Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
7.2 Million Americans Now Suffer With Alzheimer’s
This is an increase of 300,000 cases from a year ago. At the same time, NIH funding cuts will stall research and harm Alzheimer’s patients, USA TODAY reported. In other Alzheimer’s news, improved diagnostic testing has up to 91% accuracy; new research shows it’s common for patients with Alzheimer’s to also have biomarkers for dementia; and more.
Law Requiring Parents Be Notified Of Minors’ Abortions Blocked In Nevada
The law was set to be reinstated Wednesday but has been temporarily blocked by U.S. District Judge Anne Traum to allow Planned Parenthood time to challenge it. They have until Friday to file an appeal.
Patients Struggle To Afford GLP-1s As Access To Compounded Versions Fades
Simultaneously, a new Tebra survey found that 36% of GLP-1 users are microdosing, with 38% of those people citing the desire to save money.
Third-Party Data Breach Hits Ascension Health Patients In 5 States
Ascension announced Monday that a former vendor who had access to patients’ information was hacked, potentially exposing the health data of people in Alabama, Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee, and Texas. Separately, health insurer Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has suffered a data breach.
Researchers Find That 1 Dose Of HPV Vaccine Is Just As Effective As 2
The data, which suggest that one shot helps prevent cancer, came from a clinical trial run by the National Cancer Institute. Also in vaccine news: a tuberculosis vaccine trial; vaccine policy at the FDA; and more.
With Congress’ Approval, Bill Banning Revenge Porn Is Sent To The President
The Take It Down Act would make it a crime to post real or AI-generated intimate images or videos online without the subject’s consent and would require platforms to remove the items. President Trump is expected to sign the bipartisan measure, which has the support of leading tech companies.
The climate review is required by Congress and was expected to be released in 2028. Plus: The EPA said Monday it will limit the amount of “forever chemicals” that can be discharged into water.
Changes At CFPB May Upend Efforts To Ban Medical Debt From Credit Reports
For now, an effort to lay off nearly all Consumer Financial Protection Bureau employees is on hold. But if the agency is shuttered, a Biden-era rule that would prevent credit agencies from including medical debt on credit reports would likely be overturned or wither away, The Washington Post says.
First Edition: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
Today’s stories are on MS, cancer research, immunotherapy, aging, and more.
Eugene, Oregon’s Trailblazing ‘Cahoots’ Mobile Crisis Unit Has Been Disbanded
The city’s effort was hailed as a national model for other cities and inspired the Cahoots Act in the 2021 stimulus bill, which increased funding for mobile crisis units, The Wall Street Journal reported. A small team remains in nearby Springfield, Oregon.
Opinion writers dissect these public health issues.
Kansas City First Responder Dies After Ambulance Stabbing
The firefighter-paramedic was allegedly stabbed by a patient he was helping to transport. In other health industry news: Luigi Mangione has pleaded not guilty in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson; the cost of care for undocumented migrants at Texas hospitals; and more.
After Covid Vaccine Delay, Makary Infers Other Shots Need More Scrutiny
The FDA, which was supposed to decide by April 1 whether it would approve Novavax’s application for a full license, is seeking more clinical studies of the vaccine. Now, because other drugmakers update shots every year, the agency might have them conduct regulatory studies as well, FDA chief Marty Makary suggested.
GOP Lawmaker: Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Isn’t A ‘Health Care Bill’
When asked about possible cuts to Medicaid, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee said Sunday that President Donald Trump “will not be cutting benefits for individuals.”
Food Banks Struggle To Feed The Needy After Trump Cuts Federal Aid
The national advocacy group Feeding America reports that the Trump administration slashed $1 billion in federal aid to anti-hunger groups. In other nutrition news, links have been found between ultra-processed food consumption and premature death; finding replacements for artificial food dyes leads to interesting sources; and more.
Many Drug Addiction Programs Will Be Discontinued, HHS Draft Budget Says
The New York Times reported that grants to provide and train first responders to administer the overdose-reversal nasal spray Narcan would be eliminated, as could treatment initiatives for pregnant and postpartum women.
First Edition: Monday, April 28, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
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 prison, autism, brain health, and more.
