Paging America

In this week’s episode, Miles and guest co-host Dr. Kristin Lyerly unpack the latest chaos in public health, from FDA regulator Vinay Prasad’s unsupported claim that COVID vaccines killed children to the broader effort to rewrite the history of the pandemic and undermine vaccine confidence. They also break down the looming ACA subsidy cliff, where millions face steep premium hikes as Republicans flounder on solutions, Trump’s team urging a political pivot to prescription drug prices, and the impending launch of TrumpRx.gov.Later, NPR reporter Rosemary Westwood joins to reveal the troubling record of newly appointed CDC principal deputy director Dr. Ralph Abraham, including halting vaccine promotion in Louisiana, delaying warnings during a deadly whooping cough outbreak, and promoting ivermectin — all while lacking board certification in family medicine. With Abraham now poised to help steer national public health policy under RFK Jr., the episode highlights the escalating risks to science, trust, and patient care.FOR OUR LISTENERS: Over the holidays, the Paging America podcast team will be answering your questions in a “mailbag” episode. Do you have a question for Committee Executive Director Dr. Rob Davidson or Chief-of-Staff Miles Baker? Send your question to chris@committeetoprotect.org with the Subject Line “Podcast Questions”. We’ll read your question on the air and give you the answer you’re looking for!Background reading:Vinay Prasad’s email to FDA staff is HERE.STAT: How two top FDA officials are quietly upending vaccine regulationsSTAT: Experts say top FDA official’s claim that Covid vaccines caused kids’ deaths requires more evidenceThe Guardian: ‘Never seen anything like this’: alarm at memo from top US vaccine officialACIP’s Dec. 4 agenda is HEREThe Washington Post: A dozen former FDA commissioners condemn plan to tighten vaccine approvalsPOLITICO: ‘Time is not our friend’: Health care scramble begins amid mixed signals from TrumpPOLITICO: Rick Scott releases Obamacare subsidy alternativePOLITICO: Trump pollster’s health care advice for Republicans: pivot to drug pricesCNBC: Trump announces deals with Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk to slash weight loss drug prices, offer some Medicare coverageThe New York Times: Doctor Critical of Vaccines Quietly Appointed as C.D.C.’s Second in CommandMedPage Today: Top Ivermectin Prescriber Now in CDC's Second Highest PositionWWNO: Louisiana's top health official, a critic of the COVID vaccine, will be CDC deputyLouisiana Illuminator: There’s no evidence Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham is a board-certified family physicianThe Banned podcast – reported, hosted, and created by Rosemary Westwood – is HERERosemary Westwood on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/rosemarywestwood.bsky.socialJoin the fight at committeetoprotect.org.Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America.Have thoughts, questions, or your own healthcare story? Email us at feedback@pagingamerica.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe

On this week’s episode, Miles and Dr. Rob break down the emerging GOP “concepts of a plan” on Obamacare, and the escalating vaccine misinformation battle sparked by the Kennedy-driven CDC edits. Then, Dr. Rob sits down with U.S. Senator Gary Peters for an in-depth conversation on the ACA subsidy cliff, the shutdown showdown, and why Republicans’ refusal to negotiate threatens millions who rely on affordable health coverage. A sharp, candid look at health care politics heading into 2026.Background reading:MS NOW: Trump set to propose framework to fix Obamacare subsidiesPOLITICO: White House to pitch a Trump Obamacare extension with limitsNBC News: Democrats make a new offer to end the shutdown, but Republicans aren't buying itDetroit Free Press: Michigan's U.S. senators reject deal to end shutdownDetroit News: Slotkin, Peters reject deal to end shutdown, citing lack of action on health carePeters Statement on Vote on Continuing Resolution That Fails to Address Rising Health Care CostsJoin the fight at committeetoprotect.org.Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America.Have thoughts, questions, or your own healthcare story? Email us at feedback@pagingamerica.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe

