Latest KFF Health News Stories
House Republicans Expected To Put ‘Born-Alive’ Bill High On Agenda
With the speakership fight finally settled, House Republicans are expected to move on anti-abortion bills. Separately, the FDA chief talks to Stat about new rules around abortion pills. And access and laws from the states are also in the news.
New Laws In Utah, Other States Aim At Restricting Trans Health Care
News outlets report on a number of efforts across the states to limit gender-affirming health care for transgender people, with Republican lawmakers “zeroing-in on questions of bodily autonomy,” as the AP reports. Laws targeting LGBTQ+ matters in Texas are also in the news.
Nurse Strike In New York City: Thousands May Participate
News outlets note that although headway has been made with contracts for some unions, thousands of NYC nurses may strike today, against what they say are unsafe staffing levels. The “essential” designation for U.S. hospitals, and how it plays into federal funding, is among other industry news.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Drug Against Most Common Pediatric Brain Cancer Achieves Trial Success
The new treatment from Day One Biopharmaceuticals, called tovorafenib, shrank tumors by at least 50% in a majority of children with low-grade gliomas in a study. A new wheelchair from the inventor of Steadicam, honey as a sugar alternative, and more covid research are among other science news.
Animal Sedative ‘Tranq,’ The ‘Zombie Drug’ Worsens Fentanyl Crisis
News outlets cover tragedies of the opioid crisis, with a New York Times report highlighting how animal tranquilizer drug xylazine is being mixed with illicit fentanyl, making its impact “even more devastating.” An expert quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle called the U.S. drug crisis a “national poisoning.”
Opinion writers discuss covid, vaccine disinformation and working while sick in America.
In Suit, Seattle Schools Blame Tech Giants For ‘Youth Mental Health Crisis’
Coverage of mental health also addresses changes happening at Texas schools following the Uvalde school shooting and mental health days off for students in New York. In other public health news: noise pollution, chest pads for young football athletes, alcohol liver disease among young people, and more.
EPA Takes Aim At Respiratory Illness Growth With Tougher Air Standards
As cases of asthma and other respiratory diseases grow, the EPA announced Friday new rules aimed at reducing dangerous particulate matter in the air. Public health advocates air concerns that the standards don’t go far enough, though.
Post-Holidays Covid Surge Sends More To Hospital Across US
The Boston Globe also reminds us that the virus “everyone wants to forget” is still killing people, with data showing a jump in deaths in Massachusetts. But in more upbeat news, the San Francisco Chronicle reports the percentage of adults experiencing long covid symptoms is declining.
Highly Contagious XBB.1.5 Races To Dominance In Northeast
The CDC said Friday that the omicron variant XBB.1.5 makes up 72 percent of new cases in the Northeast of the U.S. The “most transmissible” strain to date is making quick inroads both nationally and globally, further fueling concerns of a winter covid surge.
Childhood Obesity Guidelines Updated: Now Consider Medications, Surgery
News outlets report on new guidance out from the American Academy of Pediatrics addressing the treatment of children who deal with obesity. The recommendations emphasize early intervention, including the consideration of weight-loss drugs for kids 12 and older, and surgery for kids 13 and older.
Cost Is Next Hurdle To Clear For Newly-Approved Alzheimer’s Drug Leqembi
The Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval Friday for Leqembi, developed by Eisai, for use in Alzheimer’s patients with mild cognitive impairment or who at the mild dementia stage of the disease. The drug is priced at $26,500 annually and current Medicare rules would restrict coverage.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on “damp” January, new health tech for 2023, antibody drugs, and more.
Pushback Undoes Cutbacks In California’s Medi-Cal Insurance Plans
The California Department of Health Care Services announced it has now negotiated with five commercial health plans for 2024 Medi-Cal services, undoing a process that had cut the number to three. Also: Medicaid expansion, flavored tobacco in Ohio, marijuana use in Maryland, transgender health laws and more.
Thousands Of NYC Nurses May Strike Next Week
Though some progress has been made toward averting a large Jan. 9 strike of nursing staff at several New York City hospitals, negotiations are still underway. Separately, Modern Healthcare covers how the FTC’s proposed noncompete hiring clause ban may impact physician salaries.
Annual Price Of New US Drugs In 2022 Hit Median Of $200K
An analysis by Reuters found the price of novel drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration during 2022 had a median annual value of $222,003. Separately, reports say the ADHD drug shortage has now spread to affect generic Ritalin and Concerta, as Adderall supplies remain limited.
Alleged Fentanyl-Trafficking Son Of El Chapo Arrested Ahead Of Biden’s Visit To Mexico
News outlets report that Mexican security forces have arrested an alleged fentanyl trafficker wanted by the U.S. — one of the sons of former Sinaloa cartel boss El Chapo. In other news, two doctors’ “pill mill” opioid convictions are partly overturned, and more.
Damar Hamlin Now Alert And On Path To Neurological Recovery
Media outlets report on the health of Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin, whose collapse on the field drew attention to heart health. Hamlin is alert, but experts worry over his organ health. Other reports cover issues relating to sports, cardiac health, and airline medical kits for in-flight emergencies.
