‘Botnet’ That Stole Nearly $6 Billion In US Covid Relief Funds Is Shut Down
May 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Department of Justice has charged a Chinese national with operating the “world’s largest botnet” that stole $5.9 billion in covid relief funds and is responsible for other crimes. With the FBI, the agency has also shut down the malware network.
Ascension’s Health Records Are Back Online In One Area After Cyberattack
May 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
The hospital system is still working to restore access in other areas and on its IT systems. Other news is on DocGo, liver transplant policy, Obamacare subsidies, and more.
Weight Loss Drug Shortages Drive Telehealth Company To Offer Tracker
May 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
The popularity of diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro has led to shortages. Patients with prescriptions can now use Ro’s new online tool to find supplies. Other news on the medications reports on the cost to the U.S. health care system and on users’ firsthand experiences.
First Edition: May 30, 2024
May 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Presidential Election Could Decide Fate of Extra Obamacare Subsidies
By Andy Miller
May 30, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Most states that saw enrollment in the Obamacare marketplace double from 2020 to 2024 are in the South. But the enhanced federal subsidies that attracted people with $0 premiums and low out-of-pocket costs will expire next year.
An Obscure Drug Discount Program Stifles Use of Federal Lifeline by Rural Hospitals
By Sarah Jane Tribble
May 30, 2024
KFF Health News Original
A disconnect between two federal programs meant to help keep hospitals afloat discourages struggling rural facilities from accepting the aid.
Safety-Net Health Clinics Cut Services and Staff Amid Medicaid ‘Unwinding’
By Katheryn Houghton
May 30, 2024
KFF Health News Original
One of Montana’s largest safety-net health centers announced it will lay off nearly 10% of its workforce because of revenue losses it attributes to vast Medicaid disenrollments. Such cuts are happening elsewhere too.
J&J, Merck Break Out The Big Bucks In Separate Billon-Dollar Deals
May 29, 2024
Morning Briefing
Johnson & Johnson is paying $1.25 billion to acquire the rights to an experimental skin disorder treatment, while Merck is reportedly nearing a $1.3 billion deal to buy Eyebiotech.
Complex US Health System To Blame For High Cost Of Ozempic, Novo Says
May 29, 2024
Morning Briefing
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Viewpoints: EPA’s Plan To Regulate PFAs Is Just A Start; Melinda Gates Invests In Women’s Health
May 29, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers discuss forever chemicals, female health care, RNA, and uterine fibroids.
Higher Temperatures Are A Factor In Early And Preterm Births, Study Finds
May 29, 2024
Morning Briefing
Moreover, mothers who were younger, less educated, or belonged to a minority racial and ethnic group had an even greater chance of an adverse outcome. In other news, women infected with covid seem to have greater protection from long covid if they are pregnant.
California Flu Spike Investigated; H5N1 Infects Alpacas In Idaho
May 29, 2024
Morning Briefing
At the point in the flu season when levels should be decreasing, wastewater monitoring in Northern California has found unusual spikes. Health officials are investigating if avian flu is playing a role. Meanwhile, the virus is having an impact on alpaca and chicken flocks in other parts of the country.
House GOP Members Allege Health Officials Dodged Public Records Laws
May 29, 2024
Morning Briefing
Republican lawmakers continue their push to try to link covid’s origins with U.S. research groups. Meanwhile, the United States has joined other Western unions in pressing for agreement on pandemic response rules.
San Francisco Rings Alarm Over Rising Use Of Animal Sedative Medetomidine
May 29, 2024
Morning Briefing
As a street drug, it’s most often detected as an adulterant in fentanyl, KQED reports. At least one San Francisco official wants to make sure the wastewater supply is being tested for the drug. Other state news is on radiation contamination and Medicaid negotiations.
Ancient Egyptians Pioneered Cancer Treatments, Scrutiny Of Skulls Shows
May 29, 2024
Morning Briefing
In other cancer research, a Merus-Keytruda combination treatment is showing promise for patients with head and neck cancer, and a new transplant technique for people with lung cancer has a 100% success rate.
More Clinics Providing Cosmetic Procedures With Little Safety Oversight
May 29, 2024
Morning Briefing
Experts warn that it is becoming more difficult for consumers to tell the difference between legitimate medical spas and “unscrupulous” practices, raising safety risks for people getting Botox injections, dermal fillers, or other cosmetic treatments.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, May 29, 2024
May 29, 2024
Morning Briefing
Bird flu spread, psychoactive drugs, peanut allergies, abortion laws, extreme heat, opioids, drug prices, and more are in the news.
Giving Babies Peanuts Can Reduce Chance Of Developing Allergy: Study
May 29, 2024
Morning Briefing
The latest study backs up previous findings that introducing peanut products during infancy and consuming them regularly to age 5 can reduce the risk of peanut allergies.
Adults Who Help A Tennessee Minor Get An Abortion Will Face Prosecution
May 29, 2024
Morning Briefing
Republican Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed into law a bill that, starting July 1, would criminalize actions by a nonparental adult in transporting a minor to get an abortion or to access abortion pills. The measure is expected to face judicial challenge.
First Edition: May 29, 2024
May 29, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