On this week’s episode, Dr. Rob talks with Politico’s Senior Health Care Reporter, Alice Miranda Ollstein, about how RFK Jr. is reshaping the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms and why his views on vaccines and health policy are becoming a defining issue for both parties.They also break down the growing fight over mifepristone, the shaky research driving federal reviews, and the broader consequences for reproductive health and medical care nationwide, with Ollstein sharing insights from her reporting and upcoming book.Background reading:The Washington Post: CDC in turmoil after agency backpedals on debunking vaccines-autism linkThe CDC’s “Autism and Vaccines” website is HEREQuiver Quantitative’s tweet raising the alarm about Rep. Robert Bresnahan’s apparent insider trading is HERETruthout (from July 3, 2025): Republican Lawmaker Dumped Medicaid-Related Stock Before Voting to Gut ProgramAlice Miranda Ollstein’s work at POLITICO can be found HEREPOLITICO: ‘You can't eat if you're dead’: Dems eye RFK Jr. as their 2026 boogeymanPOLITICO: ‘Rolling Thunder’: Inside conservatives’ strategy to curb abortion pill accessThe Nation: The Misinformation Campaign Trying to Bring Down Abortion PillsMother Jones: On Its 25th Birthday, Mifepristone Is More Under Attack Than EverThe New York Times: Abortion Has Remained Mostly Accessible. That May Soon Change.Join the fight at committeetoprotect.org.Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America.Have thoughts, questions, or your own healthcare story? Email us at feedback@pagingamerica.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe

On this week’s episode, Dr. Rob is joined by guest co-host Dr. Chris Ford, emergency physician, host of the Pulse Check Wisconsin podcast, and member of the Committee to Protect Health Care’s Board of Directors. Together, they unpack the political and human toll of the recent government shutdown and the GOP’s new proposal to replace Affordable Care Act subsidies with cash payments. From skyrocketing premiums to families losing coverage, Rob and Chris share what they’re seeing in their ERs and why these policy fights are putting real patients at risk.Later, Rob speaks with Annie Grayer, Senior Congressional Reporter at CNN, for a behind-the-scenes look at how the shutdown ended, what the next funding fight could bring, and how political power plays in Washington keep putting health care on the chopping block.Background reading:Dr. Chris Ford’s podcast website Pulse Check WI is HEREThe Washington Post: How every House member voted on the bill to reopen the governmentPBS News: What’s in the Senate shutdown dealCNN: Inside the negotiations that produced a deal to end the shutdownPOLITICO: Democrats want to extend Obamacare credits. Republicans have other ideas.NBC News: Republicans demand tougher abortion restrictions to extend Obamacare fundsDeseret News: Republicans eye health care reform as Democrats push to extend Obamacare subsidiesDr. Rob’s twitter thread about why switching from enhanced ACA premium subsidies to HSAs is a terrible ideaAXIOS: Trump calls for ACA subsidies to be sent to consumersSen. Chris Murphy’s response to Trump is HEREPOLITICO: Obamacare could collapse under Trump’s new plan, policy experts sayThe New York Times: Emboldened, Kennedy Allies Embrace a Label They Once Rejected: ‘Anti-Vax’The Washington Post: ‘God is an anti-vaxxer’: Inside the conference celebrating RFK Jr.’s riseJoin the fight at committeetoprotect.org.Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America.Have thoughts, questions, or your own healthcare story? Email us at feedback@pagingamerica.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe

On this week’s bonus episode, Dr. Rob talks with Families USA Senior Director of Health Policy, Sophia Tripoli, about new polling that shows an overwhelming majority of Americans, across party lines, want Congress to act on skyrocketing healthcare costs. Together, they unpack how high deductibles, junk insurance plans, and industry consolidation are driving the affordability crisis and what real solutions could look like. Tripoli also highlights how voters’ frustration is pushing bipartisan action in the states and why now is the moment for bold reform to make healthcare more affordable for everyone.Background reading:https://www.familiesusa.org/https://www.familiesusa.org/press-releases/new-poll-crushing-health-care-costs-top-priority-for-voters/https://familiesusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/102125_Families-USA-Online-Survey_Affordability_Final.pdfJoin the fight at committeetoprotect.org.Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America.Have thoughts, questions, or your own healthcare story? Email us at feedback@pagingamerica.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe

