Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
VA Must Build Houses For Homeless LA Vets With Access To Close Medical Care
A judge determined prime land should be returned to Veterans Affairs so that it can be used for its intended purpose: helping veterans. “Approximately 3,000 homeless veterans live in the Los Angeles area alone,” said Judge David O. Carter, a Vietnam veteran.
Before Georgia School Shooting, Suspect’s Mother Tried To Raise Alarm
Half an hour before the shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, the mother of the 14-year-old suspect tried to warn of a possible emergency. Meanwhile, AP notes that the shooting has raised concerns about cellphone restrictions meant to improve students’ mental health.
Tune In: Our ‘Silence In Sikeston’ Project Is Launching
The multimedia project from KFF Health News, Retro Report, and GBH’s WORLD explores how the 1942 lynching of Cleo Wright — and the failure of the first federal attempt to prosecute a lynching — continues to haunt a rural Missouri community divided by race, with the past reverberating in a 2020 police killing of a young Black father. We explore the impact of these public health crises of past and present.
Deaths Of Three Senior Citizens Linked To NY Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak
The deaths stem from a “cluster of cases” in August at an assisted living facility in Albany, New York. Meanwhile, a salmonella outbreak due to recalled eggs has sickened 65 people in nine states.
Covid Is Easing Up, Except In Midwest; Some Good News For Kids With Colds
California, which has battled a fierce covid surge this summer, is improving but still has high levels, a health expert warns. Plus: Using saline nasal drops can reduce the length of the common cold in children by two days, CIDRAP reports.
Person In Missouri Tests Positive For Bird Flu Despite No Known Exposure
USA Today and Stat report on the questions surrounding this concerning bird flu case. Stat notes the person had “no evident route of infection.” Also in the news: mpox.
Missouri Abortion Ballot Initiative In Jeopardy After Judge Rules It Is Invalid
A circuit court judge ruled Amendment 3 is “insufficient” and a “blatant violation” of requirements because it did not adequately state which laws would be affected. Meanwhile, police in Florida are on the hunt for petition fraud over that state’s abortion rights ballot measure.
White House To Finalize Rules Forcing Insurers To Cover Mental Health Care
Stat says the Biden administration announcement, made today, is merely the “latest salvo” in a protracted battle over insurers’ plans that skimp on treating a number of mental health issues. Also in the news: drug discounts, the cost of insulin, and more.
First Edition: Monday, Sept. 9, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: A New Concept To Fight Cancer; Harris Can Leverage Common Sense On Health Care
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
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 joint replacement, aging, long covid, and more.
New Study Adds To Data Linking Parkinson’s Disease To Gut Issues
The study found people with upper gastrointestinal conditions were much more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease later in life. A separate study found that nearly 1 in 5 cases of dementia may be linked to impaired vision — meaning better eye health could lower diagnosis rates.
HPV Test Kits Based On Self-Sampling Shipping To Doctors’ Offices
Becton, Dickinson and Company’s tests, which were approved in May by the FDA for patients’ use in clinical settings, offer an alternative to traditional pelvic exams.
Whistleblower Reveals Startling Cash Bribery Allegations About Steward CEO
CBS News reports on allegations Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre bragged he could sway foreign officials over hospital contracts with “bags” of cash. Among other health industry news: a physician is sentenced for her role in the Jan. 6 riot; electric air taxis for rural health care; and more.
Teen Asked For Mental Health Help Before Ga. Shooting, Aunt Says
“The adults around him failed him,” said Annie Brown, whose nephew, Colt Gray, 14, is accused of gunning down four people at Apalachee High School. In a historic legal move, Gray’s father, Colin Gray, was charged Thursday with two counts of second-degree murder and four counts of involuntary manslaughter after authorities said he knowingly allowed his son to have a weapon.
Independent Pharmacies Warn Of Delays In New Covid Vaccine Shipments
NBC News says that even as major pharmacy chains are rolling out the new shots, independent outlets are facing issues getting their shipments, which could mean longer waiting times. Arthritis medications and covid lung damage, mpox vaccines in Congo, and more are also in the news.
Massachusetts Raises Risk Levels For Mosquito-Borne Diseases
More cases of West Nile Virus and a third infection of Eastern equine encephalitis — and more mosquitoes testing positive for the virus — have prompted officials to raise the warning.
Alaska Law Stipulating Only Doctors Can Perform Abortions Is Struck Down
In the ruling, the judge notes nurse practitioners and physician assistants are just as capable at providing time-sensitive care as licensed doctors in the largely rural state. Separately, lawmakers would like the FDA to focus on tampon safety after toxic metals were discovered in several brands.
