Simone Popperl
@simonepopperl.bsky.social
Senior Editor, NPR’s Up First & Morning Edition.
Night owl in an early bird family
Night owl in an early bird family
Reposted by Simone Popperl
SCOOP in @rollingstone.com 👇
CDC has set aside new $1.6M for controversial hepatitis B vax clinical trial in Guinea-Bissau, halted earlier amid uproar over medical ethics. CDC director's office resurrected it, taking $$ from global health security funds: www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
CDC has set aside new $1.6M for controversial hepatitis B vax clinical trial in Guinea-Bissau, halted earlier amid uproar over medical ethics. CDC director's office resurrected it, taking $$ from global health security funds: www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
CDC Is Moving Forward With a Previously Shelved Controversial Hepatitis B Vaccine Study
“It’s a wholly unethical trial, and it shouldn’t be allowed,” says Dr. Paul Offit of Guinea-Bissau study
www.rollingstone.com
October 8, 2026 at 12:45 AM
SCOOP in @rollingstone.com 👇
CDC has set aside new $1.6M for controversial hepatitis B vax clinical trial in Guinea-Bissau, halted earlier amid uproar over medical ethics. CDC director's office resurrected it, taking $$ from global health security funds: www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
CDC has set aside new $1.6M for controversial hepatitis B vax clinical trial in Guinea-Bissau, halted earlier amid uproar over medical ethics. CDC director's office resurrected it, taking $$ from global health security funds: www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
Reposted by Simone Popperl
NEW FROM PP
The Trump admin keeps denying immigration agents are grabbing Americans, so we tracked it
500+ Americans detained
70+ kids, some cuffed or zip-tied
60+ held after filming
36+ held for day+ w/o access to lawyer
~12 deported (yes, deported)
projects.propublica.org/american-cit....
The Trump admin keeps denying immigration agents are grabbing Americans, so we tracked it
500+ Americans detained
70+ kids, some cuffed or zip-tied
60+ held after filming
36+ held for day+ w/o access to lawyer
~12 deported (yes, deported)
projects.propublica.org/american-cit....
More Than 500 U.S. Citizens Have Been Detained, Including Handcuffed or Held at Gunpoint, in Trump’s Immigration Crackdown — ProPublica
The government doesn’t track how often immigration officers detain U.S. citizens. So ProPublica did. We’ve found more than 500 Americans who were held against their will during this Trump administrati...
projects.propublica.org
October 6, 2026 at 10:19 AM
NEW FROM PP
The Trump admin keeps denying immigration agents are grabbing Americans, so we tracked it
500+ Americans detained
70+ kids, some cuffed or zip-tied
60+ held after filming
36+ held for day+ w/o access to lawyer
~12 deported (yes, deported)
projects.propublica.org/american-cit....
The Trump admin keeps denying immigration agents are grabbing Americans, so we tracked it
500+ Americans detained
70+ kids, some cuffed or zip-tied
60+ held after filming
36+ held for day+ w/o access to lawyer
~12 deported (yes, deported)
projects.propublica.org/american-cit....
Reposted by Simone Popperl
ICE collected the DNA of nearly a million people last year, adding their genetic profiles to a database used for criminal investigations.
Under current rules, DHS only needs to place a person in detention to collect their DNA — a practice many argue is unconstitutional.
Under current rules, DHS only needs to place a person in detention to collect their DNA — a practice many argue is unconstitutional.
ICE is collecting DNA from detainees for future policing
Stevie Glaberson at Georgetown Law’s Center on Privacy and Technology found that DHS has been collecting DNA samples from detainees — and then sending that genetic information to an FBI database.
www.marketplace.org
August 31, 2026 at 7:09 PM
ICE collected the DNA of nearly a million people last year, adding their genetic profiles to a database used for criminal investigations.
Under current rules, DHS only needs to place a person in detention to collect their DNA — a practice many argue is unconstitutional.
Under current rules, DHS only needs to place a person in detention to collect their DNA — a practice many argue is unconstitutional.
Reposted by Simone Popperl
Exclusive: RFK Jr lied in Senate confirmation hearings, newly revealed documents indicate. Stellar reporting by @bymichellersmith.com based on documents obtained by @theguardian.com and @apnews.com www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
RFK Jr lied in Senate confirmation hearings, newly revealed documents indicate
Letters obtained by Guardian and AP contradict testimony that 2019 visit to Samoa had ‘nothing to do with vaccines’
www.theguardian.com
August 27, 2026 at 12:03 PM
Exclusive: RFK Jr lied in Senate confirmation hearings, newly revealed documents indicate. Stellar reporting by @bymichellersmith.com based on documents obtained by @theguardian.com and @apnews.com www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Reposted by Simone Popperl
An analysis finds that New Mexico's measles outbreak cost $5.4 million last year.
