FEATURED STORIES

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials said last week that an unapproved variety of wheat was found growing in a Washington state field, though there are no signs that it made its way into commercial grain shipments.
The Monsanto-produced wheat is a RoundUp-resistant variety that was never commercially released. USDA officials said it was discovered in a farmer’s planted field. Department officials are in the process of testing the farmer’s wheat harvest for the GMO variety, but so far none has been found.

The UN says that babies who are not breastfed within the first 23 hours of being born are at a 40% increased risk of premature death – within their first 28 days. Children whose first breast feed is over 24 hours after their birth may increase their mortality risk in their first month by up to 80%.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is advising pregnant women, women considering becoming pregnant, and their partners not to visit a small community just north of Miami, Florida, where the Zika virus is beginning to spread via mosquito bites.
The announcement marks the 1st time the CDC has warned people not to travel to an American neighborhood over concern of catching an infectious disease. [1]

Chicago-based Uber driver Jose Figueroa could have considered it his lucky day when his passenger left a wallet filled with $3,000 cash in his car during an Uber trip. But Figueroa, knowing how much the man needed it, instead decided to return it to its rightful owner.

It’s bad news for those who work in an office. A new study shows that sitting for eight hours per day can be as dangerous as obesity and even smoking. But there is something one can do to reverse this damage – exercise (or just get moving) for one hour per day!

Previous research may have rendered wheat sensitivity in those who do not have diagnosable celiac disease as imaginary, but a new study suggests that there may actually be a biological reason for it. The reactions, however, are a bit different than those of people who have diagnosed celiac disease. [1]

Something called the Little Free Pantry allows anyone to leave food or other supplies for people in need. Those in need can come by and pick up any item they wish. Anyone can donate and anyone can take an item, creating a giving community and helping bring neighbors together. It hopes to address food insecurities and food deserts that many people in the towns face.

Texas health officials have stated that Blue Bell Creameries will be paying a fine of $850,000 to rectify damage caused by the listeria outbreak at their plant. [1]
The 2015 outbreak of the virus sickened several people and killed three. The company will have to pay $175,000 within the next thirty days, while the remainder may be paid over the next 18 months. If they fully comply with regulations, they may not have to pay the rest of their bill at all.

For more than a year, Minnesota residents with a few serious medical conditions have been able to legally purchase medical marijuana. But now, as of August 1, nearly 500 registered patients with intractable pain will finally have access to it, too.
On July 29, state health officials said that 481 patients with severe pain had pre-registered through their doctors to obtain medical marijuana. Under state law, intractable pain is defined as pain that can’t be treated with traditional drugs or therapies. [1]

Police Officer Patrick Ray of the Rowlett Texas Police Department was invited to a special tea party where he was the guest of honor. This party honoring Ray’s service was hosted by 2-year-old Bexley Norvell, the toddler whose life Ray saved last year. A photographer captured the magical moment for Bexley’s family and Ray to cherish for years to come. [1]