Latest KFF Health News Stories
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
Today’s stories are on happiness, dental care, bird flu, human language, and more.
Parents, Educators Worry As Oversight Of Special Education Is Moved To HHS
Some education experts called the move illegal and expressed concern that continued federal funding would come with stipulations. Others warned that school districts might seek tax increases to make up for any gaps. Plus: HHS officials are bracing for steep layoffs.
First Edition: Monday, March 24, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
Rikers To Be Replaced With 4 Facilities, With One Dedicated To Mental Health
According to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the new site will be a “state-of-the-art mental health facility,” CBS News reported. Other states making the news are Illinois, California, Alabama, New Hampshire, Montana, and South Carolina.
New Studies Link Red Meat Allergy To Two More Types Of Tick
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is potentially life-threatening and is estimated to affect 450,000 Americans. Also: E-reminders for the flu vaccine might lower uptake of the covid vaccine; educating caregivers of Down syndrome adults about Alzheimer’s; 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 mental health, gun safety, the science behind “Severance,” and more.
Hospitals Advised To Boost Security After Terrorist Threat Is Posted On X
The threat has not been verified, but the American Hospital Association and Health-ISAC are urging the health sector to alert staff and be on the lookout for suspicious activity.
Trump Orders End To Education Dept.; Funds For Rural Projects, Poor Unclear
Although the administration vowed to preserve funding formulas for schools, staffing cuts might complicate efforts that ensure students with disabilities, or those from high-poverty or rural schools, get the support they need.
Possible CDC Chief Contenders Include Florida’s Ladapo And Texas’ Burgess
As the White House searches for its next nominee, the president’s allies have put forward two office holders, both of whom criticized covid protocols. Other possible contenders have turned down the job. Meanwhile, the feds have put off a requirement that companies track tainted food.
Ohio Is The Latest State Hit By The Measles Outbreak
The Ohio Department of Health reports this first case is in an unvaccinated adult, according to 10TV. Also, two new measles cases are confirmed in Maryland; a former surgeon general criticizes RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccination stance; and more.
FDA Investigation Finds Problems At Indian Drug Factory Tied To Recalls
The generic drug manufacturer was linked to the death of eight people last year, and was responsible for an outsized share of recalls for pills that didn’t dissolve properly and could harm people. Other news includes drug reimbursements, Medicare price negotiations, and more.
First Edition: Friday, March 21, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
While Still High, US Drug Overdose Deaths Are Falling, Early Data Show
The Wall Street Journal charts a year-by-year look at overdose deaths and areas of the country hit the hardest. Also: The Trump administration has extended the opioid emergency declaration; U.S. Customs and Border Protection is seizing more egg products than fentanyl at the border this year.
Abortion Clinics’ Safety A Top Concern As Factions Chart Ways Forward
As abortion-sympathetic states and localities look to shore up safety measures, opponents are ramping up efforts to shut down operations and are turning to the courts to upend state and city protections for clinics. Also, the feds plan to appeal a block on Trump’s trans military ban.
State Officials Brace For Fallout If Massachusetts Insurer Collapses
Commonwealth Care Alliance provides health care to nearly 50,000 elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals. Also in the news: Veradigm, Cigna, Cone Health, Jefferson Health, and Hippocratic AI.
Study Shows Promise In Using Anti-Amyloid Therapy To Stall Alzheimer’s
The people involved in the study have rare genetic mutations, making it nearly certain they will develop Alzheimer’s. AP reports on how mass firings and funding restrictions at the NIH are affecting the next steps in the Alzheimer’s research. Other research is on hair loss treatments, treatments for pediatric brain tumors, and more.
NC Bills Would Raise Age For Tobacco Sales To 21, Up From 18
North Carolina Health News reports the House bill would also establish a tobacco retail sales permitting system. North Carolina and six other states still allow 18-year-olds to buy tobacco. Other news from around the nation comes from West Virginia, Florida, Connecticut, Illinois, New York, and California.