Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers share their thoughts on these public health issues.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
Today’s stories are on happiness, dental care, bird flu, human language, and more.
Ovarian Cancer Test Less Effective For Black, Native American Patients
The Washington Post reports on a study that looked at the common CA-125 blood test and discovered that Black and Native American women were 23% less likely to have an elevated level when diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Also in public health news: ChatGPT and loneliness; why fentanyl deaths are dropping; ADHD and TikTok; and more.
San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge Safety Nets Are Working
The Washington Post reports on a new study indicating that the nets have reduced suicides by 73%. Other health news comes from Texas, North Carolina, California, and Colorado.
Residency Match Rates Largely Stable As Pool Of Applicants Grows
Notably, there was renewed interest in emergency medicine and pediatrics. Also, nursing is the most competitive major at the University of California. Other industry news includes a nurses strike at Butler Memorial Hospital, doctors’ frustration with the health care system, and more.
Abortion A Key Issue In Wis. Election That Could Alter State’s High Court
The state’s Supreme Court is considering whether to reactivate a 19th-century law crafted when married women had no legal identity and could not vote. The winner of the election could sway how the court rules. Also, New Jersey, Texas, Wyoming, and Missouri weigh abortion issues.
Trump Administration Will Import Eggs As Prices Spike Due To Bird Flu
Turkey and South Korea have signed on to send eggs to the U.S., and more deals are in the works. Hundreds of millions of eggs are expected to be imported. Also: the measles outbreak grows, surpassing last year’s total count; tuberculosis is on the rise; and more.
Europe Is Warning Travelers To Be Careful In America If They Are LGBTQ+
The United States has long warned its own citizens to be careful if traveling to an unstable country. In a flip of the script, several nations are now telling their citizens to be careful in the United States.
Parents, Educators Worry As Oversight Of Special Education Is Moved To HHS
Some education experts called the move illegal and expressed concern that continued federal funding would come with stipulations. Others warned that school districts might seek tax increases to make up for any gaps. Plus: HHS officials are bracing for steep layoffs.
First Edition: Monday, March 24, 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 mental health, gun safety, the science behind “Severance,” and more.
New Studies Link Red Meat Allergy To Two More Types Of Tick
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is potentially life-threatening and is estimated to affect 450,000 Americans. Also: E-reminders for the flu vaccine might lower uptake of the covid vaccine; educating caregivers of Down syndrome adults about Alzheimer’s; and more.
Rikers To Be Replaced With 4 Facilities, With One Dedicated To Mental Health
According to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the new site will be a “state-of-the-art mental health facility,” CBS News reported. Other states making the news are Illinois, California, Alabama, New Hampshire, Montana, and South Carolina.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
FDA Investigation Finds Problems At Indian Drug Factory Tied To Recalls
The generic drug manufacturer was linked to the death of eight people last year, and was responsible for an outsized share of recalls for pills that didn’t dissolve properly and could harm people. Other news includes drug reimbursements, Medicare price negotiations, and more.
Ohio Is The Latest State Hit By The Measles Outbreak
The Ohio Department of Health reports this first case is in an unvaccinated adult, according to 10TV. Also, two new measles cases are confirmed in Maryland; a former surgeon general criticizes RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccination stance; and more.
Possible CDC Chief Contenders Include Florida’s Ladapo And Texas’ Burgess
As the White House searches for its next nominee, the president’s allies have put forward two office holders, both of whom criticized covid protocols. Other possible contenders have turned down the job. Meanwhile, the feds have put off a requirement that companies track tainted food.
Trump Orders End To Education Dept.; Funds For Rural Projects, Poor Unclear
Although the administration vowed to preserve funding formulas for schools, staffing cuts might complicate efforts that ensure students with disabilities, or those from high-poverty or rural schools, get the support they need.
Hospitals Advised To Boost Security After Terrorist Threat Is Posted On X
The threat has not been verified, but the American Hospital Association and Health-ISAC are urging the health sector to alert staff and be on the lookout for suspicious activity.