First Step

Insurer revoked HIV patients’ coverage

Fortis, now known as Assurant Health, targeted policyholders with HIV, revoking their insurance shortly after diagnosis. The insurance company was ordered to pay $10 million.

Pet deaths prompt warnings on flea meds

Complaints of pets injured or even killed by flea treatments have increased significantly, the Environmental Protection Agency said as it outlined plans to make the products safer.

Free human eggs offered at U.S. infertility clinic

An American infertility clinic is offering free human eggs to one British woman for attending an informational seminar Wednesday in London.

Carrot-and-stick health plans reshape care

Some workers soon will be able to pick a new type of insurance that offers free care for some illnesses, such as diabetes or depression, but requires hefty extra fees for treatments deemed overused.

Space out! Why daydreaming is so important

Put the cell phone down, drop the Blackberry, cease the nonstop tweeting. You’re making yourself stupid. Or at the very least, you’re affecting your memory.

Sweat lodge deaths ruled accidental

The October deaths of three people who participated in a sweat lodge ceremony in Arizona have been ruled accidental, according to autopsy results released Wednesday.

Key liberal flips to 'yes' on health care

Health care reform advocates inched closer to victory Wednesday morning as a high-profile liberal Democrat switched his position and announced his intention to vote for a sweeping $875 billion plan under consideration in the House of Representatives.

Dems woo health care holdouts

Democratic leaders are trying to woo undecided party holdouts in the House. Foes of the bill need a few more votes to kill the plan, according to a CNN count.

Detroit closing more than 40 schools

Plummeting enrollment is forcing another city to close classrooms. Detroit will shut 44 schools. Last week, Kansas City, Missouri, voted to close 26 schools.

Opinion: Longer school days are good

School districts nationwide are trimming funds, for custodians to school supplies, to address widening budget gaps. Even public schools in affluent communities such as Mill Valley, California, and Scarsdale, New York, are scrambling to make ends meet.