Latest KFF Health News Stories
California Governor Kicks Off Homeless Encampment Cleanups
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order follows the Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to ban sleeping outside in public spaces. Meanwhile, West Virginia asks the Supreme Court to consider its case against Medicaid coverage for trans surgeries.
After Trump Election, A Rise In Poor Birth Outcomes For Women Of Color
The findings are “likely explained by a combination of stress and policy impacts,” the study’s lead author says. Meanwhile, Nature Medicine examines how politics affects a person’s physical and mental well-being. Also, a look at what a Kamala Harris administration might do for science.
$10 Million Reward Offered For Info On North Korean Ransomware Hackers
The State Department wants details on the location of members of a ransomware gang that targeted health care systems. Also in the news: HHS renames its office of health information technology.
Texas Is Fighting Title X Decree That Allows Kids Confidential Contraception
The rule stipulates providers “may not require consent of parents or guardians for the provision of services to minors.” A lawsuit argues that violates parental rights. Separately, a melt-in-your-mouth birth control pill wins FDA approval. Also, Michigan Advance breaks down abortion misconceptions.
US Nabs Drug Kingpin ‘El Mayo,’ Whose Cartel Is No. 1 Trafficker Of Fentanyl
According to news reports, U.S. authorities fooled Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada into boarding a Texas-bound private plane. There he was taken into custody, alongside Joaquin Guzmán, who is the son of famed drug lord “El Chapo.” Zambada’s Sinaloa cartel is believed to the biggest supplier of fentanyl to the U.S., and the two men were among the top-wanted drug dealers in the world.
Senate Panel Subpoenas Steward Health CEO Over Bankruptcy Filing
After refusing to testify voluntarily, Dr. Ralph de la Torre now will appear Sept. 12 in an investigation related to the company’s practices. Also in the news: Optum layoffs, Brigham and Women’s nurses strike, hospital sales, and more.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Kamala Harris Has Kids, No Matter The Political Hot Takes
Editorial writers discuss these issues and others.
Research Roundup: Physician PTSD; Hospital Infections; Progeria; More
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Connecticut Gov. Faces Pushback Over Medicaid ‘Managed Care’ Possibility
Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat, is reportedly facing pushback after exploring the idea of switching the state Medicaid program back to a model that some legislators say increased costs and reduced access. Also in the news: Michigan Gov. Whitmer outlaws gay, trans “panic” defenses; heat protections in California; and more.
Critics Question Health Care Impact Of Nurse Practitioners
Bloomberg examines the nurse practitioner boom, with a focus on how these types of health care staff members and their training are affecting the quality of health care.
Worldwide Tech Outage Blamed On Software Bug Sent To Users’ Devices
After identifying what caused the shutdown, CrowdStrike is revising its protocol for rolling out updates. Also in the news: the mining of patient data, and the questionable use of medical codes.
Study Finds Twice-Yearly Shot 100% Effective At Blocking HIV
In a study of 5,000 young women and girls in Africa, none of the patients who received the shots contracted HIV. NPR notes the trial generated controversy at the AIDS 2024 conference and prompted an expert group to recommend halting the blind trial and giving the lenacapavir drug to all participants.
Spread Of Bird Flu Might Be ‘Really Difficult To Control,’ Experts Find
Although the risk of human-to-human transmission is considered low, studies of H5N1 reveal the virus can spread in multiple ways across species. They also question whether cow milk plays a big role in the spread. Meanwhile, 22 states and the District of Columbia are considered to be covid hot spots.
US Infant Mortality Rates Grew 3% in 2022
News outlets were conflicted on whether it was a trend, but experts agreed it was a cause for concern. Also in the news: A federal appeals court has ruled that a group of Republican-led states does not have legal standing to get a court to impose restrictions on mifepristone.
Harris Indicates She’ll Push For Thwarted ‘Care Economy’ Expansions
The Washington Post covers language in two speeches by Vice President Kamala Harris that indicate she’ll push for legislation to expand paid family leave, housing assistance, child care and eldercare — Biden “care economy” initiatives that failed to pass because of political resistance.
Biden Says He’ll Work On Supreme Court Reforms During Last Months In Office
President Joe Biden delivered a national speech Wednesday night outlining his priorities for the remainder of his presidency. He called for changes to the Supreme Court, which in its current form is reshaping many policy areas including health care.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
FDA’s Medical Device Chief To Leave Agency; Hospitals Struggling With Blood Culture Bottle Shortage
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Perspectives: Should Medicare And Medicaid Pay For Weight Loss Drugs?; FDA Approved Ineffectual Drug
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
