Ping Huang

Nearly 4 million people in Maryland will be getting reduced levels of fluoride in their tap water, according to public water utilities.

It's because hydrofluorosilicic acid, a chemical often used for it, is in short supply.

Dan Hartnett is with the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies.

Israel is one of the top producers of the chemical, and it's led to shortages in the U.S., where more than 60% of the population gets fluoridated water.

The water is still considered safe to drink.

Many communities choose to add fluoride to their water to help prevent cavities and tooth decay.

Other sources of fluoride include toothpaste, tea, and certain foods.

Ping Huang, NPR News.

So people would start breathing again, but they wouldn't wake up.

even after people got naloxone or Narcan.

So what we're seeing is tenfold increases in people needing ICU care for withdrawal.

It's a wild guess, but there is some science involved in it.

Wednesday marks 210 days since the last CDC director was fired.

According to the Federal Vacancies Act, that's the limit for how long the role can be filled in an acting capacity by temps.

The Vacancies Act is intended to prevent a president from circumventing the Senate confirmation process.

The CDC's interim leader, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, will no longer be the official acting director, but at a CDC all-staff meeting, he said he would continue acting in the capacity as director.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services says Bhattacharya will continue to perform the delegable duties of the CDC director, while the health secretary evaluates candidates for the permanent CDC role.

Ping Huang, NPR News.

You're listening to NPR News from Washington.

Wednesday marks 210 days since the last CDC director was fired.