Latest KFF Health News Stories
Can Covid Cure Cancer? Study Suggests Maybe
In a study by the Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute in Chicago, the RNA in the SARS-CoV-2 virus was found to “trigger the development of a unique type of immune cell with anti-cancer properties,” which could lead to the development of cancer-fighting treatments in the future.
Bird Flu Strain In Canadian Teen Mutated Into Easier-To-Spread Version
Stat reports there’s no evidence that the teen has infected anyone else. The source of the infection has not been determined. Meanwhile, Hawaii — which has strict agricultural rules to prevent the spread of disease from the continental U.S. — has announced its first bird flu outbreak in poultry.
Asheville, NC, Finally Has Clean Water To Drink, Nearly 2 Months After Helene
A boil-water notice — put in place because of lingering sediment from the destructive September storm — was lifted Monday. In related news, the Biden administration has asked Congress for $100B in emergency disaster funds.
RFK Jr.’s Role As Possible HHS Chief Faces Pushback On Multiple Fronts
The FDA doesn’t have the resources to take on the food industry as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has proposed, an expert says. Moreover, those in the agriculture community see problems ahead if tariffs are imposed. His stance on vaccines — he’s still sowing doubt about them in courts — rankles the public health community. And the American Public Health Association wants to see a qualified pick.
As Trump Allies Plan To Pare Safety Net Programs, States Rush In Requests
New York is among the states looking to shore up Medicaid funding while President Joe Biden, whose administration is amenable to social services, is still in office.
Abortion Bans, By Pills Or Otherwise, Ruled Unconstitutional In Wyoming
The bans go against the will of the people, who in 2012 voted for a Republican-backed amendment to guarantee adults the right to make their own health care decisions, the district judge determined.
First Edition: Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Maryland Tracking Marijuana Trends
The health dashboard is intended to identify areas of concern so that officials can ensure residents use cannabis safely. Elsewhere, social services struggles in North Carolina, climate change in Florida, and more.
Viewpoints: The Newest Abortion Fight Is An Old One; The Danger RFK Jr. Poses To Our Health
Editorial writers discuss reproductive rights, forced sterilization, gun control, and more.
Multistate E. Coli Outbreak Traced To Organic Carrots From California
Fifteen people have been hospitalized and one has died after eating the tainted carrots, CDC officials say. More public health news is about vape sales, MeRT therapy, cow fat, and more.
Small Study Finds ChatGPT Outperforms Docs At Diagnosing
In the study, ChatGPT operating alone outperformed both doctors who were using ChatGPT to help them diagnose and those who were using only conventional resources. Other health industry news is on CareMax, Indiana University Health, and more.
First US Case Of Aggressive New Mpox Strain Confirmed In California
The individual in question had recently returned from eastern Africa, the state health department said. Also in the news: bird flu, covid, and dengue fever.
Texas Lawmaker Pushes For Abortion Pill Reclassification
Pat Curry, a Republican in the Texas House, has pre-filed a bill to classify abortion pills as “controlled substances.” If passed, it would go into effect late next year.
How Could RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Skepticism Hurt The US? Just Ask Samoa.
The independent, Pacific nation of Samoa — a stone’s throw from the U.S. territory of American Samoa — experienced a disastrous epidemic of measles in 2019. Kennedy had visited Samoa four months before the outbreak and met with anti-vaccine advocates, The Washington Post reported.
PBM Restrictions Could Be Passed Or Punted By Lame-Duck Congress
Analysts look at the likelihood of lawmakers making moves to rein in drug middlemen this session. Also, covid-era prescription flexibility is kept in place, pharmaceutical companies take on GLP-1 copycats, and more.
Health Executives Banking On Political Risks To Preserve ACA Subsidies
Some Republicans oppose extending enhanced tax credits for Affordable Care Act insurance plans that are set to expire at the end of 2025. Not doing so, though, would risk millions of people losing coverage, many of whom live in red states. Health care executives are optimistic that the subsidies will be extended even when Republicans take power.
First Edition: Monday, Nov. 18, 2024
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 DNA sequencing, sickle cell, ADHD, toad venom, and more.
Viewpoints: Ultra-Processed Foods Require Better FDA Research; How Will RFK Jr. Perform In New Job?
Editorial writers dissect these public health topics.
To Compete With Hims & Hers, Amazon One Medical Adds To Its Telehealth Menu
The expanded services help customers receive consultations and medications for erectile dysfunction, men’s hair loss, eyelash growth, motion sickness, and anti-aging skin care.
