Fentanyl risk from $1 bill? Drug safety expert dispels myths about second-hand exposure

In a viral Facebook post, a Kentucky woman says she had to be hospitalized after picking up a dollar bill from the ground that she thinks was laced with the drug fentanyl.

White House updates response plan for infectious COVID variants; pushes boosters

“If you’re over 50 and you haven’t gotten the shot this year, you should go get a shot," said White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha. "It’s going to save your life.”

Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among US children continues to rise, study suggests

The study estimated that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among U.S. kids was 3.14% as of 2020. Meanwhile, there has been more awareness and a wider availability of services.

Suicide Prevention hotline number change to increase access, services

For years the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has been a way for people with suicidal thoughts to get help. Now a big change could soon make it easier for Minnesotans in crisis to connect with the hotline.

Suicide Prevention hotline makes changes to increase access
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For years the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has been a way for people with suicidal thoughts to get help. Now a big change could soon make it easier for Minnesotans in crisis to connect with the hotline.

Minnesota's abortion restrictions violate state constitution, judge rules

A Ramsey County judge has ruled that several of Minnesota's abortion restrictions -- including parental notification and the 24-hour waiting period -- violate the state constitution and ordered them not to be enforced.  

Mayo Clinic now testing for monkeypox

As the confirmed cases of monkeypox continue to grow in Minnesota, Mayo Clinic Laboratories can now test for the viral infection.

EU urges second COVID-19 boosters for people ages 60 to 79

The European Union said Monday it's “critical” that authorities in the 27-nation bloc consider giving second coronavirus booster shots as a new wave of the pandemic sweeps over the continent.

Florida track coach steps down following allegations by Minnesota athlete and her teammates

A Division I women's track coach has stepped down amid allegations made by a Minnesota runner and other women on the team that he weight-shamed athletes and created a toxic team environment.

COVID-19 omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 could be ‘worst’ so far, doctors say

Subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 are more transmissible, and early evidence shows both are capable of evading immune responses from previous infection as well as current COVID-19 vaccines.

Beijing appears to retract vaccine mandate after pushback

The Chinese capital Beijing appears to have backed off a plan to launch a vaccine mandate for entry into certain public spaces after pushback from residents.

Beijing mandates COVID vaccines to enter some public spaces

The Chinese capital has issued a mandate requiring people to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination before they can enter some public spaces including gyms, museums and libraries, drawing concern from city residents.

THC edibles in Minnesota: Cities, counties left to regulate after legalization

After legalizing THC edibles throughout Minnesota, politicians that approved the law have begun grappling with how to regulate their sale a week later. 

Pharmacists can prescribe COVID treatment drug Paxlovid, FDA says

The FDA change will make thousands more pharmacies eligible to quickly prescribe and dispense the pill, which has been shown to curb the worst effects of COVID-19.

Parasitic worms found across US parks put kids, pet owners at risk

Eggs of the tiny worm, which are found in pets' fecal matter, have been widely detected in New York City public spaces, with evidence of significant levels of contamination in all five boroughs.