On this day in 1891
Jan. 7, 1891 Zora Neale Hurston Credit: Wikipedia Noted author of the Harlem Renaissance, Zora Neale Hurston, was born in Alabama. Her father later became mayor of Eatonville, Florida —…
Nation’s first ‘severe’ avian flu patient dies in Louisiana
A Louisiana resident has died from the H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic bird flu in southwest Louisiana. The person, who was over the age of 65, had been hospitalized since…
What to know about President Jimmy Carter lying in state at the U.S. Capitol
Jimmy Carter accepts the presidential nomination of his party at the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 14, 1980. (Photo credit: Jimmy Carter Library) WASHINGTON — Former President Jimmy Carter will…
Health insurers limit coverage of prosthetic limbs, questioning their medical necessity
(Credit: Maskot/Getty Images) When Michael Adams was researching health insurance options in 2023, he had one very specific requirement: coverage for prosthetic limbs. Adams, 51, lost his right leg to…
As demand for weight-loss drugs rises, states grapple with Medicaid coverage
In this photo illustration, boxes of the diabetes drug Ozempic rest on a pharmacy counter. Ozempic was originally approved to treat people with Type 2 diabetes, but demand has surged…
Among those seeking leniency for Bob Menendez: a N.J. ethics commissioner
Victor Herlinsky, a member of the State Ethics Commission, has asked the judge sentencing Bob Menendez to consider Menendez’s good deeds. (Courtesy of Sen. Menendez’s office) Should someone who supports…
Thomas Slatin: Vermont needs full-paid or part-paid fire departments statewide
This commentary is by Thomas Slatin of Middletown Springs. She is a former career firefighter and paramedic. The tragic reality of fire-related fatalities in Vermont, such as the New Year’s…
Amy Spear and Megan Sullivan: Working together to address Vermont’s affordability crisis
This commentary is by Amy Spear, president of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Megan Sullivan, vice president of government affairs for the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Each year, the…
After 24 years as WA insurance commissioner, Kreidler prepares to retire
Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler will be leaving office in January 2025. (Courtesy of Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner) Mike Kreidler, currently Washington’s oldest and longest-serving statewide elected official,…
Louisiana miscarriage patient who had to cross state lines for a D&C wants answers
Tabitha Crowe’s first child was due in February 2025, but she had a miscarriage in August. (Courtesy of Tabitha Crowe) Editor’s Note: This is the sixth installment of an occasional…