In this week’s episode, Miles and Dr. Rob break down a pivotal week in public health and politics. From thousands of white coats marching on Washington to election results that reshaped the map in Virginia and Pennsylvania, they unpack how doctors and scientists are finally stepping off the sidelines to defend truth, democracy, and affordable care.Later, Miles talks with Colette Delawalla, founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science, whose grassroots movement has mobilized researchers and public health workers around the world to fight disinformation and anti-science extremism. Together they explore what it means to “stand up for science” in an age of lies, fear, and political attacks, and why the next year could decide the future of American health.Background reading:Stand Up for Science website: StandUpForScience.netThe March for Health & Science website: 911forhealthandscience.orgVirginia Mercury: Blue wave rebuilds the House: Democrats soar to at least 64 seats in VirginiaABORTION, EVERY DAY: Abortion is on the Ballot, Here's What You Need to KnowVirginia Scope: Youngkin vetoes Prescription Drug Affordability BoardNBC News: Pennsylvania voters retain three state Supreme Court justices, preserving Democrats' 5-2 majorityCBS News: Democrats sweep key races in 2025 elections in early referendum on TrumpAP: California voters approve new US House map to boost Democrats in 2026The Hill: Speaker Johnson says GOP working on Republican health care plan amid shutdownThe Hill: Greene: GOP shoulders blame for not correcting ACA as health premiums set to riseMarjorie Taylor Greene’s “SCIF” tweetCBS News: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene calls for nuclear option to end shutdown, slams GOP's health care plansThe Hill: Trump summons GOP senators to White House to call for end to filibusterCBS News: Government shutdown prompts FAA to float flight cancellations as Senate talks continueOct. 29 Navigator pollABC News: Americans increasingly concerned about government shutdown, more blame Republicans and Trump than Democrats: PollCNN: Trump’s HHS orders state Medicaid programs to help find undocumented immigrantsJoin the fight at committeetoprotect.org.Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America.Have thoughts, questions, or your own healthcare story? Email us at feedback@pagingamerica.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe

In this week’s episode, Dr. Rob and guest co-host Dr. Kristin Lyerly dive into the politics driving the latest government shutdown, and how it’s pushing health care and families to the brink. From skyrocketing ACA premiums and rural hospital closures to SNAP benefits drying up, the doctors unpack how political games in Washington are hurting real people. They also delve into RFK Jr.’s attacks on medical societies, attacks that are being bolstered by Congressional Republicans and that may be driving these formerly non-partisan groups to become Democratic-leaning.Then, Dr. Rob sits down with Pennsylvania physician and podcast host Dr. Zeke Taylor to discuss why this year’s state Supreme Court retention vote could be one of the most consequential elections in the country. They explore how state courts are now the front line for reproductive rights, fair maps, and protecting democracy itself.Background reading:You can find Dr. Tayler on Instagram, TikTok, and BlueSky. His podcast website is thezekelypodcast.com.Oct. 22 Navigator poll on the shutdownOct. 30 Navigator poll on the shutdownThe Washington Post: Average Obamacare premiums are set to rise 30 percent, documents showThe Hill: Vulnerable House Republicans urge Johnson to address ObamaCare subsidiesLetter to Speaker Johnson on Government Shutdown and Healthcare PrioritiesNPR: SNAP runs out of money Nov. 1. Here's what that means in your stateCNN Politics: Judge indicates she’ll intervene in fight over SNAP food assistance moneyPOLITICO: In his battle with doctors, RFK Jr.’s got GOP lawmakers on his sideThe Washington Post: In desperate need of hope, Democrats look towards VirginiaAXIOS: The stakes are high in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court electionsNBC News: These Pennsylvania court races are usually sleepy. This year, they're drawing millions in spending.The Philadelphia Inquirer: More than $7 million has poured into the Pa. Supreme Court judicial retention election so farJoin the fight at committeetoprotect.org.Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America.Have thoughts, questions, or your own healthcare story? Email us at feedback@pagingamerica.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe

