot.
Fox News reports that Apple's phone shipments have dropped by about 10%.
During Q1 2024, Apple had a 17.3% market share, while Samsung had 20.8%.
During Q1 2024, Apple had a 17.3% market share, while Samsung had 20.8%.
Xiaomi came in third with 14.1%.
Samsung shipped over
60 million phones during Q1 2024.
Samsung shipped over
60 million phones during Q1 2024.
Apple only shipped 50.1 million. .
Last year during the same time period,
Apple shipped 55.4 million. .
Overall, smartphone shipments rose 7.8% worldwide to 289.4 million units during Q1 2024.
The increase in Samsung shipments
could be attributed to the company's
release of Galaxy S24 series phones.
During a launch event at the beginning
of the year, Galaxy AI, which is incorporated
into the company's new smartphones,
was touted as "a new era of mobile AI.".
News of Samsung's triumph comes as
Apple is cutting over 600 jobs in California
following reports that the company
is abandoning its electric car efforts. .
News of Samsung's triumph comes as
Apple is cutting over 600 jobs in California
following reports that the company
is abandoning its electric car efforts.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Drug Shortages Reach , All-Time High in US, , Pharmacists Say.
According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and
the Utah Drug Information Service.
the first quarter of 2024 saw
323 active drug shortages, Fox News reports.
The previous record of
320 shortages was set in 2014.
ASHP CEO Paul Abramowitz said,
"some of the most worrying shortages involve generic sterile injectable medications," .
... "including cancer chemotherapy drugs and emergency medications stored in hospital crash carts and procedural areas." .
... "including cancer chemotherapy drugs and emergency medications stored in hospital crash carts and procedural areas." .
Abramowitz went on to say that the
"ongoing national shortages of therapies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder also remain
a serious challenge for clinicians and patients.".
A separate ASHP report said that "the most severe and persistent shortages are driven by economic factors that undermine investment in manufacturing capacity, manufacturing quality and supply chain reliability.".
These economic challenges are
driven by extreme price competition
among generic manufacturers, ASHP, via report.
ASHP will continue to engage
with policymakers regularly as we guide
efforts to draft and pass new legislation
to address drug shortages and continue
to strongly advocate on behalf of our
members for solutions that work, ASHP CEO Paul Abramowitz, via statement.
Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a white paper recommending tactics for Congress to help.
With today’s white paper,
HHS offers solutions and stands
ready to work with Congress to
ensure no patient faces the devastating
consequences of drug shortages or
goes without needed medicines, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, via press release
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Quit Wasting Your Money , on These Things.
As inflation continues to send the
prices of everyday items soaring,
it's imperative to budget your finances.
Over time, even the most conscious consumers might find themselves
the victims of money traps.
Here are some common money
traps and how to avoid them:.
Bank Fees.
Charges for withdrawals, out-of-
network ATMs and monthly service
fees from your bank add up.
Charges for withdrawals, out-of-
network ATMs and monthly service
fees from your bank add up.
But they don't have to. Per Bankrate,
almost 50% of checking accounts in the
United States don't charge maintenance fees.
But they don't have to. Per Bankrate,
almost 50% of checking accounts in the
United States don't charge maintenance fees.
If you feel overcharged at your current bank, don't hesitate to find a new one.
Unused Subscriptions.
A recent study found almost
70% of US consumers throw
away money each month on
subscriptions they don't use.
The culprit? Signing up for free trials
and failing to cancel services when
the trial period ends.
That’s an easy way to chuck money out the window. , Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews, via CNN.
Wasted Food.
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, almost 40% of food
in the United States goes uneaten.
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, almost 40% of food
in the United States goes uneaten.
Check your refrigerator before heading to the grocery store and plan your meals around the food you do have
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Court Refuses to Revive , Charges Against Key Figures , in Flint Water Scandal.
On September 20, the Michigan Supreme Court
rejected an effort to revive criminal charges against
seven people..
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
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