Health & Wellness
Monday, April 20, 2026 · Caddo Parish
Abortion Pill Prescriptions Via Telehealth Rise Despite State Bans
In states that have banned abortion, telehealth providers are delivering medication abortion pills by mail to patients who receive prescriptions through remote consultations. The approach has roughly doubled abortion access in some restricted states, according to providers.
Trump Executive Order Addresses Homelessness Through Involuntary Treatment
President Trump signed an executive order directing involuntary treatment for homeless individuals. The Department of Veterans Affairs stated the order would not apply to homeless veterans, though details on implementation remain unclear.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules for Roundup Manufacturer in Cancer Case
The Supreme Court sided with the herbicide manufacturer in a case brought by a Missouri man who attributed his cancer to Roundup exposure. The ruling is expected to impact thousands of similar cases across the country.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Weight-Loss Drugs Show Potential in Cancer Prevention, Research Suggests
Researchers are examining whether popular weight-loss medications could help prevent or treat certain cancers. The findings add to a growing list of health benefits associated with GLP-1 drugs, now used by roughly one in eight American adults.
Monday, April 20, 2026
New Research Examines AI Speech Analysis for Early Alzheimer's Detection
A new paper in Alzheimer's & Dementia examines how artificial intelligence can analyze speech patterns to detect early signs of cognitive decline. Researchers say the approach could enable earlier treatment and more targeted care strategies.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Rising Night Temperatures Linked to Sleep Disruption
Scientists are investigating how increases in nighttime temperatures affect sleep patterns and overall health. The warming trend poses a challenge for people trying to maintain adequate rest.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Study: Cervical cancer deaths drop sharply among vaccinated women
A new study shows hundreds of deaths from cervical cancer have been prevented since the HPV vaccine became available to school-age girls starting in 2008. Young women who received the shots face markedly reduced risk of the disease.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Florida Allocates Funding for Swim Lessons for Children with Autism
Florida has dedicated state funding to expand access to swimming lessons for children diagnosed with autism. This initiative addresses data showing heightened drowning risks for these children. The program aims to enhance water safety skills.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Nara Organics Recalls Baby Formula Tied to Multistate Botulism Cases
Nara Organics initiated a nationwide recall of its organic baby formula Saturday following reports of infant botulism cases across multiple states. The formula, sold through Target stores and online retailers, prompted action from federal health authorities.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Primary Care Doctors Voice Concerns About Telehealth Companies' Role in Obesity Drug Prescribing
Primary care doctors have expressed concerns about telehealth companies' expanding role in prescribing obesity medications, citing potential conflicts between providing medical care and controlling drug costs. Insurance companies increasingly require patients to use specific telehealth platforms before approving prescriptions for GLP-1 drugs.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Journalist traces dismantling of Black-owned medical institutions across the South
Investigative journalist Nicole Carr examines how Black physicians built hospitals, clinics and medical schools across the South a century ago, only to watch them dismantled through segregation and policy. Her book traces that history through her own family's experience.
Monday, April 20, 2026
McConnell Hospitalized in Kentucky
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., entered a hospital on Sunday, his office announced. His spokesperson provided no information about his medical condition or expected length of stay.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Telehealth Companies Become Insurance Gatekeepers for Obesity Medications
Major insurers now require patients seeking obesity medications to work with telehealth companies before coverage kicks in. The arrangement gives online providers a direct role in determining which patients receive the drugs.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Agencies Complete First Drone Delivery of Human Kidney Beyond Visual Range
Researchers from three organizations successfully transported a human kidney by drone beyond visual line of sight in a study completed in Hampton, Virginia. The demonstration marks the first time an organ has traveled this way.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Hospitalized
Mitch McConnell, the former Republican Senate Majority Leader, entered a hospital on Sunday, according to his spokesman. McConnell has used a wheelchair in the Capitol in recent months.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Samaritan's Purse Opens Two Ebola Treatment Centers in Congo
Samaritan's Purse has opened two treatment centers for Ebola patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The facilities in Bunia and Nyankunde are equipped to provide specialized care during the outbreak.
Monday, April 20, 2026
CDC Links Infant Botulism Cases to Nara Organics Formula
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified a connection between infant botulism cases and Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula. Health officials recommend parents discontinue use of the product.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Ebola outbreak disrupts daily life in eastern Congo
An Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has altered routines across the region, with hospitals converting to containment centers and residents grappling with competing sources of information.
Monday, April 20, 2026
FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Glucose Monitor for Young Children
The FDA cleared Dexcom Inc.'s Stelo Glucose Biosensor System for over-the-counter use, expanding access to continuous glucose monitoring technology for children and adults not requiring insulin treatment.
Monday, April 20, 2026
CDC Activates Emergency Operations Center to Combat New World Screwworm
The CDC has activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate response efforts after the New World screwworm was detected in Florida. The parasitic fly larvae had not been found in the continental United States since 1966.
Monday, April 20, 2026
New Reports Outline Strategies to Prevent Postpartum Hemorrhage Deaths
A new set of reports identifies preventable causes and treatment options for postpartum hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal death globally. Researchers say implementing existing interventions could save thousands of lives each year.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Federal court blocks Trump DOJ from obtaining transgender youth medical records in California
A federal judge halted the Trump administration's effort to obtain medical records and names of young patients treated at transgender clinics in California. The Department of Justice had sought the files and information about healthcare providers.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Lupus Trial Shows Patients Halting Medications After Immune Treatment
Researchers report that patients enrolled in a trial of an experimental immune-resetting treatment have stopped taking medications to manage lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease. The approach represents a potential shift in how doctors manage the condition.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Safety inquiry finds 78 children received gender medication at Brighton clinic without required checks
An independent safety inquiry found that 78 children at a Brighton gender care clinic received medication without undergoing required medical assessments. The investigation identified gaps in clinical protocols at WellBN.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Medicare Advantage insurers denied long-term care authorizations at high rates, HHS inspector general reports
The Department of Health and Human Services inspector general found that three major Medicare Advantage insurers denied prior authorization requests for long-term care services at rates exceeding those of competitors. The report examined denial patterns across multiple plans.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Ebola cases rise in Congo and Uganda as health officials assess outbreak response
The Ebola outbreak spreading across the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda has accelerated in recent weeks. Health officials and aid organizations are now evaluating the resources and personnel dedicated to containing the virus.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Pig Kidney Transplants Gain Momentum as Organ Shortage Persists
More than 90,000 people in the U.S. live with kidney failure, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Xenotransplantation, which involves transplanting animal organs into human recipients, represents a possible solution to chronic organ shortages.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Trump administration issues compliance notices to over 500 hospitals for lack of price disclosure
The Trump administration has sent warnings to more than 500 hospitals, citing failures to publicly disclose pricing information. Officials argue the lack of transparency artificially inflates healthcare expenses.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Older U.S. Students' Test Scores Plateau While Younger Peers Recover from Pandemic
The federal government released test results Wednesday showing a split pattern in student performance. Younger students have regained academic ground after pandemic disruptions, while older students' scores in reading and math remain flat.
Monday, April 20, 2026
CDC trust splits evenly among U.S. adults, with Republicans showing increased confidence
A new poll found that 50% of American adults trust CDC public health recommendations while 50% do not. Republican voters registered the largest year-over-year increase in confidence, rising to 67% from 63%.
Monday, April 20, 2026