Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Listeria Outbreak Drives Recall Of Certain Fruits Sold Nationwide
The multi-year outbreak, which has resulted in 11 illnesses, including one death, is linked to peaches, plums, and nectarines from California’s HMC Farms. Though the fruit has been pulled from shelves, the FDA is urging consumers to check freezers and discard any affected produce.
More Alzheimer’s Vaccines Enter Clinical Trials
News outlets say that recent breakthrough Alzheimer’s treatments have triggered a renewed vigor among Alzheimer’s research into vaccines: Trials have begun for at least seven vaccines. Separately, a study found belly fat inflammation may be linked to Alzheimer’s disease long before symptoms begin.
Scientists: Getting Flu Shots Can Lower Your Heart Attack Risk
A new meta-analysis showed a 26% drop in heart attacks among people who’d received a flu shot, and an even higher 33% fall in heart illness death risks. Meanwhile, Indian researchers reaffirmed covid vaccine safety by finding no link between shots and sudden unexplained deaths.
Health Care Providers Indirectly Hit By Medicare Advantage Star Rating Slips
The argument runs thus: Declining ratings prompt insurers to seek cost savings that then impact health providers. Separately, worries emerge that new nursing home ownership transparency rules may lead to private equity exits. Also in the news: cybersecurity, ADHD drugs, and more.
New York Hospitals Used To Plug Social Safety Net Holes: Report
The New York Times investigated the state’s social safety net data, and found some worrying trends — including failures to keep mentally ill people from “unraveling on the streets” and more. Meanwhile, in New Jersey a menthol cigarette ban may also cover oral nicotine pouches.
Editorial writers delve into cannabis dispensaries, fentanyl overdoses, health care sharing ministries and more.
Another Round Of Free Covid Tests Offered Ahead Of Virus Season
This time of year has ushered in a surge in covid — as well as flu and RSV — for the past 2 years. With this year expected to bring the same, the federal government is making another round of free covid tests available while other protective measures are urged.
Missouri Supreme Court Deals Blow To Abortion Rights Ballot Opponents
Opponents of ballot initiatives to legalize abortion in the state had been pressing cases over the ballot summaries and costs, but the state’s Supreme Court declined to take up the cases Monday. Meanwhile, a new survey shows that abortion rights support is at near record national levels — but remains highly polarized, politically.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.