San Francisco Will Try Drug Dealers For Murder
February 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
The legal strategy is an attempt to lower the death toll from fentanyl overdoses and is already being used by several California counties. Also in the news from California, an effort to steer public health decisions based on wastewater analysis for drugs; STD in-home tests; and more.
3 Prisoners Escape 3 Different Hospitals In Same 24-Hour Period
February 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
The unrelated incidents happened in Louisiana, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, a man accused of stealing a Virginia ambulance after being taken to the hospital for an earlier car crash has been found and arrested. Also in the news: An adult in Polk County, Florida, has measles.
Global Endocrinologists Society To Review Gender Care Guidelines
February 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Endocrine Society said its move was mere routine, and not prompted by politics — with high-profile efforts by some U.S. states to limit gender-affirming care. The process is set to take three years. Meanwhile, the VA says it won’t cover gender care for vets until it reviews PACT Act implications.
Lubricant Eye Ointments Are Recalled Because Of Infection Risk
February 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
CBS News reports on the recall, which involves four products under the brands Equate, CVS Health and AACE Pharmaceuticals. Also in the news: New Zealand will repeal its tobacco ban, what eating disorder experts want to know about weight-loss drugs, and more.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, February 27, 2024
February 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
Air-ambulance bill, IVF and ‘fetal personhood,’ covid, cancer, illegal drugs, a medical school tuition gift, and more are in the news.
Health Measures Don’t Make The Cut In Talks Over Smaller Spending Bill
February 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
The latest negotiations to keep the federal government funded have ruled out including health proposals that some lawmakers hoped to include. The tabled measures would have impacted drug costs, price transparency, site-neutral Medicare payments, as well as others policies.
Florida ‘Fetal Personhood’ Bill Derailed For Now After Alabama IVF Ruling
February 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
Republican lawmakers have postponed advancing a bill that would establish new protections for any “unborn child” after Democrats raised concerns that the broad language would impact IVF, as the Alabama decision on frozen embryos have done in that state. News outlets report on other fallout from the controversial ruling.
First Edition: Feb. 27, 2024
February 27, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A Government Video Would Explain When Abortion Is Legal in South Dakota
By Arielle Zionts
February 27, 2024
KFF Health News Original
South Dakota allows doctors to terminate a pregnancy only if a patient’s life is in jeopardy. Lawmakers say a government-created video would clarify what that exception actually means.
Without Medicare Part B’s Shield, Patient’s Family Owes $81,000 for a Single Air-Ambulance Flight
By Tony Leys
February 27, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Sky-high bills from air-ambulance providers have sparked complaints and federal action in recent years. But a rural Tennessee resident fell through the cracks of billing protections — and a single helicopter ride could cost much of her estate’s value.
Toxic Mix Of Substances Playing Role In Overdose Crisis In Massachusetts
February 26, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Boston Globe covers what it says is a “more powerful” wave of overdoses across the state, driven by polysubstance abuse. Separately, there’s rising use of the horse sedative drug known as “tranq,” in fentanyl drug abuse. And NPR reports on how Portugal’s drug overdose death rates are a tiny fraction of U.S. fatalities.
Jury Finds South Carolina Man Guilty Of Hate Crime Killing Of Trans Woman
February 26, 2024
Morning Briefing
Authorities note this is the first conviction at federal trial level for a gender identity-based hate crime. Also in the news, how shrinking Medicaid is hitting clinics in poorer areas; New Hampshire passes a gun rights bill; a bill to provide services to deaf people in Wyoming advances; and more.
Viewpoints: We Need To Find New Ways To Treat Anorexia; States Must Act On Eliminating Medical Debt
February 26, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers examine eating disorders, medical debt, academic medical institutions, and the latest in reproductive health care.
Morning Briefing for Monday, February 26, 2024
February 26, 2024
Morning Briefing
IVF and fertility treatments, measles, flu, industry cyberattacks, social media addiction, food allergies, and more are in the news.
Alabama Ruling Upends IVF Future For Cancer Patients, Medical Providers
February 26, 2024
Morning Briefing
News outlets report on the continuing health and political fallout from the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling on the personhood of frozen embryos. Doctors say it’s the safest IVF method for mothers and babies, and the only option for cancer patients. Meanwhile, Democrats and Republicans react to the decision that could have electoral impact.
Change Healthcare Mum On Whether It Has Recovered From Cyberattack
February 26, 2024
Morning Briefing
UnitedHealth subsidiary Change Healthcare’s systems were down for a fourth straight day Saturday. The exploit was possible thanks to a security flaw that still worries security experts. The company’s website did not mention the outage on its website Monday morning.
Measles Cases Rise In Florida As State Surgeon General’s Advice Is Criticized
February 26, 2024
Morning Briefing
A seventh measles case is found in the Florida outbreak, and the first in a child under 5, as experts oppose a controversial decision to let parents send unvaccinated children to school. Meanwhile, Michigan has reported its first measles case since 2019, and Minnesota reports a third case.
Though Covid And RSV Decline, Flu Levels Stay High Across US
February 26, 2024
Morning Briefing
Flu levels show increases in half of U.S. regions, the CDC noted in its weekly update. Separately, scientists link birth month to the timing of a first flu shot: Kids born in October are more likely to get the shot and less likely to be diagnosed with flu.
Study: Xolair Helps Reduce Reactions For Kids With Severe Food Allergies
February 26, 2024
Morning Briefing
Researchers report that Xolair can cut the risk of dangerous reactions after exposure to trace amounts of food allergens like nuts, milk, or eggs. The drug has already been approved by the FDA for people ages 1 and older with food allergies.
Supreme Court Case May Influence Social Media’s Future
February 26, 2024
Morning Briefing
An important First Amendment case will be heard today, concerning how publications on social media outlets may be judged. Politico argues that conservative values have already “largely won,” as Bloomberg says Mark Zuckerberg is pushing for zero personal liability in Facebook addiction cases.