Public Health
Chemical companies to pay Pennsylvania $100 million for PCB contamination
PCBs were banned in 1979 for their potential dangers to human and environmental health.
7 months ago
CDC panel recommends updated COVID vaccines. Shots could be ready this week
The agency’s director is expected to sign off on the panel’s recommendation and the vaccines could be available this week.
7 months ago
New COVID vaccines get FDA approval
The vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer and its partner BioNTech were approved Monday for people 12 and older.
7 months ago
Unraveling long COVID: Here’s what scientists who study the illness want to find out
There's still no validated treatment or diagnostic test specifically for the condition, although there are many candidates.
7 months ago
‘Why is there no air?’: An inside look at Philly’s early school dismissals amid extreme heat
More than 57% of Philly public school buildings lack adequate cooling systems. As climate change makes extreme heat more likely, students are bearing the consequences.
7 months ago
The new payouts are from a second wave of national opioid lawsuit settlements with Teva, Allergan, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart.
7 months ago
Listen 1:20Extreme heat is cutting into recess for kids. Experts say that’s a problem
A heat wave at the start of the school year has educators scrambling to keep kids cool and safe.
7 months ago
Where to find free or low-cost COVID tests in Philadelphia
Though still lower than past years, cases and hospitalizations have been creeping up. Happily, tests are still readily accessible.
8 months ago
Heat Advisory remains in effect as late-summer heat grips Philly
The NWS recommends that people stay indoors and check on older relatives and neighbors.
8 months ago
Lab data suggests new COVID booster will protect against worrisome variant
Scientists have produced the first data indicating that a variant that has raised alarm is unlikely to pose a big new COVID-19 threat.
8 months ago
First lady Jill Biden has tested positive for COVID-19, again
The White House says President Biden tested negative, and will continue to be tested ahead of a planned trip to India this week. The first lady will remain in Delaware.
8 months ago
Prescriptions for fresh fruits and vegetables help boost heart health
The research comes amid an epidemic of diet-related disease, which competes with smoking as a leading cause of death.
8 months ago
Inflation Reduction Act program caps insulin cost for some Medicare patients
Philly hospital leaders, city officials look to spread the word about changes to insulin costs for Medicare patients under the Inflation Reduction Act.
8 months ago
More than 70% of Pennsylvania rivers, streams contain PFAS
Valley Creek is just one waterway out of many across the U.S. with elevated PFAS levels caused by wastewater treatment plants and electronics manufacturing facilities.
8 months ago
According to the city Health Department, 1,413 people died from drug overdoses in Philadelphia last year.
8 months ago