ncnewsline.com – Clayton Henkel – 2025-09-09 05:00:00

SUMMARY: As respiratory virus season begins, health messaging is complicated by controversy surrounding HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has expressed skepticism about vaccines and dismissed the COVID-19 vaccine’s impact. Dr. David Wohl, infectious disease expert at UNC Chapel Hill, calls this politicization “tragic,” warning it fosters confusion and risks resurgence of preventable diseases like measles, which has reemerged due to vaccine hesitancy. Kennedy’s firing of advisory panels and NIH funding cuts alarm public health leaders. Some states are expanding COVID booster access despite federal restrictions, while North Carolina pharmacies await guidance. Wohl urges reliance on trusted medical advice and stresses continued support for vaccine research amid funding challenges.

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www.youtube.com – ABC11 – 2025-09-08 17:50:12

SUMMARY: As the Powerball jackpot grows, many imagine what they’d do with $1 billion despite the slim odds of 1 in 292.2 million. Psychologist Susan Albers explains that the brain’s reward center activates, releasing dopamine, creating a “what if” fantasy that sparks excitement. People vividly imagine buying homes, gifts, or quitting jobs. While daydreaming is normal, problems arise when lottery play becomes excessive, causes anxiety, or disrupts life and relationships. Albers advises setting limits and understanding what needs—like excitement or hope—are driving play. If gambling becomes problematic, seeking mental health support or calling helplines like NC Education Lottery’s is recommended.

Even though the odds are against you winning a lottery jackpot, Susan Albers, Clinical Psychologist, at the Cleveland Clinic says, “When the numbers rise into the billions, the reward center of the brain lights up like fireworks.”

https://abc11.com/post/powerball-winner-missouri-texas-split-jackpot-winning-numbers-who-won/17756570/
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ncnewsline.com – Jennifer Shutt – 2025-09-08 04:59:00

SUMMARY: A bipartisan bill to overhaul FEMA, the Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act of 2025, advanced 57-3 in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. It would elevate FEMA to a Cabinet-level agency, removing it from Homeland Security, and streamline disaster assistance applications across multiple federal agencies. The bill also allows more local flexibility in emergency housing and stops FEMA from penalizing disaster survivors for receiving charitable aid or SBA loans. While broadly supported, concerns remain about permitting reforms and environmental reviews. Amendments include requiring FEMA to notify Congress of grants and addressing emergency water supply risks for the D.C. area.

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