Latest KFF Health News Stories
Psilocybin Businesses Are Sprouting As First Licenses Issued In Colorado
It marks a start to the legal psychedelic-assisted therapy industry. Separately, Texas sees an increase in children being vaccinated amid the growing measles outbreak. Utah, Iowa, New York, California, and Idaho are also in the news.
GenBioPro, Leading Mifepristone Manufacturer, Enters Abortion Fight
On Tuesday, the company asked to be added to the list of defendants in a case brought before a Texas judge by three Republican state attorneys general, The New York Times reported.
House Barely Passes Budget Bill, Teeing Up Tough Talks On Medicaid
Now that Republicans have taken steps to advance President Donald Trump’s tax cut goal, they must find ways to reduce spending elsewhere. The New York Times explores where potential cuts might be made and the effect it could have on states. Also, a look at cuts each district would see.
Trump Administration Ordered To Quickly Pay Billions In Foreign Aid
A federal judge gave the government two days to release funds that were cut off without warning on Jan. 20. In other Trump administration news: The CDC will stop processing data on transgender identity; DOGE staffers are resigning in protest; veterans’ health data might be at risk; and more.
President Trump Signs Executive Order Reinforcing Price Transparency Rules
The regulations were first issued in 2019 during Donald Trump’s first term. Also in news on health care costs: billions “wasted” in overturning claims denials, an inquiry into UnitedHealth Group’s Medicare billing practices, and more.
First Edition: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Case For Rethinking Baby Boxes; What Exactly Does ‘Ultra-Processed’ Food Mean?
Opinion writers dissect these public health issues.
Elizabeth Holmes’ Blood-Testing Fraud Conviction Upheld By Appeals Court
She claimed that her company, Theranos, could run accurate and fast tests from blood drawn from a finger prick. She was convicted of fraud in 2022, and the ruling was upheld Monday by a federal appeals court. Also in the news: hospital security, UnitedHealth, Pfizer, BGR Group, and more.
Missourians With Disabilities Receive Inadequate Care, State Records Show
From 2017 through 2023, 2,682 people with developmental disabilities died in Missouri state care, the River City Journalism Fund reported. Also in state news: a cancer cluster is found in Texas; North Carolina will get four more mental health crisis centers; and more.
Brain ‘Pacemaker’ To Ease Parkinson’s Symptoms Earns FDA Approval
The brain-computer interface technology uses an algorithm to adapt to an individual patient’s needs, improving on previous tech that provided constant electrical brain stimulation. Other news includes: antidepressants’ effect on dementia; red-light therapy; and more.
Supreme Court Rejects Challenges To Abortion Clinic Buffer Zones
The decision not to hear an appeal from abortion opponents lets a law stand that allows local governments to create demonstration-free areas around health care facilities. More abortion news comes from Washington, Wyoming, and Oklahoma.
Many Laid-Off FDA Workers Brought Back, While VA Fires 1,400 More
The FDA has reportedly reinstated dozens of staffers who were let go and are involved with food and medical device safety. The VA has let go of 2,400 employees this month. Also in the news: FDA’s “healthy” label rule, NIH grant funding, and more.
High Court To Hear ACA Case In April; House Votes Today On Medicaid Cuts
In a surprising twist, the Trump administration said it will continue the Biden White House’s defense of the requirement that insurers cover certain preventive services, The Hill reported. Meanwhile, the House will vote today on a budget blueprint that proposes $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid.
First Edition: Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Doctor Apathy Caused By Extreme Exhaustion; Why Is There A War On Mental Health Meds?
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Some FDA Inspectors, Other Workers Reinstated With Far Less Ballyhoo
The Trump administration is bringing back employees let go in mass firings. Those workers reviewed medical and infection-control devices, among others. Meanwhile, USAID and other agencies experience terminations, and the White House has reversed cuts to the 9/11 health program.
As Texas Measles Outbreak Spreads, Warnings Issued At Tourist Hot Spot
Nearly 100 people have been sickened in outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. Texas officials report that someone with measles traveled to the busy San Antonio River Walk, among other places. Plus: The Mennonite community at the center of the outbreak.
Concerns Grow Over New Bat Coronavirus Identified In China
Although much less powerful than SARS-CoV-2, the HKU5-CoV-2 virus’s ability to infect humans has raised alarm over the potential of another pandemic, Fox News reports. Other outbreaks in the news include bird flu, seasonal flu, listeria, and more.
Hospital Staff Injured, Police Officer Killed In Pennsylvania Shooting
The attack happened Saturday when an armed man entered UPMC Memorial Hospital and took several staffers hostage in the ICU unit. The incident ended in a shootout that resulted in the death of a police officer and the alleged assailant. Also in the news: A.I. legislation; rural health care accessibility woes; and more.
FDA: Ozempic, Wegovy Shortage Is Over
The shortages were declared in August 2022. Meanwhile, Axios reports on how makers of copycat weight loss drugs are preparing for a crackdown. In medical tech and pharma news: a pacemaker recall, the world’s smallest pacemaker, a ban on “forever chemicals” in France, and more.