Latest KFF Health News Stories
Whistleblower Reveals Startling Cash Bribery Allegations About Steward CEO
CBS News reports on allegations Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre bragged he could sway foreign officials over hospital contracts with “bags” of cash. Among other health industry news: a physician is sentenced for her role in the Jan. 6 riot; electric air taxis for rural health care; and more.
First Edition: Friday, Sept. 6, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Watch Out For Mosquitoes Carrying EEE; Vaccine Against Fentanyl Offers Hope
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
Research Roundup: Allergies; PFAS; Wetland Virus; Migraines
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Animals Farmed For Fur In China Test Positive For Myriad Concerning Viruses
Of the 125 viruses found in 461 diseased animals, 39 had a higher potential of infecting other species, researchers found. Meanwhile, a new MRNA-based vaccine to combat mpox might be coming soon.
Months Before Election, We Don’t Have A Clue About Candidates’ Health
Neither Democratic nominee Kamala Harris nor Republican nominee Donald Trump has released medical records that would assure voters they are healthy enough to effectively serve as president.
States With Restrictive Abortion Bans Offer Least Help To Most Vulnerable
Low-income families who can’t access abortions do not have the support network they need after a child is born, a study reveals. In other news, the Ohio Supreme Court has blocked a pair of laws that restrict the use of abortion medications.
Steward Health Care CEO Won’t Answer Senate Subpoena
Ralph de la Torre has been subpoenaed by a Senate committee to answer questions over the failed hospital chain but is refusing to appear, and instead is asking to wait until Steward’s bankruptcy proceedings are finalized. Steward, meanwhile, is selling six Massachusetts hospitals at a loss.
Post-Bankruptcy Rite Aid Will Function As A Private Company
During Rite Aid’s bankruptcy, hundreds of stores were closed and its pharmacy benefit company Elixir was sold. Now that it has restructured, the pharmacy chain will be private with a smaller retail footprint. In other news: DEA allows Vyvanse production to increase to tackle ADHD drug shortages.
Fentanyl Vaccine Set For Clinical Trials Starting In Mid-2025
The vaccine, which would prevent the opioid from entering the brain, has seen success in animal studies. Meanwhile, methadone treatments, touted as a key to ending the fentanyl epidemic, remain controversial as clinics push back on politicians’ hopes.
Emergency Responders Burning Out Across The US As Climate Changes
Hundreds of thousands of emergency responders have more challenges such as burnout, PTSD, and budgetary issues, Stateline reports. Among other news: Proposition 36 in California; a Juul payout; bilingual Spanish health care; more.
18 Million US Households Dealt With Hunger In 2023, Continuing A Trend
Department of Agriculture report shows hunger in the U.S. to be at the highest it’s been in nearly a decade. SNAP and WIC are also in the news.
Mass Shooters Don’t ‘Just Snap’: Past Behavior Is Key To Curbing Epidemic, Experts Say
A 14-year-old is accused of shooting and killing four people Wednesday at a high school outside of Atlanta. Vox explains how the vast majority of shooters don’t spontaneously decide to commit mass violence; many of them have suffered from some type of abuse, and most are suicidal.
Controversial Study Suggests Vaccines Don’t Lower Long Covid Risk
A new study from the Mayo Clinic says that long covid rates are similar between vaccinated and unvaccinated people, running against conventional wisdom. Critics say the study may be skewed by its sample size. Separately, wearable fitness trackers show promise in spotting covid infections early.
First Edition: Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Climate Change Is Making Mosquitoes More Dangerous; American Farmers Are Not OK
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Court: Oklahoma Isn’t Entitled To HHS Funds Intended For Abortion Referrals
The state had argued that helping women who were requesting information about abortion violates the law. Meanwhile, at the state level, Nebraska’s Supreme Court has expedited a case challenging a November ballot measure to expand abortion rights.
Mobile Phone Use Isn’t Linked To Brain Cancer After All
A review, commissioned by the World Health Organization, looked at 28 years of research data. Backing up scientific consensus, the review has dismissed a long-standing concern that exposure to radio emissions from phones causes brain cancer.
At Least 19 Valley Fever Cases Confirmed After California Music Event
The potentially deadly fungal infection has hit attendees and workers of the Lightning in a Bottle music festival near Bakersfield. A study finds that climate change-induced drought conditions have been driving the recent surge in cases of the illness, also known as coccidioidomycosis.
AMA Accused Of Spreading Misinfo About Physician Associates
The accusation comes from the American Academy of Physician Associates, which also said in a public letter to the American Medical Association dated Tuesday, that the AMA was disparaging the profession. Also in the news: school nurse burdens, nursing union contract negotiations, and more.