Senator says plan can be ‘misinterpreted or implemented incorrectly’

— A Senate panel has decided to scrap the part of its health care bill that has given rise to fears of government “death panels” in recent days, with one lawmaker suggesting that the proposal was just too confusing.

PANORA, Iowa (AP) — Sen. Charles Grassley, a Republican who is a key bargainer on health care reform, played to packed crowds across the state who left little doubt that they are not happy with what’s on the table.

Effort launched after city was dubbed fattest in Illinois

Worried by a “report” citing Elgin as the fattest city in Illinois, officials put the weighty news on a Web site and launched a fitness program — only to learn recently that no one knows if the fat title fits.

Now the health-care debate is getting really rough.

Latest government report shows more than 50 pesticides on the fruit. How can you avoid the risks?

Tribune and USDA studies find pesticides, some in excess of EPA rules, in the fragrant fruit

Health care bill’s fate could ride on key bloc’s approval

— Far from the hue and cry over health reform erupting in town hall meetings across the U.S., many older citizens are quietly confused about what a health care overhaul might mean to them.

Researchers link higher incidence to certain types of radiation therapy

As if survivors of childhood cancers don’t have enough long-term health issues to worry about, researchers have identified an increased risk of diabetes.

2 aging nuclear reactors that produce the technetium-99m used in medical imaging were shut down

The abrupt shutdown of two aging nuclear reactors that produce a radioisotope widely used in medical imaging has forced physicians into a crisis, requiring them to postpone or cancel necessary scans for heart disease and cancer or turn to tests that are not as accurate, take longer and expose patients to higher doses of radiation.

Trying to pay for organ transplants and follow-up medicine can be overwhelming

As he pushes his cart around the Southwest Side selling steamed ears of corn, sliced cucumbers and other street food, Omar Castillo embodies a potential life-and-death issue that has become the third rail in the debate over health-care reform.

Allies chide vocal protests; president to hold town hall

— President Barack Obama and his allies in the health care debate began moving more forcefully Monday to rebut what they called “misinformation” spread by opponents of the legislation and to spotlight the disruptive nature of protests at town hall meetings held by lawmakers.