Health department

Democratic lawmakers are pressing the Department of Health and Human Services over its handling of legal representation for migrant children in US custody. The push focuses on whether the agency is ensuring detained minors have access to attorneys, amid ongoing scrutiny of immigration enforcement and care of unaccompanied children.

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.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is urging residents to get vaccinated against measles as the number of cases in the state climbs. Officials are stressing that the measles vaccine is safe and highly effective, and are encouraging people to check their immunization records, particularly before travel or gatherings. The warning comes amid a broader rise in measles activity and declining vaccination rates in parts of the United States.

Kohl's and Macy's, two of the best-known names in American department-store retail, are being compared on whether their dividends remain sustainable as both struggle with declining sales and shifting shopper habits. Analysts are weighing cash flow, debt loads and store closures to judge which retailer can keep paying shareholders and which may be forced to cut its payout.

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 has recognized National Suicide Prevention Month, observed each September to raise awareness of suicide and promote available mental health resources. The department is using the occasion to encourage residents to seek support and to highlight prevention efforts. Awareness campaigns like this typically share crisis helpline information and stress that help is available to anyone struggling.

The Berrien County Health Department in Michigan has received a grant to help cover costs associated with a cyclosporiasis outbreak in the county. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by a parasite, typically linked to contaminated food or water. The funding will support the department's response to the outbreak, which has affected local residents and drawn attention in the region.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Eskridge, a small community in Wabaunsee County. Residents should boil tap water before drinking or cooking until tests confirm the water is safe. The advisory follows a possible loss of pressure or contamination risk, and will remain in effect until further notice.

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.

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.

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.