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The (cold) drugs don’t work

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:02:01 GMT

In today’s Big Story Podcast, a recent FDA review found that one of the most most popular active ingredients in over-the-counter cold medications, phenylephrine, is basically useless when taken orally. And that, in general, it failed to outperform a placebo.Mina Tadrous is a pharmacist and the host of the I’m Pharmacy podcast at the University of Toronto’s Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. He says that ineffective drugs may remain on shelves in part because the vetting process focuses more on safety than efficacy.“[Phenylephrine] continues to be very safe, but the question is, does it work? And I think most of the data is pointing to it probably does not,” says Tadrous.So how has this drug been approved and available for decades when evidence shows it doesn’t do what it’s supposed to? Why did it take us so long to realize it? Which medications actually will relieve congestion? And what should you do when the first cold of the fall hits your household?You ...

South Korean lawmakers vote to lift hunger striking opposition leader’s immunity to arrest

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:02:01 GMT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — In a surprise outcome, South Korea’s opposition-controlled parliament on Thursday voted to pass a motion submitted by the government that allows the potential arrest of the country’s leading opposition figure, Lee Jae-myung, who faces a widening investigation over corruption allegations.Lawmakers voted 149-136 in favor of lifting Lee’s immunity to arrest, reflecting growing divisions within the opposition Democratic Party over his legal problems as the country approaches a general election.The vote allows the Seoul Central District Court to hold a hearing on a request from prosecutors for an arrest warrant for Lee, who has been the liberal Democratic Party’s chairperson since August last year.It was not immediately clear when the hearing would take place or whether the court is likely to grant an arrest warrant after Lee was hospitalized Monday during a weekslong hunger strike in protest of conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol’s domestic and foreign policie...

9 armed robberies conducted in hour on North Side: CPD

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:02:01 GMT

CHICAGO -- Nine armed robberies were committed within an hour on the city's North Side overnight, police said.In the first incident reported by police around 12:50 a.m., a 68-year-old man was walking near the 1900 block of West Wolfram Street when he was approached by six male offenders. The individuals demanded the man to hand over his belongings. The man complied and before the individuals fled one person struck the man.According to police, three armed robberies took place close to 1:00 a.m. In all incidents, victims were approached by four individuals, demanding their belongings. Two individuals were armed. Romeoville suspect dead after shooting in Oklahoma Police said a 32-year-old woman was walking near the 2800 North Lincoln Avenue when she was approached by the individuals who demanded her belongings. The woman complied and one of the offenders struck her on the head before leaving. The offenders entered a dark colored sedan and fled.In another incident, a 53-year-old man w...

Shake Shack testing recipe tweak for select items, including fan-favorite

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:02:01 GMT

(KTLA) – Shake Shack is testing recipe adjustments to a few of its menu items, including the fan-favorite crinkle-cut fries.On Monday, the restaurant chain announced that it would be using a new frying oil from Zero Acres Farms, a food company focused on creating healthy and environmentally friendly cooking oil, at two locations in New York City. McDonald’s to phase out self-serve soft drink fountains The Zero Acre oil will be used to fry Shake Shack’s “Crinkle Cut Fries, 'Shroom Burger, Shack Stack, Veggie Shack, Chicken Shack, Chicken Bites and new limited-time Hot Menu items,” a news release said.The Zero Acre oil is made with rain-fed sugarcane plants.“We're excited to further elevate the taste of their fries, chicken, and other menu items with cleaner frying in Zero Acre oil,” Jeff Nobbs, co-founder and CEO of Zero Acre Farms, said in a statement.“This partnership combines the deliciousness that Shake Shack is known for with the health and sustainability focus of Zero Acre, a...

