public health
A New York City medical examiner confirmed that Shane Tamura, 27—the gunman who killed four people in a Manhattan office tower housing NFL headquarters on July 28—had low-stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Tamura, a former high school player who died by suicide at the scene, carried a note asking researchers to study his brain and […]
Emerging research and patient stories highlight an elevated Alzheimer’s and dementia burden for Black Americans, shaped by social and environmental stressors rather than biology alone. Epidemiologists point to cumulative exposure: pollution that accelerates brain changes, chronic stress from discrimination, hypertension, obesity, food insecurity, and limited access to quality care. The African American Dementia and Aging […]
Walmart has issued a recall for select lots of its Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp after the FDA detected low levels of Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in shrimp imported from Indonesia. Though the contamination was below federal intervention levels, the FDA recommended consumers discard the affected products or return them for a refund. The […]
A new audit by NY Comptroller DiNapoli reveals dire healthcare shortages in 16 rural counties, with too few doctors, pediatricians, and dentists. Medicaid cuts threaten these hospitals’ survival, with many already reporting financial losses. Some counties have no OB-GYNs or pediatricians at all. Proposed federal legislation, the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” could slash rural Medicaid […]
China is facing its largest-ever outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus that causes fever and joint pain. Over 7,000 cases have been reported, mostly in Foshan near Hong Kong. The disease, usually nonfatal, can cause severe joint pain for months. While there’s no specific treatment, symptoms like fever and muscle pain can be managed. Two […]
An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Central Harlem, New York City, has killed two people and sickened 58 since late July 2025. Health officials traced the outbreak to contaminated cooling towers, where water can harbor Legionella bacteria. Although 11 towers tested positive, remediation efforts have been completed. Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia […]
New York State health officials are encouraging pet owners to update their pets’ rabies vaccinations following 364 confirmed animal cases since July 2024, including recent infections in Nassau, Schenectady, and other counties. Officials report a concerning rise in positive tests, especially in raccoons and, unusually, in domestic cats. Rabies is typically spread through saliva, and […]
Four New York state park beaches have been temporarily closed due to bacterial contamination and harmful algal blooms. Sampson State Park and Gilbert Lake State Park were shut down following algal bloom detections, while Heckscher State Park’s west beach closed due to elevated enterococci levels. Point Au Roche State Park was also affected by harmful […]
Flint, Michigan has completed the replacement of over 11,000 lead pipes and declared its water safe by federal standards. But many residents, like activist Melissa Mays, remain skeptical after a decade of health crises, distrust, and inadequate compensation. Although the EPA lifted its emergency order and officials praise the improved water quality, residents report continued […]
Eight children attending a French youth choir concert at St. Paul’s Parish in Harvard Square experienced seizure-like symptoms on July 23, 2025. Emergency responders were alerted after one child displayed symptoms; soon after, seven more were affected. The Cambridge Fire Department’s hazmat team determined the likely cause was fumes from cleaning supplies used earlier in […]
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