Health Department

New orders for US durable goods were unchanged in August, according to the latest Commerce Department figures, falling short of the growth many analysts expected. The flat reading suggests businesses remained cautious on big-ticket investments amid uncertain demand and higher borrowing costs. Economists say the data adds to questions about the strength of US manufacturing heading into the final months of the year.

Todd Blanche, the US Deputy Attorney General, is defending the Justice Department's approach to artificial intelligence and hospital mergers. He argued the administration's stance on AI supports innovation rather than weakening oversight, and that hospital consolidation deals do not automatically harm patients or competition. The remarks have drawn attention from antitrust watchers and health policy commentators.

The US Army deployed a registered dietitian to the Himalayan region, according to a Defense Department news report. The assignment is tied to supporting soldiers operating at high altitude, where extreme cold, thin air and difficult logistics make proper nutrition and caloric intake a serious concern for performance and health. The dietitian's role covers advising on rations, hydration and altitude-related dietary needs.

Port Arthur restaurant El Refu 4 has issued an apology after reports linked meals from the establishment to illnesses among Golden Pass LNG workers. Health officials in Port Arthur investigated and found nothing connecting the restaurant to the workers' sickness. The apology follows the reputational damage the business suffered while the claims circulated and investigations were underway.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is rescinding its proposed disease regulations after significant public opposition. The withdrawal comes amid criticism from residents and advocacy groups who pushed back against the rules. Officials have not outlined what, if anything, will replace the proposed regulations, leaving questions about future disease control policy in the state.

A local health department is recognizing National Suicide Prevention Month, drawing attention to suicide prevention efforts and mental health resources in the community. The observance, held each September, encourages people to talk openly about mental health, support those struggling, and learn about crisis services such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

The McHenry County Department of Health has dropped its COVID-19 vaccine requirement for employees, according to Shaw Local reporting. The move means unvaccinated staff will no longer need shots as a condition of employment. It follows a broader trend of government and health agencies rolling back pandemic-era workplace rules as the emergency phase of the pandemic has faded.

The Health Department has withdrawn its proposed regulations, saying they will be rewritten. The withdrawal means the rules will not move forward in their current form, and a revised version is expected to be introduced later. Details on what changes the rewrite will include, and why the original proposals were pulled, have not yet been made public.

Local health departments have begun offering flu vaccines on a walk-in basis, removing the need for appointments. Residents can visit their nearest department during opening hours to get vaccinated ahead of flu season. Health officials typically encourage annual flu shots, particularly for older adults, young children and people with underlying health conditions.

The local Health Department has published its food inspection reports for the week of September 13, disclosing which restaurants and food establishments passed, failed, or received citations during routine checks. The weekly release is part of the department's routine transparency efforts, letting residents see sanitation findings and any violations recorded at food service locations in the area.

The Wood County Health Department has announced it will be running vaccine clinics for the local community. The department says the clinics are intended to make immunisations easier to access for residents of Wood County, Ohio. Details such as dates, locations and which vaccines will be offered are expected to be confirmed by the department. Local news reported the announcement, drawing attention to seasonal health services in the area.

The Hawai'i Department of Health announced changes to its deposit beverage container program, which affects the redemption rates paid on bottles and cans returned under the state's recycling scheme. The update touches consumers, retailers and recyclers across the islands, though the department has not detailed the exact rate changes or their timing in the initial announcement.

The Cattaraugus County Health Department in western New York will begin running influenza and Covid-19 vaccination clinics for residents. The announcement signals the start of the respiratory illness season vaccination push, giving residents local access to both seasonal flu shots and updated Covid vaccines as health officials prepare for fall and winter illness.