Latest KFF Health News Stories
Bird Flu Is Spreading Undetected To People, CDC Testing Results Indicate
Veterinarians who worked with cattle had antibodies in their system that showed they had the H5N1 virus, though they exhibited no symptoms and none knew they were working with sick animals, according to a report. Meanwhile, as states report more cases, people are urged to avoid dead birds.
Births Are Up. So Is Infant Mortality After Abortion Bans, Studies Show.
In states with abortion bans, infant mortality rates were 6% higher than expected. The studies suggested abortion bans significantly affect people struggling economically. Meanwhile, New York won’t extradite Dr. Margaret Carpenter in an abortion pill case. The doctor also is being fined by Texas.
Health System Leaders Move To Improve Quality Of Ambulatory Care
According to Becker’s Hospital Review, outpatient care needs are projected to increase. This will require the same level of standardized safety protocols and rigorous reporting mechanisms.
Colorado Gun-Control Bill Would Curb AR-15s, More In Effort To ‘Save Lives’
The bill — which would ban the manufacture and sale of semiautomatic rifles, shotguns, and pistols — hit a snag overnight, with state senators adding a major concession for people who complete a training course, The Colorado Sun reported. The lead sponsor of the bill, Democratic state Sen. Tom Sullivan, lost his son, Alex, in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting.
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 hospital food, Zolgensma, seed oils, PTSD, and more.
RFK Jr. Is Sworn In To Lead HHS Amid A Backdrop Of Budget, Staff Cuts
Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was also tapped to lead President Donald Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again Commission.” Kennedy plans to focus on the “diseases of isolation” driving chronic diseases, suicide, and depression but may face challenges from cuts and constraints that DOGE has imposed on the agency.
On Same Day RFK Jr. Is Confirmed, La. Says It Will Stop Promoting Vaccines
Louisiana’s surgeon general said in a memo Thursday that the state would “encourage each patient to discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with their provider” but would “no longer promote mass vaccination” through the news media or at health fairs, The New York Times reported.
Bulwark Of Courts Blocks Trump’s Health Care Policy Agenda
Federal judges on Thursday blocked executive orders regarding transgender care, USAID, and birthright citizenship. Also, news outlets examine the fallout of funding cuts, medical research freezes, webpage deletions, and more.
First Edition: Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 ♥
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: The First Edition will not be published Monday, Feb. 17, in celebration of Presidents Day. Look for it again in your inbox Tuesday.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Nearly 300 Gun Seekers Blocked Since Michigan Passed Red Flag Law
It has been one year since Michigan’s law took effect. It is aimed at preventing mass shootings and domestic violence, among other incidents. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in Alabama has backed a ban on devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns. Other news includes: prison health care, mobile pharmacies, and more.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Vaccine Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Confirmed As Next HHS Secretary
The Senate voted 52-48 along party lines Thursday to appoint him to lead the Health and Human Services Department. Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was the only Republican to vote no. Kennedy, 71, will oversee billions of dollars in health care spending and will have free rein to implement his Make America Healthy Again program.
No. 2 NIH Official Suddenly Resigns As Institutes Face Staff, Funding Cuts
Dr. Lawrence A. Tabak did not state why he is abruptly leaving his post. Additional administration news is about the deferred-resignation program, the firing of civil servants, planned protests, an alternate CDC site, and more.
Louisiana Seeks Extradition Of NY Doc Accused Of Shipping Abortion Pills
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill noted that even though New York won’t turn over Dr. Margaret Carpenter to her state, other states to which the doctor travels could comply with the extradition order. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has revised its reproductive health care travel policy.
Flu Season Still To Peak; Experts Say Expect More Illnesses, Deaths To Come
California hospitals are struggling to keep up with the influx of flu cases. Meanwhile, it is unclear whether the United States will take part in an international flu vaccine meeting later this month. Other outbreak news is on measles, mpox, and Oropouche virus.
Health Insurance Customers Who Appeal Their Claims Often Win
The Wall Street Journal reports that of the 850 million claims denied annually, less than 1% are appealed. Of that 1%, nearly three-quarters of appeals are approved. Also in the news: Washington Hospital workers avoid a strike; Walgreens explores its options for its health care clinic; and more.
San Francisco Declares Fentanyl State Of Emergency, Plans Crisis Center
Mayor Daniel Lurie said the “stabilization center” will open in the Tenderloin neighborhood in April and will offer 24/7 assistance for those with urgent mental health and substance use needs. Other news is on Canada’s newly appointed fentanyl czar and an industrial chemical showing up in the illicit fentanyl supply.
Medicaid And SNAP Might Suffer Deep Budget Cuts If GOP Plan Proceeds
The House Republicans’ plan announced Wednesday outlined $4.5 trillion in cuts over 10 years. It doesn’t specify which programs would be cut, Huffpost reported, but analysts suggested it was clear the cuts would come from social programs that help lower-income populations.
First Edition: Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.