Researchers Achieve Breakthrough In Causes Of Eczema Itches
November 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
An investigation has linked bacteria for the first time to itches in skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis, possibly leading to new treatments. Other research news includes the dangers of air pollution from coal-fired plants; “zoom fatigue;” whole grains may help battle dementia; and more.
Viewpoints: New Weight-Loss Drugs Need To Be Covered By Insurance; Will AI Take The Place Of Doctors?
November 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers examine weight-loss drugs, AI and robots in health care, covid public mistakes, and more.
Nevada Reproductive Rights Ballot Initiative Blocked By District Judge
November 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
A newly formed PAC filed a lawsuit last month to block a petition that had been seeking to enshrine reproductive rights, including abortion, in Nevada’s constitution. District Judge James T. Russell has now sided with the PAC. Other abortion-related news is from Ohio, Arizona, D.C., and elsewhere.
After Delays, Florida Releases New Covid Database
November 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
The state Department of Health has released a database containing a year’s worth of information. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, the covid death rate during the pandemic was lower than many other populated areas.
China’s Surge Of Respiratory Infections No Longer Thought To Be A Threat
November 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
The surge had initially raised concerns that it may be a covid-like novel pathogen. Other news is on low flu vaccine rates among Florida kids.
Recall Expands As Cantaloupe Salmonella Issue Linked To 2 Deaths
November 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
The two deaths happened in Minnesota, but at least 99 people across 32 states have been sickened. The FDA has now expanded the recall, covering three more brands of cantaloupes. Also in the news: an effort to contain rabies; a norovirus outbreak; lead-contaminated applesauce; more.
Politicians Rethink Primary Care, But Medical School Output Isn’t Meeting Demand For Doctors
November 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
Politico explains how President Barack Obama’s promise that people could “keep their doctors” is likely to fail. Separately, former President Donald Trump is in the news for his plans for “alternatives” to the Affordable Care Act. Health care policies of Govs. Ron DeSantis (R-Florida) and Gavin Newsom (D-California) are also in the news.
First Edition: November 27, 2023
November 27, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Progressive and Anti-Abortion? New Group Plays Fast and Loose to Make Points
By Darius Tahir
November 27, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising, which operates mostly in the nation’s capital, is part of a confrontational anti-abortion movement that embraces all types of media — graffiti, social media, and livestreams — to communicate a smashmouth message.
La atención de salud, en el centro del debate entre DeSantis y Newsom
By Daniel Chang and Angela Hart
November 27, 2023
KFF Health News Original
El candidato presidencial republicano Ron DeSantis y el gobernador demócrata Gavin Newsom —rivales políticos y representantes de la América roja y azul— se enfrentarán en un debate sin precedentes el 30 de noviembre en Georgia.
Health Care Is Front and Center as DeSantis and Newsom Go Mano a Mano
By Daniel Chang and Angela Hart
November 27, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Florida’s Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and California’s Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom will square off in a first-of-its-kind debate on Nov. 30. KFF Health News compared the political rivals’ health care positions, showing how their policies have helped — or hindered — the health of their states’ residents.
How the Thyroid Gland Mystifies Doctors and Patients
By Oona Zenda and Andy Miller
November 27, 2023
KFF Health News Original
This illustrated report has been adapted from a KFF Health News article, “Many Autoimmune Disease Patients Struggle With Diagnosis, Costs, Inattentive Care” by Andy Miller, with artwork by Oona Tempest.
Many Autoimmune Disease Patients Struggle With Diagnosis, Costs, Inattentive Care
By Andy Miller
Illustration by Oona Zenda
November 27, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Despite the prevalence of autoimmune conditions, like the thyroid disease Hashimoto’s, sometimes finding help can prove frustrating as well as expensive. There are often no definitive diagnostic tests, so patients may rack up big bills as they search for confirmation of their condition and for treatment options.
Backlash to Affirmative Action Hits Pioneering Maternal Health Program for Black Women
By Ronnie Cohen
November 24, 2023
KFF Health News Original
A San Francisco program offers a $1,000-a-month stipend for pregnant Black and Pacific Islander women, part of an effort to address severe racial disparities in maternal health. But conservative groups have sued to shut down the Abundant Birth Project, part of a national backlash against affirmative action in health care.
What Would a DeSantis Presidency Look Like for Health Care?
By Romy Ellenbogen, Tampa Bay Times and Christopher O’Donnell, Tampa Bay Times
November 24, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Ron DeSantis’ record as Florida governor provides some clues to how he would change the health care landscape if elected president. In his five years as governor, DeSantis has promoted stricter abortion rules and emphasized individual freedom over the benefits of public health.
1 in 3 People Dropped by Utah Medicaid Left Uninsured, a ‘Concerning’ Sign for Nation
By Phil Galewitz
November 22, 2023
KFF Health News Original
About a third of the 130,000 people Utah has dropped from Medicaid this year say they now lack health insurance. It’s a glimpse into the fate of people caught up in Medicaid’s “unwinding.”
To Balance Roaring Demand, Novo Is Rationing Ozempic Starter Kits
November 22, 2023
Morning Briefing
The drugmaker is rationing the starter kits in Europe and also reducing supplies of another diabetes drug to focus on Ozempic production. Also in the news: Medtronic, Merck, Caraway Therapeutics, Monsanto, Epic Systems, Moderna, and more.
Researchers: Your Cup Of Joe Might Protect You Against Severe Covid
November 22, 2023
Morning Briefing
Fox News reports on the new study, which suggests that both ground coffee and instant coffee were found to have benefits, as was decaffeinated coffee. Also in the news: income disparities and heart risk; red wine headaches; unnecessary antibiotics; and more.
Turbulent Moment In AI Industry Comes Amid Concerns Over Health Use
November 22, 2023
Morning Briefing
The tension between lawmakers suggesting cautious approaches and regulation, and AI entrepreneurs who want to expand the use of AI in health care came under the spotlight this week as a leading AI name — OpenAI, behind ChatGPT — fell into leadership turmoil. Lawsuits against UnitedHealth and Cigna concerning AI are also in the news.