Latest KFF Health News Stories
Texas AG Targets Puberty-Blockers, Pride Week In Schools
Media outlets cover the ongoing push against LGBTQ+ health-related matters in Texas by Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is now investigating two drugmakers over off-label use of puberty blockers, and alleges that celebrating Pride Week in Austin schools constitutes sex education and may break state law.
Pandemic Affected Language, Hearing Skills Of Many Ohio Preschoolers
The Columbus Dispatch reports 52% of preschoolers tested in central Ohio neighborhoods failed speech-language screenings, and 40% failed hearing tests in 2021. Pandemic impacts on educational norms across the U.S. are blamed. North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, and Georgia are also in the news.
Burger King, Other Fast Food Brands Will Phase Out PFAS In Food Packaging
Several leading fast food brands have committed to removing the “forever” chemicals from food packaging, some soon and some by 2025. Meanwhile, in California a fogging company used mislabeled pesticides to tackle covid, and in Los Angeles a chemical spill triggered smell complaints.
Ban On Sale Of Baby Crib Bumpers Advances
Baby crib bumpers have reportedly been linked to dozens of infant deaths over several decades, and a bill which passed the Senate Wednesday could ultimately ban them. The Union Democrat reports on the confusing choices faced by parents when it comes to buying safe products for infants.
Some E-Cigarettes Get FDA OK, Larger-Brand Approvals Pending
The approvals were for several tobacco-flavored products, on the basis they may work as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. Decisions on bigger brands, plus menthol-flavored items are still pending. Separately, the AP reports on another Alzheimer’s drug approval process.
Senate Bill Aims To Prevent Russian Cyberattacks On Hospitals
The threat of Russian cyberattacks damaging health infrastructure is at the heart of a new bill from Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen (Democrat) and Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy (Republican). A planned psychiatric hospital in Tampa, a new autism center in Bangor, and more are also in the news.
Bill Banning Most Abortions After 15 Weeks Heads To Arizona Governor
After the Arizona Legislature approved aggressive anti-abortion restrictions Thursday, voting along party lines, the bill is headed to the desk of Republican Gov. Doug Ducey. Meanwhile, in Houston a lawmaker is threatening legislation against companies that cover out-of-state abortion travel costs.
After Tense Hearing, Jackson Appears To Have Senate Votes For Confirmation
Leaders of both parties tell The Washington Post that Democrats still seem to be fairly united in support of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, President Joe Biden’s nominee for the Supreme Court, and she may get some Republican votes, too. Meanwhile, the court is releasing little information about the health of Justice Clarence Thomas, who was hospitalized last week.
‘Going To Be Real’: World Leaders Pledge To Combat Food Shortages
President Joe Biden said he did speak with G-7 leaders about the potential for the risk of global food shortages raised by financial sanctions levied over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Back home, Americans face additional financial pressures as well.
Moderna’s Covid Shot Data Raises Hopes For Parents Of ‘Forgotten’ Kids
Over two years into the pandemic, children under five remain unvaccinated in the U.S., making life difficult for their families, caretakers and educators. Moderna’s announcement that it will apply for FDA authorization to vaccinate this age group was met with eagerness by many of those parents.
Even Covid Researchers Are Getting Death Threats, Poll Finds
Throughout the pandemic, anti-vaccine demonstrators and conspiracy theorists have threatened violence against public health officials, school boards, doctors, nurses, and others who “followed the science.” Now, a survey finds that covid researchers, too, have been consistently harassed, with 3.5% of respondents receiving death threats.
As Signs Of New Variant Reported In US, Health Officials Raise New Alarms
Some public health experts question whether the U.S. has all the needed surveillance systems to detect surges before they become a hazard. Also, news outlets look at efforts to stop covid transmission among asylum seekers crossing the border with Mexico and lessons learned from the Navaho Nation’s attempt to battle the pandemic.
White House Recognizes Airborne Covid Spread, Moving Past CDC
A blog post Thursday was the first time the White House formally acknowledged that aerosol transmission has been the primary driver of the covid pandemic, CIDRAP reports. That position goes further than the CDC has so far. Some epidemiologists hope the pivot will refocus mitigation efforts on air filtration and better quality masks. Separately, the CDC has changed its policy allowing hospital visitors to wear N95s, not just surgical masks.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Some Doctors Prescribe More Than Pills; What Will Happen If Roe Is Reversed?
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Opinion writers weigh in on covid and mental health.
Spotlight Falls On Mental Health Strains From Ukraine Invasion
News outlets cover concerns over mental health in Ukraine under traumatic circumstances, stresses experienced by refugees, and a lack of medical staff in the country. Separately, the European Society of Cardiology bans Russian doctors.
Research Roundup: Covid; Diabetes; Parkinson’s; Alzheimer’s
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
FDA Must Allow All Gay Men To Donate Blood, Massachusetts Doctors Say
Gay men can donate only if they have abstained from sex with other men for 90 days, according to a revised 2020 policy. The state’s leading advocacy group for physicians says scientific advances that have improved blood screening — and the ongoing national blood shortage — should not be ignored.
Population Fell In Three Quarters Of US Counties In 2021
Media outlets cover Census Bureau data that shows that 2021 was the slowest year of population growth in U.S. history, and that nearly 75% of U.S. counties actually lost population numbers. Separately, a study links low cholesterol and glucose levels at 35 to later lowered Alzheimer’s risks. And the CDC is monitoring bird flu cases.
