Latest KFF Health News Stories
The controversial policy document from conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation took a position further right than the Trump campaign does, the Hill notes. Forbes and Mother Jones describe how the platform could lead to a nationwide abortion ban.
Senate Passes Bills Aimed At Protecting Online Privacy And Safety For Children
The twin measures would require tech platforms to institute measures to ensure kids are not harmed. The bills now head to the House for consideration. Also, a bipartisan effort is underway to create a mental health hotline for first responders.
Report Says Meta Is Running Ads For Illegal Drugs Like Cocaine
The Wall Street Journal reports that months after its investigation found Facebook and Instagram ads steering users to illegal drug marketplaces, the company has run “hundreds” more despite facing a federal investigation. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden pressed Congress to tackle fentanyl traffickers.
Livestock Workers Urged To Get Flu Vax As More Cases Of Bird Flu Reported
Nine poultry workers in Colorado have been infected with bird flu, bringing the total to 14 across the nation since 2022. Meanwhile, the CDC will put $5 million toward seasonal flu vaccines for livestock workers. USA Today explains how the seasonal flu vax can help prevent bird flu.
CMS Raises Medicare Pay For Hospices By 2.9% In Fiscal 2025
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ final hospice provider reimbursement boost is higher than the 2.6% proposed in March. Also in health industry and pharma news: HealthPartners, Community Health Systems, Mount Sinai, Eisai, Biogen, and more.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Farmworkers Need Protection Against H5N1; We Must Deal With Forever Chemicals ASAP
Editorial writers tackle bird flu, forever chemicals, Project 2025, and more.
Judge Cancels Trial Over North Dakota Abortion Ban, Might Dismiss Lawsuit
In other news, a ballot measure to protect abortion rights will be intentionally vague when it is put to New York voters because the State Board of Elections couldn’t agree on how to interpret the amendment. More news about abortion rights and bans comes from South Dakota, Iowa, and Florida.
Heading Into Season Of State Fairs, Experts Warily Eye H5N1 Dynamics
Due to H5N1 avian influenza, the Minnesota State Fair will not have birthing cows or newborn calves. Also in the news: New York’s stockpile of Tamiflu, an mRNA bird flu vaccine initiative, valley fever at a California music festival, and more.
Baltimore City’s Top Health Official Terminated After Less Than 8 Months
The Baltimore Sun reports that Health Commissioner Ihuoma Emenuga has been terminated effective immediately and a source says that an investigation is “pending.” Also in health industry news: Lurie Children’s Hospital, St. Louis University Hospital, Steward Health Care, and more.
FDA OKs Guardant Health’s Blood Test To Detect Colon Cancer
Experts hope the new test will catch cases early enough to allow easy treatments. Meanwhile, the U.S. has committed to buying HIV antiretroviral drugs through African suppliers; HIV modeling may not have enough data on trans people; and more.
Mass. Senators To Vote On Supervised Drug Consumption Sites
The so-called overdose prevention centers could help combat the impact of the opioid crisis. In San Francisco, Mayor London Breed proposes paying welfare recipients $100 weekly if they stay free from illicit drugs — a distinctly different stance than usual.
Cancer Death Rates Have Fallen Nearly 30% Over 25 Years
The Baltimore Sun focuses on what’s being called a “new era” in the battle against cancer, with profound improvements in cancer death rates in the last few decades. Also in the news: misdiagnoses, wildfire smoke and dementia, and more.
Biden Demands Sweeping Changes For Supreme Court
President Joe Biden on Monday endorsed proposals for 18-year term limits for justices and a mandatory ethics code. He also called for a constitutional amendment overturning the court’s recent ruling awarding former presidents full immunity. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) called the proposals “dead on arrival.”
Effects Of Low Birthrate Shape Vance’s Vision For America
The GOP vice presidential nominee has said he thinks fewer children in the country leads to social isolation and other issues for the children who are here. Also, as the presidential campaign kicks into high gear, Democrat Kamala Harris sharpens her focus on reproductive freedom for women.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
West Nile Cases Trending Upward Early, Possibly Foretelling A 10-Year Spike
Although most people have only mild symptoms from the mosquito-borne illness, it can affect the brain and nervous system. CNN spoke with people who warned others about the lingering trauma after an infection. Meanwhile, the summer covid surge is spreading across the country.
Pediatricians Lawsuit V. Florida House Over Gender Care Info Set For Trial
The battle centers around care standards documents subpoenaed by House Health and Human Services Chairman Randy Fine, a Republican. Fine, who is not a doctor, disputes that gender care for kids is medically appropriate. The Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics is fighting back.
Viewpoints: Extreme Heat Takes A Toll On Mental Health; Is Lecanemab Safe For Treating Alzheimer’s?
Editorial writers discuss these issues and more.
As Abortion Ban Begins Today In Iowa, Minnesota Preps For Patient Influx
Abortions are legal only to the point where there is “detectable fetal heartbeat,” which was determined to be six weeks, according to the Republican-crafted law. Exceptions exist for rape or incest cases, serious maternal danger, or when fatal fetal abnormalities are present.