kiley koscinski
@kileykoscinski.bsky.social
a matryoshka doll brought to life by a benevolent witch. 📻 micslinger, journalist covering health and science in pittsburgh. @wesa.fm (@npr.org) she/her. kkoscinski@wesa.fm
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Reposted by kiley koscinski
The Third Circuit ruled in favor of @pghguild.com and said the Post-Gazette bargained in bad faith by offering contracts that took away key reasons for being in the union. The union is declaring victory after 3 years on strike, as the court ordered the paper to roll back changes it made in 2020.
3rd Circ. Rules Post-Gazette Bargained In Bad Faith - Law360
The Third Circuit on Monday affirmed that the publisher of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette had been bargaining with its unions in bad faith and should not have unilaterally imposed a new contract on newsr...
www.law360.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:31 PM
The Third Circuit ruled in favor of @pghguild.com and said the Post-Gazette bargained in bad faith by offering contracts that took away key reasons for being in the union. The union is declaring victory after 3 years on strike, as the court ordered the paper to roll back changes it made in 2020.
Reposted by kiley koscinski
The FDA is reversing a 2003 decision that put a stringent warning on hormone therapy products for menopausal women, saying that the treatments offer heart, brain, and bone health benefits. www.statnews.com/2025/11/10/f...
FDA reverses decades-old warning on hormone therapy products for menopause
The FDA is reversing a 2003 decision that put a stringent warning on hormone therapy products for menopausal women, saying that the treatments offer heart, brain, and bone health benefits.
www.statnews.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:02 PM
The FDA is reversing a 2003 decision that put a stringent warning on hormone therapy products for menopausal women, saying that the treatments offer heart, brain, and bone health benefits. www.statnews.com/2025/11/10/f...
Reposted by kiley koscinski
BREAKING: The Supreme Court rejects a call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.
Supreme Court rejects call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide
The Supreme Court has rejected a call to overturn its landmark decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
bit.ly
November 10, 2025 at 2:41 PM
BREAKING: The Supreme Court rejects a call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.
Reposted by kiley koscinski
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has launched an unprecedented review of routine shots given to kids, alarming public health experts. n.pr/47FYT0b
Under RFK Jr., the CDC is scrutinizing the childhood vaccine schedule
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has launched an unprecedented review of routine shots given to kids, alarming public health experts.
n.pr
November 7, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has launched an unprecedented review of routine shots given to kids, alarming public health experts. n.pr/47FYT0b
Scoop: The University of Pittsburgh will maintain its current federal funding for indirect research costs after cuts announced earlier this year threatened to push one of the region’s major research institutions off a financial cliff.
www.wesa.fm/health-scien...
www.wesa.fm/health-scien...
NIH under Trump wanted to cut indirect research costs to 15%. Pitt just signed an agreement at 59%
Pitt and the Department of Health and Human Services have agreed to maintain the school’s current 59% reimbursement rate for ancillary research costs through 2029.
www.wesa.fm
November 7, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Scoop: The University of Pittsburgh will maintain its current federal funding for indirect research costs after cuts announced earlier this year threatened to push one of the region’s major research institutions off a financial cliff.
www.wesa.fm/health-scien...
www.wesa.fm/health-scien...
Reposted by kiley koscinski
A case that could redefine abortion access in Pennsylvania was argued before the state’s Commonwealth Court Wednesday. Abortion clinics are challenging the state’s restrictions on Medicaid coverage for abortion, and argue such limits are unconstitutional and discriminatory.
Pa. Commonwealth Court examines whether Medicaid abortion ban violates equal rights protections
“We have two parties who have made totally opposite assertions about the facts, the impact, the health [of women], the competing state interest [in the] life of the mother, life of the child and taxpa...
www.wesa.fm
November 6, 2025 at 3:57 PM
A case that could redefine abortion access in Pennsylvania was argued before the state’s Commonwealth Court Wednesday. Abortion clinics are challenging the state’s restrictions on Medicaid coverage for abortion, and argue such limits are unconstitutional and discriminatory.
Reposted by kiley koscinski
BREAKING: The government shutdown entered its 36th day, breaking a record set during President Trump’s first term as impact spreads nationwide.
