Readers Issue Rx for Clogged ERs and Outrageous Out-of-Pocket Costs
California Healthline gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories.
Urged on by LGBTQ+ Activists, California Cities Weigh Stricter Smoking Rules
By Stephanie Stephens
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.
Daily Edition for Friday, May 31, 2024
Judge Sides With Los Angeles In Lawsuit Over Homelessness Emergency: A judge handed a legal victory to the city of Los Angeles on Thursday, agreeing to dismiss a lawsuit that sought to strike down Mayor Karen Bass’ declaration of a city emergency on homelessness and housing. Read more from the Los Angeles Times.
After Grilling an NIH Scientist Over Covid Emails, Congress Turns to Anthony Fauci
By David Hilzenrath
In a trove of emails brought to light through a congressional probe, a former close adviser to longtime National Institutes of Health official Anthony Fauci spoke of hiding messages from public disclosure.
The Chicken and Egg Problem of Fighting Another Flu Pandemic
By Arthur Allen
The spread of an avian flu virus in cattle has again brought public health attention to the potential for a global pandemic. Fighting it would depend, for now, on 1940s technology that makes vaccines from hens’ eggs.
El problema del huevo y la gallina en la lucha contra otra pandemia de gripe
By Arthur Allen
La propagación de un nuevo virus entre múltiples especies en un área geográfica amplia eleva la amenaza de que más mutaciones puedan producir un virus que se propague de humano a humano a través de la transmisión aérea.
KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': Waiting for SCOTUS
June is when the Supreme Court typically issues rulings in the major cases it hears during that year’s term. This year, those interested in health policy are awaiting decisions in two abortion-related cases and one that could reshuffle the way health policies (and all other federal policies) are made. In this special episode, KFF’s Laurie Sobel, associate director for women’s health policy, joins Julie Rovner for a review of the cases and a preview of how the court might rule.
Daily Edition for Thursday, May 30, 2024
Thousands Of Californians Potentially Exposed To Measles: A traveler carrying measles flew from Munich through Los Angeles on the way to Fresno Yosemite International Airport this month, exposing thousands of California travelers to the highly infectious disease, health officials have confirmed. Read more from the Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle.
An Obscure Drug Discount Program Stifles Use of Federal Lifeline by Rural Hospitals
By Sarah Jane Tribble
A disconnect between two federal programs meant to help keep hospitals afloat discourages struggling rural facilities from accepting the aid.
‘So Much Death’: Lawmakers Weigh Stricter Speed Limits, Safer Roads for Pedestrians
By Vanessa G. Sánchez
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.