Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Paxlovid Is Less Effective In Older Vaccinated Covid Patients, Study Shows
Covid hospitalizations were not significantly reduced when adults used the antiviral pill, researchers find. Also, a nationwide study suggests estrogen may play a role in long covid, putting women at a higher risk. Also in the news: bird flu, measles, flu, and cholera.
Luigi Mangione Set For First Court Date In UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Slaying Case
The Baltimore Sun reports on the unusual defense strategy being mounted by his lawyers. Other industry news includes: a health insurance fraud case; the effect of high specialist fees on health care systems; the toll global warming takes on hospitals; and more.
Drug Overdose Death Rate Drops For First Time In Years
Some experts point to the broader availability of naloxone and fentanyl test strips. Even so, Alaska, Oregon, and Washington saw an increase in overdose deaths in 2023. More news is on gene therapy breakthroughs; the link between narcissism and loneliness; and more.
On Medicaid, Some In GOP Must Pick: Against Trump Or Against Constituency
A handful of Republicans represent areas where large parts of the population receive SNAP or Medicaid, NBC News reported. A Trump-endorsed budget plan going through the House right now could result in steep cuts to both programs.
Trump Halts Vaccine Advisory Panel Meetings, Quashes 2 Other Committees
The directive comes just as the CDC panel was set to gather next week to weigh guidance on flu and other vaccines. Committees addressing long covid and health equity were scrapped altogether. Meanwhile, a federal judge today will hear arguments regarding NIH research cuts.
First Edition: Friday, Feb. 21, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Read recent commentaries about these public health issues.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Sepsis Rates Increased After Abortion Ban In Texas, Analysis Shows
Rates shot up by more than 50% for pregnancies lost in the second trimester, and the maternal mortality rate rose in Texas, bucking national trends. Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood in Missouri has resumed abortion procedures after a judge temporarily blocked state licensing requirements imposed on clinics. Other news comes from Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Illinois, and California.
US Hospitals On Track To Exceed Critical Capacity By 2032, Study Shows
According to the author of the study: “If the U.S. were to sustain a national hospital occupancy of 85 percent or greater, it is likely that we would see tens to hundreds of thousands of excess American deaths each year.” Other big names in the news: UnitedHealth, Sutter Health, Hims & Hers, and more.
Medical Device Lobby Urges HHS To Rethink Trump’s FDA Cuts
The CEO of the medical device lobby, AdvaMed, raised concerns over the cuts’ impact on patient health and medical device innovation. Separately, the former administrator of CMS spoke up to caution Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency against acting too quickly. Also: a protest over cuts; aid groups head to court; and more.
