Latest news with #WBAL-TV11
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Lawmakers propose sweeping ban on chemicals found in everyday products: 'We're exposed to them constantly'
Lawmakers in Maryland are considering a bill that would ban harmful PFAS chemicals used by farms, schools, and hospitals, WBAL-TV 11 reported. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are otherwise known as "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally. Two types of PFAS have been linked to cancers, liver and kidney problems, pregnancy complications, and other health issues. A first-of-its-kind study by Johns Hopkins University and the Maryland Pesticide Education Network tested the blood of 41 volunteers and found that all participants had PFAS present in their bodies. Most of them had high enough levels to put them at risk for health problems. The bill would ban 1,000 pesticides that contain forever chemicals. PFAS have also been found in animals. Banning the chemicals could protect both humans and wildlife from health issues. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health assistant professor Ana Rule has applied for a $1 million Environmental Protection Agency grant to expand the study. "[The chemicals are] ubiquitous. And so, we're exposed to them constantly, and they don't break down in the body," Baltimore County Delegate Sheila Ruth, D-District 44B, told 11 News Investigates. Ruth introduced a similar bill last year that would have banned pesticides containing PFAS, but it failed to pass. The Delaware-Maryland Agribusiness Association opposed last year's bill and will also oppose this year's. "These bills ignore the thorough and rigorous review process in place at the federal level via the Environmental Protection Agency," it said in a statement to 11 News Investigates. "Pesticides are critically important tools to the farmers who use them to advance both yields and conservation practices, and this legislation would remove tools from their toolbox without sound scientific basis." Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Ruth explained that changes have been made to the bill to address some of these concerns. Baltimore County Sen. Ben Brooks, D-District 10, told 11 News Investigates, "We still can get the same results with some of the 14,000 other pesticides that are on the market that does not have PFAS in it." "I think some farmers believe the efficacy is better," Brooks added. "But, you know, when we bridge that against the health of Marylanders, I think the choice is very, very clear." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
CBS News
10-02-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Maryland leaders, community members mourn death of esteemed journalist Tim Tooten
BALTIMORE -- Maryland leaders and community members are mourning the death of esteemed journalist Rev. Dr. Tim Tooten Sr. Tooten, who was 66, was an anchor at WBAL-TV 11 for more than 35 years. WBAL made the announcement of his death Sunday evening. He was one of the longest-tenured and best-recognized education reporters in the region and retired from WBAL in 2023. He spent more than 40 years in journalism, the Baltimore Banner reported. According to an obituary by the Schimunek Funeral Home, Tooten began working as a journalist for WBAL-TV 11 in 1988 and held the title of Baltimore's only full-time education reporter for more than 30 years. In 2006, Tooten founded Harvest Christian Ministries, a non-denominational church in Baltimore County, according to the obituary. There, he served as a pastor. He later became a member of Sharon Baptist Church, where he was ordained into the gospel ministry. Tooten also served as an adjunct professor of broadcast journalism at Loyola University. Maryland leaders remember Tim Tooten After the news of Tooten's death, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott took to social media, telling a story about his first time being interviewed by Tooten. "If you grew up in Baltimore in the 90s, you know you weren't officially out of school on a snow day until Tim Tooten said so! The first time he interviewed me, I had goosebumps and said, "Sir, I've watched you my entire life." He said thank you, but don't make me feel old and carried out the interview with that grace and distinction that he displayed every day of his career," Scott recounted. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mayor Brandon M. Scott (@mayorbmscott) Former Maryland governor Larry Hogan also paid his respects in a social media post. Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of WBAL's Tim Tooten. For more than 35 years, he was a trusted voice in Baltimore. He brought stories to life, and his impact went far beyond the newsroom. Tim was a man of deep faith, a dedicated journalist, and a mentor to so many. He… — Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) February 10, 2025 "Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of WBAL's Tim Tooten. For more than 35 years, he was a trusted voice in Baltimore. He brought stories to life, and his impact went far beyond the newsroom. Tim was a man of deep faith, a dedicated journalist, and a mentor to so many. He was simply a wonderful person," Hogan said in part. Ryan Coleman, president of the Randallstown NAACP, also released a statement. "My prayers go out to his wife, three children and grandchildren. In 2024," we honored Dr. Tim Tooten with a Distinguished Education Award for all that he has meant to Baltimore and Education," Coleman said. "I grew up on Tim giving me the delays and closing of schools on snow days. He also gave us the good news and the challenges Maryland students faced. On a personal note he always told me to be careful around hot mics. Maryland will miss this champion and I am glad that I knew Dr. Tim Tooten." The AFRO Staff issued a statement, issue condolences to Tooten's family and friends.
