March 13, 2020: A Look Back At How The Covid Emergency Began
May 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Things were much different when President Donald Trump first declared a national covid emergency. Just 1,645 Americans were infected with the virus, and Trump warned “it could get worse.” Rewind to news coverage from that day:
What The Covid Emergency Taught Us: Public Health Failures, Future Worries
May 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
The New York Times argues “a lot went wrong” during the pandemic, with “chronic” underinvestment in public health exposed at federal, state and local levels. Wired warns that the end of covid data collection could lead to missing new variants. Other other news sources note covid is still killing people daily.
It’s The Last Day Of The US Covid Health Emergency. Now What?
May 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
When the clock ticks down on the federal covid public health emergency tonight, a host of programs and policies will expire or start to wind down. News outlets report on the financial and logistical impact for Americans, while public health officials remind people that covid infections and risks are not yet over.
First Edition: May 11, 2023
May 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
An Arm and a Leg: Mental Health ‘Ghost Networks’ — And a Ghostbuster
By Dan Weissmann
May 11, 2023
Podcast
What should you do when your search for an in-network mental health care provider comes up empty? Abigail Burman has some expertise to share.
PBMs, the Brokers Who Control Drug Prices, Finally Get Washington’s Attention
By Arthur Allen
May 11, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Drugmakers, pharmacies, and physicians blame pharmacy benefit managers for high drug prices. Congress is finally on board, too, but will it matter?
Drive-Thru Baby Showers Serve Express Needs of Pregnant Veterans in Atlanta
By Jess Mador, WABE
May 11, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Women are the fastest-growing group among U.S. veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs says it is working to meet their health needs, including pregnancy care.
Marihuana legal es más potente que nunca pero no está bien regulada
By David Hilzenrath
May 10, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Cientos de miles de personas llegan a salas de emergencias por crisis relacionadas con la marihuana, y millones sufren trastornos psicológicos vinculados al consumo de cannabis, según investigaciones federales.
US Will Allow Telehealth Use For Drugs Like Adderall, Xanax Through Nov. 11
May 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments from the past week in KFF Health News Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
In Washington, A Law Will Protect Trans Minors From Estranged Parents
May 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
The law, signed by Gov. Jay Inslee Tuesday, is aimed at protecting minors seeking gender-affirming care in Washington from interventions by estranged parents, AP explains. Separately, Kansas City is reportedly considering becoming an LGBTQ+ sanctuary city.
USDA Conditionally Licenses Vaccine Against Lyme Disease Bacteria
May 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
The vaccine is sprayed onto pellets, which are distributed in natural settings for mice to eat, and it targets the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Separately, AP says Minnesota is preparing for a near-total ban on “forever chemicals.” Also in the news, a mystery deepens over a mercury spill in the Bay Area.
Doctors, Experts Say AI Is Threat To Humanity, Should Be Regulated
May 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
The group wrote a letter in the BMJ Global Health, which says that for artificial intelligence, “the window of opportunity to avoid serious and potentially existential harms is closing.” Meanwhile, Modern Healthcare covers a new company from Northwell Holdings and Aegis Ventures to use AI for diagnosing some diseases.
Bill To Raise Age For Semi-Automatic Rifle Purchases In Texas Falters
May 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Texas Tribune says the bill was left off the Texas House’s agenda ahead of a key deadline. Media outlets report that the gunman in the recent Texas tragedy had eight legal weapons; also, firearm fatalities in the state are reaching levels not seen in almost three decades.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, May 10, 2023
May 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
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White House’s Continuation Covid Plan Not Ready For End Of Emergency
May 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
White House covid coordinator Ashish Jha told reporters that the next phase of the covid response won’t be ready for a neat handoff at the official end of the public health emergency. Separately, President Joe Biden revoked covid vaccine requirements for visitors to the U.S.
FDA Scientists Have 2 Major Qualms About OTC Birth Control Pills
May 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
Advisers met Tuesday to discuss the pros and cons of selling Opill, a progestin-only birth control pill, without a prescription. Their concerns focused on efficacy from obesity and whether users will follow the instructions. The panel will take a nonbinding vote today.
No Debt Breakthrough; Biden Says Covid Fund Clawbacks ‘On The Table’
May 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
Though a White House meeting Tuesday night with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other congressional leaders yielded no deal, President Joe Biden said he was confident the U.S. would not default on its debt.
Mammograms Should Start At Age 40, Not 50, Task Force Recommends
May 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released a draft of its updated mammogram guidance that will advise women to get the screening every 2 years starting at age 40. The change from age 50 comes in response to more women being diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age.