Latest KFF Health News Stories
LA County Declares Communitywide Hepatitis A Outbreak
Last year’s numbers were triple those of the year before, and this year is on track to double the total number of cases from last year. Meanwhile, North Dakota has reported its first measles case since 2011. Other news follows a salmonella outbreak, bird flu, and covid.
Opinion writers dissect these public health issues.
Nearly 23% Of Patients On Long-Acting Painkillers Become Addicted To Opioids
The new numbers, released Monday, are far higher than those in drugmakers’ marketing materials, Bloomberg reports. Other public health news is on marijuana’s effect on fetal development, heart disease risk after the shingles vaccine, a popemobile-turned-mobile clinic, and more.
FDA’s Top Drug and Food Safety Inspector Retires Amid Steep Cuts
Michael Rogers, who announced his retirement Monday, has worked at the FDA for 34 years. Also on Monday, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary announced various changes to the department. Also in the news: Labcorp, Function Health, Abbott Laboratories, and Johnson & Johnson.
Health Care Union Elects A New Leader
Yvonne Armstrong will replace George Gresham as president of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. Other health industry news is about telemarketers using an Obamacare loophole, the effects of a UnitedHealth cyberattack, and more.
Taking Unusual Stance, Justice Dept. Urges Dismissal Of Abortion Pill Case
The lawsuit, which aims to restrict access to mifepristone, was to be heard in the Texas courtroom of Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee who opposes abortion. One legal expert said President Donald Trump might be acting cautiously on abortion ahead of the midterm elections.
Trump Blocks Some Gain-Of-Function Research Funding, Promotes Oversight
The latest executive order is aimed at preventing possible pandemics as scientists study viruses and other pathogens, the White House says. Separately, Harvard has been told it won’t receive any new research funding from the government.
FDA, EPA Are Tasked With Speeding Up US Pharma Manufacturing Process
President Donald Trump’s executive order limiting regulatory hurdles is intended to scale back the time it takes to get plants running. “We don’t want to be buying our pharmaceuticals from other countries because if we’re in a war, we’re in a problem, we want to be able to make our own,” he said.
First Edition: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
Today’s stories are on antivenom, prosthetics, autism, and more.
Overconsuming Cinnamon Might Interfere With Drug Absorption
A study shows cinnamon can rapidly clear prescription drugs from the body, which could limit their effectiveness. However, it does not specify how much cinnamon is too much. More news explores stomach cancer diagnoses, celiac disease, and more.
Huge Health Fair In St. Louis Offering Free Care To Uninsured, Underinsured
From May 5-8, more than 1,800 health care professionals and volunteers will converge at America’s Center in downtown to provide free medical, dental, and vision care for up to 1,200 people per day. Other states making news are Colorado, California, Massachusetts, and Alabama.
Major Supplier Of Medical Products Adding Surcharge To US Shipments
MilliporeSigma says the extra fees, which will take effect Monday, are a direct response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs. The company is owned by Merck KGaA, which is based in Germany.
Scientist In Charge Of US Preparedness Backed Debunked Covid Drug
Steven J. Hatfill, who pushed hydroxychloroquine against all scientific evidence in the early days of the pandemic, has joined the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and is now tasked with preparing the U.S. for disasters such as pandemics and biological and chemical attacks.
Trump Eyes Drugmakers’ Medicaid Revenues As One Way To Fund Tax Cuts
Other Medicaid news is on the effort to push back against Medicaid cuts and a warning from one House Republican. Also: a plan to reopen Alcatraz; children’s rights as part of the deportation debate; and more.
White House Requests 26% Cut To HHS’ Discretionary Budget
The massive cuts would apply to the 2026 fiscal year, which starts in October. As Stat reports, requests such as this are rarely passed by Congress without major changes.
First Edition: Monday, May 5, 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 Agent Orange, aging, weight loss, and more.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
