Latest news with #MarkJohnson
2 days ago
- Health
There's a painkiller shortage in Canada. Here's what to know
There is a shortage of some commonly-prescribed painkillers in Canada, as companies that supply them deal with manufacturing disruptions and increased demand, according to a notice (new window) published on Health Canada's website. The medications in question are acetaminophen with codeine (sometimes known as Tylenol 3) and acetaminophen with oxycodone (sometimes sold under the brand name Percocet). As a result of the shortage, Health Canada's notice said these drugs have become harder to get and may not always be available. Here's what you need to know. Manufacturing troubles cause ripple effects Health Canada's notice says the shortage of acetaminophen with codeine is linked to manufacturing disruptions reported by Teva Canada Limited, resulting in increased demand and shortages reported by Apotex Inc and Laboratoire Riva Inc, the other companies that also market the drug in Canada. Teva's manufacturing problems are also affecting its supply of acetaminophen with oxycodone, leading to an increased demand other companies can't make up for. In a statement, Teva said the problem is due to a short delay in our supply chain relating to the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) shipment from our supplier. The company says it expects to be able to accelerate production of an initial supply for early August 2025 and for full supply to be restored in Canada by September. A spokesperson for Health Canada, Mark Johnson, said in a statement that the agency is working closely with manufacturers, health-care providers and provinces and territories to monitor the situation and explore options to increase access. You never want to see a shortage, period. But you definitely don't want to see it with something that's this common, said Mina Tadrous, associate professor with the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto. Tadrous says these drugs are prescribed for both acute pain — following a surgery or dental procedure for example — and for chronic pain, for patients who need them on a long-term basis. He says supply-chain problems for one drug company can affect supply across Canada. We see a domino effect. One drug goes on shortage, everyone switches to another generic, he said. That trickles through. 'Don't panic,' pharmacists say While the shortage can complicate things for patients and pharmacists, the Canadian Pharmacists Association says pharmacists are used to managing drug shortages and helping patients through them. The good news is, there are alternatives available, said Sadaf Faisal, a pharmacist and senior director of professional affairs at the Canadian Pharmacists Association. Faisal said the association is in close contact with Health Canada and is monitoring the situation closely. In the meantime, her advice to patients is: Don't panic. Talk to your health-care providers, go to your pharmacist. They have resources available to them that provide the safer alternative. She also advises patients to try not to wait until they are almost out of their medications to renew prescriptions. What pharmacists are doing The association has published a clinical resource (new window) for pharmacists as they navigate the shortage. It provides guidance on suitable alternative medications, switching strategies and how to best monitor changes. Faisal says pharmacists can work with patients to fine-tune suitable alternatives according to their conditions, medications and medical histories, It's based on the situation, she said. It's not a one-size fits all approach. Tadrous says patients will still be treated and get the drugs they need, but notes drug shortages can create extra work for pharmacies and physicians. It's still kind of burdensome for an already stretched system, he said. Alison Northcott (new window) · CBC News · National Reporter Alison Northcott is a national reporter for CBC News in Montreal, covering health, business and politics. Born in Winnipeg, she is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University and has over 15 years experience in journalism.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Former WEWS meteorologist Mark Johnson finds employment with WKYC parent company TEGNA
