The Pentagon says it still needs PFAS‑treated turnout gear while cities like San Francisco quietly finish switching to PFAS‑free ensembles and testing mounts.

St. David’s HealthCare has added six Austin Emergency Center locations to its freestanding ER network, growing its regional reach and tying the sites to local hospitals.

UCHealth and AdventHealth have filed concept plans for hospitals at the I‑25/Baseline interchange in Broomfield; city concept reviews are scheduled for Feb. 17. The filings raise zoning, traffic and tax questions.

A study from The Ohio State University shows Ohio's risk of Lyme disease now equals that of Connecticut, with infected ticks in the state rising sharply to a 47.6% infection rate.

A statewide plan to wire 9‑1‑1 into California’s 988 lifeline has stalled, leaving crisis centers unpaid and callers facing uneven routing. Providers and advocates are pressing for faster action as demand surges.

Denver Public Schools and local doctors are warning after the Benadryl social‑media challenge appeared to resurface; East High sent parents a notice and the district pointed families to prevention resources. Medical experts warn overdoses can cause seizures, arrhythmias, coma or death.

A 9-year-old suburban Chicago boy was burned when a popular NeeDoh squishy toy exploded after being microwaved; hospital staff say it’s at least the fourth such case this year.

A LabCafe analysis finds Texas ranks fourth‑highest for STIs; Bexar County recorded the highest metro rate in the state, public‑health officials say. Local clinics are expanding testing amid alarming trends.

UCHealth clinicians say about 45% of their liver transplants are now linked to alcohol-related liver disease, with younger adults and women hardest hit. Patient groups are calling for more recovery and monitoring resources.

A UW 6Madison student tested positive for measles; officials have listed campus exposure windows and urge people to check vaccination status.

Vanderbilt Health has completed its acquisition of Tennova Healthcare‑Clarksville and renamed the facility Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital. Officials promise expanded services and staff retention, but local tax questions have arisen.

Mayor Mamdani reported 16 deaths due to the cold in NYC, with hypothermia implicated in most cases, despite the city's efforts to provide shelter and warming units.

Five unvaccinated people tied to Kīlauea Elementary tested positive for chickenpox, prompting a Hawaiʻi DOH advisory and calls for vaccination and close‑contact follow up.