Catherine Sweeney

3 weeks ago | wpln.org | Catherine Sweeney

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is making at least $250 million in budget cuts for the coming year. CEO Jeff Balser informed his staff about the reductions in a video this week. The transcript says the cuts are happening because of “actions being taken in D.C.” It doesn’t mention specific policies or any federal officials by name. However, the announcement comes amid major disruptions to federal health agencies, public health funding and medical research infrastructure.

1 month ago | custombuilderonline.com | Catherine Sweeney

With clean lines, functional storage, and a tucked away indoor sauna, this custom bathroom in Whitefish, Mont., sets a new standard for Scandinavian design. The bathroom is part of Freja House, a 3,074-square-foot custom home built by Whitefish, Mont.-based Stumptown Construction and designed by Love Schack Architecture, an architecture firm based in Bozeman, Mont.

1 month ago | wpln.org | Catherine Sweeney

Heather Schwartz is a veteran at hand-raising clouded leopard cubs — and she’s back on the job. She’s the director of veterinary services at the Nashville Zoo. She and the other members of the so-called carnivore keepers are caring for the latest cub born at the facility. They’ve been at it for weeks, since the “nest box” cameras caught the cub’s mother, Niran, go into labor. “It’s really just all hands on deck, literally around-the-clock care,” she said.

1 month ago | hub.permobil.com | Catherine Sweeney

When configuring both manual and power wheelchairs, tire selection is an important consideration. Pneumatic tires, solid tires, flat-free inserts…which is best? Let’s dive into the “why” of pneumatic tire benefits and considerations. Pneumatic tires are tires with an inner air tube, much like a bicycle. These tires offer better shock absorption, thus offer a more comfortable ride, especially over the variety of surfaces traversed during a typical day.

1 month ago | wpln.org | Catherine Sweeney

Tennessee’s measles vaccination rate is much lower than it needs to be for community protection. To reach so-called “herd immunity,” 95% of kindergartners should have their vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tennessee Department of Health numbers show only about 75% of kids ages 4 to 6 have their shots. In some areas, that rate is even lower. In Williamson County, which includes Franklin, the rate is less than half. That’s especially relevant this year.