Mark Johnson, former long-time meteorologist at Channel 5 who was suddenly let go in May, has reportedly found new employment. Johnson will now make his weather predictions for TEGNA, the parent company of WKYC, on a contract basis, according to a report from Cleveland Scene. He will not forecast in the Cleveland market due to contract conflicts, the report added. 'I will be doing some summer relief freelance fill-in work for the Tegna Company, for their TV stations outside of Northern Ohio," Johnson told the Scene in a text message July 28. Johnson did not note to the Scene which stations he would be forecasting for. The Beacon Journal has reached out to Johnson and WKYC for comment. Hollie Strano: Former WKYC meteorologist, to give forecast for Southern radio stations Why was Mark John fired from Channel 5? Channel 5 reported Johnson was no longer a WEWS meteorologist on the afternoon of May 9. "News 5 wants to share with our viewers a change to our on-air staffing," the station wrote in a news post on its website. "Meteorologist Mark Johnson is no longer employed at WEWS." The brief news story did not include a reason for the separation or the nature of it, but included a statement from WEWS Vice President and General Manager Steve Weinstein: "We want our audiences to know that News 5 and its parent company, Scripps, take protecting our audiences' trust very seriously by requiring our employees to adhere to the highest ethical standards. We cannot provide further details, as this is a personnel matter." An attorney representing Mark Johnson called Johnson's firing "unfounded and disappointing," according to a statement obtained by 'Mark Johnson has built a distinguished reputation over three decades as a trusted and respected meteorologist in the community,' Daniel Levin of Prominent Brand + Talent said in the statement. 'His work has earned him the public trust and internal recognition and his performance evaluations have always been exemplary – consistently reflecting his dedication, reliability and value to Scripps and the WEWS family." 'I have represented [him] for over 25 years. Mark is a model professional. Of conduct that would be deemed inappropriate, there's none of that,' Levin added. Who replaced Mark Johnson at Channel 5? Channel 5 hired Frank Marzullo to take over Johnson's spot a few weeks after his firing. How long was Mark Johnson at Channel 5? Johnson joined News 5 Cleveland in 1993 where he received Emmy Awards for his work in weather forecasting. He graduated from Kent State University in 1988, according to his LinkedIn profile. Jennifer Pignolet and Dan Kadar contributed to this report. Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@ or on Twitter @athompsonABJ This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Mark Johnson hired by WKYC parent company TEGNA to forecast weather Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
2 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Walz eyes security changes to Minnesota Capitol after naked man accesses Senate chamber after hours
Gov. Tim Walz says security changes are coming after a naked man was caught inside the Minnesota Capitol in the middle of the night. The man was found in the Senate chamber Friday night and was taken to the hospital before he was released. He returned to the capitol grounds early Saturday morning and was taken into custody after he showed up at the Capitol complex a third time. "This is a serious situation and it's dangerous," said Walz. "And of course we are balancing against a very Minnesota tradition of open governance and walking through the door." Walz acknowledged that the breach — happening just over a month after the politically-motivated attacks of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, along with Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette — have left lawmakers badly shaken. A tribute to Hortman, who died along with her husband in the attack, still frames the doorways to the House chamber. A locked gate marks the entrance to the Senate chamber. It's always locked when the Senate is not in session, and when it is, the gate is open and flanked by guards. Because the Senate hasn't been in session in weeks, it's not clear how the intruder gained access to that part of the building. House Speaker Lisa Demuth and Senate Majority Leader Mark Johnson expressed concern that the man was not arrested the first time. Criminal Defense Attorney Joe Tamburino says they are right to be upset. "So it's right for our state lawmakers to be worried about this because a couple of things fell through the cracks," Tamburino said. Visitors to the Capitol, like Todd Redmond, aren't sure what should be done. "It's the people's house. People's business is conducted. And I would like to see people still be able to get in and out of here because it belongs to all of us," said Redmond. The accused intruder was in Ramsey County Jail on Monday evening. He is being held on a Wisconsin warrant for failing to appear at a restitution hearing. Walz says a thorough investigation is underway, but added Minnesota does have a less secure Capitol than most states. Earlier this month, the top law enforcement official in Ramsey County urged lawmakers to consider additional security measures at the Capitol amid what he called "a troubling increase in the use of political violence, threats and intimidation."
