Trump Administration Pauses Asylum Decisions After National Guard Shooting

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The U.S. is facing a critical shortage of pharmacists, and it’s only getting worse

The steady rhythm of the pharmacy – prescriptions filled, advice given, vaccinations administered – is facing a disruptive beat: a growing shortage of pharmacists. Across the U.S., pharmacies are grappling with staffing challenges, leading to longer wait times, reduced hours, and, in some cases, temporary closures.

The problem isn’t new, but it’s rapidly escalating. Several factors are converging to create this crisis. The pandemic substantially increased the demands on pharmacists, who were on the front lines administering vaccines and providing information during a time of immense uncertainty. This surge in workload, coupled with existing pressures, led to burnout and early retirements.

“We saw a huge increase in the scope of what pharmacists were doing during the pandemic,” says Scott Knoer, CEO of the American Pharmacists Association. “That, combined with the existing stresses of the profession, really accelerated the burnout we were already seeing.”

Furthermore, the number of pharmacy school graduates hasn’t kept pace with demand. Pharmacy school is a rigorous and expensive undertaking, and some potential students may be deterred by the demanding work environment and relatively modest salaries compared to other healthcare professions.

The consequences of the shortage are far-reaching. Patients are experiencing delays in getting their medications, which can be particularly perilous for those with chronic conditions. Pharmacists are being forced to take on heavier workloads, increasing the risk of errors.And independent pharmacies, which often serve rural and underserved communities, are particularly vulnerable to closure.

“Independent pharmacies are the backbone of many communities,” says Doug Hoey, CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association.”When they close, it creates a real access problem for patients.”

There’s no easy fix to the pharmacist shortage. increasing pharmacy school enrollment is a long-term solution, but it will take years to produce more graduates. Improving working conditions and increasing salaries are also crucial to attracting and retaining pharmacists. Some states are exploring options like allowing pharmacy technicians to take on more responsibilities under the supervision of a pharmacist, but this raises concerns about patient safety.

The shortage is a stark reminder of the vital role pharmacists play in our healthcare system. Addressing this crisis will require a concerted effort from policymakers, pharmacy schools, and healthcare organizations to ensure that patients continue to have access to the medications and care they need.

Trump Management Halts Asylum Decisions after National Guard Shooting

after an Afghan national was named as being behind a shooting in Washington, D.C., that left one member of the National Guard dead and another in critical condition, the Trump administration says it is halting all asylum decisions.

Joseph Edlow,director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), said Friday night that the agency is pausing decisions “until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.”

“the safety of the american peopel always comes first,” edlow wrote on X.

The decision follows President Trump’s promise of a sharp crackdown on immigration from countries he described as “third world.”

Trump Administration Intensifies Scrutiny of Green Cards, Eyes Potential Revocation

The trump administration is taking increasingly stringent measures regarding immigration, with a focus on re-examining previously granted green Cards. According to a social media post by USCIS Director Joe Edlow, a “full scale, rigorous reexamination” of every Green Card is underway, encompassing individuals from “every country of concern.”

While the specific countries subject to this review remain undisclosed, the move signals a potential wave of revocations. This action builds upon the administration’s existing deportation policies,which already include sending immigrants back to their countries of origin or to third countries – some of which receive financial compensation for accepting deportees.Recent examples include deportations of Venezuelans to El Salvador, migrants to Eswatini and South Sudan, and an agreement with Rwanda to accept deportees.

The administration’s approach reflects a hardline stance on immigration, with some advocating for “reverse migration” as the ultimate solution. This latest development raises concerns about the security of immigration status for long-term residents and the potential for widespread disruption within immigrant communities.

USCIS has not yet responded to requests for further comment regarding the scope and criteria of the Green Card reexamination. the initiative follows a June presidential action aimed at restricting entry for foreign nationals deemed a threat to national security.

The rise of ‘quiet quitting’ and what it means for workers and employers

For many, the pandemic prompted a reevaluation of work-life balance.Now, a new trend is gaining traction online: “quiet quitting.” But it’s not about actually quitting your job. Instead, it’s about doing exactly what your job description requires and nothing more.

The term originated on TikTok, where users began sharing videos about rejecting the hustle culture that frequently enough pressures employees to go above and beyond. Advocates of quiet quitting say it’s a way to establish boundaries and prevent burnout.

“It’s about not sacrificing your life for your job,” says one TikTok user who goes by @zkchillin. “It’s about setting boundaries and not letting work consume you.”

But what does quiet quitting look like in practice? It could mean leaving work on time, declining extra projects, or simply not responding to emails after hours.

A symptom of larger issues?

Experts say quiet quitting is a symptom of deeper issues in the workplace, such as lack of recognition, poor management, and unrealistic expectations.

“Employees are feeling disengaged and undervalued,” says organizational psychologist Dr. Melody Wilding. “they’re realizing that going the extra mile doesn’t always lead to rewards or advancement.”

Some employers see quiet quitting as a negative trend, arguing that it can stifle productivity and innovation. Others acknowledge that it’s a wake-up call.

“It’s a sign that we need to create a better work environment where employees feel valued and supported,” says HR consultant Ben Eubanks. “That means providing opportunities for growth, recognizing contributions, and promoting a healthy work-life balance.”

What can be done?

Both employees and employers have a role to play in addressing the issues that lead to quiet quitting.

Employees can proactively communicate their boundaries and expectations to their managers. Employers can focus on creating a culture of recognition, providing opportunities for professional development, and fostering open communication.

Ultimately, quiet quitting highlights the need for a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to work. It’s a reminder that employees are not robots, and that their well-being matters.

>The department did not respond to an NPR request for comment.

History of anti-immigrant sentiment

The president’s latest comments against immigration was sparked by the revelation that the alleged shooter was identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal — a 29-year-old Afghan national who had worked with the CIA to fight the Taliban in his native country and was admitted into the United States in 2021 as a result of his service. In a Thanksgiving day call with servicemembers,Trump described the shooting as a terrorist attack and the shooter as a “savage monster.”

He blamed the Biden administration for lakanwal’s entry to the United States and for a general failure of the immigration system.

“Generally speaking, we don’t wont ’em,” he said, referring broadly to immigration seekers as gang members, mentally ill and previously incarcerated.

Trump ran both triumphant White House campaigns on a pledge to crack down on illegal immigration, targeting at various points migrants from countries including Mexico and Somalia.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday after the Thanksgiving call, Trump widened his attack to focus not just on the alleged shooter but to rail against immigration to the U.S. and immigrants in general.

When asked by a reporter about the fact that as a former CIA asset, Lakanwal had been vetted, Trump repeatedly berated the reporter as “stupid.”