Month: July 2014

By Jennifer Chaussee BERKELEY Calif. (Reuters) – A California college town known for its liberal activism will vote in November on whether to place a penny-per-ounce tax on sugary beverages, touching off the latest obesity-fighting campaign in the United States. Berkeley City Council voted unanimously to add the measure in the form of a referendum on the city's ballot, drawing cheers of support from residents and health advocates, and vows to fight from the U.S. food and beverage industry. "When we pass this measure in November, Berkeley will be the first in the country where such a measure has been passed," said Vicki Alexander, a co-chairwoman of a local campaign to put the measure on the ballot. "We are very excited to see that day happen." Public health advocates across the country have clamored for ways to reduce consumption of sugary drinks and junk food, but lawmakers and voters have generally opposed enacting taxes or other regulations.

By David Schwartz PHOENIX (Reuters) – An Arizona man was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after hundreds of dying or dead domesticated rats were found inside a large trailer north of Phoenix, authorities said on Tuesday. Jeffrey Wendorff, 28, was arrested by Yavapai County sheriff’s deputies on Monday and could face two misdemeanor charges since the discovery in Black Canyon City, about 50 miles from Phoenix. “The temperature inside the trailer was over 100 degrees and the odor was overwhelming,” D’Evelyn said in a statement.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Jon Sacker was near death, too sick for doctors to attempt the double lung transplant he so desperately needed. His only chance: An experimental machine that essentially works like dialysis for the lungs.