Editorial - The HighWire

Medicine’s New Priorities: Flu Shots During Surgery and Climate Rules in the OR

Updated 6:51 AM EDT, Mon October 26, 2026

Making the rounds of shock on social media has been this year’s advertising from CHOP’s (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) “Close Your Eyes, We’ll Immunize!” Program. Active since 2023 across CHOP campuses for patients under general anesthesia or sedation, medical teams administer vaccines to children after induction – the transition phase where a patient is taken…Continue reading Medicine’s New Priorities: Flu Shots During Surgery and Climate Rules in the OR

The UN’s “Non-Binding” Pandemic Declaration: Sequence In, Shot Out

Updated 2:36 PM EDT, Wed October 21, 2026

On October 12, with little to no media coverage, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Political Declaration on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response. The vote was 153 in favor and 3 against. The United States, Israel, and Argentina voted no, and New Zealand and Paraguay abstained. The scant headlines moved on within a day,…Continue reading The UN’s “Non-Binding” Pandemic Declaration: Sequence In, Shot Out

The Kind of People Who Build Bridges for Animals

Updated 6:14 AM EDT, Tue October 20, 2026

Three mule deer wandered up to a brand-new bridge near Grass Lake, in the far north of California, and walked across it. The bridge was built just for them, and other animals, and a trail camera caught them taking advantage of it. Remarkably, the bridge was not even finished being built when they used it.…Continue reading The Kind of People Who Build Bridges for Animals

OFFICIAL: Purdue Pharma Files For Bankruptcy

The filing is a centerpiece of an agreement to settle thousands of cases against the company for its role in the opioids crises. But it is expected to be vigorously contested by many states. The New York Time writes: “Purdue Pharma, maker of OxyContin, the drug widely seen as igniting the opioid crisis, filed for…Continue reading OFFICIAL: Purdue Pharma Files For Bankruptcy

Updated 8:27 AM EDT, Mon September 16, 2019

When Discrimination is Accepted in America

By Jefferey Jaxen It was reported last week that Jennifer Kent, the director of the state Department of Health Care Services which oversees the state’s massive Medi-Cal system, announced her resignation Tuesday. The SF Chronicle reports, “No explanation for her departure was immediately released…and it was unclear whether her exit had been previously planned.” Some…Continue reading When Discrimination is Accepted in America

Updated 10:06 AM EDT, Sun September 15, 2019

Multiple Arrests Made As Californians Occupy State Capital in Protest of Medical Exemption Bill

UPDATE: 5:15 PM PST: CA Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office has announced the signing of SB276 & SB714 UPDATE: 4:24 PM PST: CA Legislature suspends rules to rush SB714 through the Assembly and Senate with no option for public comment UPDATE 1:30 PM PST: CA Legislature Fast-Tracking SB714 for Simultaneous Floor Votes SB714 is the companion…Continue reading Multiple Arrests Made As Californians Occupy State Capital in Protest of Medical Exemption Bill

Updated 11:17 AM EDT, Mon September 9, 2019

Despite Arrests, Protests Continue As California Exemption Bill Awaits Gov Newsom’s Decision

By Jefferey Jaxen After early hesitation about the bill and calls for amendments, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office appears to be signaling a direction. On Friday, the LA Times claimed that Senate Bill 276 (SB 276) amendments sought by Gov Newsom had been agreed upon. The article states: “The agreement between state Sen. Richard Pan…Continue reading Despite Arrests, Protests Continue As California Exemption Bill Awaits Gov Newsom’s Decision

Updated 4:12 PM EDT, Sun September 8, 2019

Despite Corporate Threats, Moms Beat Monsanto In Quest For Truth

When common people take on multinational corporations, violent rhetoric, inhuman directives, abuse, and bullying are often the methods chosen to quell the activist spirit. In 2009, CBS News reported that pharmaceutical giant Merck made a “hit list” of doctors who criticized its deadly, and now withdrawn, drug Vioxx. The list, emailed between Merck employees, contained…Continue reading Despite Corporate Threats, Moms Beat Monsanto In Quest For Truth

Updated 11:28 AM EDT, Fri September 6, 2019

Protests Erupt Outside CA Gov Newsom’s Office Following SB276 Vote

Following today’s passage of Senate Bill 276 (SB276) out of the Senate by a vote of 27 to 11, protests erupted in the hallways, outside the chambers and eventually center outside Governor Gavin Newsom’s office. The protests are still in progress at the time of this writing. The bill now moves to the desk of…Continue reading Protests Erupt Outside CA Gov Newsom’s Office Following SB276 Vote

Updated 11:05 AM EDT, Wed September 4, 2019