NM had 100 cases. AZ outbreak is more than 3x larger; Utah's is more than 7x larger. TX and SC are each 10x larger.
Welcoming back measles is going to be very expensive. www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/...
NM had 100 cases. AZ outbreak is more than 3x larger; Utah's is more than 7x larger. TX and SC are each 10x larger.
Welcoming back measles is going to be very expensive. www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/...
Economic Impact of the 2025 New Mexico Measles Outbreak: Highlighting the Cost of Efforts to Prevent Future Outbreaks | Annals of Internal Medicine
Background: In 2025, the United States experienced its highest measles case count since 1992. In New Mexico, 100 confirmed measles cases (99 outbreak-related cases), including 1 death, occurred across...
www.acpjournals.org
August 5, 2026 at 2:32 PM
An analysis finds that New Mexico's measles outbreak cost $5.4 million last year.
NM had 100 cases. AZ outbreak is more than 3x larger; Utah's is more than 7x larger. TX and SC are each 10x larger.
Welcoming back measles is going to be very expensive. www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/...
NM had 100 cases. AZ outbreak is more than 3x larger; Utah's is more than 7x larger. TX and SC are each 10x larger.
Welcoming back measles is going to be very expensive. www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/...
Reposted by Simone Popperl
🧵The US no longer meets criteria for measles elimination. Utah's outbreak has lasted for more than a yr. And cases this yr are at a 35-yr high.
I talked w/pediatricians treating measles & talking w/parents who don't vaccinate. My latest @wired.com @kffhealthnews.org www.wired.com/story/the-ch...
I talked w/pediatricians treating measles & talking w/parents who don't vaccinate. My latest @wired.com @kffhealthnews.org www.wired.com/story/the-ch...
‘The Child Is Terrified’: Measles Doctors Speak Out
Hear from six pediatricians in measles hot spot Utah, as the US faces infection levels not seen in over three decades and prepares to lose its status as a country that eliminated the dangerous disease...
www.wired.com
July 23, 2026 at 12:26 PM
🧵The US no longer meets criteria for measles elimination. Utah's outbreak has lasted for more than a yr. And cases this yr are at a 35-yr high.
I talked w/pediatricians treating measles & talking w/parents who don't vaccinate. My latest @wired.com @kffhealthnews.org www.wired.com/story/the-ch...
I talked w/pediatricians treating measles & talking w/parents who don't vaccinate. My latest @wired.com @kffhealthnews.org www.wired.com/story/the-ch...
Reposted by Simone Popperl
We've written about AI-induced physician deskilling that has already surfaced
thelancet.com/journals/lan...
@tberzin.bsky.social
AI-induced never-skilling among newly trained doctors, while not yet proven, is a serious concern that needs to be addressed
nature.com/articles/s41...
thelancet.com/journals/lan...
@tberzin.bsky.social
AI-induced never-skilling among newly trained doctors, while not yet proven, is a serious concern that needs to be addressed
nature.com/articles/s41...
May 26, 2026 at 7:53 PM
We've written about AI-induced physician deskilling that has already surfaced
thelancet.com/journals/lan...
@tberzin.bsky.social
AI-induced never-skilling among newly trained doctors, while not yet proven, is a serious concern that needs to be addressed
nature.com/articles/s41...
thelancet.com/journals/lan...
@tberzin.bsky.social
AI-induced never-skilling among newly trained doctors, while not yet proven, is a serious concern that needs to be addressed
nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Simone Popperl
My editor just got thank you notes from some elementary school students he spoke to about journalism, and shared this one with us....
I've never felt so seen.
I've never felt so seen.
May 22, 2026 at 2:41 PM
My editor just got thank you notes from some elementary school students he spoke to about journalism, and shared this one with us....
I've never felt so seen.
I've never felt so seen.
Reposted by Simone Popperl
WOW -- Cassidy, now in a tough primary race, didn't ask RFK a thing about vaccines. Or push him on anything at all.
April 22, 2026 at 3:39 PM
WOW -- Cassidy, now in a tough primary race, didn't ask RFK a thing about vaccines. Or push him on anything at all.
Reposted by Simone Popperl
In case you’re wondering who is getting rich from GOP decision to purge millions from Medicaid: kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
States Pay Deloitte, Others Millions To Comply With Trump Law To Cut Medicaid Rolls - KFF Health News
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will add red tape and restrictions for those seeking Medicaid and SNAP benefits. And the costs to update computer systems that determine eligibility for those programs w...
kffhealthnews.org
March 31, 2026 at 11:19 AM
In case you’re wondering who is getting rich from GOP decision to purge millions from Medicaid: kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reposted by Simone Popperl
Hey so devastating and lethal side effects of measles can show up YEARS after infection FYI.
Doctors Warn of a Deadly Complication From Measles Outbreaks - KFF Health News
U.S. doctors are getting the word out about how to spot a rare measles complication that had been a relic of the past: subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. It affects a person years after a measles in...
kffhealthnews.org
March 13, 2026 at 10:47 PM
Hey so devastating and lethal side effects of measles can show up YEARS after infection FYI.
Reposted by Simone Popperl
Over a century of life, if all recommended, aluminum-containing vaccines are received, maximum potential aluminum exposure from vaccines would be approximately 12 mg of aluminum, whereas exposure from absorbed aluminum in diet would be between 468 and 2785 mg. jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Aluminum Exposure From Vaccines and Diet
This Perspective examines aluminum exposure from vaccines and diet, including how the body processes aluminum, possible health effects, and safety considerations.
jamanetwork.com
February 11, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Over a century of life, if all recommended, aluminum-containing vaccines are received, maximum potential aluminum exposure from vaccines would be approximately 12 mg of aluminum, whereas exposure from absorbed aluminum in diet would be between 468 and 2785 mg. jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Reposted by Simone Popperl
Such an important story: ProPublica went inside the immigrant detention center for families in Dilley, Texas. Children held there told us about the anguish of being ripped from their lives in the U.S. and the fear of what comes next.
@micarosenberg.bsky.social
@micarosenberg.bsky.social
The Kids Trump Sent to ICE’s Dilley Detention Center
ProPublica went inside the immigrant detention center for families in Dilley, Texas. Children held there told us about the anguish of being ripped from their lives in the United States and the fear of...
www.propublica.org
February 9, 2026 at 1:15 PM
Such an important story: ProPublica went inside the immigrant detention center for families in Dilley, Texas. Children held there told us about the anguish of being ripped from their lives in the U.S. and the fear of what comes next.
@micarosenberg.bsky.social
@micarosenberg.bsky.social
Reposted by Simone Popperl
Alex from our time working together, while he was in nursing school. Later, he moved to ICU, working as a nurse to support critically ill Veterans. He had such a great attitude. We’d chat between patients about trying to get in a mountain bike ride together. Will never happen now
January 24, 2026 at 7:39 PM
Alex from our time working together, while he was in nursing school. Later, he moved to ICU, working as a nurse to support critically ill Veterans. He had such a great attitude. We’d chat between patients about trying to get in a mountain bike ride together. Will never happen now
"This is a seductive argument to a layperson, but it is ethically bankrupt." Worth a read.
Why comparing the U.S. vaccine schedule to European countries’ is a red herring
If any ambiguity remained about the ultimate goal of the current administration’s public health policy, last week shattered it. On Friday, following a
www.statnews.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:31 PM
"This is a seductive argument to a layperson, but it is ethically bankrupt." Worth a read.
Reposted by Simone Popperl
AAP is not changing its recommendations in response to the CDC vaccine panel; they diverged on covid shots as well
The decision by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to downgrade its recommendations to protect infants from hepatitis B is a dangerous move that will harm children.
Click here to read AAP's full statement: bit.ly/3Y9ZQJT
Click here to read AAP's full statement: bit.ly/3Y9ZQJT
December 5, 2025 at 6:30 PM
AAP is not changing its recommendations in response to the CDC vaccine panel; they diverged on covid shots as well
Reposted by Simone Popperl
If you’re curious about what‘s at stake in today’s #ACIP discussions, check out our story on the real risks of “horizontal transmission” of hep B among babies:
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
Doctors warn delaying hepatitis B shot for newborns could revive a deadly threat
As RFK Jr.'s new vaccine panel ponders changing the hepatitis B vaccination schedule, some doctors recall past patients, including children, who died painful deaths before there was a vaccine.
www.npr.org
December 4, 2025 at 3:12 PM
If you’re curious about what‘s at stake in today’s #ACIP discussions, check out our story on the real risks of “horizontal transmission” of hep B among babies:
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
Reposted by Simone Popperl
If you are used to attending or watching ACIP metings, it is difficult to describe just how disturbing this one has been. People talking over one another, confusion, outright ignorance. Compare this to the very orderly, sedate, consideration of facts of previous meetings for years and years.
December 5, 2025 at 4:17 PM
If you are used to attending or watching ACIP metings, it is difficult to describe just how disturbing this one has been. People talking over one another, confusion, outright ignorance. Compare this to the very orderly, sedate, consideration of facts of previous meetings for years and years.
#ACIP member Cody Meissner: “I take strong issue with each of the three presentations we just heard“ on the hep B birth dose.
