Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Scale Of Justice Thomas’ Undisclosed Donor-Bankrolled Travel Renews Supreme Court Ethics Debate
ProPublica’s report detailing years of luxury travel quietly accepted by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas from a prominent Republican donor has prompted calls for action by some congressional Democrats. Ethics experts that spoke to news outlets cited concerns about a further erosion of public trust in the high court’s decisions.
Kansas Lawmakers Send Unproven ‘Abortion Reversal’ Bill To Governor
The procedure involves administering a high dose of the progesterone to “reverse” the use of mifepristone. One attempt to conduct a formal study on the treatment was halted after a test subject went to the hospital for hemorrhaging.
Study Finds Covid Caused Brain Damage In 2 Infants In Utero
University of Miami researchers found what they believe to be the first two confirmed cases in which covid crossed via the placenta and caused brain damage to unborn infants, Reuters and CIDRAP report. Other research says masking-up alone did little to prevent covid spread in medical settings.
Tenn. House Expels 2 Black Lawmakers Who Protested For Tougher Gun Laws
The move prompted immediate accusations of racism because a third House member who also participated in the protest — and who is white — was not expelled. President Joe Biden called the expulsions “undemocratic” and reiterated his pleas for an assault weapons ban.
VA Delays Rollout Of Electronic Medical Records Amid Concerns
The Department of Veterans Affairs has paused its rollout of electronic medical records to the next scheduled sites in its already-delayed program amid concerns over patient safety and other matters. Also: AI and heart health, HIPAA digital privacy, and more.
EPA Targets Toxic Pollution From Medical Device Sterilizers
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing tougher standards on pollution from several chemicals like ethylene oxide, but some in the industry are warning of potential disruption to supplies of safe medical equipment. Also: lead testing, Makena, weight loss drugs, and more.
Starbucks’ Olive Oil-Infused Drinks Are Upsetting Stomachs
NBC News says some customers have complained of stomach issues on social media. Separately, research shows a smart watch may be able to predict when someone has a higher risk of heart failure.
Texas Launches $10 Million Push To Tackle Fentanyl Crisis
The effort includes a fentanyl awareness campaign and plan to distribute doses of Narcan to every county. Meanwhile, in Alabama, lawmakers approved harsher penalties for trafficking fentanyl. And in San Francisco, the city doubled participants of an opioid misuse treatment program.
‘Wild West’ Of Assisted-Living Facility Policies As Seniors On Medicaid Evicted
A story in The Washington Post counted at least 50 Medicaid-related evictions in Wisconsin alone since the fall. Also in the news: profit opportunities in Medicaid determinations; no-cost preventative services; and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on breastfeeding, conspiracy theories, psychedelics, HIV, telehealth, and more.
Biden Administration Wades Into Transgender Debate With Proposed Athletics Rule
The Education Department proposed a regulation Thursday that would allow schools to limit participation of nonbinary and transgender students on university and K-12 school sports teams but would not allow schools to “categorically” ban them from teams. Separately, the Supreme Court refused to reinstate a ban on transgender athletes in West Virginia.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Pfizer RSV Vaccine Highly Effective Against Severe Infant Infections
The experimental vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus was found to be 82% effective at stopping later, severe infections in infants when given to expectant mothers in the second half of pregnancy. Cancer treatments, cancer drug shortages, futuristic new drugs, and gut health are also in the news.
Trans People’s Rights, Gender Care Targeted By Bills In Several States
News outlets cover a long list of legal moves that target the ability of young trans people to access gender affirming care, play on sports teams, and access bathrooms. In North Dakota, 10 such bills were passed in just one day. But in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, signed an order protecting access to gender care.
Diagnoses Of ADHD Are Soaring, And Women Are Most Affected
Fox News reports on a new study that says while diagnoses of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder have been climbing steadily across the U.S., the spike in numbers has been most significant among women. Meanwhile, new research shows that gun violence is becoming more lethal.
Report Reveals Decades Of Sexual Abuse Accusations Against Baltimore Priests
More than 150 Catholic priests and clergy members associated with the Archdiocese of Baltimore were accused of repeated sexual abuse of at least 600 children in events dating to the 1940s. The Baltimore Sun covers advice on how to process this type of traumatic revelation.
Viewpoints: Long Covid Has Become A Health Emergency; Why Has US Life Expectancy Dropped?
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Research Roundup: Pneumonia; IDH-Mutant Glioma; Obesity; And More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.