Latest KFF Health News Stories
Kansas City First Responder Dies After Ambulance Stabbing
The firefighter-paramedic was allegedly stabbed by a patient he was helping to transport. In other health industry news: Luigi Mangione has pleaded not guilty in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson; the cost of care for undocumented migrants at Texas hospitals; and more.
First Edition: Monday, April 28, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Vaccine Integrity Project Will Be A Shield In US; MAHA Will Make America Sicker
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on prison, autism, brain health, and more.
NIH Has Whacked $2.3B In Research Grants Since Trump Took Office
Stat analyzed the funding cuts that have taken place and noted that the changes appear to be “the beginning of the end of the federal-academic partnership that has been propelling American biomedical innovation to untouchable heights for close to eight decades,” per scientific leaders.
HHS Backtracks On Autism Registry
NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya caused a firestorm of confusion when he announced plans to create a registry. Instead, HHS will commence a $50 million research effort into the causes of autism and improved treatments, STAT reports. Meanwhile, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s speech at the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit was punctuated by protests.
FDA Commissioner Makary Says He Will Leave Access To Mifepristone As Is
During an appearance at the Semafor World Economy Summit on Thursday, Makary stated that he would reexamine the issue if new data emerged regarding the safety of the drug, Bloomberg reported. In other news, the ACLU and NFPRHA are suing the Trump administration for withholding Title X funds; the Pentagon will resume gender-affirming care; and more.
Senator’s Probe Of 340B Program Finds ‘Transparency And Oversight Concerns’
Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana doctor, released a report Thursday detailing “much-needed” reforms to the drug pricing program. Also: A House Democrat demands to know how the CDC will respond to Freedom of Information Act requests after relevant staff members were put on leave.
USDA Scraps Rule That Would Have Curtailed Salmonella-Tainted Poultry
Under a Biden administration effort, companies would not have been able to sell turkey or chicken meat that exceeded an acceptable level of the bacteria, which is known to cause food poisoning. Also, researchers are sounding the alarm about the U.S. measles vaccination rate.
Closing Of Rockledge Hospital In Fla. Leaves More Than 60,000 Without ER
Orlando Health, citing poor conditions and neglect, shuttered the hospital and its emergency room on Wednesday, Central Florida Public Media reported. Meanwhile, businesses in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, have expressed worry over the loss of customers amid Crozer Health Hospitals’ closure.
Idaho Joins List Of States Making Ivermectin Available Over The Counter
The deworming medication commonly used in animals was embroiled in controversy during the early days of the covid-19 pandemic. The drug has not been shown to protect against covid. Still, having a human version readily available might help prevent people from taking toxic doses of the veterinary version, some experts say.
First Edition: Friday, April 25, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Crozer Health Diverts Patients As Owner’s Closure Plans Get Approved
A day after a federal bankruptcy judge approved Prospect Medical Holdings’ plans, Crozer Health hospitals began sending emergency patients to other hospitals. Crozer has provided EMS support for 50% of the calls in Delaware County, and now longer wait times and greater distances are expected.
A Road Map For Other Hospitals: UPMC Shares Xylazine Treatment Playbook
Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer also referred to as the “zombie drug,” is sometimes found mixed with illegal opioid drugs and has “gruesome” side effects. Other pharma news is on quitting vaping, legal battles over weight loss drugs, and more.
Prominent Abortion Doctor Retires, Shutters Colorado Clinic After 50 Years
Dr. Warren Hern, who provided late-term abortions for women “in the worst moments of their lives” and who faced constant threats, opened his private clinic in 1975. More news comes from Texas, Florida, New York, and California.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and others.
988 Suicide Hotline For LGBTQ+ Youth Is Vulnerable To Trump Budget Cuts
The proposed plan to defund the crisis line, which has received more than 1.2 million contacts since 2022, is among the programs threatened for elimination under the government’s budget proposal. Also in the news: milk testing, food safety labs, drug data, addiction research, and more.
Gut Toxin Might Be Tied To Steep Increase In Early-Onset Colon Cancer
Researchers found that the toxin’s negative effects begin in childhood. In other news, contrary to what has been said, the food industry says no agreement is in place with the HHS to remove artificial food dyes.
Measles Case Near Dallas Is First In An Urban Area During Current Outbreak
A middle school student north of Dallas has tested positive. Meanwhile, Illinois has confirmed its first case in the state. Plus: A study in mice shows that covid is still contagious a week or more after the mouse has died; a single dose of Xofluza cuts down on household transmission of flu; and more.