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Public health hanging in the balance under RFK Jr.

Almost 250 years ago, George Washington created America’s first mass immunization mandate, relying on science to protect public health. Oh, how times have changed. Back then, smallpox had just helped end the Continental Army’s invasion of Canada. Despite making it all the way to Quebec, thousands of soldiers contracted the disease. Washington feared the same would happen to his own troops, fresh from their surprise victories at Trenton and Princeton. As Washington wrote at the time, “Necessity not only authorizes but seems to require the measure, for should the disorder infect ...

US in reverse regarding the global climate crisis

Devastating wildfires, flooding and winter storms were among the 23 extreme weather and climate-related disasters in the U.S. that cost more than a billion dollars last year – at an estimated total loss of $115 billion. The past three years have shattered previous records for such events. Scientists earlier this month said that we are closer than ever to the point after which global heating cannot be stopped. Yet Donald Trump and Lee Zeldin, the head of the US Environmental Protection Agency, recently announced the elimination of the Obama-era endangerment finding that underpins ...

Virtual meeting Thursday on recycling batteries in state

Whether it’s small single-use batteries, household rechargeable batteries or large batteries for electric vehicles, disposal can pose a significant safety risk to people and the planet. Conversely, batteries contain valuable materials that, when properly managed, can be returned to the supply chain to realize substantial environmental, economic and social benefits. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy is launching a Battery Circularity Program to improve how batteries are collected, recycled and reprocessed across the state. By using recycled materials, ...