Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Golden Gate Bridge Nets Already Deterring Suicide Attempts
Though very delayed, the $200 million-plus suicide nets installed along the Golden Gate Bridge appear to be acting as intended, with data showing around half the number of attempted suicide jumps typical for this point of the year. Also in the news: brain care scores, the endless news cycle, dementia and napping, and more.
Editorial writers delve into these issues and more.
Report: US Flexed Diplomatic Muscle To Weaken Baby Formula Safety Regs
A ProPublica investigation finds that officials in the Biden administration have challenged baby formula regulations in more than half a dozen countries, advocating for the interests of manufacturers like Abbott and Mead Johnson. Critics say those efforts are undermining public health.
Abortion Ban Stands After Iowa Supreme Court Swats Away Appeal
Enforcement of the law could start this week when a lower court judge lifts the injunction blocking it. In other news, the U.S. House has delayed action on a pair of funding bills that contained abortion riders. Also, anti-abortion researchers float riskier procedures to end a pregnancy in an emergency.
Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Against UnitedHealth Over Change Hack
The National Community Pharmacists Association and 39 medical providers are suing UnitedHealth, alleging that they are still waiting for payments as a result of the ransomware attack that shut down its affiliate company Change Healthcare for months.
Robitussin Maker Will Stop Saying Medicine Is ‘Non-Drowsy’
A consumer lawsuit had alleged the cough and flu medicines did actually cause drowsiness despite the claim on the bottle. Meanwhile, J&J is nearing a deal on an $8 billion talc settlement.
For First Time, Most New HIV Cases Happened Outside Sub-Saharan Africa
A United Nations report looks at progress and pitfalls of the effort to end the global AIDS health threat. Although infections are trending down, it says, efforts to prevent AIDS by 2030 won’t happen without urgent action now.
Owner At Center Of Louisiana Nursing Home Storm Fiasco Sentenced
A Louisiana nursing home owner was sentenced to three years’ probation for his role in events during Hurricane Ida in 2021, when more than 800 residents were moved to squalid conditions in a warehouse. Other news includes a gender care restrictions in Florida, a backlog of rape kits in Maryland, a drug overdose plateau in Los Angeles County, and more.
Pfizer-Backed Lyme Disease Vaccine Passes Important Milestone
The effort, from Pfizer and its French partner Valneva SE, may result in a vaccine that could hit the market in 2026, pending trial results. Also in the news: H5N1 avian influenza infects two more, a sewage leak closes two L.A. County beaches, and more.
As Harris Moves Into Spotlight, Focus Tightens On Dems’ Health Agenda
News outlets examine the role Kamala Harris could play in continuing the long-term health goals of the Democratic party, stepping into the battle for abortion rights, and the way these matters could energize voters. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s age and health are revived.
House Investigation Finds PBMs Steer Patients To Costlier Drugs
Higher spending and reduced patient choice are what PBMs achieve when they’re involved in the drug sales process alongside manufacturers and pharmacies, a House investigation found. Meanwhile, as more generic meds hit lower prices, shortages of drugs rise, a study found.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
As Young Adult Liver-Related Deaths Rise, Trans Adults Face Higher Risk
Research published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology last month found trans adults face double the risk of severe liver disease, and a higher share of cirrhosis from heavy drinking—despite the fact that they comprise less than 1% of the nation’s population. Also in the news: alcohol monitoring in North Carolina, mobile methadone clinics, and more.
Listeria Outbreak Linked To Deli Meat Has Now Killed 2, Hospitalized 28
The outbreak has affected people in 11 states. Separately, research into pig transplantation has led to a surprising boon for people with red meat allergy from tick bites: Pork from genetically modified pigs doesn’t trigger their allergic reaction.
Editorial writers discuss bird flu, nonprofit hospitals, presidential health, and more.
Montana, Missouri, And South Dakota Abortion Rights Ballot Pushes Advance
The initiatives in Montana and Missouri have gathered more than enough voter signatures to qualify for the November ballot, officials report. In South Dakota, a judge has tossed a lawsuit that sought to take the measure off the ballot. The anti-abortion group has appealed to the Supreme Court.
Biden’s Health Care Achievements Frame His Legacy
President Joe Biden will be hailed for his efforts to lower prescription drug costs, expand health care coverage, protect abortion access, and guide the country through a pandemic, even though a second Trump administration could reverse many health care policies.
Even After Trump Was Shot, Republicans Downplay Gun Violence
Assassination attempts have led to some of the biggest overhauls to gun laws in the country’s history, but this time it seems unlikely, the Wall Street Journal says. Also: California researchers say repeated exposure to graphic photos and videos is linked to psychological distress.
Experts Note CrowdStrike Bug Is Proof Of Health System’s Tech Weaknesses
A cybersecurity company’s error took down business computers across the planet, including health service systems — forcing hospitals to resort to paper and pens — but experts are also noting that it should be a big warning of health systems’ tech vulnerabilities.