Category: CONSUMER NEWS

Teen Cannabis Use May Affect Mental Health & Academics

Using marijuana just once or twice a month is associated with worse school performance and emotional distress for teens, according to a large national study of adolescents led by Ryan Sultán, an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. The more frequently teens used cannabis, the more likely they were to report emotional distress and other social and academic problems.

“While previous studies have focused on the effects of frequent cannabis use among teens, our study found that any amount of cannabis use at all may put kids at risk of falling behind in school, and the kids using most often may have the greatest risk,” says Sultán, who studies adolescent substance use and is also a child and adolescent psychiatrist with Columbia and the Center for Youth Mental Health at NewYork-Presbyterian. “A few ‘harmless’ joints can snowball into real academic consequences. Teens using it regularly often struggle to focus, miss school, and may lose interest in their future plans.”

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What You Need to Know About Lyme Disease

by Penn State Health

Newswise — Summer means ample healthy outdoor activities, but the tiny deer tick may have other plans for us. This particular arachnid carries a bacterium that causes Lyme disease which, if left untreated, can lead to severe health problems. As Pennsylvania leads the nation in Lyme disease infections, it is critical that all in the Commonwealth know how to minimize the risk of contracting the disease and recognize the symptoms of an infection.

Prevention in the backyard and beyond

Ticks can dwell anywhere, but they thrive in the woods and areas that are damp, dark or overgrown, according to Tara Simmons, a community health nurse at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. That includes lawns that are overgrown or near wooded areas.

“Mow your lawn,” Simmons said. “And if your kids have a playset in the backyard that borders trees, create a barrier of wood chips. Ticks will have difficulty crossing a dry, sunny area.” Removing rock and brush piles where mice live can also help reduce tick populations around your home. 

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FSIS Issues Public Health Alert

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for raw boneless chicken breast products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The product contains eggs, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.

The raw honey Dijon boneless chicken breast products were produced on June 2, 2026. The following product subject to the public health alert is [view labels]: 

  • 21-oz. vacuum-packed packages of “PRIVATE SELECTION Honey Dijon Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts with Rib Meat” with “BEST IF USED BY: JUN 28 2026” and lot code “15326A” printed on the packaging. 
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A Unique Partnership to Address Food Insecurity in New Jersey

Wellpoint New Jersey is proud to partner with United Community Corporation (UCC) to support the opening of a new community grocery store in Newark, expanding access to healthy, affordable food and essential household items for local residents.

Opening in one of Newark’s underserved neighborhoods, the store reflects a shared commitment to addressing food insecurity and improving community wellbeing through neighborhood-based solutions. By increasing access to nutritious food and everyday essentials, the initiative aims to help reduce barriers that impact community wellbeing and create healthier outcomes for New Jersey families.

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TSA prepared to screen nearly 18.7 million air travelers this Fourth of July holiday

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is honored to play a role in helping travelers reach their destinations to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary of independence. The agency is well prepared for the heavy volume over the Fourth of July holiday period, expecting to screen nearly 18.7 million travelers at U.S. airport security checkpoints between Tuesday, June 30, and Monday, July 6. TSA anticipates the highest passenger volume – more than 3 million people – on Thursday, July 2.  

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HUD Slashes More Red Tape to Lower Costs, Improve Affordability

HUD is announcing fourteen policy changes to its Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Single Family mortgage insurance program that lower costs, reduce regulatory burdens, and improve affordability for Americans seeking FHA-insured mortgages. The changes eliminate outdated requirements, reduce administrative burdens, and make FHA financing more efficient for homebuyers and lenders. Since the start of the Trump Administration, FHA has taken more than 150 actions to streamline its Single Family program.

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CPSC Shares Fireworks Safety Tips as America Turns 250

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  As America celebrates its historic 250th Independence Day, millions of families will gather to enjoy one of the nation’s most enduring traditions—fireworks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is encouraging consumers to celebrate responsibly and follow a few simple safety precautions to help prevent injuries.

Every year, fireworks cause thousands of preventable injuries.  Even sparklers, which can burn at temperatures above 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, can cause serious burns if not used carefully.  As we mark this historic national milestone, CPSC wants Americans to celebrate proudly, use common sense, and take a few simple steps to prevent injuries.

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NEW JERSEY BLOOD SERVICES ENCOURAGES BLOOD DONATIONS AHEAD OF JULY 4 HOLIDAY

New Jersey Blood Services is encouraging eligible donors to make plans to give blood ahead of the July 4th holiday, a time when blood donations often decline while patient needs remain constant.

The summer months are traditionally accompanied by a drop in blood donations due to vacations, school breaks and changing schedules. This year, additional factors including increased travel, remote work arrangements, traffic congestion and road closures associated with major regional events have begun to impact blood collections and blood drive operations across parts of the New York and New Jersey area.

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NJMVC to Begin Appointments for E-bike Licensing and Registration

Starting June 26, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) will begin appointments for customers to obtain licenses and registrations to operate e-bikes, in accordance with a law (P.L.2025, c.285) enacted in January 2026.

“We’ve worked hard to update our processes and resources to begin issuing licenses and registrations for e-bike riders in New Jersey,” said Acting NJMVC Chief Administrator Rosalie Johnson. “We strongly encourage e-bike riders to utilize the guidance on the NJMVC’s website to familiarize themselves with new requirements for safe and legal e-bike operation, and to book appointments, as needed, to get their registration and license.”

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Sherrill’s Policies Put Illegal Immigrants First

Believe it or not, Governor Sherrill’s policies are adding another $12 million of taxpayer dollars to New Jersey’s deportation defense program, bringing the total to more than $20 million.At the same time in New Jersey, school budgets are being cut, property taxes are going up, and utility bills have never been higher. And the state found another $12 million for this? All to protect illegal immigrants, many facing criminal charges, who should not be in our country in the first place.It is truly unbelievable. New Jersey citizens should always come first.Click here to read my full statement on this announcement.