Latest KFF Health News Stories
Industrial Chemical BTMPS Found In Fentanyl Across US, Raising Alarm
The rapid infusion of the chemical, used in plastic products, into the fentanyl supply is raising significant concern among health researchers. Also: The Washington Post examines how Purdue’s global counterparts are still profiting from the sale of opioids, and more.
Bill Aims To Remove Weapons From Service Members Deemed A Threat
The measure, sponsored by Republican Sen. Susan Collins, was introduced after a mass shooting in Maine and would require the Army to take action using state crisis intervention laws. Separately, AP says police have increased use of Maine’s “yellow flag” law to seize weapons.
Instagram Unveils Changes To Improve Child Safety, Mental Health
The Meta-owned app will make accounts private for its users who are younger than 18. The company also will halt notifications during typical nighttime rest hours and limit sensitive content.
First Edition: Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Tennessee Confirms Measles Case In Traveler; West Nile Spreads In Mass.
In other news from around the country: Oklahoma ditches naloxone vending machines; medical waste is washing ashore in Maryland and Virginia; and more.
2 Close Contacts Of Missouri Bird Flu Patient Also Exhibited Symptoms
The CDC said Friday that the first person was a member of the initial patient’s household, and the second person was a health care worker. The CDC also said the simultaneous development of symptoms doesn’t provide evidence of person-to-person spread, NBC reported.
Trump Unharmed As FBI Investigates Another Assassination Attempt
The incident happened at his Florida golf club Sunday. Authorities recovered a rifle pointed into the golf course. Plus, more election news.
CMS Considering Oversight For Health Care Vendors After Change Cyberattack
The goal is to limit the broader impacts on care like those seen after the Change Healthcare hack earlier this year. Among other news, Mercy health system is threatening to stop accepting Anthem insurance, and the surgeon who pioneered laparoscopy has died.
American Cancer Society CEO Leaving Post; Search Is On For Successor
Karen Knudsen, who has led the body for more than three years, will stay on as a strategic adviser through early 2025. Also in the news: Incyte’s immunotherapy drug is effective against anal tumors; Bayer seeks broader approval for its prostate cancer drug; and more.
Pediatricians Struggle With Obesity Guidelines For Kids
Stat reports on the aftermath of the changes made to childhood obesity guidelines last year by the American Academy of Pediatrics, with some doctors remaining concerned over the potential impact on eating disorder development. Meanwhile, kids’ sugary drinks consumption is up.
Tune In Tonight For ‘Silence In Sikeston’ Documentary Premiere
At 8 p.m. ET, WORLD will premiere “Silence in Sikeston,” a co-production of KFF Health News and Retro Report, as part of “Local, USA.”
Stemming from reporting by KFF Health News, the documentary tells the story of the 1942 lynching of Cleo Wright and the ensuing failure of the first federal attempt to prosecute a lynching. The lynching continues to haunt the rural Missouri community as it struggles to cope with the fatal 2020 police shooting of a young Black father, Denzel Taylor. The film airs on WORLD stations nationwide and will be available to stream on WORLD’s YouTube channel, WORLDchannel.org and the PBS app.
Nebraska Court Allows Competing Abortion Measures On The Ballot
Voters must weigh in on a measure that would expand abortion protections and another that would limit them. Meanwhile in Arizona, lawmakers repealed the 1864 law that was revived to ban abortions. Also, a study reveals tubal ligation isn’t a sure-fire method for preventing pregnancies.
First Edition: Monday, Sept. 16, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
As Texas Herds Contracted H5N1, Virus Also Showed Up In Wastewater Samples
“The widespread detection of influenza A(H5N1) virus in wastewater from 10 U.S. cities is troubling,” report authors say. Meanwhile, the CDC says the human bird flu case in Missouri remains a mystery. Experts also voice concerns that as autumn arrives, the U.S. is entering a riskier time for H5N1 spread.
Apple’s New AirPods Earbuds Win FDA Approval For Use As Hearing Aids
The FDA noted that over-the-counter devices like Apple’s latest model AirPods could help more Americans with hearing loss get help. Also in the news: an effective but expensive injectable HIV-prevention drug; a drug that delays brain tumor progression; and more.
Nearly $10M Telemedicine Initiative Will Boost Southwest Minnesota EMS
The goal is to improve and speed up care after crashes in rural communities by connecting ambulance staff to remote physicians, experienced paramedics, and nurses for peer-to-peer support. Other news is from Florida, California, Georgia, and Wyoming.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on well water, food deserts, polio, the 9/11 attacks, and more.
Viewpoints: Waiting For Mpox To Show Up Is A Mistake; Online Weight Loss Drugs Can Be Dangerous
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Near-Total Abortion Ban In N. Dakota Deemed Unconstitutional
In striking down the law, the judge said it is “a violation on medical freedom” in that it takes away a woman’s right to choose. Also, as voters in several states prepare to pick a side on ballot initiatives, congressional Democrats are pressing for clarity about when providers must step in and deal with emergency abortions. Meanwhile, the Senate has another vote on IVF coming up.