Government shutdown becomes the longest on record as fallout spreads nationwide
The government shutdown has entered its 36th day, breaking the record as the longest ever.
bit.ly
November 5, 2025 at 5:14 AM
BREAKING: The government shutdown entered its 36th day, breaking a record set during President Trump’s first term as impact spreads nationwide.
Reposted by kiley koscinski
A federal government shutdown has now slumped into its third week — and unless something changes, Pittsburgh-area Democrats warn, roughly hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians are days away from learning their health insurance premiums will jump by 75%.
'Devastating' insurance premium spikes loom due to federal impasse, Deluzio warns
At the center of the government shutdown is an impasse over the extension of tax credits available under the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare.”
www.wesa.fm
October 22, 2025 at 8:14 PM
A federal government shutdown has now slumped into its third week — and unless something changes, Pittsburgh-area Democrats warn, roughly hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians are days away from learning their health insurance premiums will jump by 75%.
Reposted by kiley koscinski
The Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh’s annual two-day clinic returns to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center this weekend. The event offers free dental, vision and hearing services on Oct. 24 and 25 on a first-come, first-served basis.
Free health clinic offers dental, vision and hearing care in Downtown Pittsburgh this weekend
The goal of the clinic is to narrow gaps in health care access for people without insurance or without coverage for dental, vision and hearing care — which are often left out of traditional health…
buff.ly
October 22, 2025 at 2:06 PM
The Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh’s annual two-day clinic returns to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center this weekend. The event offers free dental, vision and hearing services on Oct. 24 and 25 on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reposted by kiley koscinski
The spike in costs is being driven, in part, by the fact that Congress hasn’t extended enhanced tax credits that currently help people afford their monthly premiums, Pennsylvania leaders and insurance companies said.
Pa. approves higher ACA health insurance premiums for 2026, with some price hikes as high as 38%
Insurance regulators say Pennie customers will see premiums rise by 21% on average, which factors in the potential loss of federal premium tax credits, or health subsidies.
buff.ly
October 16, 2025 at 4:45 PM
The spike in costs is being driven, in part, by the fact that Congress hasn’t extended enhanced tax credits that currently help people afford their monthly premiums, Pennsylvania leaders and insurance companies said.
Pennsylvania cut funding for HIV service orgs by 25% this month + lowered income qualifications for help covering expensive HIV meds.
@wesa.fm: a story of one HIV survivor who counts himself lucky to have made it to 68. Now he faces being cut off from his state support.
www.wesa.fm/health-scien...
@wesa.fm: a story of one HIV survivor who counts himself lucky to have made it to 68. Now he faces being cut off from his state support.
www.wesa.fm/health-scien...
As Pennsylvania limits HIV support, some patients face soaring medical bills
In a memo, the state health department explained the new restrictions are the result of an “unprecedented increase in program enrollment” as well as high costs of medication. It warned the state may a...
www.wesa.fm
October 17, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Pennsylvania cut funding for HIV service orgs by 25% this month + lowered income qualifications for help covering expensive HIV meds.
@wesa.fm: a story of one HIV survivor who counts himself lucky to have made it to 68. Now he faces being cut off from his state support.
www.wesa.fm/health-scien...
@wesa.fm: a story of one HIV survivor who counts himself lucky to have made it to 68. Now he faces being cut off from his state support.
www.wesa.fm/health-scien...
Reposted by kiley koscinski
#Breaking: Medicare payments to doctors paused as government shutdown drags on www.statnews.com/2025/10/15/c...
Medicare payments to doctors paused as government shutdown drags on
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is pausing Medicare payments to doctors, as negotiations tied to the government shutdown drag on.
www.statnews.com
October 15, 2025 at 10:34 PM
#Breaking: Medicare payments to doctors paused as government shutdown drags on www.statnews.com/2025/10/15/c...
Reposted by kiley koscinski
More than 1,000 staff members at the CDC were laid off Friday, affecting units that respond to infectious-disease outbreaks, analyze science and health data to develop policy, and monitor the safety of employees.
Mass CDC cuts hit staff dealing with measles, Ebola and disease forecasting
Another round of mass layoffs has struck CDC. The agency had already been cut during a reorganization this year, and more employees are now being shed amid the government shutdown.
wapo.st
October 11, 2025 at 9:15 PM
More than 1,000 staff members at the CDC were laid off Friday, affecting units that respond to infectious-disease outbreaks, analyze science and health data to develop policy, and monitor the safety of employees.
