Latest KFF Health News Stories
New Mammogram Notification Rule Starts Today
Patients now must be told about the density of their breasts. Although it’s a common issue, having dense tissue is linked to a higher risk of developing breast cancer because it’s more difficult to spot cancer on mammograms. Also in the news: UVA, Yale, Allegheny Valley Hospital, and more.
Listen To Our ‘Silence In Sikeston’ Podcast, Available Starting Today
“Silence in Sikeston” explores what it means to live with racism and violence, then charts the toll on health — from hives and high blood pressure to struggles with mental health. The deaths of two Black men killed nearly 80 years apart in the same Missouri community anchor a conversation about the public health consequences of systemic bias. “Silence in Sikeston” is the podcast about finding the words to say the things that go unsaid.
Scientists Zero In On Antibody With Ability To Ward Off Covid-19 Infection
In other covid news, the new and even more contagious XEC variant, making its way across Europe, has health officials concerned as the U.S. still grapples with the latest summer surge in cases.
Fates Of Missouri, Nebraska Abortion Ballot Measures In Judges’ Hands
Courts in those states will decide whether initiatives on abortion rights will be allowed on the ballots as deadlines to set the ballots approach. And news outlets look at the presidential candidates’ reproductive health views ahead of tonight’s debate.
As Shutdown Deadline Looms, Congress Not Focusing On Health Care Bills
Lawmakers are hoping to pass several health care measures during the lame duck session, but for right now, migrant voting appears to be a top Republican concern. Separately, both presidential candidates now appear to support broad cannabis reform.
Obamacare Enrollment Is Trending Up, With Almost 50M Onboard Since 2014
About 21 million Americans have signed up for a plan this year, an analysis shows. Major subsidies have played a role in propping up the numbers, but now Congress must decide whether to extend them. Also, a look at where the presidential candidates stand on the law.
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.
