MINNEAPOLIS – September 08, 2026 -- A 76-minute documentary that uses artificial intelligence to recreate a Parkinson's patient's pre-disease voice has been selected for the Twin Cities Film Fest, running Oct. 15-24, with a screening set for noon on Oct. 24 at the Edina Mann Theatre in Edina, Minnesota.
Berlin – September 08, 2026 -- The German environmental group Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has filed a lawsuit at the Administrative Court of Braunschweig challenging the approval of the pesticide Joystick, arguing it releases the persistent chemical trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) into the environment.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently strengthened its health risk evaluation of TFA, citing evidence that the substance can alter levels of thyroxine, a thyroid hormone. EFSA also flagged the need for further research into long-term risks, including potential cancer risk and effects on the immune system.
Joystick, a herbicide used in field crop farming, contains the active ingredient diflufenican. According to recent scientific findings cited by DUH, this compound degrades in the environment partly into TFA.
Clearwater, Fla. – September 08, 2026 -- The National Safe Boating Council is urging boaters heading onto the water this Labor Day weekend to wear life jackets and use engine cut-off switches, citing federal data showing drowning as the leading cause of boating deaths.
According to the 2024 U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics, drowning was the reported cause of death in 76% of all boating fatalities that year. Of those drowning victims, 87% were not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.
"Labor Day weekend is a wonderful time to celebrate the close of summer on the water, but safety must come first," said Peg Phillips, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council. She urged boaters to wear a life jacket, use an engine cut-off switch, and never operate a vessel under the influence.
Hamburg – September 08, 2026 -- NDR has launched the 16th edition of its annual charity campaign "Hand in Hand für Norddeutschland," this year devoted entirely to mental health among children and teenagers under the motto "MENTAL. STARK. FÜRS LEBEN."
The broadcaster is partnering with the six northern German state associations of the German Red Cross, chaired by the Hamburg chapter, alongside the nationwide Aktionsbündnis Seelische Gesundheit (ABSG). The ABSG alone coordinates more than 100 network partners across northern Germany focused on psychological wellbeing.
Citing figures from Germany's Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, NDR notes that roughly a fifth of all children and adolescents in the country are affected by a mental health condition. Anxiety disorders, ADHD, depression, and learning, eating or addiction disorders rank among the most common diagnoses.
New Albany, Ohio – September 08, 2026 -- American Regent, Inc. is voluntarily recalling three lots of Epinephrine Injection, USP 30 mg/30 mL (1 mg/mL) multi dose vials nationwide, down to the consumer level.
The recall follows customer complaints of leaking and cracked vials, which compromise sterility assurance. The company's investigation also found particulate matter identified as nylon, cellulosic material, acrylic, polyethylene and glass inside affected vials.
Woonsocket – September 08, 2026 -- Updated 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccines are now available at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide, offered at no cost for patients with most insurance plans.
Appointments can be booked through CVS.com, MinuteClinic.com or the CVS Health app, and walk-ins are accepted at both CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations. Vaccination slots are open seven days a week, including evenings and weekends.
Patients can schedule vaccinations for up to four people at the same time, allowing families and caregivers to get immunized in a single visit. Eligible patients can also receive other recommended vaccines during the same appointment, including flu and RSV shots along with routine immunizations.
Washington – September 08, 2026 -- The American Red Cross and the NAACP will premiere "Iconic Excellence: The Legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew" on Sept. 18 on the American Red Cross YouTube channel, marking the 85th anniversary of Drew's appointment as the first medical director of the Red Cross Blood Program.
The short documentary traces Drew's breakthroughs in blood plasma preservation, work credited with saving hundreds of thousands of lives during World War II and shaping modern blood collection and distribution methods.
Stamford, Conn. – September 07, 2026 -- Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) has launched a new firearm safety toolkit aimed at helping veterans, service members and their families have direct conversations about suicide risk and secure gun storage.
The toolkit, called Ask Anyway: How to Have Conversations About Firearm Safety, was developed with grant support from Face the Fight, a veteran suicide prevention coalition. It launches as part of a broader public awareness campaign, Ask Anyway: Conversations to Save a Life, timed to Suicide Prevention Month in September.
The veteran suicide rate is 60% higher than the national average, according to CVN. Firearms were involved in 73.3% of veteran suicide deaths in 2023, making them the most common method.
Florence, Ky. – September 07, 2026 -- Blue light glasses can ease digital eye strain for people who spend long hours staring at screens, but they are not a cure-all, according to optometrist Andrea Hill of Arnett Vision Care in Florence, Kentucky.
Hill says patients who wear blue light glasses regularly while working at a computer often report less eye irritation, fewer headaches, and more overall comfort by the end of the workday. The glasses do not treat underlying vision conditions, but they can reduce symptoms tied to prolonged screen exposure.
Extended computer use can trigger computer vision syndrome, marked by dryness, blurred vision, and fatigue. Hill notes that blue light glasses work best as part of a broader strategy rather than as a standalone fix.
Sacramento – September 07, 2026 -- The California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) will hold its 34th Annual Recovery Happens event on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at California State Capitol Park in Sacramento, marking the state's official kickoff for National Recovery Month.
The free, public event runs from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM in Area 33 of the park and is expected to draw hundreds of people in recovery, their families, and behavioral health professionals.
Attendees can enjoy a complimentary pancake breakfast starting at 8:00 AM, followed by a live performance from COLOSO. Community exhibits will feature resource tables staffed by treatment providers, advocates, and peer support specialists.