Reposted by kiley koscinski
Per CDC source: At internal leadership meeting this afternoon, it was shared that 1,257 people were RIF'd at CDC. Number may not be final. Apparently, chief of staff was unaware that RIFs were going to occur so not clear who is making decisions. (Short 🧵)
October 11, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Per CDC source: At internal leadership meeting this afternoon, it was shared that 1,257 people were RIF'd at CDC. Number may not be final. Apparently, chief of staff was unaware that RIFs were going to occur so not clear who is making decisions. (Short 🧵)
Reposted by kiley koscinski
In July, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency put a two-year pause on implementing hazardous air pollution standards for plants that make coke, a key component in steelmaking. But environmental groups sued, and the EPA decided on October 3 that the new rules should go into effect, after all.
EPA reverses course on rule that will force U.S. Steel to monitor for cancer-causing emissions
The Trump administration has reversed course and decided it will not delay Biden-era rules limiting air pollution from the steel industry.
www.wesa.fm
October 10, 2025 at 1:20 PM
In July, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency put a two-year pause on implementing hazardous air pollution standards for plants that make coke, a key component in steelmaking. But environmental groups sued, and the EPA decided on October 3 that the new rules should go into effect, after all.
Reposted by kiley koscinski
As Pennsylvania’s budget impasse nears 100 days, rape crisis centers are at a breaking point. Several organizations across the state are turning to layoffs, program downsizing and some may close amid the stoppage in government aid, advocates told WESA.
With state & federal governments gridlocked, Pennsylvania rape crisis centers struggle to stay open
As Pennsylvania’s budget impasse nears 100 days, rape crisis centers are at a breaking point. Several organizations across the state are turning to layoffs, program downsizing and some may close amid ...
www.wesa.fm
October 6, 2025 at 1:33 PM
As Pennsylvania’s budget impasse nears 100 days, rape crisis centers are at a breaking point. Several organizations across the state are turning to layoffs, program downsizing and some may close amid the stoppage in government aid, advocates told WESA.
Reposted by kiley koscinski
The Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience, or GUIDE, Model is designed to benefit people with traditional Medicare health insurance who want to age in place at home while living with dementia. All services offered through the program are fully covered by Medicare.
New Medicare dementia program offers free, enhanced support services to Pa. families
The GUIDE program pays local health and home care organizations to provide free dementia respite services, education, training and care coordination.
buff.ly
October 6, 2025 at 4:30 PM
The Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience, or GUIDE, Model is designed to benefit people with traditional Medicare health insurance who want to age in place at home while living with dementia. All services offered through the program are fully covered by Medicare.
Reposted by kiley koscinski
93.7% of Pennsylvania kindergarteners got both recommended doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine before the 2024-2025 school year.
That’s lower than the recommended 95% vaccination rate for herd immunity, the threshold to provide community resistance to infectious diseases.
That’s lower than the recommended 95% vaccination rate for herd immunity, the threshold to provide community resistance to infectious diseases.
As measles vaccination rate continues to decline, Pa. kindergarteners below herd immunity level
According to the state, 93.7% of Pennsylvania kindergarteners got both recommended doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine before the 2024-2025 school year. That’s lower than the recommende...
www.wesa.fm
September 30, 2025 at 1:41 PM
93.7% of Pennsylvania kindergarteners got both recommended doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine before the 2024-2025 school year.
That’s lower than the recommended 95% vaccination rate for herd immunity, the threshold to provide community resistance to infectious diseases.
That’s lower than the recommended 95% vaccination rate for herd immunity, the threshold to provide community resistance to infectious diseases.
More court action this week pertaining to gender-affirming care for Pittsburgh's transgender youth. Federal court filings seek to quash a DOJ subpoena that orders UPMC to hand over the health records of teenage trans patients:
Advocates for UPMC’s teenage trans patients filed a motion in federal court this week urging a judge to shield patient health records from a Dept. of Justice inquiry. The Public Interest Law Center is seeking to quash the subpoena on behalf of patients & former patients of UPMC and their families.
