J&J Ordered To Pay $18.8 Million To Man Over Talc-Cancer Claims
July 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
News outlets cover a decision by a Californian jury that hit Johnson & Johnson with a $18.8 million compensation bill to a man who said in a lawsuit he developed cancer after exposure to baby powder. More access for a TB drug, big investments into drug discovery and more are also in the news.
Florida Reports Seventh Case Of Locally-Contracted Malaria
July 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
The latest detection of malaria spreading in Florida brings the national total to 8 cases. A Florida dengue infection was also reported. Meanwhile, in San Francisco worries over a new, more dangerous strain of illegal fentanyl. Also in the news: toxic algal blooms, and more.
J&J Sues Government To Block Medicare Drug Price Negotiations
July 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
Johnson & Johnson becomes the latest drug maker suing the government, saying that the Inflation Reduction Act “breaks the agreement at the heart of the patent and regulatory laws.” Meanwhile, the Biden administration is asking CVS and Walmart to help promote the law intended to lower drug costs.
Teladoc Partners With Microsoft To Use AI For Patient Visit Documentation
July 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
The telehealth provider plans to add Microsoft’s voice-enabled generative artificial intelligence tool in order to help its clinicians document visits with patients. Also in the news: two senators propose studying potential biosecurity risks created by artificial intelligence.
Will Narrow E-Cigarette Rules Harm Smoking Cessation Progress?
July 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
The coming FDA restrictions on menthol cigarettes and high bar for menthol e-cigarettes, paired with little federal action on smoking cessation programs, has some experts worried that progress on reducing smoking could reverse.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, July 19, 2023
July 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
Extreme heat dangers, anti-smoking initiatives, Medicare, AI in health care, OTC birth control pills, malaria, and more are in the news.
DC Suing 25 Companies Over Forever Chemical Water Pollution
July 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
The District of Columbia is suing the companies because low levels of PFAS “forever chemicals” have been detected in the district’s drinking water. Meanwhile, a new study links forever chemicals with a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Missouri Court Hears Case On Amendment To Restore Abortion Rights
July 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
News outlets report on the controversy over how much authority officials have over the initiative ballot petition process in Missouri — prompted by a new initiative to enshrine abortion rights into the state constitution, following a ban. Separately, gender and LGBTQ+ issues are also in the news.
Rise In Infectious Diseases, Preventable Deaths: The Climate Forecast On Health
July 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
With 3 continents baking under heat waves, Grist and AP report on the increasing trend of climate-driven illnesses. And the World Meteorological Organization warns that nations must work to avoid preventable deaths related to the heat.
Multiple New Alzheimer’s Drugs Show Promise; AI Will Help Prevent Drug-Related Birth Defects
July 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
The Painful Legacy of ‘Law and Order’ Treatment of Addiction in Jail
By Renuka Rayasam
July 19, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Efforts to improve addiction care in jails and prisons are underway across the country. But a rural Alabama county with one of the nation’s highest overdose rates shows how change is slow, while law enforcement officials continue to treat addiction as a crime rather than a medical condition.
First Edition: July 19, 2023
July 19, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Once the New Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill Is Available, What About Cost and Coverage?
By Michelle Andrews
July 19, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The Food and Drug Administration’s approval is viewed as groundbreaking, but many details still must be figured out.
Southern AGs Fight White House Move To Protect Out-Of-State Abortion Data
July 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Biden administration’s plans to protect abortion rights using updated HIPAA rules to shield abortion-seekers from investigation is under fire from Republicans. Regional news outlets cover objections from 19 state attorneys generals and their efforts to gather exactly this type of medical data.
Viewpoints: Too Many Insured People Can’t Afford Health Care; Mandy Cohen Is Right Choice For CDC Director
July 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers discuss health insurance, the new CDC director, parenting with cancer and more.
In-N-Out Burger Bans Employee Masks, Drawing Criticism
July 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Los Angeles Times says the fast food company is exempting California and Oregon, where employees can mask to protect from covid, but in five other states masks are banned. Leaking Texas oil wells, the closure of a mental health unit in Mississippi, and more are also in state health news.
Allina Health Laying Off 350 Workers, Blames ‘Financial Challenges’
July 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
Allina currently employs around 28,500 people in full- and part-time positions, but the company said “unprecedented” financial problems are forcing it to cut jobs in non-direct-caregiving roles. The proliferation of digital health tech is among other industry news.
Researchers Link Brain Inflammation To High-Fat Diet, Weight Gain
July 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
Scientists have identified an inflammatory pathway in the brain linking high-fat diets to the activation of appetite-promoting neurons. Separately, a study found kids’ obesity levels worsened during the pandemic.
US Excess Death Rate Returns To Normal, Signaling Waning Covid
July 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
The New York Times calls the statistic a “milestone,” since the number of excess deaths can capture the impact of covid even if the number of cases is underreported — hence covid may now be considered an “ordinary” illness. Also in public health news: lead contamination, toxic algae, childhood drownings, and more.
Medicare Proposes Hospital Stockpiles Of Essential Drugs To Tackle Shortages
July 18, 2023
Morning Briefing
But Stat reports that some experts worry such a move could exacerbate rather than solve drug shortage issues. Other CMS news reports on PET scan coverage and physician fee schedules.