CBC
2 days ago
- Health
- CBC
There's a painkiller shortage in Canada. Here's what to know
Social Sharing There is a shortage of some commonly-prescribed painkillers in Canada, as companies that supply them deal with manufacturing disruptions and increased demand, according to a notice published on Health Canada's website. The medications in question are acetaminophen with codeine (sometimes known as Tylenol 3) and acetaminophen with oxycodone (sometimes sold under the brand name Percocet). As a result of the shortage, Health Canada's notice said these drugs have become harder to get and "may not always be available." Here's what you need to know. Manufacturing troubles cause ripple effects Health Canada's notice says the shortage of acetaminophen with codeine is linked to manufacturing disruptions reported by Teva Canada Limited, resulting in increased demand and shortages reported by Apotex Inc and Laboratoire Riva Inc, the other companies that also market the drug in Canada. Teva's manufacturing problems are also affecting its supply of acetaminophen with oxycodone, leading to an increased demand other companies can't make up for. In a statement, Teva said the problem is "due to a short delay in our supply chain relating to the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) shipment from our supplier." The company says it "expects to be able to accelerate production of an initial supply for early August 2025" and for full supply to be restored in Canada by September. A spokesperson for Health Canada, Mark Johnson, said in a statement that the agency is "working closely with manufacturers, health-care providers and provinces and territories to monitor the situation and explore options to increase access." "You never want to see a shortage, period. But you definitely don't want to see it with something that's this common," said Mina Tadrous, associate professor with the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto. Tadrous says these drugs are prescribed for both acute pain — following a surgery or dental procedure for example — and for chronic pain, for patients who need them on a long-term basis. He says supply-chain problems for one drug company can affect supply across Canada. "We see a domino effect. One drug goes on shortage, everyone switches to another generic," he said. "That trickles through." 'Don't panic,' pharmacists say While the shortage can complicate things for patients and pharmacists, the Canadian Pharmacists Association says pharmacists are used to managing drug shortages and helping patients through them. "The good news is, there are alternatives available," said Sadaf Faisal, a pharmacist and senior director of professional affairs at the Canadian Pharmacists Association. Faisal said the association is in close contact with Health Canada and is monitoring the situation closely. In the meantime, her advice to patients is: "Don't panic. Talk to your health-care providers, go to your pharmacist. They have resources available to them that provide the safer alternative." She also advises patients to try not to wait until they are almost out of their medications to renew prescriptions. What pharmacists are doing The association has published a clinical resource for pharmacists as they navigate the shortage. It provides guidance on suitable alternative medications, switching strategies and how to best monitor changes. Faisal says pharmacists can work with patients to fine-tune suitable alternatives according to their conditions, medications and medical histories, "It's based on the situation," she said. "It's not a one-size fits all approach." Tadrous says patients will still be treated and get the drugs they need, but notes drug shortages can create extra work for pharmacies and physicians. "It's still kind of burdensome for an already stretched system," he said.
CBS News
22-07-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Republican Minnesota Sen. Bruce Anderson dies unexpectedly at age 75
Longtime Republican Minnesota Sen. Bruce Anderson died unexpectedly on Monday, his GOP colleagues said in a statement. He was 75. Anderson is a U.S. Navy veteran who served in the Vietnam War, and he spent more than 30 years in the Legislature. He was first elected to the Minnesota House in 1994 before moving to the Senate following his election in 2012. He represented Wright County and three communities across neighboring Hennepin and Meeker counties. "I'm saddened to learn Senator Bruce Anderson passed unexpectedly today. Bruce was a dedicated public servant, loving family man, and dear friend to many at the Capitol and in Buffalo," said Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, in a statement. "We offer our condolences and prayers for comfort for the entire Anderson family." His family has asked for privacy and will share a statement at a later time. He and his wife Ruth lived in Buffalo and together have eight children and 12 grandchildren, according to his biography on the Senate GOP website. Anderson focused on issues impacting agriculture, veterans, broadband and public safety during his time at the State Capitol. Senate Democrats in a statement said they are saddened by the loss, calling him "a great champion" for farmers and veterans. "I served with Bruce in both the House and Senate, and will fondly remember him for the way he approached this work and treated his colleagues," said Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, in a statement. "He was a decent, kind colleague, and a dedicated family man, and I feel fortunate to have known and worked with him." He joined the U.S. Navy after graduating from high school and years later also joined the Minnesota Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserves. He grew up on a dairy farm in rural Minnesota. Former Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch, a Republican whom Anderson succeeded in the Senate, said in a post on social media that he was a mentor and a friend who "changed hearts and minds through hard work and lots of conversation" in what once was a DFL-leaning district. Gov. Tim Walz will eventually call a special election for the vacancy left by his death. It comes as there will be another special election in September for former DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman's seat after she was shot in a politically motivated attack last month. There will be yet another vacancy and subsequent special election in the Senate when Sen. Nicole Mitchell resigns from office following her felony burglary conviction. Her attorney said that will happen no later than Aug. 4.
