January 6, 2025 - 07:09

With the incoming U.S. president vowing to implement the most extensive regulatory rollbacks in history, the focus now shifts to the pivotal role of local and state governments in safeguarding public health and the environment. While it is not uncommon for local authorities to step in when federal measures fall short, the current political climate underscores the necessity of this approach more than ever.
The structure of U.S. federalism has long mandated a collaborative relationship among local, state, and federal entities, with agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) traditionally tasked with ensuring baseline protections. However, as the new administration signals a departure from established environmental policies, local and state governments may find themselves at the forefront of health and environmental advocacy.
The urgency of this situation is amplified by ongoing crises related to health, biodiversity, and climate change. As the nation grapples with these pressing issues, local governments are expected to play an increasingly vital role in addressing the gaps left by federal inaction.
June 20, 2026 - 18:03
Utah marks a year of battling measles, with no clear end in sightMore than 680 people have fallen ill since Utah`s first measles outbreak began on June 20, 2025. A full year later, state health officials say the battle is far from over. The outbreak, which...
June 20, 2026 - 08:09
Beer can boost ‘spiritual or mental’ health, says Kirin presidentThe president of Japanese brewing giant Kirin has sparked conversation by suggesting that beer can have a positive effect on a person`s mental and spiritual well-being. Takeshi Minakata, who leads...
June 19, 2026 - 22:21
More than 70 medics infected with Ebola as DRC outbreak spreads ‘fast’Aid cuts and worsening sanitation conditions are fueling fears that the Ebola virus is spreading rapidly through displacement camps in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Health officials report that...
June 19, 2026 - 01:09
Health kicks off Aspen Ideas June 22-25The Aspen Ideas: Health gathering returns to kick off the larger Aspen Ideas festival, running from June 22 through June 25. Since its launch in 2014, this standalone health-focused event has...