Health, Science & Environment

Ohio Lawmaker Introduces Bill Banning Flavored Vape Products

By Associated Press • Sep 25, 2019

A man exhales while smoking an e-cigarette. — Robert F. Bukaty / AP

An Ohio lawmaker has introduced a bill banning the sale of flavored vaping products as concerns grow about health effects of vaping.

Ohio's Nuclear Bailout Is Inspiring An Unprecedented Campaign. But Why Now?

By Mike Thompson & Steve Brown • Sep 23, 2019

Pention workers for the nuclear power plant bailout are collecting signatures throughout Ohio. — Karen Kasler / Statehouse News Bureau

Ballot efforts typically ramp up in the weeks before an election. The fight over Ohio’s new nuclear bailout law, though, is in full swing more than a year before a possible vote.

So why the early start? One side says it’s to keep two nuclear power plants from closing, while experts say spending now may be the best investment.

Political Lies Or Protected Speech?

By Mike Thompson & Steve Brown • Sep 19, 2019

This Oct. 5, 2011 file photo shows the cooling tower of the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station in Oak Harbor, Ohio. — Amy Sanceta / Associated Press

In this week's episode of Snollygoster, Ohio's politics podcast from WOSU, hosts Mike Thompson and Steve Brown discuss whether the tactics used by a pro-energy bailout group go too far. Ohio State University law professor Dan Tokaji joins the show.

North America Has Lost 3 Billion Birds, Scientists Say

By Nell Greenfieldboyce • Sep 19, 2019

Over the past half-century, North America has lost more than a quarter of its entire bird population, or around 3 billion birds.

That's according to a new estimate published in the journal Science by researchers who brought together a variety of information that has been collected on 529 bird species since 1970.

Ohio Legislators Plan Field Hearings On Facebook And Google

By Jo Ingles & Associated Press • Sep 19, 2019

Smarthphone with social media icons — Tero Vesalainen / Pixabay

A panel of state senators is hitting the road to gather input on how the broad reach of Facebook and Google impacts average Ohioans.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi Unveils Plan To Lower Prescription Drug Costs

By Susan Davis • Sep 19, 2019

Updated at 11:20 a.m. ET

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., unveiled her long-anticipated plan to lower the cost of prescription drugs on Thursday. It is a priority shared by President Trump, fueling a glimmer of hope that there is a deal to be had on the issue ahead of the 2020 elections.

"It is transformative," Pelosi said of her plan."We do hope to have White House buy-in."

Wellness Wednesday: Health Risks Of Vaping THC

By All Sides Staff • Sep 18, 2019

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report 380 confirmed and probable cases of vaping-related lung illnesses in 36 states. At least seven people have died.

No single substance or product has been pinpointed as a cause but most patients said they were using e-cigarettes with THC, the chemical in marijuana that creates a “high.”

Today on Wellness Wednesday on All Sides with Ann Fisher: the dangers of vaping.

Guests:

The Vaping Illness Outbreak: What We Know So Far

By editor • Sep 18, 2019

Updated on Sept. 27 at 7:06 p.m. ET to reflect the latest information from federal agencies

An outbreak of severe lung disease among users of electronic cigarettes continues to spread to new patients and states.

Trump Says California's Ability To Set Its Own Emissions Standards Will Be Revoked

By Scott Neuman • Sep 18, 2019

Updated at 11:45 a.m. ET

President Trump said Wednesday his administration is revoking a waiver that allowed California to set its own standards for automobile emissions — a move that could derail a years-long push to produce more fuel efficient cars.

In a series of tweets Wednesday, Trump said the action will result in vehicles that are safer and cheaper, and that "there will be very little difference in emissions between the California standard and the new U.S. standard."