On this week’s bonus episode, Miles and guest host Dr. Kristin Lyerly sit down with KFF’s Liz Hamel, one of the country’s leading experts on health polling, to unpack new data on trust, misinformation, and public health.Together, they discuss what Americans believe about vaccines, the CDC, and the controversial “Make America Healthy Again” movement. Liz explains how KFF tracks health attitudes across party lines, why trust in public institutions is falling, and what can be done to rebuild confidence in science.Background reading:kff.org KFF Tracking Poll on Health Information and Trust: Tylenol-Autism Link and Vaccine PoliciesPoll: After President Trump’s Warning, Many People Are Uncertain About Whether Tylenol Use in Pregnancy Causes Autism; Most Republicans Say It Is Probably or Definitely TrueJoin the fight at committeetoprotect.org.Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America.Have thoughts, questions, or your own healthcare story? Email us at feedback@pagingamerica.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe

In this week’s episode of Paging America, Miles and Dr. Rob dive into the shutdown chaos, ACA premium sticker shock, and the political games threatening American healthcare. From Georgia’s skyrocketing premiums to the wacky world of ivermectin bills in state legislatures, they unpack what happens when ideology overtakes science.Then, Dr. Rob sits down with Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, former CDC Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, for a compelling interview on the politicization of public health. Dr. Daskalakis opens up about resigning on principle, the “zombie CDC,” and what it will take to rebuild American public health after years of erosion.Background reading:Dr. Demetre Daskalakis on X: https://x.com/dr_demetreDr. Demetre Daskalakis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdemetre/Dr. Demetre Daskalakis on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/drdemetre.bsky.socialDr. Demetre Daskalakis’ resignation letter is HEREThe Atlanta Journal: Massive ACA price hikes revealed as Georgia Access window shopping opens earlyNBC News: ‘It’s only gotten worse’: As ACA premiums are set to climb, some Americans opt to go uninsuredAmerican Hospital Association: Bipartisan letter urges House leadership to halt Medicaid DSH cutsQuinnipiac generic Congressional polling (Oct 16-20) is HEREMedPage Today: These States Now Allow OTC Ivermectin, and More May FollowBill Track 50’s analysis of Michigan’s SB516 is HEREU.S. Food and Drug Administration: Ivermectin and COVID-19The Hill: RFK Jr. to unveil new guidance encouraging more saturated fatsJoin the fight at committeetoprotect.org.Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America.Have thoughts, questions, or your own healthcare story? Email us at feedback@pagingamerica.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe

In this episode of Paging America, Miles and Dr. Rob break down the week’s wildest in healthcare politics, from updates on the Government Shutdown to Republicans trying to weaponize the FDA and ban abortion pills to RFK Jr.’s latest conspiracy linking autism to Tylenol. Then, a rare bit of good news: Michigan Budget Director Jen Flood joins Miles to share how her team protected Medicaid despite looming federal cuts and offering a playbook for states under divided government.Plus: The No Kings rallies are happening across the country on Saturday, find a rally near you at NoKings.orgBackground reading:BBC: Are Democrats really pushing for free healthcare for undocumented migrants?AXIOS: Dems open to income cap on ACA subsidiesCNN: Developer in chief Donald Trump envisions new arch in Washington, DCThe New York Times: The E.P.A. Followed Up on an Unusual Request About Abortion PillsCBS News: RFK Jr. suggests circumcision is linked to autism. Here's what experts say.Detroit Free Press: Michigan budget director hopes next budget process looks 'a little bit more traditional'Bridge Michigan: Michigan’s bipartisan budget deal aims to ‘protect’ Medicaid. Here’s howJoin the fight at committeetoprotect.org.Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America.Have thoughts, questions, or your own healthcare story? Email us at feedback@pagingamerica.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe

In this episode of Paging America, Miles Baker and Dr. Rob Davidson tackle the escalating chaos in Washington and the real-world stakes for patients. From ICE crackdowns in Chicago to the Trump-led shutdown, they unpack how politics is bleeding into every corner of American healthcare.They’re joined by Congressman Mike Levin (CA-49) for an inside look at the fight in Congress to protect healthcare access. Rep. Levin details how lapsing ACA tax credits could double premiums for millions, why Democrats are holding the line despite political pressure, and what’s really motivating Speaker Mike Johnson’s obstructionThe episode closes with rare good news: Colorado becomes the first state to cap prescription drug prices, a huge win for patients.Background reading:KFF: KFF Health Tracking Poll: Public Weighs Political Consequences of Health Policy LegislationGovernment websites blaming Democrats for the government shutdown: HUD, FDA, CDC, DOJ, DEA & ATFLansing State Journal (via Yahoo! News): Federal websites are blaming Dems for shutdown. Is that legal?NPR: FDA approves another generic abortion pill, prompting outrage from conservativesThe Washington Post: States fed up with high drug prices are cracking downWhite House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt responds to a question about asking ER patients about their immigration statusHuffPost: ‘Grossly Immoral’: Doctors Torch Karoline Leavitt’s ER Immigration Status AnswerCongressman Mike Levin’s government website is HERERep. Levin explains his support of California’s Prop 50 HEREJoin the fight at committeetoprotect.org.Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America.Have thoughts, questions, or your own healthcare story? Email us at feedback@pagingamerica.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe

In this episode of Paging America, Dr. Rob kicks things off with a powerful conversation with Jason Kander, veteran, author, and healthcare advocate, about the VA system, PTSD care, and why privatization threatens veterans’ health.Then, Miles and Rob break down the latest on the government shutdown, ACA subsidies, skyrocketing premiums, and how GOP cuts to Medicaid and VA services are reshaping care across the country. They also cover new California shield laws protecting abortion providers and patients from out-of-state crackdowns.It’s a packed episode on the politics of healthcare, from veterans’ care to reproductive rights, and what’s really at stake when politicians play games with people’s health.Background reading:Find Jason at https://jasonkander.com/Majority 54 Podcast, https://meidasnews.com/tag/majority-54Veteran’s Community Project website, vcp.orgAmerican Rescue Project, https://www.theamericanrescueproject.org/Jason Kander, 60 minutes https://youtu.be/UaVgr4NunUg?si=qA2dAvSveu4URJlLPOLITICO: California doctors can now prescribe abortion anonymouslyABORTION, EVERY DAY: Louisiana Issued Arrest Warrant for ANOTHER Abortion ProviderMedPage Today: If Government Shuts Down, Federal Health Programs Would Feel the PinchThe Washington Post: Shutdown fight over Obamacare highlights drawback of health care lawThe Hill: How a shutdown will impact health agencies and Social SecurityUSA Today: Millions of seniors could lose access to telehealth and in-home care during shutdownAmerican Journal of Managed Care: Government Shutdown Could Disrupt Health Care AccessJoin the fight at committeetoprotect.org.Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America.Have thoughts, questions, or your own healthcare story? Email us at feedback@pagingamerica.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe

Miles and Rob react to Trump’s announcement that the Affordable Care Act is back on the chopping block. Join as our hosts unpack what his threats to privatize Medicare and cut benefits could mean as a shutdown looms. They break down the politics, the stakes, and why Democrats can’t afford to fold.Join the fight at committeetoprotect.org.Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America.Have thoughts, questions, or your own healthcare story? Email us at feedback@pagingamerica.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe

State Rep. Matt Longjohn, MD, MPH joins Miles for a candid briefing on Michigan’s budget chaos and the national public-health fallout from D.C. Rep. Longjohn explains how a last-minute deal is averting a state shutdown and how Democrats preserved the funding needed to keep hundreds of thousands of Michiganders on Medicaid covered despite cuts in Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” They dig into the crisis at the CDC, why states are building regional public-health alliances, and what it takes to safely “de-politicize” guidance at the state level so insurers still follow it. Background reading:State Rep. Matt Longjohn’s campaign site is HEREState Rep. Matt Longjohn’s state government webpage is HEREMichigan Advance: Michigan budget crisis averted: Legislature, Whitmer announce deal days before shutdownFrom the office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: Executive Directive 2025-3: Impact of Federal Medicaid CutsMichigan Health & Hospital Association: Medicaid Funding Cuts Are Disastrous for Michigan HealthcareAXIOS: Medicaid overhaul shifts tough choices to statesJoin the fight at committeetoprotect.org.Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America.Have thoughts, questions, or your own healthcare story? Email us at feedback@pagingamerica.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe

