The Providence and Cumberland public water systems have received Water Fluoridation Quality Awards from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in drinking water to a level that is effective for preventing tooth decay. The award recognizes those communities that achieved excellence in community water fluoridation by maintaining a consistent level of fluoride in drinking water throughout 2020. For 2020, a total of 1,292 public water systems in 29 states received these awards.

 

“Water fluoridation is one of the best investments that a community can make in maintaining the oral health of its citizens. It is equally as effective in preventing cavities in children and adults,” stated Casey Hannan, MPH, Director, CDC Division of Oral Health. “Fluoridation is also highly cost effective. Studies continue to show that for every $1 a community invests in water fluoridation, $20 are saved in dental treatment costs.”

 

Community water fluoridation has been recognized by CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th Century. CDC recommends water fluoridation as one of the most practical, cost-effective, equitable, and safe measures a community can take to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health.

 

Israel has launched a retaliatory strike against Iran. U.S. officials confirm missiles have struck a number of locations inside Iran, with no word yet on whether there were any casualties. Several explosions were reported near a number of sites linked to Iran's nuclear program. The International Atomic Energy Agency says none of the sites sustained any damage.        Lawyers in the Donald Trump "hush money" trial will be selecting six alternates today. A 12-member jury is already chosen for the New York trial, which could begin Monday. The former president is accused of falsifying records to cover up a "hush money" payment to an adult film star before he was elected in 2016.        More than 100 protesters at Columbia University are being issued summonses for trespassing. New York City Mayor Eric Adams says the school's students have a proud history of protests, but they're not allowed to trespass. Adams says the university's president reached out to the NYPD for support, after numerous warnings to students occupying the campus's south lawn.        Lawmakers are considering a proposal to establish a Stand Your Ground law in New Jersey. The bill would expand the use of force when acting in self-defense. Stand Your Ground laws became controversial more than a decade ago when Florida man George Zimmerman used it as a defense in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.        Taylor Swift is releasing a second installment to her new album, "The Tortured Poets Department." The highly-anticipated new album dropped at midnight, featuring 16 songs including the first single, "Fortnite." Two hours later, Swift announced that it was actually a "secret double album," and released 15 more songs.        The second weekend of the Coachella Music Festival is set to begin today. Headliners are Lana Del Rey, Doja Cat and Tyler the Creator with other acts taking the stage once again like Ice Spice, Blur, Kid Cudi and J Balvin. Those unable to attend will be able to watch a live stream on YouTube later today.