Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion writers share their thoughts on these public health topics.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
Today’s stories are on Parkinson’s disease, racing wheelchairs, aging, and more.
Amid Tariff Threats, Lilly Vows To Make New Weight Loss Pill In US
Meanwhile, Stat reports that in Ireland — a global pharmaceutical hub — potential U.S. tariffs are raising concerns. Also in the news: Novo Nordisk, PBM legislation in statehouses, same-day prescription deliveries, and more.
Medical Journals Accused Of Left Tilt, Told To Verify Publication Standards
Interim U.S. attorney Edward Martin Jr. sent letters to three journals demanding details about how research articles are selected and the role the NIH plays “in the development of submitted articles.” Meanwhile, as Harvard researchers and others grapple with lost funding, France woos U.S. scientists.
Federal Websites Amplify Lab Leak Theory Of How Covid-19 Started
Two sites — Covid.gov, which offered information about the virus, and Covidtests.gov, where people could order tests — now promote the Trump administration’s view on the “true origins” of the virus.
Trump Administration Asks For Ideas To Boost Birth Rate
The administration is trying to incentivize women to have more children through scholarships, “baby bonuses,” or a “National Medal of Motherhood,” The New York Times reports. In other news, recent CDC cuts may exacerbate reproductive disparities; expectant and new mothers are struggling to access their military insurance Tricare; and more.
Heavy Drinking Associated With Brain Damage, Linked To Alzheimer’s
Having more than eight drinks a week is considered “heavy drinking,” and a new study suggests there may be links between it and cognitive decline. Separately, a new study shows a link between regular use of marijuana and dementia.
NIH Research Funding Cuts Could Negatively Impact Physician Shortage
Clinicians have not yet been affected by hiring freezes, but layoffs may lead to limits on physician training and fewer doctors in the long term. Other news is on strategies to curb nursing shortages; clinical documentation AI tools; and more.
Colorado Sees 90% Rise In Unhoused Population Since 2020
A report calls into question whether a “housing first” or “work first” approach is better, as Colorado becomes the state with the fourth-largest increase in unhoused individuals since 2020. Meanwhile, Vermont — the state that saw the greatest rise in unhoused population — introduces a bill to end motel shelter vouchers.
Supreme Court Hears ‘Crucial’ Case Today On Free Preventive Health Care
The lawsuit, Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, could have far-reaching consequences for the health coverage of tens of millions of Americans. A ruling is expected in June.
First Edition: Monday, April 21, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
CDC Layoffs Quash Plans To Help Curb Measles Spread in Texas Schools
The CDC’s National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was mostly eliminated earlier this month. They help assess hospitals’ air systems in the case of outbreaks and would have expanded to do the same in schools. Plus: Measles has spread to Montana.
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Doesn’t Cover Catholic Employers, Judge Rules
Specifically, faith-based employers don’t have to comply with the portion of the EEOC rule that says accommodations must be made for workers seeking abortion and fertility care, U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor ruled. Separately, a study has found that Google’s AI churns out anti-abortion summaries in three states.
House Committee Investigates Health Care Union’s Funds Management
A recent Politico investigation alleged that 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East President George Gresham for years used the organization’s funds to benefit himself, his family, and political allies. Gresham has “refuted” the claims. Others in the news include: Semler Scientific, Morgan Stanley, UnitedHealth, and more.
Potential Link Between Seed Oils And Breast Cancer, Study Shows
The study, conducted by Weill Cornell Medicine, showed the linoleic acid found in seed oils promoted growth of triple-negative breast cancer tumors in mice, Fortune Well reported. Also: hearing loss may impact dementia more than was previously thought; scientists don’t know how to treat the increase in eating disorders; and more.
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 surgical items left in patients, Alzheimer’s, polio, meth, and more.
FSU Shooting Suspect Said To Have Mental Health History, Access To Guns
Phoenix Ikner, 20, is accused in Thursday’s mass shooting at Florida State University in Tallahassee that left two dead and six hurt. Authorities allege he used his stepmother’s handgun during the attack. According to court documents, Ikner was involved in a custody battle in 2015 during which his father stated the need for his son to continue getting medical care for his “special needs” and ADHD.
DOGE’s ‘Defend The Spend’ Initiative Puts Health Care Grantees In A Pinch
Tens of thousands of organizations that rely on federal funding must now justify each transaction they make before spending is approved. That longer process is leading to a backlog of requests, such as payments to doctors and nurses who treat the poor, The Washington Post reports.
After Uproar Over Autism Comments, RFK Jr. Backpedals, Blames Media
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. went on Fox News to clarify that when he was talking about alleged limitations that people with autism encounter, he was referring only to those who are nonverbal. Autistic people, their loved ones, and lawmakers have denounced his comments.