Families urge federal court to shield UPMC trans patient health records from DOJ inquiry
In court documents, the Public Interest Law Center and Ballard Spahr argue the DOJ subpoena — which seeks records, information and communications about gender-affirming care services — violates patien...
www.wesa.fm
September 25, 2025 at 9:42 PM
More court action this week pertaining to gender-affirming care for Pittsburgh's transgender youth. Federal court filings seek to quash a DOJ subpoena that orders UPMC to hand over the health records of teenage trans patients:
Reposted by kiley koscinski
A group of transgender patients and their families have filed a discrimination complaint with the state Human Relations Commission against UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, asserting that UPMC’s refusal to provide gender-affirming care for trans patients under 19 is sex-based discrimination.
Trans patients file discrimination complaint against UPMC over termination of gender-affirming care
A group of transgender patients filed a discrimination complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission against UPMC over its termination of gender-affirming care for patients under 19.
www.wesa.fm
September 23, 2025 at 7:09 PM
A group of transgender patients and their families have filed a discrimination complaint with the state Human Relations Commission against UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, asserting that UPMC’s refusal to provide gender-affirming care for trans patients under 19 is sex-based discrimination.
Pennsylvania officials have confirmed the health department is part of a public health collaboration with other state health agencies in the Northeast. Though agencies have shared best practices in the past, this more formal coordination comes amid sweeping changes at the federal level under RFK Jr.
The Northeast Public Health Collaboration — which includes all the New England states except New Hampshire plus Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York and New Jersey — formed amid rapidly changing vaccine recommendations from federal health officials.
Amid CDC turmoil, Pennsylvania joins Northeastern states in regional public health coalition
Pennsylvania health officials have confirmed the commonwealth has joined other Northeastern states to develop public health guidelines independent of the federal government.
buff.ly
September 17, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Pennsylvania officials have confirmed the health department is part of a public health collaboration with other state health agencies in the Northeast. Though agencies have shared best practices in the past, this more formal coordination comes amid sweeping changes at the federal level under RFK Jr.
Reposted by kiley koscinski
Dr. @ashishkjha.bsky.social, who led Biden’s coronavirus response, on what the Trump administration’s MAHA report leaves out.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/09/12/o...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/09/12/o...
September 14, 2025 at 12:56 AM
Dr. @ashishkjha.bsky.social, who led Biden’s coronavirus response, on what the Trump administration’s MAHA report leaves out.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/09/12/o...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/09/12/o...
Reposted by kiley koscinski
As Trump administration health officials seek to reshape vaccine policy — which could impact insurance coverage of certain immunizations for millions of Americans — Pennsylvania lawmakers have proposed new requirements aimed at “protecting access” to those vaccines.
Amid CDC, FDA changes, Pennsylvania bill could require insurers to cover certain vaccines
Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering new regulations for health insurance providers aimed at protecting access to vaccines. The bill comes amid changing vaccine regulations from federal health agenc...
www.wesa.fm
August 28, 2025 at 9:59 PM
As Trump administration health officials seek to reshape vaccine policy — which could impact insurance coverage of certain immunizations for millions of Americans — Pennsylvania lawmakers have proposed new requirements aimed at “protecting access” to those vaccines.
Reposted by kiley koscinski
The health department began deploying mobile air units Thursday provided by Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection and Carnegie Mellon University. The units will travel around Clairton to test for dozens of hazardous air pollutants.
Allegheny County deploys mobile air quality monitors near Clairton Coke Works
The health department began deploying mobile air units Thursday provided by Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection and Carnegie Mellon University. The units will travel around Clairton ...
www.wesa.fm
August 15, 2025 at 10:56 AM
The health department began deploying mobile air units Thursday provided by Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection and Carnegie Mellon University. The units will travel around Clairton to test for dozens of hazardous air pollutants.
Reposted by kiley koscinski
NEW: In June, ProPublica reported that the FDA has given more than 20 foreign factories a special pass to send drugs to the U.S. even though they were made at plants the agency had banned.
Today, we’re publishing a list of those exempted drugs.
Today, we’re publishing a list of those exempted drugs.
The FDA Let Substandard Factories Ship These Medications to the U.S.
ProPublica identified more than 150 products that were exempted from import bans since 2013. Our list provides the names of the drugs or ingredients and their manufacturers, many of which are no longe...
www.propublica.org
August 12, 2025 at 11:51 AM
NEW: In June, ProPublica reported that the FDA has given more than 20 foreign factories a special pass to send drugs to the U.S. even though they were made at plants the agency had banned.
Today, we’re publishing a list of those exempted drugs.
Today, we’re publishing a list of those exempted drugs.