Francesca Paris

University of Pittsburgh researchers Ervin Sejdic and Alexander Star hold up their prototype Breathalyzer-style device for detecting THC — the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana — in a person's breath.

Scientists Unveil Weed Breathalyzer, Launching Debate Over Next Steps

Francesca Paris

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed the latest tool to detect THC — the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana — in a person's breath.

A Brooklyn judge on Thursday upheld a mandatory measles vaccinations order. On the same day, the United Talmudical Academy, pictured here, reopened after being closed for failing to comply with a Health Department order that required it to provide medical and attendance records amid a measles outbreak.

NPR Health

Judge Upholds Mandatory Measles Vaccinations As New York Closes More Schools

Francesca Paris

Judge Lawrence Knipel refused a request from parents to lift the vaccination order that was imposed last week to stem a measles outbreak. The parents claimed the city had overstepped its authority.

A nurse prepares the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine at the Rockland County Health Department in Haverstraw, N.Y., earlier this month.

NPR Health

Amid New York Measles Outbreaks, 1 County Orders Exclusions From Public Spaces

Francesca Paris

It's the latest measure officials in the region have taken to combat the disease. Between Rockland County and New York City, more than 500 cases have been confirmed since the start of the year.

People look up at the damage caused to Notre Dame Cathedral on Tuesday in Paris. A fire broke out on Monday afternoon and quickly spread across the building, causing the famous spire to collapse.

Notre Dame Cathedral Fire Extinguished; Spire Collapsed, Towers Still Standing

Laurel Wamsley

The building burned for hours on Monday, with smoke billowing into the sky. The cause of the cathedral's blaze was not immediately known, but the initial investigation points to an accident.

Every year, NORAD staff and volunteers field calls from children inquiring about Santa. Canadian Brig. Gen Guy Hamel joined in the tradition in 2014.

Santa Tracker Unaffected By Government Shutdown, NORAD Says

Francesca Paris

Despite gridlock in Washington, D.C., more than 1,500 military personnel and volunteers at a Colorado Air Force base will be hard at work Christmas Eve, tracking Santa and answering children's calls.