Latest KFF Health News Stories
Nevada Reproductive Rights Ballot Initiative Blocked By District Judge
A newly formed PAC filed a lawsuit last month to block a petition that had been seeking to enshrine reproductive rights, including abortion, in Nevada’s constitution. District Judge James T. Russell has now sided with the PAC. Other abortion-related news is from Ohio, Arizona, D.C., and elsewhere.
China’s Surge Of Respiratory Infections No Longer Thought To Be A Threat
The surge had initially raised concerns that it may be a covid-like novel pathogen. Other news is on low flu vaccine rates among Florida kids.
After Delays, Florida Releases New Covid Database
The state Department of Health has released a database containing a year’s worth of information. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, the covid death rate during the pandemic was lower than many other populated areas.
Politicians Rethink Primary Care, But Medical School Output Isn’t Meeting Demand For Doctors
Politico explains how President Barack Obama’s promise that people could “keep their doctors” is likely to fail. Separately, former President Donald Trump is in the news for his plans for “alternatives” to the Affordable Care Act. Health care policies of Govs. Ron DeSantis (R-Florida) and Gavin Newsom (D-California) are also in the news.
Recall Expands As Cantaloupe Salmonella Issue Linked To 2 Deaths
The two deaths happened in Minnesota, but at least 99 people across 32 states have been sickened. The FDA has now expanded the recall, covering three more brands of cantaloupes. Also in the news: an effort to contain rabies; a norovirus outbreak; lead-contaminated applesauce; more.
First Edition: November 27, 2023
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Researchers: Your Cup Of Joe Might Protect You Against Severe Covid
Fox News reports on the new study, which suggests that both ground coffee and instant coffee were found to have benefits, as was decaffeinated coffee. Also in the news: income disparities and heart risk; red wine headaches; unnecessary antibiotics; and more.
To Balance Roaring Demand, Novo Is Rationing Ozempic Starter Kits
The drugmaker is rationing the starter kits in Europe and also reducing supplies of another diabetes drug to focus on Ozempic production. Also in the news: Medtronic, Merck, Caraway Therapeutics, Monsanto, Epic Systems, Moderna, and more.
Turbulent Moment In AI Industry Comes Amid Concerns Over Health Use
The tension between lawmakers suggesting cautious approaches and regulation, and AI entrepreneurs who want to expand the use of AI in health care came under the spotlight this week as a leading AI name — OpenAI, behind ChatGPT — fell into leadership turmoil. Lawsuits against UnitedHealth and Cigna concerning AI are also in the news.
Report: $800M In Funds For Floridians With Disabilities Are Unspent
A nonprofit’s investigation found that state and federal matching funds meant for people with lifelong disabilities haven’t been spent over the past two years. Among other news, researchers can again access gun owner data in California; social media access for kids in New Jersey; and more.
Editorial writers discuss emotional suppression, infectious disease specialists, gun violence and more.
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Covid Deaths Up In A Few States Amid Holiday Caution Signals
Eight states reported a rise in covid deaths, according to CDC data. And for a second year in a row, it is omicron variants of the virus that are still the predominant strain driving new infections.
Michigan Governor Signs Reproductive Health Act Codifying Some Abortion Rights
The new law repeals former regulations targeting abortion providers, but the measure was scaled back amid Democrats’ division over a 24-hour waiting period and Medicaid funding. Other abortion news is reported out of North Dakota, Idaho, Virginia, and elsewhere.
Biden Seeks China Cooperation, Congressional Funds To Curb Fentanyl
The White House wants lawmakers to provide more funds to aid efforts to block fentanyl imports into the U.S. President Joe Biden also says that the deal struck with China will require monitoring in order to have an impact.
Wilcox Recalls All Flavors Of Ice Cream, Citing Possible Listeria
The recall notice includes all flavors of Wilcox brand ice cream, yogurt, and ice cream bars, as well as Leonardo’s brand gelato. Other public health news is on applesauce lead poisonings, rural access to dialysis, travel constipation, and more.
First Edition: November 22, 2023
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
WHO Says No Hospital In Gaza Is Able To Deliver Critical Care
As fighting continues, the World Health Organization said Monday that none of the 36 hospitals in Gaza are working at a level to deliver critical trauma care or perform surgery. Amid the aftermath of conflict around the largest hospital, new attacks on a second hospital have caused controversy.
Trump Releases Doctor’s Letter Saying He Is In ‘Excellent’ Health
Dr. Bruce Aronwaldt’s one-page report — made public by Donald Trump on his potential election rival Joe Biden’s 81st birthday — does not provide any data from an exam or lab tests but says that the former president has lost weight due to “improved diet” and daily exercise.