Fluoride in drinking water – what the public needs to know
By Tom Theimer
After decades of debate, there no longer is any doubt that the widespread US practice of adding fluoride to drinking water is posing risks to our health.
2025
Profiling of pesticide industry opponents halted after company practices exposed
By Carey Gillam, Margot Gibbs and Elena Debre
A US company that was secretly profiling hundreds of food and environmental health advocates in a private web portal has halted the operations in the face of widespread backlash after its actions were exposed by The New Lede and other reporting partners.
Farm country fight – Battle rages over proposed legal protections for pesticide makers
By Carey Gillam
Pesticide company efforts to push through laws that could block litigation against them is igniting battles in several US farm states and pitting some farm groups against each other.
Postcard from California: The long-term public health toll of the LA fires
By Bill Walker
The horrific fires that incinerated more than 40,000 acres in Southern California last month were still burning when newly-inaugurated President Trump flew in to view the devastation. At a Jan. 24 press briefing with local officials, he groused that he had heard people who lost their homes would not be allowed to rebuild for up to 18 months.
High levels of microplastics found in human brains
By Douglas Main
A new study has found high concentrations of tiny plastic particles in human brain samples, with levels appearing to climb over time.
FDA must set limits on PFAS in food, lawsuit says
By Shannon Kelleher
US regulators are failing to address concerns about toxic PFAS chemicals in foods despite having the scientific tools to do so, according to a lawsuit filed by an environmental group in Tucson, Arizona.
Fluoride toothpastes, mouthwash marketed to kids in dangerous ways, lawsuits say
By Douglas Main
Companies making fluoride-containing toothpastes and mouthrinses are improperly marketing their products as harmless and pleasant-tasting to very young children despite scientific research showing ingestion of the products could be dangerous to their health, according to allegations in a group of proposed class action lawsuits filed earlier this month.
Advertising sugary cereals to children needs regulation, report says
By Carey Gillam
Food companies are continuing to push unhealthy cereals high in sugar content into the diets of young children through targeted television advertising despite pledges by leading companies to voluntarily regulate such advertising, according to a new analysis.
“Epidemic of chronic disease” spotlighted in Kennedy confirmation hearing
By Carey Gillam
America’s “epidemic of chronic disease” was spotlighted Wednesday in a contentious senate confirmation hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Environmental and health programs thrown into chaos by Trump funding freeze
By Douglas Main
President Donald Trump’s surprise decision to freeze a massive portion of federal grants and loans — a move temporarily blocked by a federal court — has thrown environmental research, health programs, and community groups into chaos.