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

California SB276 Passes Assembly, Moves to Senate

After meeting with protest late last week, California Senate Bill 276 (SB276) was heard on the Assembly floor Tuesday afternoon where it passed with a vote of 47 to 17. The proposed bill would give state public health officials the power to override the judgment of private physicians. SB276 would place the granting or withholding…Continue reading California SB276 Passes Assembly, Moves to Senate

Updated 4:27 PM EDT, Tue September 3, 2019

Opioid Makers Scramble to Settle Ahead of Ohio Trial, Purdue Mulls Bankruptcy

By Jefferey Jaxen Last week’s landmark $572 million judgement against Johnson and Johnson has triggered a torrent of PR stunts and legal maneuvers from opioid makers in the few days since the stunning decision. At a press conference immediately following the judgement on August 26, Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter was asked if this was…Continue reading Opioid Makers Scramble to Settle Ahead of Ohio Trial, Purdue Mulls Bankruptcy

Updated 12:09 PM EDT, Sun September 1, 2019

Protesting Parents Halt California SB276 Hearing

Today, the hotly contested California Senate Bill 276 (SB276) was heard in front of the Appropriations Committee chaired by Assembly Member Lorena Gonzalez. While previously sitting in the suspense file, where the Appropriations Committee sends any bill with an annual cost of more than $150,000 to be considered after the state budget has been prepared, SB276…Continue reading Protesting Parents Halt California SB276 Hearing

Updated 12:20 PM EDT, Fri August 30, 2019

WATCH: CA Rally to Oppose SB 276

The California Assembly Appropriations Committee votes Friday on SB276. Today thousands of Californians who oppose this bill are at the state capitol encouraging legislators to protect the doctor/patient relationship.

Updated 12:35 PM EDT, Wed August 28, 2019

Johnson & Johnson Loses Landmark Opioid Case, Pays $572M

A ruling in a landmark legal case over the opioid crisis has Johnson and Johnson being ordered to pay the state of Oklahoma $572 million in the first trial of an opioid manufacturer for the destruction wrought by prescription painkillers. A judge ruled that Johnson & Johnson bears responsibility for helping to fuel the state’s opioid…Continue reading Johnson & Johnson Loses Landmark Opioid Case, Pays $572M

Updated 12:45 PM EDT, Mon August 26, 2019

Is Big Tech Killing American Health?

By Jefferey Jaxen On Thursday, just moments away from showtime, the popular and controversial live-internet news show, The HighWire with Del Bigtree, hit a snag. On Facebook, where the show has nearly 150,000 followers, the social media platform refused to allow the new episode to go live, as it has each week for over two…Continue reading Is Big Tech Killing American Health?

Updated 4:31 PM EDT, Sun August 25, 2019