First Edition: June 4, 2024
June 4, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Urged on by LGBTQ+ Activists, California Cities Weigh Stricter Smoking Rules
By Stephanie Stephens
June 4, 2024
KFF Health News Original
High rates of smoking in the LGBTQ+ community, and the ease with which young people can buy a range of nicotine products, is leading several Northern California cities to consider new restrictions on cigarettes, vapes, and cigars.
An Arm and a Leg: Medicaid Recipients Struggle To Stay Enrolled
By Dan Weissmann
June 4, 2024
Podcast
In this episode of “An Arm and a Leg,” the show takes its first look at Medicaid. The program has dropped more than 22 million people since spring 2023, when covid-era protections ended.
Viewpoints: Third Human Case Of Bird Flu Affirms Need For Testing; The Drawbacks Of An Artificial Womb
June 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers tackle H5N1, artificial womb technology, antibiotic innovation, and more.
Covid Can Cause Long-Term Damage Inside Eye If Not Treated
June 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Research has found that covid is not contracted through the mucosal membrane of the eye, but the virus can cause damage like retinal lesions, microaneurysms in the eye, and retinal atrophy.
Chemo Drugs Attached To Antibodies Battle Cancer Cells More Directly
June 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
NBC News reports on how antibody drug conjugates, as they’re known, can more effectively tackle tumor cells. Also in the news: Pfizer’s lung cancer drug Lorbrena, Bristol Myers Squibb immunotherapies, LGBTQ+ populations may face higher cancer risks, and more.
Taking Burden Off Hospitals, HHS Tells UnitedHealth To Notify Hack Victims
June 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
The American Hospital Association welcomed the decision, saying it would have imposed unnecessary costs on providers who “have already suffered so greatly from this attack,” Modern Healthcare reported. Other news is on Steward Health, Uber Health, psychiatric facilities, and more.
West Nile Virus Detected In LA County Mosquitoes
June 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
It’s the first time this year the virus has been found in Los Angeles County. Meanwhile, officials in Berkeley and Albany are set to test two popular parks for evidence of radioactive waste.
Neurodevelopmental Disorder Linked To Gene Mutation In New Study
June 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Thousands of cases of intellectual disabilities may be explained by a newly identified gene mutation. Also in the news: how body composition scans are better than BMI; summer may be linked to higher kidney stone risks; and more.
Fiery Exchanges Expected As Fauci Goes Head-To-Head With GOP Panel
June 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Lawmakers intend to grill the immunologist over record-keeping practices at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and other covid-related issues.
Texas High Court Refuses To Protect Doctors In Medically Needed Abortions
June 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
A group of patients and doctors had brought a lawsuit to ensure doctors were not prosecuted for performing abortions in medically complicated pregnancies, but the state Supreme Court rejected it. Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate is set to vote Wednesday on protecting contraception access.
Medicare Advantage Patients Complain To CMS About Lean Provider Networks
June 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
CMS sought comments on ways that it can improve Medicare Advantage. The majority of feedback came from providers, but beneficiaries also weighed in with horror stories about deficient networks.
Possible Health Risks Of MDMA PTSD Therapy Highlighted By FDA
June 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
The FDA cited flaws in a company’s study into the use of MDMA as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Separately, reports say some drugmakers will cap asthma inhaler costs at $35 a month; and weight loss drugs may boost people’s taste buds.
FDA Approves Moderna’s RSV Vaccine For Older Adults
June 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
CIDRAP reports on the approval of Moderna’s mRNA vaccine, called mRESVIA, which is expected to be available during the 2024-25 respiratory virus season. Other news is on a rise in whooping cough cases and the latest developments on the bird flu virus.
Morning Briefing for Monday, June 3, 2024
June 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Fauci’s testimony on covid, abortion access, finding a doctor, RSV vaccines, cancer treatment, hacked data, and more are in the news.
Science Didn’t Support ‘6-Feet-Apart’ Pandemic Guideline, Fauci Concedes
June 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Dr. Anthony Fauci, who headed the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during the height of the pandemic, told Congress that the CDC’s social distancing rule was “an empiric decision that wasn’t based on data.”
First Edition: June 3, 2024
June 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
‘So Much Death’: Lawmakers Weigh Stricter Speed Limits, Safer Roads for Pedestrians
By Vanessa G. Sánchez
June 3, 2024
KFF Health News Original
New York and Michigan recently passed laws allowing local jurisdictions to lower speed limits, and Los Angeles voters backed safer road designs, but enforcement often meets political resistance. The number of pedestrians killed or injured on the road remains high.
Readers Issue Rx for Clogged ERs and Outrageous Out-of-Pocket Costs
June 3, 2024
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories.
“Tanta muerte”: legisladores analizan límites de velocidad, y calles más seguras para los peatones
By Vanessa G. Sánchez
June 3, 2024
KFF Health News Original
La administración Biden ha destinado $15.6 mil millones a la seguridad vial hasta 2026, y $5 mil millones en subvenciones locales para prevenir muertes y lesiones en las carreteras.