U.S. Senate candidate and pediatrician Dr. Annie Andrews joins Miles to unpack a whiplash week in health care news. They break down the Trump/RFK/Oz press conference that tried to pin Tylenol as the cause for autism, why the administration’s promotion of leucovorin as an “autism treatment” looks like another ivermectin-style distraction, and what the FDA’s re-review of mifepristone means for abortion and miscarriage care. Background reading:Roll Call: Trump, officials link Tylenol to autism as medical community balksCommittee Board Chair Dr. Kristin Lyerly’s response to Trump’s Tylenol announcement during an appearance on Scripps News Morning Rush is HERE.The Wall Street Journal: Kenvue Braces for Wave of New Lawsuits Over Tylenol’s Potential Link to AutismSTAT: Trump, questioning vaccine safety, pushes major changes to how kids get shotsThe New York Times: What Is Leucovorin, the Medicine Being Approved for Autism Treatment?ABC News: RFK Jr. launches FDA review of abortion pillNPR Shots: ‘We are rookies’: Day 2 of CDC vaccine meeting opens with a reversal and a surpriseSTAT: Medicaid cuts will hurt all American children — not just those publicly insuredMedPage Today: Doctors Report Confusion, Hurdles to Getting COVID-19 Shots for KidsDr. Annie Andrews: https://drannieandrews.com/Join the fight at committeetoprotect.org.Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America.Have thoughts, questions, or your own healthcare story? Email us at feedback@pagingamerica.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe

Miles Baker and Dr. Rob Davidson break down lawsuits against insurers using algorithms to deny care, chaos at the CDC’s vaccine advisory meeting, and the political fight over $10M in unused contraception. Later, Miles interviews attorney Ryan Clarkson to discuss the use of AI by insurance companies to determine coverage of medical care and how this impacts the health care community. Finally, Dr. Rob interviews Wendell Potter, whistleblower and former health insurance executive, on how profit-driven insurers use algorithms, and now AI, to block lifesaving treatment.Background reading:The Washington Post: Fired CDC leader Susan Monarez told senators about pressure from RFK Jr.The New York Times: $10 Million in Contraceptives Have Been Destroyed on Orders From Trump OfficialsClarkson Law Firm - UnitedHealthcare Press ReleaseClarkson Law Firm - Cigna Healthcare Press ReleaseClarkson Law Firm - Humana Healthcare Press ReleaseCounterforce Health’s website is HERECenter for Health and Democracy’s “The Sunlight Report on UnitedHealth Group” is HERERead more about “The Sunlight Report on UnitedHealth Group” at HEALTH CARE un-coveredJoin the fight at committeetoprotect.org.Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America.Have thoughts, questions, or your own healthcare story? Email us at feedback@pagingamerica.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe

A re-release of Episode 10 with special guest Dr. Kristin Lyerly, OB-GYN and Committee to Protect Healthcare Chair, to discuss the legacy of House Speaker Melissa Hortman, a champion for abortion rights, affordable healthcare, paid family leave, and LGBTQ protections.Background reading:The Washington Post (E.J. Dionne): Melissa Hortman’s legacy is a ‘Minnesota Miracle’Star Tribune (via the Minnesota House DFL website): DFL leaders: That was the most consequential legislature in generationsMPR News: Anger to action: How DFLers transformed Minnesota abortion rights after RoeMinnesota Reformer: Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman reflects on DFL trifectaJoin the fight at ⁠committeetoprotect.org⁠.Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America.Have thoughts, questions, or your own rural healthcare story? Email us at feedback@pagingamerica.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe

