Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: CDC Might Change Its Covid Vaccine Recommendations; AI Fills The Doctor Shortage
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Feds Slash Women’s Health Initiative, Claw Back NSF Research Grants
The WHI has studied the varying health changes women go through since 1991. The National Science Foundation grant cancellations — more than 400 of them, The New York Times reports — targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion studies, as well as research about misinformation.
‘MAHA’ Update: FDA Dumps 8 Food Dyes; CDC Rethinks Kids’ Covid Vax
The additives that will be phased out — but not outright banned — are Blue 1 and 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6, Orange B, and Citrus Red 2. In other “Make America Healthy Again” news: The CDC might pull the covid vaccine off its list of recommended vaccines for kids, and the NIH says it won’t have answers about the cause of autism until next year.
First Edition: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Wyoming Judge Clears The Way For Abortion Clinic To Resume Services
Wyoming Health Access in Casper stopped providing abortion services on Feb. 28, after Republican Gov. Mark Gordon put licensing and ultrasound requirement laws into effect. Abortions again will be provided while the cases wind through the courts.
Cash-Strapped Crozer Health Hospitals Begin 30-Day Wind-Down Of Services
Prospect Medical Holdings notified employees that it is financially unable to keep the Pennsylvania facilities open. A judge needs to approve the closure. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for today. More industry news is about Providence, Mass General Brigham, Compassus, and more.
Antiviral Compound May Hold Promise For Preventing, Treating Long Covid
Researchers have discovered that it prevents long covid symptoms in mice. Other public health news is on a rise in psilocybin use; blood pressure and dementia; and more.
Study Shows Steady Decline In Cancer Death Rates Over Two Decades
The findings published Monday analyzed data from 2001 through 2022. However, incidence rates among women have been rising. Separately, a survey shows women are reluctant to have cancer screening mammograms read only by AI.
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
Walgreens To Pay $300 Million To Settle Opioid Script-Filling Case
The Justice Department had accused Walgreens of filling prescriptions of controlled substances, despite clear signs of their illegitimacy, for more than a decade. Walgreens denied wrongdoing and said in an email Monday, “We strongly disagree with the government’s legal theory and admit no liability.” Also in the news: New Hampshire might divert opioid funds elsewhere.
RFK Jr. Ready To Roll Out Plan To Rid US Food Supply Of Artificial Dyes
The Health and Human Services secretary today will announce plans for a ban on additives that give food and drinks their pretty colors. Also in the news: autism, federal funding cuts, and more.
In ACA Preventive Care Case, Supreme Court Debates The Word ‘Independent’
At issue is whether the Affordable Care Act can require insurance companies to offer free preventive services for care that is recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The New York Times reported that Monday’s hearing focused little on the practical implications for millions of patients, with the justices instead questioning what it meant for the task force to be “independent.”
First Edition: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
Today’s stories are on Parkinson’s disease, racing wheelchairs, aging, and more.
Opinion writers share their thoughts on these public health topics.
Colorado Sees 90% Rise In Unhoused Population Since 2020
A report calls into question whether a “housing first” or “work first” approach is better, as Colorado becomes the state with the fourth-largest increase in unhoused individuals since 2020. Meanwhile, Vermont — the state that saw the greatest rise in unhoused population — introduces a bill to end motel shelter vouchers.
NIH Research Funding Cuts Could Negatively Impact Physician Shortage
Clinicians have not yet been affected by hiring freezes, but layoffs may lead to limits on physician training and fewer doctors in the long term. Other news is on strategies to curb nursing shortages; clinical documentation AI tools; and more.
Heavy Drinking Associated With Brain Damage, Linked To Alzheimer’s
Having more than eight drinks a week is considered “heavy drinking,” and a new study suggests there may be links between it and cognitive decline. Separately, a new study shows a link between regular use of marijuana and dementia.
Trump Administration Asks For Ideas To Boost Birth Rate
The administration is trying to incentivize women to have more children through scholarships, “baby bonuses,” or a “National Medal of Motherhood,” The New York Times reports. In other news, recent CDC cuts may exacerbate reproductive disparities; expectant and new mothers are struggling to access their military insurance Tricare; and more.
Federal Websites Amplify Lab Leak Theory Of How Covid-19 Started
Two sites — Covid.gov, which offered information about the virus, and Covidtests.gov, where people could order tests — now promote the Trump administration’s view on the “true origins” of the virus.
