Owner At Center Of Louisiana Nursing Home Storm Fiasco Sentenced
July 23, 2024
Morning Briefing
A Louisiana nursing home owner was sentenced to three years’ probation for his role in events during Hurricane Ida in 2021, when more than 800 residents were moved to squalid conditions in a warehouse. Other news includes a gender care restrictions in Florida, a backlog of rape kits in Maryland, a drug overdose plateau in Los Angeles County, and more.
As Harris Moves Into Spotlight, Focus Tightens On Dems’ Health Agenda
July 23, 2024
Morning Briefing
News outlets examine the role Kamala Harris could play in continuing the long-term health goals of the Democratic party, stepping into the battle for abortion rights, and the way these matters could energize voters. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s age and health are revived.
House Investigation Finds PBMs Steer Patients To Costlier Drugs
July 23, 2024
Morning Briefing
Higher spending and reduced patient choice are what PBMs achieve when they’re involved in the drug sales process alongside manufacturers and pharmacies, a House investigation found. Meanwhile, as more generic meds hit lower prices, shortages of drugs rise, a study found.
First Edition: July 23, 2024
July 23, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
California Forges Ahead With Social Media Rules Despite Legal Barriers
By Mark Kreidler
July 23, 2024
KFF Health News Original
State lawmakers are advancing two bills aimed at protecting children from the harms of social media, part of a nationwide wave of efforts to address the issue. Yet the bills’ proponents face hurdles in finding an approach that can survive legal challenges from the tech industry.
Why Millions Are Trying FDA-Authorized Alternatives to Big Pharma’s Weight Loss Drugs
By Arthur Allen
Illustration by Oona Zenda
July 23, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Although Novo Nordisk and Lilly lump together the pharmacies that compound semaglutide and tirzepatide with internet cowboys selling fake drugs, there is a distinction. The FDA has offered Americans little clarity about the vast gray and black markets for the drugs.
Qué son los medicamentos compuestos que millones de personas usan para bajar de peso
By Arthur Allen
July 23, 2024
KFF Health News Original
La FDA permite e incluso fomenta que las farmacias de compuestos produzcan y vendan copias cuando un medicamento está en escasez, como es el caso de las drogas para combatir el sobrepeso y la obesidad.
Covid Is Still With Us, but the Guidance Has Changed. Here’s What to Know if You’re Exposed.
By Tarena Lofton
July 22, 2024
KFF Health News Original
President Joe Biden tested positive for covid-19 last week, but his symptoms were reportedly mild. With covid still circulating and putting Americans at risk, KFF Health News reviews the latest safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Listeria Outbreak Linked To Deli Meat Has Now Killed 2, Hospitalized 28
July 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
The outbreak has affected people in 11 states. Separately, research into pig transplantation has led to a surprising boon for people with red meat allergy from tick bites: Pork from genetically modified pigs doesn’t trigger their allergic reaction.
As Young Adult Liver-Related Deaths Rise, Trans Adults Face Higher Risk
July 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
Research published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology last month found trans adults face double the risk of severe liver disease, and a higher share of cirrhosis from heavy drinking—despite the fact that they comprise less than 1% of the nation’s population. Also in the news: alcohol monitoring in North Carolina, mobile methadone clinics, and more.
Viewpoints: Climate Change Exacerbates Infectious Diseases; Some Nonprofit Hospitals Are Anything But
July 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers discuss bird flu, nonprofit hospitals, presidential health, and more.
Biden’s Health Care Achievements Frame His Legacy
July 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
President Joe Biden will be hailed for his efforts to lower prescription drug costs, expand health care coverage, protect abortion access, and guide the country through a pandemic, even though a second Trump administration could reverse many health care policies.
Even After Trump Was Shot, Republicans Downplay Gun Violence
July 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
Assassination attempts have led to some of the biggest overhauls to gun laws in the country’s history, but this time it seems unlikely, the Wall Street Journal says. Also: California researchers say repeated exposure to graphic photos and videos is linked to psychological distress.
Montana, Missouri, And South Dakota Abortion Rights Ballot Pushes Advance
July 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
The initiatives in Montana and Missouri have gathered more than enough voter signatures to qualify for the November ballot, officials report. In South Dakota, a judge has tossed a lawsuit that sought to take the measure off the ballot. The anti-abortion group has appealed to the Supreme Court.
Experts Note CrowdStrike Bug Is Proof Of Health System’s Tech Weaknesses
July 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
A cybersecurity company’s error took down business computers across the planet, including health service systems — forcing hospitals to resort to paper and pens — but experts are also noting that it should be a big warning of health systems’ tech vulnerabilities.
Audit Finds One Of The Largest PBMs Overcharged Postal Workers Millions
July 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
Express Scripts charged USPS employees an extra $45 million for prescription drugs over a five-year window, a federal audit found. Meanwhile, pharmacy trade groups are lobbying for legislation to regulate PBMs, pointing to the closure of community pharmacies across the U.S.
Colorado’s Human Bird Flu Infections May Be Linked To Extreme Heat
July 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Colorado Sun and Stat report that extreme heat and a dairy cow outbreak may have contributed to bird flu infecting people, including poultry workers. Meanwhile, USA Today covers a report saying the worldwide risk of animal-to-human disease spreading remains high.
New Hampshire Governor Signs Bill Banning Gender Surgery For Minors
July 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, also signed a bill banning trans athletes from competing on school sports teams with students that align with their gender identity. New Hampshire is also in the news for relaxing some language rules to boost licensed nursing assistant numbers.
Morning Briefing for Monday, July 22, 2024
July 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
Harris’ health priorities, Biden’s record, the ACA, gun violence, abortion access, cyber safety, PBMs, bird flu, and more are in the news.