Latest KFF Health News Stories
FDA Layoffs Will Likely Force Cutbacks In Food And Drug Inspections
CBS reports that roughly 170 workers were laid off from the FDA’s Office of Inspections and Investigations. In related FDA news, the pharmaceutical industry is worried about the cuts; layoffs include senior veterinarians working on bird flu; and more. Also, President Donald Trump’s tariff exemptions for pharma.
First Edition: Thursday, April 3, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Study: Exposure To Phthalates May Impact Brain Development In Infants
The study, published Wednesday in the journal Nature Communications, looked at moms’ phthalate exposure and newborns’ brain development. Other health news is on a promising new drug in the fight against ovarian cancer, the impact of “cold-water immersion” on your body’s cells, and more.
LA County Forms New Homeless Agency Despite Mayor’s Disapproval
According to the Los Angeles Times, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved a plan Tuesday to move more than $300 million in funds from the existing homeless services agency. Other news is from Massachusetts, Georgia, Colorado, Illinois, and North Carolina.
Prosecutors To Seek Death Penalty For Mangione In UnitedHealthcare Slaying
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi accused Luigi Mangione, 26 — on trial in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson — of committing a “cold-blooded assassination.” President Donald Trump has restored the use of federal executions, which had been on hold since mid-2021 under the Biden administration.
Editorial writers share their thoughts on these public health issues.
Wisconsin High Court Keeps Liberal Tilt With Abortion Rights On Docket
Liberal Judge Susan Crawford bested conservative Judge Brad Schimel for a seat on the court. Separately: Wyoming makes it harder for people to obtain procedural abortions; funding freezes limit contraception access nationally and globally; and more.
House Panel Discusses Vulnerability Of Aging Medical Devices
Alabama Republican Rep. Gary Palmer noted that even though the hardware can last up to 30 years, software tends to become outdated more quickly, potentially exposing patients to risk and hospitals to cybersecurity threats. New York Democrat Yvette Clarke wondered how these issues can be addressed after government departments have been gutted.
23 States Sue Trump Administration Over $11B In Health Funding Cuts
AP reports that the attorneys general involved in the lawsuit say the funding cuts will result in “serious harm to public health.” In related news about the Trump administration and DOGE: rural internet access, a kidney donor held by ICE, and more.
‘Liberation Day’ Arrives; Some In GOP Try To Stop Tariffs On Canadian Drugs
An analysis recently published in JAMA found that the tariffs would likely result in price hikes on a “wide range of medications, from antibiotics to mental health treatments,” the lead author said. In related news, Mark Cuban says his Cost Plus Drugs will be forced to raise prices if tariffs take effect.
HHS Guts Health Agencies, Ousts 5 NIH Directors In Broad Reduction In Force
During a day of widespread layoffs, NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya told employees he plans to “implement new policies humanely,” while FDA Commissioner Marty Makary touted his “impeccable credentials” in an email to his charges. News outlets break down what programs were affected by Monday’s purge and what’s next.
First Edition: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
‘Say Something’ School Shooting Tip Line Is Successfully Saving Lives
The anonymous tip line, founded by parents of victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting, alerts police and school authorities to potential threats to students. According to The Washington Post, the tip line has prevented 18 school shootings. Other states making news are Colorado, Texas, Montana, New York, California, and North Carolina.
Hospitals Reportedly Receive Extortion Threats Over Alleged Oracle Hack
Fierce Healthcare says the incident — in which patient data was reportedly stolen from servers sometime after Jan. 22 — has not yet been announced by Oracle Health but was reported Friday in an information security publication called Bleeping Computer. That publication said a hacker is demanding millions in cryptocurrency.
Feds Freeze Family Planning Funds From Planned Parenthood
Nine of the nonprofit’s affiliates got word Monday that the Trump administration is withholding Title X funds. Separately, a federal judge has ruled it is a violation of the First Amendment and the right to travel if Alabama’s attorney general tries to punish anyone who aids in out-of-state abortions.
Doctors Will No Longer Be Required To Record Patients’ Sexual Orientation
The electronic health record rules — which also included taking data on gender identity — were set to be enforced by Jan. 1, 2026. Stat reports that providers can still gather the information if they want to. Plus: updates on lab-developed tests, health care fraudsters, and military combat fitness.
Nearly 2,000 Scientists Call Out Trump For ‘Assault On US Science’
The scientists — all of whom are elected members of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine — signed a letter warning that President Donald Trump’s actions have created a “climate of fear,” The Washington Post reported. Plus: Harvard’s funding is in jeopardy.
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
HHS Workers Begin Getting Pink Slips
As many as 10,000 people could be let go across the Department of Health and Human Services. Forbes looks at how this might affect the health of everyday Americans.
First Edition: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
