Latest KFF Health News Stories
Eugene, Oregon’s Trailblazing ‘Cahoots’ Mobile Crisis Unit Has Been Disbanded
The city’s effort was hailed as a national model for other cities and inspired the Cahoots Act in the 2021 stimulus bill, which increased funding for mobile crisis units, The Wall Street Journal reported. A small team remains in nearby Springfield, Oregon.
Opinion writers dissect these public health issues.
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.
After Covid Vaccine Delay, Makary Infers Other Shots Need More Scrutiny
The FDA, which was supposed to decide by April 1 whether it would approve Novavax’s application for a full license, is seeking more clinical studies of the vaccine. Now, because other drugmakers update shots every year, the agency might have them conduct regulatory studies as well, FDA chief Marty Makary suggested.
GOP Lawmaker: Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Isn’t A ‘Health Care Bill’
When asked about possible cuts to Medicaid, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee said Sunday that President Donald Trump “will not be cutting benefits for individuals.”
Food Banks Struggle To Feed The Needy After Trump Cuts Federal Aid
The national advocacy group Feeding America reports that the Trump administration slashed $1 billion in federal aid to anti-hunger groups. In other nutrition news, links have been found between ultra-processed food consumption and premature death; finding replacements for artificial food dyes leads to interesting sources; and more.
Many Drug Addiction Programs Will Be Discontinued, HHS Draft Budget Says
The New York Times reported that grants to provide and train first responders to administer the overdose-reversal nasal spray Narcan would be eliminated, as could treatment initiatives for pregnant and postpartum women.
First Edition: Monday, April 28, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
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.
Viewpoints: The Vaccine Integrity Project Will Be A Shield In US; MAHA Will Make America Sicker
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
First Edition: Friday, April 25, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and others.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
