Latest KFF Health News Stories
Texas Hospital Halts Kidney Transplants In Wake Of ‘Irregularities’
The hospital has declined to describe “a pattern of irregularities” in liver donor acceptance criteria in detail, but Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center has now halted kidney transplants after stopping liver transplants days ago.
Michigan School Shooter’s Parents Get 10 To 15 Years In Prison
Both James and Jennifer Crumbley were sentenced, separately, for involuntary manslaughter for not stopping their teenage son from shooting and killing four students. Also in the news, Virginia’s governor vetoed a plan to make a drug price affordability board.
Bipartisan Bill Aims To Address US Troops’ Blast Exposure
The New York Times reports on the Blast Overpressure Safety Act, which would require the Pentagon to “track and limit troops’ exposure to damaging shock waves from firing their own weapons.” Also in the news from Capitol Hill: private equity in health care, telehealth policies, and more.
Arizona’s Abortion Ruling Turns Election Year Upside Down
The Arizona Supreme Court said Tuesday that an 1864 abortion ban can stand. The ruling came as Republicans had begun to rally around expected GOP nominee Donald Trump, who wants to leave abortion decisions up to the states. Democrats see the ruling as an opportunity to make headway in Arizona, which President Joe Biden won in a squeaker in 2020.
Hobbs Slams Lawmakers’ Reactions To Ban, Is ‘Confident’ Voters Will Have Say
Gov. Katie Hobbs called out Republican lawmakers who suddenly criticized the strict ban, noting they also celebrated the Dobbs decision that enabled it.
Wyoming’s Highest Court Won’t Take Up Challenge To Strict Abortion Ban
The state’s Supreme Court decided it won’t rule on abortion access, after Teton County District Judge Melissa Owens questioned the strict abortion bans on constitutional grounds. Meanwhile, Florida providers get ready for the state’s “catastrophic” six-week ban.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Is Marijuana Healthy Or Not?; Baby Olivia Video Is Medical Misinformation Aimed At Kids
Editorial writers discuss abortion, misinformation, and marijuana.
Illinois Officials Warn Residents About Risk Of Fake Botox Injections
According to the Illinois Public Health Department, the fake injections may have led to two people being hospitalized. Also in news from around the country: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a bill ensuring skin cancer screenings for state employees, California aims to ban the weedkiller paraquat, and more.
Transgender Catholics Express Disappointment At Vatican Statement
AP reports that transgender Catholics are dismayed by a recent Vatican document that rejects the principles of being transgender and say it shows a lack of understanding. The White House also reacted, affirming President Joe Biden’s support for the trans community.
CDC: Human Risk From Bird Flu Is Small, But States Should Prepare
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged state health officials to get ready with plans to rapidly test and treat any farm workers if they test positive after cattle have been found with bird flu.
Lawmakers Press FTC To Examine Optum’s Acquisition Of Steward
Meanwhile, USC and Emory University’s credit ratings are threatened by struggling hospital systems. Also: a widening gap between city, country mortality in Arizona; a security review of Zuckerberg General Hospital in San Francisco; more.
Brain Implant Startup Synchron Ready For Large-Scale Human Trials
The startup, a rival to Elon Musk’s Neuralink system, will set up an online registry for patients interested in joining the medical trial. Also in the news: AI mammograms; tests for pancreatic cancer; and LupusChat, a support system for those suffering with lupus.
Google Searches For ‘Hurt’ Eyes Spiked After Solar Eclipse
The searches suggest some people were worried they’d damaged their vision by looking at the image of the sun during yesterday’s total eclipse event. Also in the news, wildfires and mental health, legal weed, and vape use in college.
Study Casts Doubt On Benefits Of Paying Off People’s Medical Debt
A New York Times report covers a study by some economists that says paying off people’s medical debt has little impact on their lives. Separately, health care costs are found to be driving up anxiety in millennials and Gen Z, another study finds.
Arizona’s Highest Court Set To Rule Today On Near-Total Abortion Ban
The Arizona Supreme Court is expected to decide an appeal that has called for reinstating a near-total abortion ban from 1864, nearly 60 years before Arizona’s statehood. Also in the news: religious exemptions for Indiana’s near-total abortion ban, how pregnancy ages you, and more.
Trump’s Abortion Position Upsets GOP Hardliners
Former President Donald Trump’s statement that abortion is a matter for states and “the people” to decide has not gone down well with some Republicans. Sen. Lindsey Graham’s criticism of his announcement spurred Trump to say hardliners like Graham were doing “disservice.”
Data Stolen From Change Healthcare Ransomed In Second Attack
News outlets report on what cybersecurity experts had warned may happen in the aftermath of the recent attack on Change Healthcare: an alliance between cybercriminals. The alleged second ransom effort centers on 4TB of personal data on Change patients, which a new group threatens to release.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into parental anxiety, Medicaid, AI in hospitals, and more.