Time running out for Florida winner of $1.5B Mega Millions ticket to claim cash option

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:02:01 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) - Time is running out for the person who hit the $1.58 billion Mega Millions jackpot on a ticket sold in Florida in July to claim the cash option.According to Florida Lottery rules, winners have 180 days from the drawing date to claim their prize with the annual payment option. However, those wishing to receive the cash option must claim it within 60 days after the drawing.For the $1.58 billion jackpot that was sold in Florida on Aug. 8, the winner has until Oct. 7 to claim the cash option and until Feb. 4, 2024, to claim the annual payment option. $5 million lottery scratch-off ticket sold at Florida Walmart As of Wednesday afternoon, Florida Lottery officials told Nexstar's WFLA that the winner has not claimed their prize.The winning numbers for the Aug. 8 Mega Millions drawing were 13-19-20-32-33 with a Mega Ball of 14. The winning ticket was purchased at Publix in Neptune Beach, according to lottery officials.The current Mega Millions jackpot is worth $205...

'Excessive, disappointing:' Concerns grow over Texas patient safety law delay

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:02:01 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Concerns are growing after the Texas Medical Board said it will take two years to fully implement a new state healthcare law meant to protect patients. Three weeks after the law went into effect, it's creating confusion, not confidence, among some patient advocates."I think it could be done quicker," said Dr. Robert Oshel, a former federal employee who is retired from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, where he worked for the National Practitioner Data Bank, or NPDB, as associate director of research and disputes. "It's certainly a concern for patient safety." PREVIOUS: Texas’ new patient safety law takes effect, sort of The state law — House Bill 1998, which passed the legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support and went into effect on Sept. 1 — was sparked by KXAN's "Still Practicing" investigations. It requires stricter scrutiny over Texas doctors and increased transparency when they're disciplined. Due to the "funding mechanism" in the law, the T...

Eclipse face-off: Understanding different types of eclipses

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:02:01 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Eclipses happen every year, but they're not always the same. With two happening over Central Texas in the next few months, we wanted to take a closer look at what makes them special.In this First Warning Weather University lesson, Chief Meteorologist David Yeomans takes a closer look, safely of course, at an eclipse. In this FWWU lesson you will learn:What are the two types of eclipse?What causes them to be different?When each of these eclipses happen?You can also learn more about eclipses and the impact they'll have on our area:Two of the world's best eclipse chasers share tips for observing them.How will the eclipses impact your local school?How long will the eclipse last in your area?

New canine officer cracking crime in Granite Shoals

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:02:01 GMT

GRANITE SHOALS (KXAN) — Sniffing and searching for illegal drugs, there's now a dog on duty in Granite Shoals.Zoe — a Belgian Malinois — is the first K9 officer the Granite Shoals Police Department has ever had.The K-9 officer was made possible through a $25,000 donation from Dr. Caesar DePaço and his wife Deanna to the department this spring. Dog on duty: Granite Shoals police add K-9 officer Just a month on the job, Zoe has already hit the ground running while putting a dent in drug crimes.Her handler is Granite Shoals police sergeant Andrew Kos."Because she's able to detect narcotics and find them where a human officer cannot, we're able to take more drugs off the street,” he said.Zoe has hit the ground running with her handler, Granite Shoals Police Sergeant Andrew Kos.This summer, the pair spent three weeks training at Pacesetter K9 in Liberty Hill.By the time their courses were complete, Zoey was fully equipped in narcotics detection and tracking lost people."A normal human ...

Lindbergh School District announces 'lockout' protocol as escaped prisoner search continues

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:02:01 GMT

ST. LOUIS - The Lindbergh School District has announced that all Lindbergh schools are under "lockout" protocol Thursday morning as police search for the escaped prisoner.That means school is in session and students will be allowed in when they arrive. However, doors will remain locked and staff will assist with drop-off. City leaders want to reclaim Famous Barr building after owners stop paying for security Officials with Lindbergh schools are encouraging students who walk to consider getting a ride Thursday morning as an additional safety measure.

Utility bill clinic taking place in Freeburg, Illinois today

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:02:01 GMT

FREEBURG, Ill. - Residents of Freeburg, Illinois, can get help evaluating their utility bills.State Representative Kevin Schmitt and the Citizens Utility Board will host a free clinic Thursday at the Freeburg area library district. Experts will provide insight into how to save money on your utility bill and answer any questions you may have about utility services. Prisoner escapes Mercy South Hospital, police investigating The clinic is from 10:00 a.m. to noon.