Fentanyl mixed with cocaine or meth is driving the '4th wave' of the overdose crisis
A new study finds a 50-fold growth in deaths from combined use of stimulants and opioids. The toxic and contaminated drug supply is to blame.
Health & Safety
The new COVID boosters are coming: Here's what you need to know
Updated versions of the mRNA vaccines roll out this week. Experts say they offer good protection against current COVID variants. Who should get them, and when's the best time to roll up your sleeve?
Women fight abortion bans in 3 more states with legal actions
Patients and doctors in Tennessee, Idaho and Oklahoma are taking legal action against state abortion bans. Women told dramatic stories of dangerous pregnancies and delayed care.
A common ingredient in over-the-counter decongestants does not work, experts say
A panel of experts has concluded that a common ingredient in over-the-counter decongestants does not work. This could lead to the product being pulled from store shelves.
University of North Carolina lifts lockdown after reports of armed person on campus
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has given the “all clear” after campus was locked down on Wednesday over reports of an armed and dangerous person on or near campus.
North Carolina health officials urge residents to get updated COVID-19 vaccine
Health officials are encouraging North Carolinians to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall along with their annual flu shot.
The vaccine could be available by the end of this week, according to the North Carolina Department of Human Services. Officials note the vaccine is arriving just as North Carolina is seeing an uptick in infections, It's recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
Patients and doctors in 3 states announce lawsuits over delayed and denied abortions
The Center for Reproductive Rights is filing lawsuits in three different states over delayed and denied abortions. (Story first aired on All Things Considered on Sept. 12, 2023.)
Opioids are killing more Black men — largely due to the spread of fentanyl
Birmingham, Ala., is seeing a high rate of overdose deaths and addiction among Black men. Officials blame fentanyl and a lack of addiction treatment.
The latest COVID boosters are in for the fall. Here's what that means for you
NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Dr. Robert Wachter about the latest round of FDA-approved COVID-19 boosters and how people should think about the coronavirus and its risk.
Popular nasal decongestant doesn't relieve congestion, FDA advisers say
A panel of advisers to the FDA concluded that a common ingredient in cold and allergy medication doesn't actually work. That could lead the agency to pull these products from store shelves.