“There were so many statements that I disagree with that it’s hard to be succinct”
“There were so many statements that I disagree with that it’s hard to be succinct”
December 4, 2025 at 2:49 PM
#ACIP member Cody Meissner: “I take strong issue with each of the three presentations we just heard“ on the hep B birth dose.
“There were so many statements that I disagree with that it’s hard to be succinct”
“There were so many statements that I disagree with that it’s hard to be succinct”
Reposted by Simone Popperl
New from me: After a whooping cough outbreak killed two infants, Louisiana health officials waited months to officially alert physicians or do public outreach.
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
Louisiana officials waited months to warn public of whooping cough outbreak
After a whooping cough outbreak killed two infants, Louisiana health officials waited months to officially alert physicians or do public outreach. That's not the typical public health response.
www.npr.org
October 28, 2025 at 12:50 PM
New from me: After a whooping cough outbreak killed two infants, Louisiana health officials waited months to officially alert physicians or do public outreach.
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
@rosemarywestwood.bsky.social spent months carefully reporting this important, nuanced, and chilling piece.
What happens when public health institutions don't follow their playbook during an infectious disease outbreak?
Take a look/listen:
What happens when public health institutions don't follow their playbook during an infectious disease outbreak?
Take a look/listen:
New from me: After a whooping cough outbreak killed two infants, Louisiana health officials waited months to officially alert physicians or do public outreach.
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
Louisiana officials waited months to warn public of whooping cough outbreak
After a whooping cough outbreak killed two infants, Louisiana health officials waited months to officially alert physicians or do public outreach. That's not the typical public health response.
www.npr.org
October 28, 2025 at 2:18 PM
@rosemarywestwood.bsky.social spent months carefully reporting this important, nuanced, and chilling piece.
What happens when public health institutions don't follow their playbook during an infectious disease outbreak?
Take a look/listen:
What happens when public health institutions don't follow their playbook during an infectious disease outbreak?
Take a look/listen:
In the spring, we reported on how pharmacies were trying to prepare for all these unknowns.
Bottom line: lots of independent pharmacies are probably in trouble. And they don’t know how to answer @lizzieohreally.bsky.social’s very reasonable question.
Radio and print story for NPR:
Bottom line: lots of independent pharmacies are probably in trouble. And they don’t know how to answer @lizzieohreally.bsky.social’s very reasonable question.
Radio and print story for NPR:
September 29, 2025 at 2:28 PM
In the spring, we reported on how pharmacies were trying to prepare for all these unknowns.
Bottom line: lots of independent pharmacies are probably in trouble. And they don’t know how to answer @lizzieohreally.bsky.social’s very reasonable question.
Radio and print story for NPR:
Bottom line: lots of independent pharmacies are probably in trouble. And they don’t know how to answer @lizzieohreally.bsky.social’s very reasonable question.
Radio and print story for NPR:
Reposted by Simone Popperl
I am a well educated, pretty media literate person whose job it is to be professionally annoying. I cannot figure out if my cancer medication, which costs $17k a month (I do not pay anything thanks to a combo of insurance/access programs), is going to be tariffed 100%.
September 29, 2025 at 1:51 PM
I am a well educated, pretty media literate person whose job it is to be professionally annoying. I cannot figure out if my cancer medication, which costs $17k a month (I do not pay anything thanks to a combo of insurance/access programs), is going to be tariffed 100%.
SO! Over the last two days, here's what the Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices voted to do:
1. Recommend against the combo MMRV vaccine for kids under age 4. Instead, MMR + V as two shots is recommended. Most kids get it that way already. Second dose at age 4 can be the combo vaccine.
1. Recommend against the combo MMRV vaccine for kids under age 4. Instead, MMR + V as two shots is recommended. Most kids get it that way already. Second dose at age 4 can be the combo vaccine.
September 19, 2025 at 7:37 PM
SO! Over the last two days, here's what the Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices voted to do:
1. Recommend against the combo MMRV vaccine for kids under age 4. Instead, MMR + V as two shots is recommended. Most kids get it that way already. Second dose at age 4 can be the combo vaccine.
1. Recommend against the combo MMRV vaccine for kids under age 4. Instead, MMR + V as two shots is recommended. Most kids get it that way already. Second dose at age 4 can be the combo vaccine.
Reposted by Simone Popperl
Vote 2, recommending states require a prescription for COVID-19 vaccines TIES. 6-6.
The chair breaks the tie, and Kulldorff voted no. The motion fails.
The chair breaks the tie, and Kulldorff voted no. The motion fails.
September 19, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Vote 2, recommending states require a prescription for COVID-19 vaccines TIES. 6-6.
The chair breaks the tie, and Kulldorff voted no. The motion fails.
The chair breaks the tie, and Kulldorff voted no. The motion fails.