Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Brain ‘Pacemaker’ To Ease Parkinson’s Symptoms Earns FDA Approval
The brain-computer interface technology uses an algorithm to adapt to an individual patient’s needs, improving on previous tech that provided constant electrical brain stimulation. Other news includes: antidepressants’ effect on dementia; red-light therapy; and more.
Missourians With Disabilities Receive Inadequate Care, State Records Show
From 2017 through 2023, 2,682 people with developmental disabilities died in Missouri state care, the River City Journalism Fund reported. Also in state news: a cancer cluster is found in Texas; North Carolina will get four more mental health crisis centers; and more.
Elizabeth Holmes’ Blood-Testing Fraud Conviction Upheld By Appeals Court
She claimed that her company, Theranos, could run accurate and fast tests from blood drawn from a finger prick. She was convicted of fraud in 2022, and the ruling was upheld Monday by a federal appeals court. Also in the news: hospital security, UnitedHealth, Pfizer, BGR Group, and more.
Viewpoints: The Case For Rethinking Baby Boxes; What Exactly Does ‘Ultra-Processed’ Food Mean?
Opinion writers dissect these public health issues.
High Court To Hear ACA Case In April; House Votes Today On Medicaid Cuts
In a surprising twist, the Trump administration said it will continue the Biden White House’s defense of the requirement that insurers cover certain preventive services, The Hill reported. Meanwhile, the House will vote today on a budget blueprint that proposes $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid.
Many Laid-Off FDA Workers Brought Back, While VA Fires 1,400 More
The FDA has reportedly reinstated dozens of staffers who were let go and are involved with food and medical device safety. The VA has let go of 2,400 employees this month. Also in the news: FDA’s “healthy” label rule, NIH grant funding, and more.
Supreme Court Rejects Challenges To Abortion Clinic Buffer Zones
The decision not to hear an appeal from abortion opponents lets a law stand that allows local governments to create demonstration-free areas around health care facilities. More abortion news comes from Washington, Wyoming, and Oklahoma.
First Edition: Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
New Hampshire Medicaid Recipients May Be Required To Pay Premiums
Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte proposed the changes last week in her budget address. Also in the news: Montana, Iowa, Texas, Maryland, and South Carolina.
FDA: Ozempic, Wegovy Shortage Is Over
The shortages were declared in August 2022. Meanwhile, Axios reports on how makers of copycat weight loss drugs are preparing for a crackdown. In medical tech and pharma news: a pacemaker recall, the world’s smallest pacemaker, a ban on “forever chemicals” in France, and more.
Hospital Staff Injured, Police Officer Killed In Pennsylvania Shooting
The attack happened Saturday when an armed man entered UPMC Memorial Hospital and took several staffers hostage in the ICU unit. The incident ended in a shootout that resulted in the death of a police officer and the alleged assailant. Also in the news: A.I. legislation; rural health care accessibility woes; and more.
Concerns Grow Over New Bat Coronavirus Identified In China
Although much less powerful than SARS-CoV-2, the HKU5-CoV-2 virus’s ability to infect humans has raised alarm over the potential of another pandemic, Fox News reports. Other outbreaks in the news include bird flu, seasonal flu, listeria, and more.
As Texas Measles Outbreak Spreads, Warnings Issued At Tourist Hot Spot
Nearly 100 people have been sickened in outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. Texas officials report that someone with measles traveled to the busy San Antonio River Walk, among other places. Plus: The Mennonite community at the center of the outbreak.
Some FDA Inspectors, Other Workers Reinstated With Far Less Ballyhoo
The Trump administration is bringing back employees let go in mass firings. Those workers reviewed medical and infection-control devices, among others. Meanwhile, USAID and other agencies experience terminations, and the White House has reversed cuts to the 9/11 health program.
Viewpoints: Doctor Apathy Caused By Extreme Exhaustion; Why Is There A War On Mental Health Meds?
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
First Edition: Monday, Feb. 24, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
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 viruses, vaccine skepticism, USAID, the history of language, and more.
Missouri Judge Sets 2026 Trial Date To Permanently Remove Abortion Ban
In other state news, Florida Democrats have filed legislation to reverse the six-week abortion ban; the Colorado House passes a bill to protect patients from forced institutionalization; New York Gov. Kathy Hochul seeks changes to the state’s mental health laws; and more.
