GENEVA — The head of the U.N. health agency said Wednesday holiday gatherings and the spread of the most prominent variant globally led to increased transmission of COVID-19 last month. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said nearly 10,000 deaths were reported in December, while hospital admissions during the month jumped 42% in nearly 50 countries — mostly … Read more
LAGOS, Nigeria — The accident that broke 10-year-old Princess Igbinosa’s right leg could have crushed her dreams of becoming a model in a country where not many can afford prosthetics to cope with life and fight social stigma. “It was heartbreaking when they told us they had to amputate it (the leg),” her mother, Esther … Read more
WASHINGTON — In a new twist to the fight over abortion access, congressional Republicans are trying to block a Biden administration spending rule that they say will cut off millions of dollars to anti-abortion counseling centers. The rule would prohibit states from sending federal funds earmarked for needy Americans to so-called “crisis pregnancy centers,” which … Read more
FRANKFORT, Ky. — For weary parents rolling up their sleeves for around-the-clock diaper duty, a bill with bipartisan support in Kentucky would deliver tax relief when purchasing a necessity that adds up to a hefty expense. The measure would exempt diapers from the state’s 6% sales tax. Senators from both parties have signed on as … Read more
The Quaker Oats Company has added two dozen additional types of granola bars, cereals and snack foods to a December recall over possible salmonella contamination. The company, which is owned by PepsiCo., announced the additional recall in the U.S. and Canada on Thursday. The expanded recall includes Quaker Chewy Granola Bars and Cereals, Cap’n Crunch … Read more
Several types of cereals and granola bars by the popular brand Quaker are being recalled across Canada due to potential salmonella contamination. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a nationwide recall Thursday for 38 different products sold by Quaker in stores and online. The best before dates for these breakfast items are between Jan. 11 … Read more
JACKSON, Miss. — The day after Mississippi health officials told residents in the state’s capital that dangerous bacteria could be in their tap water, a new round of test results did not find E. coli in Jackson’s supply, the city’s water manager said Friday. Ted Henifin, Jackson’s interim water manager, said repeat samples taken from … Read more
A national suicide prevention hotline meant to help Canadians struggling with mental health challenges is receiving nearly 1,500 calls and texts per day since its launch late last year, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). The 988 helpline, led by CAMH and funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), … Read more
A preliminary review of side effects from popular drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity shows no link with suicidal thoughts or actions, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday. But the agency also said officials cannot definitively rule out that “a small risk may exist” and that they’ll continue to look into reports … Read more
Descrease article font size Increase article font size IKEA has issued a recall for a portable charger due to reports of thermal burns and electric shocks experienced by customers around the world. The hazard to customers is caused by “wear and tear” of the power cable, according to a Health Canada recall notice Wednesday. The company … Read more
