In a win for grassroots democracy, the group Michiganders for Money Out of Politics turned in over 562,000 signatures this week — well above the threshold needed to put a measure on the November ballot that would ban corporate donations to political causes from public utilities and large state contractors.
It’s a striking contrast to the week’s other big story: a deepening portrait of federal pay-to-play, with Trump’s portfolio managers day-trading health insurer stocks while Medicare Advantage payment policy was being written, and a $5 million Big Tobacco donation to MAGA Inc. preceding a very convenient FDA vaping decision by just days.
Meanwhile, the NIH is so understaffed it’s asking grad students to volunteer as grants administrators, the Ebola outbreak has become the third-largest in history, and the acting head of the infectious disease institute just quit.
Trump’s Surgeon General pick is exploiting a New Jersey farm tax loophole on her $5.8 million estate, chickenpox parties are making a comeback, and RFK Jr. got bitten by a snake at Dr. Oz’s house.
Plus, Dr. Rob administered a cognitive test to legendary journalist Jim Acosta on his show. We interviewed him after the test to discuss his results and why Trump would be bragging about passing such an easy test.
Michigan Public: Petition drive to get “money out of politics” submits signatures for ballot campaign
Becker’s Payer Issues: Trump’s portfolio traded 7 health insurer stocks amid MA rate discourse
The Hill: FDA approves some flavored vapes after reports of Trump pressure
The New York Times: A $5 Million Donation From Big Tobacco Preceded F.D.A. Vape Decision
Brennan Center for Justice: Unprecedented Big Money Surge for Super PAC Tied to Trump
Reuters: Acting head of US NIH infectious disease institute has left, senators say
The New York Times: Trump Administration to Send Americans Exposed to Ebola to Kenya
The Hill: Key takeaways from Trump’s Cabinet meeting: Iran, Ebola, midterms
Wikipedia: Great Barrington Declaration
MedPage Today: CDC Chief Orders 2 Americans to Quarantine Over Hantavirus Concern
The New York Times: Health Experts ‘Stunned’ by Trump Officials’ Strict Quarantine Measures
STAT: NIH behind in filling top roles, with 15 of 27 institutes led by acting directors
NATURE: NIH staffing shortage could slash number of new grants issued this year
The Hill: GOP House rep’s wife to perform duties of U.S. surgeon general
Nicole Saphier’s Instagram post saying she’s only pretending to be a doctor is HERE
RFK Jr.’s post showing him catching snakes is HERE
Video of RFK Jr. at Trump cabinet meeting talking about circumcision again is HERE
MedPage Today: After 3-Hour Medical Visit, Trump Says ‘Everything Checked Out PERFECTLY’
Trump on Truth Social referencing his medical visit is HERE
NPR: Trump to get ‘routine annual’ medical exam 7 months after last visit to Walter Reed
Dr. Rob Davidson administers a cognitive exam to Jim Acosta HERE
The Jim Acosta Show on Substack is HERE
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