10% Of All Fentanyl Seized By Feds In 2023 Was In New York City
January 23, 2024
Morning Briefing
Federal agents seized the most fentanyl ever in NYC last year, CBS News says. Also in the news: high gun suicide rates ion Wyoming; therapy and mental health resources will be offered to teachers in an American Federation of Teachers/Talkspace partnership; and more.
Cameroon Is First In World To Roll Out Malaria Vaccine
January 23, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Guardian reminds us that 95% of deaths from malaria happen in Africa, with kids under 5 most affected. Meanwhile, in the U.K., millions of people are urged to get their kids up to date with MMR shots as a surge in measles cases hits.
First Edition: Jan. 23, 2024
January 23, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
What’s Indoor Air Quality Like in Long-Term Care Facilities During Wildfires? Worse Than You’d Think.
By Kylie Mohr
January 23, 2024
KFF Health News Original
As climate change-driven wildfires increasingly choke large parts of the United States with smoke each summer, new research shows residents in long-term care facilities are being exposed to dangerously poor air, even those who don’t set foot outside during smoke events.
Respiratory Illness Risks Still High, But Covid And RSV May Be Tailing Off
January 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
CDC data may be showing some signs of reprieve in the seasonal peak of respiratory illnesses, at least in some places. Meanwhile, in California, the state’s deviation from CDC guidelines on covid isolation is in the news: Should you isolate if you have no symptoms?
CDC: Docs Should More Readily Consider Testing Patients For PFAS
January 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
News on “forever chemicals” is also on the U.S. Department of Defense’s plans for decontamination near a Michigan military base and what California winds do to microplastics. Other health news is on cervical cancer, coronary artery bypass grafting in women, the effect of power outages on health, and more.
Dangerous Winter Weather Has Killed Dozens Of People Across US
January 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
At least 72 people have died, state officials say, and the number is likely to climb. Other state health news is from Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Montana, Missouri, Florida, and elsewhere.
Viewpoints: Which Is The Right Way To Eat Healthy?; TRAP Laws Make Abortion Care Dangerous
January 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers discuss healthy eating, abortion care, chemotherapy, and more.
Different Takes: Will Your Race Determine Your Emergency Care?; Legislation Would Improve Nursing
January 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
Opinion writers examine nursing home issues, nurse staffing shortages, and EMS disparities.
At Anti-Abortion Rally, Most Marchers Kept Mum On Plans For National Ban
January 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
The 19th reports that at this year’s March for Life in D.C., one topic was notable: Most avoided discussion of plans for a federal ban on abortion. The New York Times said marchers this year found themselves “grasping to advance their cause” after some serious political defeats.
Republican Lawmakers Propose New 14-Week Abortion Ban In Wisconsin
January 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
The bill would reduce the window for legal abortions in the state by six weeks. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has already promised to veto the bill. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris is kicking off her tour to talk about abortion access across the country.
FDA Eyes End Of Year As Deadline For Inspection Procedure Overhaul
January 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
The reorganizational push at the agency comes in the wake of the infant formula crisis. Other FDA news is on manufacturing problems at an Eli Lilly plant, rules to trace foodborne illness outbreaks, and a Novartis breast cancer treatment TV ad.
Nearly Half A Million Georgians Have Been Dropped From Medicaid Rolls
January 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Medicaid serves about a quarter of the state’s population, with 2.8 million on the rolls at the start of redetermination. Some 488,000 are now said to have been dropped. Meanwhile, in Florida, new data show a growing number of kids without health insurance.
Blue Cross Insurers Will Be First To Cover New Sickle Cell Gene Therapies
January 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
Also in the news, Wagner’s TLPO cancer vaccine with minimal side effects is nearing phase 3 clinical trials; the rise of telehealth sales of Ozempic; overdose calls for Ozempic and Wegovy are spiking; and HHS has banned Elizabeth Holmes, founder of blood test firm Theranos, for 90 years.
Efficiency Study Finds VA Facilities Are The Best
January 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
A new study compares bureaucratic problems that beset private-sector hospitals to the more efficiently run Veterans Health Administration system. Also in the news: A major Brooklyn teaching hospital will shut; a medical helicopter crash kills three crew members in Oklahoma; and more.
On Anniversary Of Roe V. Wade, Biden Campaign Pushes For Abortion Rights
January 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
Fifty-one years after the Supreme Court handed down its original ruling in Roe v. Wade, President Joe Biden will today convene Cabinet members in an abortion-rights task force for the fourth time since the Dobbs decision that struck down Roe. A key campaign strategy: tying former President Donald Trump to the detrimental effects of abortion bans.
First Edition: Jan. 22, 2024
January 22, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Rising Suicide Rate Among Hispanics Worries Community Leaders
By Andy Miller and Molly Castle Work
January 22, 2024
KFF Health News Original
The suicide rate for Hispanics in the United States has increased significantly over the past decade. The reasons are varied, say community leaders and mental health experts, citing factors such as language barriers, poverty, and a lack of bilingual mental health professionals.
Federal Lawmakers Take First Steps Toward Oversight of $50 Billion in Opioid Settlements
By Aneri Pattani
January 22, 2024
KFF Health News Original
The four-page bill lists how states should spend settlement money, but it doesn’t specify consequences for flouting the rules or name who is in charge of monitoring compliance.