News

Utah has become the first state to ban the addition of fluoride to public water systems, despite its long-standing reputation as a cavity-fighting agent. The ban, which takes effect in 2025, allows pharmacists to prescribe fluoride supplements but prohibits communities from adding it to public water supplies.

The Trump administration's 25% tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts are expected to raise car prices in the U.S., potentially impacting both domestic and foreign manufacturers and squeezing some consumers out of the market. While some automakers like Tesla and Ford are better positioned to weather the tariffs, others like General Motors and Stellantis are more exposed due to their reliance on imported parts and vehicles.

Israel retaliated against rocket attacks from Lebanon by striking a Hezbollah drone storage facility in Beirut, marking the first attack on the capital since the November 2024 ceasefire. This escalation comes amidst the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza, where Israel has cut off humanitarian aid and killed thousands of Palestinians.

Mikal Mahdi, a South Carolina death row inmate convicted of murdering a police officer, has chosen execution by firing squad, becoming the second inmate in the state to be executed this way in recent months. Mahdi's lawyers argue for clemency, citing an inadequate trial and traumatic childhood, while prosecutors maintain his violent history warrants the death penalty.

Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology offers a promising solution to combat climate change by capturing CO2 from the air, but concerns remain regarding its energy consumption and potential ties to the fossil fuel industry. While proponents see DAC as a crucial tool in achieving net-zero emissions, critics argue for prioritizing renewable energy sources and direct replacement of fossil fuels.