Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Monday, Dec. 2, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Texas Maternal Deaths After Abortion Ban Will Not Be Investigated
In an attempt to offer more “contemporary” recommendations to policymakers, the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee has decided to not review deaths that took place in the first two years after the abortion ban went in to effect. Also, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott threatens retaliation against hospitals if they don’t collect citizenship data.
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
Jay Bhattacharya Tapped By Trump To Lead NIH
In yet another sign that the president-elect is looking to overhaul the public health sector, Donald Trump has selected a candidate who has been critical of the agency he would direct.
Patients Lose 20% Of Weight With New Once-A-Month Shot MariTide
A new experimental weight loss drug from Amgen — the first in a growing group of drugs aimed at once-a-month injections instead of once a week — helped patients lose up to 20% of their weight in one year, according to data from a Phase 2 trial. In other news, a new study shows that acetaminophen may in fact cause ulcers along with other health issues. Also: biotech, AI, and more.
Physician Staffing Firm NES Health Folds, The Third To Fail In Recent Years
Also in health industry news: Pontiac General Hospital files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy; health systems are hiring doctors from PE-backed firms; and more.
Low Vaccination Rates Before Holidays Concern Public Health Experts
Also in the news: vaccine hesitancy in Washington and Oregon; the Canadian teen with bird flu; the mpox vaccine in Africa; and more.
Kidney, Liver Transplants Will Now Be Allowed Between People With HIV
The landmark move comes as a report shows new HIV cases are at their lowest numbers since the 1980s. World AIDS Day is Sunday.
Experts: Tariff War With China, Mexico May Only Worsen Fentanyl Crisis
Newspapers in China warned the United States not to “take China’s goodwill for granted regarding anti-drug cooperation,” Reuters reported. China has recently been more willing to share intelligence on the flow of fentanyl. Meanwhile, as the Wall Street Journal notes, Mexico has a notorious inability to confront powerful drug gangs.
Trump Is Shaping His Cabinet With A Clear Focus On Shaking Up Status Quo
The president-elect’s nominees — particularly those in the health sector — have a history of scrutinizing the government agencies that would be under their purview. However, they have shown that their political priorities align with Trump’s.
First Edition: Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: First Edition won’t publish for the rest of the week. Look for it again in your inbox Monday. Happy Thanksgiving!
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
Ailing Crew, Passenger Aboard Separate Flights Trigger Call To CDC
Delta workers and a person on an Avianca flight all sought medical care after arriving at Boston Logan International Airport. The cause of the illnesses is unknown. Meanwhile, Texas is facing its worst dengue fever outbreak in two decades. Also, a look at lung cancer rates in women.
Two Years Into Philly’s Sugary Drink Tax, No Major Change In Kids’ Obesity
Among other news: Massachusetts law allows “sick leave” for miscarriages and failed adoptions, and the USDA has rejected Iowa’s request to send out food boxes to low-income families, putting summer food assistance for 240,000 kids in jeopardy.
‘Disappointing’: Cassava Sciences Ends Study Of Alzheimer’s Drug Simufilam
The company’s future now appears to be in flux, as simufilam was its only drug in clinical trials, The New York Times reported. Also: a Roche lung cancer drug has failed to improve survival; pharma companies’ net zero carbon goals; and more.
Feds Serve Warrant, Seize Phone Of Former Steward Health Care CEO
The Boston Globe reports on the widening investigation into Steward, including that federal investigators also visited another Steward executive and seized his phone, as well. Separately, the Globe explores how the Steward collapse is worsening ER overcrowding.
Delayed Miscarriage Care Leads To Death Of Third Woman in Texas
Following complications from a miscarriage, 35-year-old Porsha Ngumezi suffered what more than a dozen doctors called a preventable death after not receiving a standard D&C procedure. More abortion news comes from Arizona, New York, Minnesota, and more.
Trump Might Medically Discharge All Transgender Troops
According to several news outlets, an executive order is being drafted that would immediately discharge all transgender service members — estimated at 15,000 — from the military, a move that would prove to be chaotic at a time when new recruitments are low. Donald Trump’s team did not deny the reports but said no decisions have been made.
Agency That Helps Protect Americans From Medical Debt May Face Overhaul
The Washington Post reports that Republican party leaders want to impose new restrictions on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which shields people from deceptive financial practices. Meanwhile, some government watchdogs are already quitting their jobs.
Pharma Analysts Mull Risks Of RFK Jr.’s Proposed Ban On Lucrative Ads
The absence of direct-to-consumer outreach will “almost certainly” cause drug sales to plunge, experts fear. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump is considering Jim O’Neill as deputy secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services. O’Neill has expressed interest in FDA reforms.
