West Coast Writes Its Own Prescription

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US News

West Coast Writes Its Own Prescription

What's going on: California, Oregon, and Washington just announced a new “health alliance” that will set vaccine recommendations independent of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The governors say the agency has become “a political tool” under the Trump administration and can’t be trusted to put science first. Instead, the alliance will rely on input from “trusted scientists, clinicians, and other public health leaders” to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vaccines — from COVID-19 and flu shots to routine childhood immunizations. Meanwhile, the Health and Human Services director warns that state-led guidance risks undermining confidence in national health agencies. (Yes, the script is familiar, but the political roles are reversed). 

What it means: The West Coast Health Alliance is openly challenging the Trump administration at a fragile time for the CDC — it’s down a director and has lost thousands of employees since January. On top of that, vaccination rates among kindergarten students are falling, worrying experts. The governors say the alliance will give families and doctors in their states clear standards — while also offering guidance that vaccine manufacturers can use more broadly. But critics say it could deepen confusion. And questions remain, including what insurance will cover under conflicting rules. Eight Northeastern states are also weighing their own alliances, hinting at a patchwork of vaccine policies — much like abortion access post-Roe. Herd immunity, who?

Related: Florida Surgeon General Wants All Vaccine Mandates Gone, Calls Them “Slavery” (The Guardian)

Economy

The American Dream? Most Say It's a Myth

What's going on: The American dream might need a new marketing team. A recent poll found that 70% of adults say working hard for an eventual, white-picket-fence-style payoff doesn’t hold up in practice. This is the highest share of disbelief in this cliche in 15 years. Not to mention, only 25% think they can actually climb the ladder and improve their standard of living — the lowest since 1987. And roughly 78% of folks don’t expect their kids to be better off than they are. Bleak. The pessimism cuts across age, income, education, and gender, though Republicans have a more positive outlook on the economy than Democrats, according to the poll. One small bright spot: 44% of those polled rated the economy as “excellent” or “good,” up from last year.

What it means: It sure looks like Americans are losing faith in one of the country’s founding promises. (What’s next, a poll saying that only 10% of us believe in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?) Experts blame the disconnect between rosy economic data and everyday experience. During the last election, analysts pointed to strong economic numbers, but all voters could talk about were egg prices. Factor in student debt, sky-high housing, inflation, and job insecurity in the AI era, and the skepticism makes sense (no wonder “job hugging” has become a thing). Meanwhile, analysts warn such trends and negativity could spell trouble for the GOP heading into the midterms.

Related: Is the Way Democrats Are Wooing the Working Class All Wrong? (The Atlantic)

Legal

The Right-Wing TV Wars Are On 

What’s going on: The fight to rule the right-wing airwaves has shifted from a ratings war to a courtroom battle. Conservative network Newsmax is suing Fox News, accusing it of using “exclusionary contracts and monopolistic practices” to shut out competitors. The lawsuit claims Fox pressures cable providers to favor its channel — sometimes by inflating carriage fees or including clauses that penalize platforms for airing competitors. Newsmax’s CEO framed the suit as a battle over “restoring fairness to the market and ensuring that Americans have real choice in the news they watch.” Fox fired back: “Newsmax cannot sue their way out of their own competitive failures.”

What it means: The lawsuit’s outcome could define the next era of right-wing media. Fox News has spent nearly three decades as the loudest megaphone for the GOP, shaping party primaries and Republican politics — a role that cemented its kingmaker status. That focus also made it the most profitable cable news outlet. While Fox still leads the ratings, it faces some competition. Newsmax reported 26 million viewers last quarter and 20% prime-time growth. Fox has also drawn fire not just from the left, but increasingly from rivals on the right. The case is the latest in a string of legal battles for the media giant, including its $787 million Dominion settlement and other suits tied to its influence and business practices.

Related: The Internet Can’t Stop Talking About This Netflix Catfishing Documentary (Variety)

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