Nebraska plant explosion killed 2 girls and an employee, and the fire is still burning

FREMONT, Neb. (AP) — Officials have confirmed that two girls and an adult missing since a massive explosion at a Nebraska biofuels plant are dead. The explosion happened Tuesday at Horizon Biofuels in Fremont. The two children were waiting for an employee to finish work. The blast destroyed part of the plant, and firefighters are still battling the blaze Wednesday. Officials suspect wood dust an elevator caused the explosion at the plant, which makes animal bedding and wood pellets. The structure’s instability has made it difficult for crews to gain access inside. he company did not immediately respond to phone calls seeking comment.

NTSB finds Army chopper in fatal midair crash with plane was above altitude limit

(AP) — Investigators have found that a helicopter involved in a deadly crash with a passenger plane over Washington was flying above its height limit. The helicopter’s altitude-measuring instrument was also inaccurate. These findings were revealed during the first day of National Transportation Safety Board hearings. The crash, which occurred in January, killed 67 people. The board is examining how the Federal Aviation Administration and the Army may have contributed to the incident. The hearings will continue for three days, focusing on military helicopter routes, collision avoidance technology, and air traffic controller training at Ronald Reagan National Airport.

FDA vaccine chief leaving agency after less than 3 months

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Vinay Prasad is stepping down as the Food and Drug Administration’s top vaccine regulator after a brief tenure. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services says Prasad did not want to be a distraction and is leaving to spend more time with his family. Prasad, a longtime critic of the FDA’s leniency in drug approvals, joined the agency in May. He has faced scrutiny over his handling of a gene therapy for a form of muscular dystrophy. In recent weeks he became a target of conservative activists, who noted his past comments criticizing Trump.

Trump admin. is launching a new private health tracking system with Big Tech’s help

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is pushing an initiative for millions of Americans to upload personal health data and medical records on new apps and systems run by private tech companies, promising that will make it easier to access health records and monitor wellness. President Donald Trump is expected to deliver remarks on the initiative Wednesday afternoon in the East Room. The event is expected to involve leaders from more than 60 companies, including major tech companies such as Google and Amazon, as well as prominent hospital systems like the Cleveland Clinic. The new system will focus on diabetes and weight management, conversational artificial intelligence that helps patients, and digital tools such as QR codes and apps that register patients for check-ins or track medications.