In this week’s episode of Paging America, Miles and Dr. Rob react to the surge in political violence and the role platforms like X play in amplifying threats. They debunk RFK Jr.’s looming “Tylenol causes autism” claim and unpack FL Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo’s push to end vaccine mandates while blue states form regional public-health alliances. Finally, Dr. Rob interviews Dr. Charles Holmes (former CMO of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief under Obama, now at Georgetown) on how funding freezes impact America’s credibility abroad and what’s at stake for millions relying on HIV treatment globally.Background reading:The Atlantic: RFK Jr.’s Calls With a Scientist Who Says Kids Get Autism From TylenolNBC News: What the science says about acetaminophen, pregnant mothers and autismVideo of FL Surgeon General Joe Ladapo of State of the Union With Jake Tapper is HERENBC Boston: Northeastern states consider regional approach to vaccine guidance after CDC changesSTAT: CDC’s vaccine information no longer entirely trustworthy, former director saysKFF: The Trump Administration’s Foreign Aid Review: Status of PEPFARJoin the fight at committeetoprotect.org.Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America.Have thoughts, questions, or your own healthcare story? Email us at feedback@pagingamerica.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe

In this bonus episode of Paging America, Miles Baker and Dr. Rob Davidson sit down with Yolanda Jacobs, Army veteran and president of AFGE Local 2883, the union representing thousands of workers and scientists working at the CDC.While RFK Jr.’s Senate testimony dominated headlines, this conversation centers on the people inside the CDC and the atmosphere of fear and paralysis after mass resignations and a campus shooting.Background reading:* AFGE LOCAL 2883: www.afge2883ga.org* CBS News: RFK Jr. faces heated questions on CDC turmoil, vaccine changes at Senate hearing* PBS News: Shooter attacked CDC headquarters to protest COVID-19 vaccines, authorities sayJoin the fight at committeetoprotect.org.Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America.Have thoughts, questions, or your own healthcare story? Email us at feedback@pagingamerica.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe

Miles Baker and Dr. Rob Davidson dive into a whirlwind of health and political news that hits close to home for millions of Americans.First, they break down Florida’s shocking new move to eliminate vaccine mandates in schools, a decision that could put kids, families, and entire communities at risk. Dr. Rob explains why herd immunity matters, what history teaches us about preventable illness, and why parents everywhere should be paying attention.Then, they revisit the implosion at the CDC, where the ousting of former Director Susan Monarez and the resignations of top officials have left public health leadership in chaos. They highlight the bravery of officials like Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, who spoke out against political interference and warned that public trust in vaccines is being deliberately undermined.Finally, they turn to the rollout of “AI death panels,” where new pilot programs could let artificial intelligence companies deny care to seniors for profit. From pain management to incontinence treatment, life-altering procedures could be blocked by algorithms.To close out, Miles interviews Matt Lackey, from Tavern Research, whose groundbreaking survey research sheds light on the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement. They discuss what Americans really think about food safety, vaccines, and wellness politics, and how opinion is more divided (and complicated) than headlines suggest.It’s a packed episode exploring how politics, profit, and public health collide… and what that means for all of us.Want to watch this week’s full episode? Become a paid subscriber of Paging America’s Substack to unlock this week’s full episode.Background reading:KFF Health News: Senior CDC Officials Resign After Monarez’s Ouster, Citing Concerns Over Scientific IndependenceCNN: Video shows crowds cheering as CDC officials who resigned walk out of buildingAP: Photos show workers rally for senior CDC officials forced off Atlanta headquartersThe New York Times: Medicare Will Require Prior Approval for Certain ProceduresCMS.gov: CMS Launches New Model to Target Wasteful, Inappropriate Services in Original MedicareCommon Dreams: 'AI Death Panels': Trump Pilot Program Seeks to Bring 'Very Worst' For-Profit Insurance Practices to MedicareTavern Research: Surprising new research finds Americans oppose technology that kills us, support technology that saves livesJoin the fight at committeetoprotect.org.Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America.Have thoughts, questions, or your own healthcare story? Email us at feedback@pagingamerica.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe