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Bram Sable-Smith

@realbrambo.bsky.social
589 followers 276 following 189 posts

Writing about abortion, guns, insulin, trans health care and the Midwest for KFF Health News Signal: Brambo.11

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Reposted by Bram Sable-Smith
Amy Maxmen, PhD @amymaxmen.bsky.social · 13h
"This wrecks some of our lives," Dylan told me about his experience w/the peptide BPC-157. He wasn't alone. There are entire chat rooms of people who say they've been harmed. Their voices are muffled in MAHA hype. My latest @kffhealthnews.org / @washingtonpost.com kffhealthnews.org/public-healt...
kffhealthnews.org
People Say These Peptides Hurt Them. Their Stories Are Muffled in MAHA’s Push for Medical Freedom. - KFF Health News
People who have taken experimental peptides, such as BPC-157, complain of migraines, eye pain, fatigue, and more. Learning whether these popular but unproven drugs are to blame may become harder if Ro...
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Reposted by Bram Sable-Smith
KFF Health News @kffhealthnews.org · 06/10/2026
Seven media witnesses were in the prison during Christa Pike’s failed execution on Sept. 30. @catherinejsweeney.bsky.social was one of them. Here’s what she saw. kffhealthnews.org/courts/christa-pi…
kffhealthnews.org
Witnessing the Failed Execution of Christa Pike: 'We Could All Hear Her Breathing' - KFF Health News
Catherine Sweeney was one of the reporters in the witness room during the attempted execution of Christa Pike in Tennessee. The journalists knew that a recent execution hadn’t gone according to plan a...
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
When the neighborhood kids come over
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
www.stlpr.org/law-order/20...
stlpr.org
Overland couple shot dead in Guatemala after local ICE stop led to deportations
The couple’s 14-month-old daughter was found crying beside her mother’s body in a sugarcane field last week, according to Guatemalan authorities and media.
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Reposted by Bram Sable-Smith
KFF Health News @kffhealthnews.org · 16/07/2026
Sales taxes on healthcare and prescriptions could be on the table in Missouri as voters consider a ballot measure that would empower the legislature to replace state income taxes with higher sales taxes. @realbrambo.bsky.social reports ⤵️ kffhealthnews.org/health-care-...
kffhealthnews.org
A Sales Tax on Doctor Visits and Medicine? In Missouri, Some Worry - KFF Health News
A ballot measure to eliminate Missouri’s income tax would give the state legislature broad authority to levy new sales taxes to replace the lost revenue. Critics say that could mean adding a sales tax...
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
There are so many bigger problems in the world but google killing off its thesaurus function in favor of ai is a huge bummer
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
My now wife found an article about a little known red meat allergy caused by tick bites. I remembered the tick exactly. Didn't eat red meat for 10+ years, but have recently started again without problem except my appetite for red meat is a LOT less
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
I know experience! I self-diagnosed 14 years ago, before it was taken as seriously. I kept having reactions and didn't know why. I was right out of college with little $$. I went to a $1 burger night and it happened. I knew it couldn't be the bun, must be the meat (couldn't afford any toppings)...
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Reposted by Bram Sable-Smith
Alex Wayne @aawayne.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
We’re gonna find more places to park Bram with a card table and a “let’s talk xxx” sign
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mary-ellen-deily.bsky.social @mary-ellen-deily.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
If a Lyme disease vaccine were approved, would you get it? @realbrambo.bsky.social asked hunters, who frequently cross paths with ticks. Watch to find out what he learned.
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Some of the hunters told me this too as a reason why they don't feel an urgent need! I heard a little about Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever while I was out there, but EVERYONE wanted to talk about Alpha-Gal
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KFF Health News @kffhealthnews.org · 30/06/2026
We wanted to know how hunters felt about a possible new vaccine for Lyme disease, so we headed to a shooting range outside of St. Louis. Watch @realbrambo.bsky.social ⤵️ youtu.be/YTTqXsx5D5A
youtu.be
Would Hunters Take a Lyme Disease Vaccine? We Asked
YouTube video by KFF Health News
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
How about a cruise ship to ask about norovirus, etc.? You're coming with me!
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Many thanks to everyone who chatted with me, to Kyle Pyatt for the beautiful camera work, and to @hannahnorman.bsky.social for her incredible talent as a video editor and producer.
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
I was really grateful that so many people opened themselves up to talking with me. Here's the full video. I hope you'll take the time to watch it with the same openness these folks gifted me. www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTTq...
youtube.com
Would Hunters Take a Lyme Disease Vaccine? We Asked
YouTube video by KFF Health News
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
For added context, I ran my takeaways from those conversations past one of the most prominent hunters in the country: author Steven Rinella, host of MeatEater. (as an aside, his eponymous book is great!)...
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
So how would hunters feel about this vaccine? I set up a table at a shooting range here in Missouri and asked. 8 people spoke to me, 7 hunters and 1 hiker. Their responses were varied and thoughtful!!!
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Hunters are not a monolith, of course, but they do skew conservative, rural and male — all identities associated with vaccine hesitancy and resistance. But also, you’d be hard pressed to find a group of people who spend more time in the woods exposed to ticks and possibly Lyme...
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Even though I write about health, I actually hadn’t heard about this potential new vaccine for Lyme disease until he sent me an article. He said it’d be a big deal. That got me really curious...
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
I recently reconnected with a friend from high school who is big into hunting. He invited me to go hunting with him last year, a first for me. It's the most time we've ever spent together one-on-one and it was an incredible experience. We’ve been staying in touch since...
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
One of my goals as a journalist this year is to do a better job showing where my stories come from and how I report them. It's the best way I can think of to build trust. So let me pull back the curtain on my latest video for @kffhealthnews.org and @npr.org...
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Try the video! youtu.be/YTTqXsx5D5A?...
youtu.be
Would Hunters Take a Lyme Disease Vaccine? We Asked
YouTube video by KFF Health News
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Hi, I’m the journalist who wrote the article. I wrote a short thread explaining why I wanted to speak with hunters, specifically. There’s also a video I hope you’ll watch. Feel free to reach me about this or anything: brams@kff.org bsky.app/profile/real...
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Many thanks to everyone who chatted with me, to Kyle Pyatt for the beautiful camera work, and to @hannahnorman.bsky.social for her incredible talent as a video editor and producer.
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Here’s the video, I hope you’ll take the time to watch it with the same openness these folks gifted to me youtu.be/YTTqXsx5D5A?...
youtu.be
Would Hunters Take a Lyme Disease Vaccine? We Asked
YouTube video by KFF Health News
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
So how would they feel about this vaccine? I set up a table at the shooting range and asked. 8 people spoke to me, 7 hunters and 1 hiker. Their responses were varied and thoughtful! I was really grateful that so many people opened themselves up to talking with me...
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Hunters are not a monolith, of course, but they do skew conservative, rural and male — all identities associated with vaccine hesitancy and resistance. But also, you’d be hard pressed to find a group of people who spend more time in the woods exposed to ticks and possibly Lyme.…
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Even though I write about health, I actually hadn’t heard about this potential new Lyme vaccine until he sent me an article. He said it’d be a big deal. That got me really curious…
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
I recently reconnected with a friend from high school who is big into hunting. He took me hunting last year, a first for me. We’d never spent that much time together, it was an incredible experience. We’ve been staying in touch since…
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Yep, that’s me, setting up shop outside a shooting range in Missouri to ask hunters about a potential new vaccine for Lyme disease. I actually think it’s worth explaining how I came to make this video (link to the full video is below)…
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Reposted by Bram Sable-Smith
NPR @npr.org · 27/06/2026
Drugmakers are working on a potential new shot to prevent the tick-borne illness. How might it fare in the era of vaccine skepticism? n.pr/4eyOtEn
n.pr
If a Lyme disease vaccine gets approved, how would it go over? We asked hunters
Drugmakers are working on a potential new shot to prevent the tick-borne illness. How might it fare in the era of vaccine skepticism?
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KC Current @kansascitycurrent.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Once in a lifetime experience in KC. A sea of oranje through downtown. 🤯
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Ken Vogel @kenvogel.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
SCOOP from @by-cjewett.bsky.social & me: Markwayne Mullin urged the Department of Health and Human Service to remove warnings from the FDA website about the health risks of the gas station drug kratom. Mullin owns equity in a leading kratom company called Botanic Tonics that could have benefited.
nytimes.com
How an Addictive Gas Station Drug Found Allies in Trump’s Cabinet
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Amy Maxmen, PhD @amymaxmen.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
I went to Utah to see what life is like in America's new reality, where vaccine-preventable diseases are common again. Utah's measles outbreak has lasted 10 months. Pediatricians teared up in interviews. Mothers were stressed. 🧵My latest @wired.com @kffhealthnews.org www.wired.com/story/anguis...
wired.com
Anguished Parents, Crying Doctors: Life Amid Utah’s Measles Outbreak
The state’s outbreak means adapting to America’s new reality, in which vaccine-preventable diseases become common again.
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
The real question is what’s the last thing you ordered out of a catalogue by phone
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Reposted by Bram Sable-Smith
Darius Tahir @dariustahir.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
On Jan. 6 this year, Trump's stock pickers bought some Eli Lilly. It was the beginning of a series of stock buys. All while the agencies he oversees undertook an agenda boosting GLP-1s, Lilly's flagship product. My latest for @kffhealthnews.org: kffhealthnews.org/health-indus...
kffhealthnews.org
Trump Bought Stock in Drugmaker as His Government Boosted Its Obesity Drugs - KFF Health News
New ethics disclosures show the president invested in Eli Lilly and a company that manufactures injectable devices as his health agencies implemented policies that benefited them.
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
To take advantage of the weather this year, I'm planning on buying the biggest grill I can find. A Max Weber, if you will.
