Emergency Responders Brace As 111 Million Under Extreme Heat Warnings
July 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
The deadly heat dome breaking records in large parts of the South and Southwest of the U.S. is expected to last through the weekend, and officials are warning residents to take precautions. News outlets report on the dangers of extreme heat to the people’s health.
Proposed EPA Restrictions Aim To Lower Lead Exposure To Kids
July 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
The EPA proposed tougher rules Wednesday to lower lead dust in homes, child-care facilities, and schools that could force paint removal where any level of lead is identified. If enacted, it is estimated that the requirements would reduce lead exposures for 250,000 to 500,000 children younger than 6 each year.
First Edition: July 13, 2023
July 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Got Milk in School? Farmers Fight Health Advocates Over the Creamy ‘Whole’ Variety
By Phil Galewitz
July 13, 2023
KFF Health News Original
It has been over a decade since whole milk was served in schools through the National School Lunch Program, after U.S. government dietary guidance effectively banned it. But dairy farmers, some health experts, and members of Congress say it’s time to bring it back.
An Arm and a Leg: Wait, What’s a PBM?
By Dan Weissmann
July 13, 2023
Podcast
Pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, are companies that negotiate the prices of prescription drugs. Hear about their role in raising drug prices and the ongoing efforts to regulate this complex industry.
Consumo excesivo de alcohol durante la pandemia eleva muertes por enfermedad hepática alcohólica
By Phillip Reese
July 12, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Las ventas de alcohol aumentaron durante la pandemia, con saltos especialmente grandes en el consumo de licores.
India Insists On Better Drug Manufacturing Standards; Combination Drug Proves Effective Treating CF
July 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
N. Carolina’s Mental Health, Disability Medicaid Care Plan Is Further Delayed
July 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
AP says the planned managed-care program for Medicaid enrollees who need services for behavioral health or intellectual/developmental disabilities is delayed again by state officials. Meanwhile, in Mississippi, 29,000 people have been removed from Medicaid through unwinding.
Black Men Have Higher Melanoma Risk Than Other Racial Groups: Study
July 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
A new study suggests that a higher death risk from melanoma is seen by Black men, while white males had the highest survival rate. Separately, a study into childhood obesity around racism has “huge” implications, with kids more at risk after experiencing racism.
NYC Could Mandate Indoor Air Quality Standards In Public Buildings
July 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Wall Street Journal says two new bills would, if adopted, require the city to measure and enforce air quality standards inside buildings like schools and municipal offices — an effort spurred by covid and recent wildfire smoke issues. Also in the news: Saharan dust particles have reached Florida.
To Fight Lack Of Diversity, Effort Aims To Build Huge Medical Image Library
July 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Axios covers a campaign to create the “world’s largest library” of diverse medical imagery. The news outlet also tackles accusations that the health industry’s cyber defenses are falling short. Hospital rankings, funding for digital health care efforts, and more are also in the news.
System Issues Hit Those Seeking Prescriptions From CVS Caremark
July 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
The CVS Health unit, which the Wall Street Journal reminds us is the biggest drug-benefit manager, said that an “unexpected system slowdown” was impacting its services. Among other news, amid ongoing drug shortages, a maker’s bankruptcy means the U.S. is low on a key lead-poisoning drug.
New Evidence Of Covid Transmission From Deer To Humans — And Back
July 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
CBS News and CIDRAP report on research showing that Americans have passed covid to white-tailed deer hundreds of times, while deer have transmitted mutated versions of the virus back to people on at least three occasions. Other pandemic news is on Maine’s vaccine mandate and the origins of the virus.
UN Report Highlights Crisis In Black Maternal Health Across The Americas
July 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Washington Post covers a report showing how bad the situation is for maternal health of women and girls of African descent across the Americas, including startling U.S. inequality data: Black women and girls are 3 times more likely to die giving birth or shortly after than their peers.
Infectious-Disease Experts Press Congress For Help Fighting Superbugs
July 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
At a hearing Tuesday of a subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions, health experts discussed the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Other news is from the Health and Human Services Department and National Institutes of Health.
Iowa Passes ‘Heartbeat’ Abortion Ban
July 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds said she will sign the bill Friday. The new law will go into effect immediately after that and will prohibit almost all abortions once cardiac activity can be detected, usually around six weeks of pregnancy. Legal challenges are already underway.
First Edition: July 12, 2023
July 12, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.