Latest news with #402
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘I am very proud of Utah': RFK Jr. commends state officials on fluoridation ban
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — During a surprise visit to Utah, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised state officials for taking steps to ban water fluoridation in its water supply. In a press conference with state officials, Kennedy told lawmakers that they are leading the nation in 'making America healthy again' with the recent passage of the fluoridation ban, and other measures. 'I am very proud of Utah, it has emerged as the leader in making America healthy again,' Kennedy told reporters. 'If we want to be a moral nation, if we want to maintain our moral authority around the world, our chief obligation is to our children, and we are letting them down. I am very happy that Utah is taking the lead in so many ways.' PREVIOUS: Gov. Cox signs fluoridation ban into law – a nationwide first The visit comes after the Utah Legislature passed three bills during the 2025 General Session: H.B. 81 — or Fluoride Amendments — which bans fluoridation in public water systems. H.B. 402 — or Food Additives in Schools — which bans additives in school lunches. H.B. 403 — or SNAP Funds Amendments — which prohibits food stamp and other food assistances funds four buying soda. 'While other states are just talking about the solutions, Utah is actually implementing and creating the solutions,' House Speaker Mike Schultz said during the press conference. 'We are not afraid to lead on these issues.' READ MORE: Will removing fluoridation reduce your water bill? Here's what cities say During the visit, reporters also had a chance to hear from the EPA administrator, Lee Zeldin, who made an announcement that the EPA will be making fluoride 'top of the list' in the agency's agenda. 'EPA is here today to make an announcement that wouldn't be happening if not for Secretary Kennedy,' Zeldin began. 'What EPA is going to do is go back and look at these studies … and we're prepared to act on this science.' Kennedy has also indicated that he will ask the CDC to stop recommending that fluoride be added in public drinking water. Prior to the press conference, Kennedy and other officials took a tour of the public health center at the University of Utah. Several protesters gathered at the event, and multiple organizations issued statements regarding Kennedy's visit to the state. 'We welcome public discourse on health policy,' said Dr. Rodney Thornell, President of the Utah Dental Association. 'But it's important that these discussions are rooted in sound science and public health evidence. Fluoridation is one of the most studied and beneficial public health interventions of the last century.' The Utah Oral Health Coalition voiced their concerns, saying, 'Fluoride is especially critical for young children who lack regular access to dental services. Our coalitions of dentists, dieticians, medical doctors, researchers, and academics in Utah are available to all media to provide accurate information on fluoride. We call on Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Utah leadership to support science-based, community decision-making in public health policies.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
03-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
Glendale voters will decide on portion of VAI Resort in special election
Glendale voters will soon get a say on one aspect of the ambitious VAI Resort. The big picture: Labor advocacy group Worker Power collected enough signatures to force the City Council to put two measures on the ballot for the May special election in Glendale. Those two measures pertain to the City Council's November decisions to incorporate 10 acres owned by VAI into the resort project, and to change the zoning so it can be used for corporate office space. If voters reject Propositions 401 and 402, it would reverse the council's decisions. Why it matters: If the council's decisions are overturned, it would create "tremendous uncertainty for the developers as to what their timeline looks like" and would likely require VAI to seek another zoning agreement from the city, Garrick Taylor, a spokesperson for the Yes for Glendale campaign, told Axios. What they're saying:"Why inject any doubt into this project when we are so close to bringing it to completion?" Taylor said. Catch up quick: The $1.2 billion VAI Resort is slated to include four hotels with about 1,100 rooms, indoor and outdoor performance venues, a white-sand beach, 12 restaurants, bars, shopping stalls and the first-ever Mattel Adventure Park across 66 acres. The first phase of the resort is expected to open later this year just south of State Farm Stadium in Glendale's Sports and Entertainment District. It is expected to be Arizona's largest resort and to create about 2,000 permanent jobs. The intrigue: Worker Power argues that the 10 acres should be used for green space, as it was previously zoned for, per the Arizona Republic. The group is tied to Unite Here Local 11, which represents hotel, restaurant and airport workers in Arizona and California. In 2023, Worker Power backed a lawsuit challenging a property tax incentive the city planned to give VAI. The latest: Yes for Glendale, a campaign to support Propositions 401 and 402, launched this week. The campaign touts support from political and business figures including Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers, Council Member Lauren Tolmachoff and Glendale Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Joshua Gunn. What they're saying: "The VAI Resort project represents our city's next step forward. This development will strengthen our economy, provide thousands of jobs and increase city revenues to improve police, fire, infrastructure and more," Weiers said in a campaign statement. The other side: Worker Power treasurer Brendan Walsh told the Glendale Star there's "significant dissatisfaction among residents" about the concessions the city has given VAI, saying people in Glendale want more input on large developments.