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Can't believe the World Cup is coming to my home state of Missouri this summer! I can't wait to show the world what we have to offer [ongoing highway expansion project that makes driving a nightmare]!
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Reposted by Bram Sable-Smith
Darius Tahir @dariustahir.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Last fall, I was told about a burgeoning world of apps offering AI therapy. I took a look: all over the app store, there are products for kids as young as 4. Many seem to use your data for advertising. What's it mean to have AI therapy? For @kffhealthnews.org: kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
kffhealthnews.org
Your New Therapist: Chatty, Leaky, and Hardly Human - KFF Health News
With high demand for mental health care, a wave of artificial intelligence-powered chatbots are being marketed as therapy apps — with little evidence they work and few regulations.
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Bram Sable-Smith @realbrambo.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
When STL police shot and killed a 17-year-old in 2024, they said he was pointing a gun at them when they fired. Newly released video shows while he had a gun in his pocket, his hands were empty and he was turned away when an officer shot him in the back of the head www.stltoday.com/news/local/c...
stltoday.com
Video shows teen shot in back of head by St. Louis police
The video was released Monday to "put pressure" on authorities and demand accountability, attorney Al Watkins told the Post-Dispatch.
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Reposted by Bram Sable-Smith
Jackie Fortiér @jackie-fortier.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
A lot of people choose their health insurance the same way they shop for a flight - sort by the lowest monthly price and click “buy.” If you have a high-deductible plan, we've got tips to make it work better for you. @kffhealthnews.org @npr.org
npr.org
How to make a high-deductible health plan and HSA work for you
If you chose a cheaper health plan, you may be stuck with some hefty medical bills until you meet your deductible. Here's how to get the most out of your plan and health savings account.
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Ashley Kirzinger @ashleykirzinger.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
My @kff.org colleagues and I have been working on this for a while... the latest on the role that we think health care may be playing in voters' plans for 2026 www.kff.org/public-opini...
kff.org
A Preview of the Role Health Care May Play in the 2026 Election | KFF
Ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, this KFF issue brief examines the role health care has played in previous elections and what that may suggest about its potential role in 2026.
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KFF Health News @kffhealthnews.org · 01/04/2026
Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a bill last week that will cut nearly $22 million to Medicaid disability services. The changes will lower reimbursement for caregivers. Families warn the cuts could be catastrophic. @realbrambo.bsky.social reports ⤵️
kffhealthnews.org
Families Defend Disability Services Amid Medicaid Cuts - KFF Health News
Idaho is positioning to slash Medicaid funding as state lawmakers grapple with the effects of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law last year. On the tab...
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Arielle Zionts @ajzionts.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
OK: Using Rural Health Transformation $ to realign services could mean “shutting down service lines." MT: Rightsizing could mean “downsizing." WY: RHTP bill says facilities getting funding must “reduce unprofitable, duplicative or nonessential service lines." kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
kffhealthnews.org
Give and Take: Federal Rural Health Funding Could Trigger Service Cuts - KFF Health News
States are rolling out plans for their share of a $50 billion fund meant to improve rural health care. In some states, the money may provoke rural hospitals to cut services.
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The Onion @theonion.com · 24/03/2026
Dad Suggests Arriving At Airport 14 Hours Early theonion.com/dad-suggests-arriving-…
Dad Suggests Arriving At Airport 14 Hours Early
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Kyle Pfannenstiel @pfannyyy.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
The Idaho Senate narrowly passed a bill that calls for nearly $22 million in budget cuts to Medicaid disability services, sending the legislation to the governor. #idleg #idpol
idahocapitalsun.com
Idaho Senate passes $22M in Medicaid disability budget cuts, sending bill to governor • Idaho Capital Sun
The bill, House Bill 863, would cut provider reimbursement rates for residential habilitation services by $21.8 million next fiscal year.
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Kyle Pfannenstiel @pfannyyy.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Four patients have died after the Idaho — facing budget shortfall — cut a mobile treatment program for people with severe mental illness. #idleg #idpol
idahocapitalsun.com
Fourth patient dies after Idaho cut Medicaid mental health service • Idaho Capital Sun
Four patients have died after the state, facing budget shortfall, cut a mobile treatment program for people with severe mental illness.
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Arielle Zionts @ajzionts.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Harsh words from the Colorado Hospital Association: “Not only were CO’s rural hospitals’ recommendations disregarded,” but the plan includes ideas “they actively oppose and believe will harm the communities they serve.” My latest w/ @sjtribble-reports.bsky.social:
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Kyle Pfannenstiel @pfannyyy.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
After several legislative moves to punt decisions on Medicaid cuts this year, Idaho Republican lawmakers on Monday introduced a bill to repeal Medicaid expansion. #idleg #idpol
idahocapitalsun.com
Idaho Legislature introduces Medicaid expansion repeal bill • Idaho Capital Sun
After several legislative moves to punt decisions on Medicaid budget cuts, Idaho lawmakers introduced a bill to repeal Medicaid expansion.
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