Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study Shows Steady Decline In Cancer Death Rates Over Two Decades
The findings published Monday analyzed data from 2001 through 2022. However, incidence rates among women have been rising. Separately, a survey shows women are reluctant to have cancer screening mammograms read only by AI.
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
Walgreens To Pay $300 Million To Settle Opioid Script-Filling Case
The Justice Department had accused Walgreens of filling prescriptions of controlled substances, despite clear signs of their illegitimacy, for more than a decade. Walgreens denied wrongdoing and said in an email Monday, “We strongly disagree with the government’s legal theory and admit no liability.” Also in the news: New Hampshire might divert opioid funds elsewhere.
RFK Jr. Ready To Roll Out Plan To Rid US Food Supply Of Artificial Dyes
The Health and Human Services secretary today will announce plans for a ban on additives that give food and drinks their pretty colors. Also in the news: autism, federal funding cuts, and more.
In ACA Preventive Care Case, Supreme Court Debates The Word ‘Independent’
At issue is whether the Affordable Care Act can require insurance companies to offer free preventive services for care that is recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The New York Times reported that Monday’s hearing focused little on the practical implications for millions of patients, with the justices instead questioning what it meant for the task force to be “independent.”
First Edition: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
Today’s stories are on Parkinson’s disease, racing wheelchairs, aging, and more.
Opinion writers share their thoughts on these public health topics.
Colorado Sees 90% Rise In Unhoused Population Since 2020
A report calls into question whether a “housing first” or “work first” approach is better, as Colorado becomes the state with the fourth-largest increase in unhoused individuals since 2020. Meanwhile, Vermont — the state that saw the greatest rise in unhoused population — introduces a bill to end motel shelter vouchers.
NIH Research Funding Cuts Could Negatively Impact Physician Shortage
Clinicians have not yet been affected by hiring freezes, but layoffs may lead to limits on physician training and fewer doctors in the long term. Other news is on strategies to curb nursing shortages; clinical documentation AI tools; and more.
Heavy Drinking Associated With Brain Damage, Linked To Alzheimer’s
Having more than eight drinks a week is considered “heavy drinking,” and a new study suggests there may be links between it and cognitive decline. Separately, a new study shows a link between regular use of marijuana and dementia.
Trump Administration Asks For Ideas To Boost Birth Rate
The administration is trying to incentivize women to have more children through scholarships, “baby bonuses,” or a “National Medal of Motherhood,” The New York Times reports. In other news, recent CDC cuts may exacerbate reproductive disparities; expectant and new mothers are struggling to access their military insurance Tricare; and more.
Federal Websites Amplify Lab Leak Theory Of How Covid-19 Started
Two sites — Covid.gov, which offered information about the virus, and Covidtests.gov, where people could order tests — now promote the Trump administration’s view on the “true origins” of the virus.
Medical Journals Accused Of Left Tilt, Told To Verify Publication Standards
Interim U.S. attorney Edward Martin Jr. sent letters to three journals demanding details about how research articles are selected and the role the NIH plays “in the development of submitted articles.” Meanwhile, as Harvard researchers and others grapple with lost funding, France woos U.S. scientists.
Amid Tariff Threats, Lilly Vows To Make New Weight Loss Pill In US
Meanwhile, Stat reports that in Ireland — a global pharmaceutical hub — potential U.S. tariffs are raising concerns. Also in the news: Novo Nordisk, PBM legislation in statehouses, same-day prescription deliveries, and more.
Supreme Court Hears ‘Crucial’ Case Today On Free Preventive Health Care
The lawsuit, Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, could have far-reaching consequences for the health coverage of tens of millions of Americans. A ruling is expected in June.
First Edition: Monday, April 21, 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 surgical items left in patients, Alzheimer’s, polio, meth, and more.
Potential Link Between Seed Oils And Breast Cancer, Study Shows
The study, conducted by Weill Cornell Medicine, showed the linoleic acid found in seed oils promoted growth of triple-negative breast cancer tumors in mice, Fortune Well reported. Also: hearing loss may impact dementia more than was previously thought; scientists don’t know how to treat the increase in eating disorders; and more.
House Committee Investigates Health Care Union’s Funds Management
A recent Politico investigation alleged that 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East President George Gresham for years used the organization’s funds to benefit himself, his family, and political allies. Gresham has “refuted” the claims. Others in the news include: Semler Scientific, Morgan Stanley, UnitedHealth, and more.
