Latest KFF Health News Stories
Monkeypox Cases Decline, But White House Warns Funding Needed
The White House says lawmakers should approve a multibillion-dollar request to combat the ongoing crisis, even as case rates decline. NPR explains the odds of catching monkeypox, Dallas Morning News covers a case at a high school in Fort Worth, among other news on the virus.
Graham Abortion Ban Bill Divides Republican Party
Media outlets cover the political consternation stirred up by Sen. Lindsey Graham’s proposed 15-week abortion ban, with some Republican senators signaling opposition. Other news stories cover how the issue of abortion’s legality are impacting midterm elections.
In Utah, GOP Lawmakers Backpedal Over Abortion Cease And Desist Letters
The letters, which were printed on Utah House of Representatives letterhead, were sent out Thursday to the Planned Parenthood Association, the ACLU, and others and said that anyone who violates the ban during a district court-ordered pause on the trigger law will be prosecuted in the future, the Salt Lake Tribune reported. On Friday, however, the lawmakers said the letters were only “our opinion.”
Some States Have Already Run Out Of Moderna’s Bivalent Covid Shots
The company has not given any reasons for manufacturing or shipment delays, Becker’s Hospital Review reported.
Biden Says ‘Pandemic Is Over’ — Which May Muddle His Requests For Funding
The president’s comments, which aired in an interview Sunday night, were off the cuff and took several of his own health officials by surprise, news media outlets reported. Some Republicans immediately questioned why they should approve millions more for covid funding if the global emergency is done.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Religion and Health Care Shouldn’t Mix; Breathing Dirty Air Could Cause Cancer
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
Viewpoints: Why The New Covid Booster Isn’t Bigger News; Abortion Bans Cause Pregnancy Concerns
Opinion writers weigh in on covid boosters and reproductive healthcare.
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 covid, Alzheimer’s, domestic abuse, rights for people with disabilities, and more.
Montana Will Ignore Order Allowing Trans Birth Certificate Changes
The Republican-led state was blocked by a Montana judge from enforcing a state rule preventing transgender people from changing their birth certificate. But the Department of Public Health and Human Services said it would ignore the new ruling.
NJ Man First Fully Paralyzed Person To Get Brain-Computer Interface
A report explains how surgery to implant a Stentrode device in an ALS patient could eventually give the fully-paralyzed man a chance to communicate with a mere thought. Also: E. coli links to Hello Fresh meal kits, OTC hearing aids, taking infants to a chiropractor, and more.
Indiana’s Abortion Ban In Effect After Injunction Denied
The first state abortion ban passed since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade went into effect in Indiana Thursday. A judge denied a request for a temporary injunction from health providers.
Warnings Of Nitazenes In Illicit Opioids: 10 Times Fentanyl’s Strength
Nitazenes — a class of extremely strong synthetic opioids — are increasingly linked to deadly overdoses. Axios reports on the growing threat fentanyl offers to teens, while Stat reminds us the meth crisis is worse than ever. Separate reports say the U.S. is limiting fentanyl exports to Russia.
Excessive Patent ‘Gaming’ Contributes To High Drug Prices: Report
Key drugmakers, like Bayer and Bristol-Myers Squibb, are playing the U.S. patent system in a way that can keep drug prices at an “exorbitant” level, a report at NBC News says. Meanwhile, the Drug Enforcement Administration is said to be investigating telehealth startup Done.
HCA Healthcare Could Face Federal Probe Over Allegations Of Fraud
Rep. Bill Pascrell, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee’s subcommittee on oversight, has asked the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate HCA, the largest for-profit health care chain in the U.S.
Health Industry Contributes 10% Of US Greenhouse Gas, And Growing
A report from the House Ways and Means Committee shows how the health industry is contributing to climate change, with certain emissions rising 6% between 2010 and 2018. A separate AP report reminds how climate change can jeopardize health services, including via wildfires and smoke.
How Rough Of A Flu Season Is Coming? Bad, With A Chance Of Severe
Public health officials urge Americans to get their vaccine this fall, as bellwethers from Australia heighten concerns over a difficult flu season. And after several mild years, one virologist tells The Hill, “As a population, our immunity to the flu is down a bit.”
CDC Says Only High-Risk Monkeypox Patients Should Get Tpoxx
At a White House briefing, Dr. Anthony Fauci mentioned the risk of causing mutations in the monkeypox virus through the use of antivirals, and indicated a new study will monitor for mutation warnings. Meanwhile, a survey showed monkeypox awareness grew during summer.
Use Of 2 Covid Treatments ‘Strongly’ Discouraged By WHO
Characterizing the therapies as obsolete since omicron emerged, the World Health Organization withdrew its conditional endorsement for two of Regeneron and GSK’s antibody treatments. In other pandemic news, some scientists say we’ve reached the point where covid is no more lethal than flu.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
