Latest KFF Health News Stories
Gender Dysphoria Lawsuit Could Raze Protections For Those With Disabilities
As The Washington Post notes, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits any entity receiving federal funds from discriminating against people with disabilities. Section 504 also says gender dysphoria may sometimes be considered a disability. Seventeen states are suing to overturn it.
Gilead’s HIV Drug Prevents Infection With One Shot A Year Instead Of Two
The company is planning a Phase 3 trial for the new formulation of lenacapavir, Stat reports. Other pharma and technology news is on microplastics and the spread of antibiotic-resistant superbugs; a successful artificial titanium heart trial; AI in hospitals; and more.
EPA To Shutter Environmental Justice Offices, A Blow For Minorities’ Health
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the plan in a memo. The work slated for elimination had aimed to ease the pollution that affects poor and minority communities. Also: older Black people in America die at higher rates; the Education Department slashes half its staff; and more.
Texas-New Mexico Measles Outbreak Has Likely Spread To Oklahoma
Two people from the Sooner State were reportedly exposed to the virus and followed safety measures to stop the spread. Meanwhile, as cases swell to 223 in Texas and 33 in New Mexico, health officials in California are warning about an exposure risk after a Los Angeles County resident tested positive.
House Funding Bill Preserves Hospital Provisions, Omits Physician Pay Terms
The narrowly passed funding bill, which still must win Senate approval to avoid a government shutdown, extends certain programs through September. Separately, a bipartisan bill to expand fentanyl testing has been reintroduced in the Senate.
First Edition: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Scientists Correct Disease-Causing DNA Mutation Using Targeted Gene Therapy
In a small study, the errant gene was targeted by a single infusion, which returned the mutated gene to normal. Other science news is on double neural bypass to restore feeling to people with paralysis; hormone replacement therapy on the rise thanks to weight loss drugs; and more.
Key West Hospital Searches For New Company To Run It Starting In 2029
Three hospital operators are vying to take over the Lower Keys Medical Center lease in Florida. Other news from around the nation is on Medicaid in New York, sperm donors in Colorado, midwives in Maine, maternal deaths in Texas, and prison health care costs in North Carolina.
Colorado Christian Therapist Takes Conversion Therapy Ban To High Court
Most mental health care providers say conversion therapy is harmful, and more than 20 states have implemented a ban, according to The Washington Post. In other news, HHS opens investigations on four medical schools; a study on menstruation loses it funding after being mis-defined as transgender; and more.
As World Mostly Moves On From Covid, NJ Family Copes With Profound Loss
Five members of the Fusco family died after gathering for dinner in the early days of the pandemic. Now, five years after covid was declared a global pandemic, their relatives — and millions of other families who lost loved ones to covid — are still reckoning with grief.
FTC Suing To Block Private Equity Acquisition Of Catheter Coatings Maker
The move could signal the beginning of increased regulatory scrutiny of private equity deals. Also in the news, a medical helicopter crash in Mississippi kills all aboard; Mass General Brigham begins second round of layoffs; “medical gaslighting” is a real concern for patients; and more.
Rubio: 83% Of USAID Programs Cut, The Rest Now Under State Department
AP reports that hours after Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement about the completion of the purge, a federal judge ruled that the White House had overstepped and could not sit on the billions of dollars appropriated by Congress for foreign aid. Also in the news: Elon Musk eyes Social Security, DOGE impacts veterans, a single mom navigates inflation, and more.
Food Safety Fears Emerge As Two Federal Committees Get Disbanded
The panels, axed as part of cost-cutting initiatives, included experts from academia, industry, and nonprofits who were tasked with advising policymakers on food safety. Also, the USDA has halted two programs that gave schools, food banks, and child care facilities money to buy from local farmers.
Amid Growing Measles Outbreak, RFK Jr. Touts Unconventional Theories
The New York Times examines the full Fox News interview with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., during which he offered unscientific information about prevention and treatment.
Feds Plan To Limit ACA Enrollment Window, End ‘Dreamer’ Coverage
The Trump administration says changes to Obamacare are intended to streamline the process, but policy experts warn they will create more red tape for consumers and lead to enrollment declines.
First Edition: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
Today’s stories are on pain tolerance, nutrition, organ transplants, mental health, and more.
CDC’s Good News And Bad News: Fewer People Smoke, But More Are Vaping
Trends show that the number of Americans who inhale vapes has outpaced the number who prefer cigarettes. A separate study found that e-cigarette use increased among young adults over time. More news is about elder abuse, IVF mix-ups, and suicide intervention efforts.
Opinions writers share their thoughts on these public health issues.
