Latest KFF Health News Stories
Second Person Living With Pig Kidney Is Off Dialysis And Out Of Hospital
A 66-year-old New Hampshire man received the kidney as part of a small pilot study at Mass General Brigham. United Therapeutics, another developer of gene-edited pig organs, just won FDA approval for the world’s first clinical trial. Meanwhile, studies suggest a link between sleeping pills and the risk of dementia.
To Prevent Suicides, Gun Bill Would Let Coloradans Join ‘Do Not Sell’ Registry
The legislation would allow people experiencing mental health struggles to temporarily restrict themselves from purchasing firearms. If passed, Colorado would become the fifth state to implement such a registry. Plus: News from Florida, Texas, New York, California, and Maine.
Mission Health’s Sale To HCA Brought No Lasting Improvements, Study Finds
An academic study of the merger hopes to give insight into how attorneys general can strengthen certificate-of-need laws and the importance of having more power over sales. Other industry news focuses on private equity; weight loss drugs and the consequences; and more.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
2 Million Baked Goods Recalled — Some Sold At Dunkin’ — Over Risk Of Listeria
Separately, the FDA has linked ready-to-eat mini pastries imported from Canada with a salmonella outbreak that has sickened 18 in the U.S. Other outbreak news is on mpox, measles, flu, covid, Legionella, bird flu and more.
Public Health Officials Scramble To Archive Data As Websites Are Scrubbed
Scientists and organizations are attempting to preserve data by saving it to Substack accounts and personal websites. They’re also trying to figure out a new system to share health data, The Hill said.
Medical Researchers Face Drastic Cuts After NIH Issues New Funding Policy
The policy change, effective today, limits institutions’ payments to 15% for indirect costs such as support staff, equipment, and overhead expenses. In other news, as the legality of Elon Musk’s role in the U.S. government is challenged in court, his team starts searching for evidence of fraud in Medicaid and Medicare logs.
First Edition: Monday, Feb. 10, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: We’d like to speak with personnel from the Department of Health and Human Services or its component agencies about what’s happening within the federal health bureaucracy. Please share your story at https://kffhealthnews.org/hhs-tips/, or contact reporter Arthur Allen directly by email or Signal at ArthurA@kff.org or 202-365-6116.
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 CRISPR, MDMA therapy, dementia, gun violence, climate change, and more
Editorial writers discuss the following public health topics.
Texas Mental Health Program Waitlists 900 Kids Due To Lack Of Funding
The Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver program serves as an alternative to foster care, but stagnant Medicaid reimbursement rates have lead to provider shortages. Other news from around the nation comes from Florida, Maryland, and Colorado.
Hospitals Ended 2024 On A Healthy Note With Improved Operating Margins
“While it’s encouraging to see continued stability in hospitals’ financial well-being over the past 12 months, historically slim margins indicate hospitals are not yet in a fully sustainable position,” an advisory firm executive says. Also in the news: a receivership order for Crozer Health, and more.
Study Links Marijuana Dependence To Nearly Three Times Higher Death Rate
A new study found significantly higher death rates among ER patients diagnosed with cannabis use disorder than for those without. Separately in California, officials boosted safety testing of marijuana sold in the state. Also in the news: the fentanyl crisis, autism tests, and pilots’ brain injuries.
Scientists Zero In On When Cells Turn Cancerous, Devise Process To Reverse It
In a trial on colon cancer cells, researchers found that at the moment of critical transition — when cancer and normal cells coexist — they were able to flip the molecular switch that allowed normal cells to recover. Also, an early phase trial on a cancer vaccine is showing promise.
Again Targeting DEI, Trump Orders End To ‘Anti-Christian Bias’ In Government
Attorney General Pam Bondi, the chief law enforcement officer in the U.S., will lead a task force to spearhead the effort, The New York Times reported. In related news about diversity, equity, and inclusion, the NCAA has banned trans women from women’s sports, saying that the president’s order “provides a clear, national standard.”
Pandemic Response Unit Will Be Led By Bird Flu Expert Gerald Parker
The veterinarian brings decades of experience after serving as a top U.S. health aide, HHS principal deputy assistant secretary for preparedness and response, and commander at the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Bloomberg reports.
After ‘Abortion’ Was Wiped From CDC Website, Users Now Get ‘Adoption’ Info
The change was made while federal health care webpages were taken offline. Reproductive health workers call it a “clear attempt” to change the messaging around pregnancy. Meanwhile, health care centers and clinics nationwide are making tough calls after the White House instituted a funding freeze.
Project 2025 Co-Author Takes Reins At OMB; Thousands At HHS May Lose Jobs
The Senate confirmed Russell Vought on Thursday to lead the Office of Management and Budget, which he also led during President Donald Trump’s first term. Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York called Vought a “danger” to Americans. Meanwhile, a judge has temporarily halted Trump’s plan to force out federal workers by offering them financial incentives, AP says.
First Edition: Friday, Feb. 7, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: We’d like to speak with personnel from the Department of Health and Human Services or its component agencies — whether you’re currently working or have recently left — who believe the public should understand the impact of what’s happening within the federal health bureaucracy. Please get in touch: https://kffhealthnews.org/hhs-tips/, or contact reporter Arthur Allen directly by email or Signal, the encrypted messaging app, at ArthurA@kff.org or 202-365-6116.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
