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Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: The First Edition will not be published Monday, Feb. 17, in celebration of Presidents Day. Look for it again in your inbox Tuesday.
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
It has been one year since Michigan's law took effect. It is aimed at preventing mass shootings and domestic violence, among other incidents. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in Alabama has backed a ban on devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns. Other news includes: prison health care, mobile pharmacies, and more.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Mayor Daniel Lurie said the "stabilization center" will open in the Tenderloin neighborhood in April and will offer 24/7 assistance for those with urgent mental health and substance use needs. Other news is on Canada's newly appointed fentanyl czar and an industrial chemical showing up in the illicit fentanyl supply.
The Wall Street Journal reports that of the 850 million claims denied annually, less than 1% are appealed. Of that 1%, nearly three-quarters of appeals are approved. Also in the news: Washington Hospital workers avoid a strike; Walgreens explores its options for its health care clinic; and more.
California hospitals are struggling to keep up with the influx of flu cases. Meanwhile, it is unclear whether the United States will take part in an international flu vaccine meeting later this month. Other outbreak news is on measles, mpox, and Oropouche virus.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill noted that even though New York won't turn over Dr. Margaret Carpenter to her state, other states to which the doctor travels could comply with the extradition order. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has revised its reproductive health care travel policy.
Dr. Lawrence A. Tabak did not state why he is abruptly leaving his post. Additional administration news is about the deferred-resignation program, the firing of civil servants, planned protests, an alternate CDC site, and more.
The Senate voted 52-48 along party lines Thursday to appoint him to lead the Health and Human Services Department. Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was the only Republican to vote no. Kennedy, 71, will oversee billions of dollars in health care spending and will have free rein to implement his Make America Healthy Again program.
The House Republicans' plan announced Wednesday outlined $4.5 trillion in cuts over 10 years. It doesn't specify which programs would be cut, Huffpost reported, but analysts suggested it was clear the cuts would come from social programs that help lower-income populations.
Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
The current ban is around 6 weeks, but some argue the wording of the ban includes alternative definitions of cardiac activity. These definitions would push the ban to 9-10 weeks, AP reported. California and Georgia are also in the news.
According to Modern Healthcare, Humana has a five-step plan to improve its profit margins, including boosting its star ratings, stabilizing membership, and investing in primary care.
It's the third time in a row that Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has vetoed a bill to ban gender-affirming care for youths. Plus: New England’s second-largest city has passed a resolution to declare itself a sanctuary for transgender people.
Monday's report from USAID's inspector general says the food remains "at ports, in transit, and in warehouses at risk of spoilage, unanticipated storage needs, and diversion." The Trump administration fired the inspector general Tuesday. Also: a Republican effort to try to save USAID, what a U.S. exit from the World Health Organization would mean for smallpox defenses, and more.
Preliminary CDC data show that during a week in January, flu-related deaths topped covid deaths by 0.2 percentage points, and data suggest that the difference between the two is growing. In other public health news: whooping cough, measles outbreak, canned tuna recall, and more.
Prior to the fridge, lungs would be kept on ice, which could damage them. The fridge allows for more flexibility in scheduling, which in turn can lead to fewer mistakes. Other promising news is on drug approvals for genetic disorders, weight loss surgery for liver disease, and more.
As Republicans look to shave $2 trillion from a reconciliation bill, the House speaker noted savings are possible "if you eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse." Other news from Capitol Hill is about telehealth rules, PBM restrictions, and more.
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