Health

Is your drinking water safe?

At least 45% of U.S. tap water could be laced with one or more PFAS known as “forever chemicals,” according to a study by U.S. Geological Society.

Driving the news: Typically, state and federal monitoring programs measure levels of PFAs at water treatment plants or groundwater wells that supply them. However, this USGS study collected samples directly from homeowners’ taps where exposure actually occurs.

• Water samples were taken from 700 locations across the country over five years and tested for 32 individual PFAS compounds.

What did they find? USGS scientists estimate that there’s a 75% chance that PFAS will be found in urban areas and a 25% chance in rural areas. Also, certain geographic regions are more likely to be at risk.

• Potential hotspots include the Great Plains, Great Lakes, Eastern Seaboard, and Central/Southern California regions.

• Areas near airports and wastewater treatment plants are also more susceptible to contamination.

Why it matters: PFAS are found everywhere from non-stick pans to stain-resistant fabrics to contaminated food and water supplies. Exposure is linked to increased risk of certain types of cancer, obesity, high cholesterol risk, decreased fertility, and development effects.

What can be done? There are federal efforts underway to limit PFAS in drinking water, but for now, the EPA recommends calling your local water utility or regularly testing well water to find out if your water is contaminated. If it tests positive, installing a filter that’s certified to lower PFAS is your best move.

Business & Economy

U.S. stock markets closed lower on Thursday (S&P -0.79%, Nasdaq -0.82%, Dow -1.07%).

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage jumped to 7.22% on Monday, the highest point since November.

Rivian shares have skyrocketed 40% in the last week on news that Amazon will begin using its electric delivery trucks in Europe.

World

Construction crews found parts of Munich’s main synagogue - that Hitler ordered destroyed 85 years ago - in the Isar river while working on a dam project.

United States State Secretary Anthony Blinken said Wednesday that a multinational force is needed to help Haiti’s police restore order. Gangs control an estimated 80% of the capitol Port-au-Prince where killings, rape, and kidnappings have soared since the assassination of the country’s president in 2021.

An Israeli court acquitted a border police officer who killed an autistic man on his way to school. The officer thought he was carrying a gun and opened fire when he didn’t obey orders to stop. The court said the officer “made an honest mistake.”

US News, Politics, & Government

Houston Police said that Rudy Farias, the Texas man who was reported missing 8 years ago, was living with his mother the whole time. Police even spoke with Farias from 2015 to 2023, but he fooled the officers by using fake names and dates of birth.

Donald Trump’s aide, Walt Nauta, pleaded not guilty to federal charges accusing him of conspiring with Trump to withhold classified documents. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

July 4th fireworks wowed millions across the U.S. but also took the lives of 5 people and injured dozens.

Sports & Entertainment

Just Stop Oil activists disrupted two matches at Wimbledon this week by sprinkling orange confetti and jigsaw puzzle pieces on the playing surface.

The Eagles announce that their upcoming “The Long Goodbye” tour will be their last.

Britney Spears was allegedly backhanded by the Spurs head of security after asking for a photo with the NBA team’s #1 draft pick, Victor Wembanyama.

Science, Health, & Tech

A female athlete has been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, for the first time.

OceanGate has ended exploration and commercial operations after five people were killed during a trip to the Titanic wreck site last month.

New research suggests that cells can reverse cell division. The insights could help to prevent cancer recurrence. 

Subway is rolling out sliced-to-order deli meat in some locations. 

1,500 Disney items are going up for auction, including a $5k trash can.

Why you should never buy a new car. 

Watch: A military technique to fall asleep in two minutes.