Newswatch Health State-by-State
Alaska
Opinion: An approach to mental health care that could make a life-or-death difference for Alaska youths
March 27, 2026 05:04 PM EDT
Anchorage Daily News.
House Bill 232 creates a narrow, safeguards-driven path to counseling when parental involvement isn’t possible.
Arkansas
Ex-Arkansas medical board chair indicted over alleged drugging and abduction of patients
March 31, 2026 01:54 PM EDT
The Courier News.
A federal indictment accuses an Arkansas doctor of drugging and abducting psychiatric patients to profit from health care reimbursements. An indictment released Monday says a grand jury charged Dr. Brian
Arkansas
Arkansas Advocate: Jailed in Crisis -- Rodricus Lewis needed mental health care. He died in a solitary cell
March 31, 2026 12:39 PM EDT
Magnolia Reporter.
EDITOR’S NOTE -- This story includes discussion of death and mental health distress. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S.
Arkansas
EPA watchdog's report finds waste sites in high risk areas | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
March 31, 2026 04:41 AM EDT
Northwest Arkansas Newspapers.
WASHINGTON -- About 100 of the nation's most contaminated toxic waste sites are in areas prone to flooding and wildfires, a potential public health threat to millions of Americans in surrounding communities, the internal watchdog at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has found.
California
California Lawsuit Challenges Radical Overhaul of EPA Rules - Legal Reader
March 29, 2026 12:05 AM EDT
Legal Reader
California has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s repeal of the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s Endangerment Finding, the formal recognition of the fact that greenhouse gases pose a critical danger to public health and welfare.
California
California hospitals laying off thousands as funding cuts trickle down
March 28, 2026 05:02 PM EDT
the Santa Cruz Sentinel
Over the past year, multibillion dollar cuts in federal and state funding for health care have led to job cuts at hospitals — with some pushed into dire financial straits.
California
California: Can Billionaire Tax Cure Healthcare Woes?
March 28, 2026 01:25 PM EDT
Fairfield Sun Times.
California’s $200 billion-a-year Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal, is one of the largest public healthcare systems in the nation. Behind the staggering price tag lies a program repeatedly flagged for
California
Nine people sick from E coli linked to raw cheese from California farm, more than half of them children
March 28, 2026 10:39 AM EDT
The Guardian.
Raw Farm was also linked to 2024 salmonella outbreak that sickened 165 people and deaths of two cats from bird flu
Colorado
Supreme Court strikes down Colorado's ban on conversion therapy
March 31, 2026 11:45 AM EDT
the British Broadcasting Corporation
It sided 8-1 with a therapist from Colorado Springs who argued the ban violated her free speech rights.
Colorado
Director of Colorado's Medicaid agency resigns after lawmakers planned vote calling for her removal
March 30, 2026 03:14 PM EDT
The Denver Post
Kim Bimestefer’s time overseeing HCPF included the entirety of the pandemic, which hit the U.S. in 2020 and saw the rapid expansion of Medicaid to include a broader swath of the population.
Colorado
JOINT RELEASE: Signed! Bill to Safeguard Science-Backed Vaccine Recommendations — Colorado Senate Democrats
March 30, 2026 11:14 AM EDT
the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee
SB26-032 protects consistent, science-backed state vaccine guidance
Connecticut
Face the Facts: Sen. Chris Murphy on limiting private equity ownership of hospitals, war in Iran
March 29, 2026 03:32 PM EDT
NBC Connecticut
Since the bankruptcy of Prospect Medical Holdings nearly led to the closures of three hospitals, some state lawmakers have suggested banning private equity from hospital ownership. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut) is now taking up legislation at the federal level to limit private equity’s role in healthcare. Murphy, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, also weighs in on the war…
Florida
From hospital to home: Fixing America's health starts with food | Opinion
March 30, 2026 07:00 AM EDT
the South Florida Sun Sentinel
The chair of the Florida chapter of the America First Policy Institute, former state Rep. Bob Rommel, lauds Robert Kennedy Jr.’s focus on avoiding processed foods.
Hawaii
Man labelled 'delusional', put in mental hospital for refusing to admit he was someone else; wins massive payout
March 31, 2026 02:03 PM EDT
WION" (World Is One News)
Hawaii officials put a man in a mental hospital and forced him to take psychiatric drugs because he wouldn't admit to being someone else. Joshua Spriestersbach was identified thrice as another man, but he kept getting detained.
Hawaii
Hawaiian Ride for Youth tells vital message to regional kids
March 31, 2026 04:00 AM EDT
The Narrogin Observer.
Cyclists steadfast on making their mark in the youth mental health space were met with applause by Narrogin students and staff on Thursday afternoon.
Idaho
Group urges east Idahoans to help get medical cannabis initiative on 2026 ballot - East Idaho News
March 29, 2026 06:44 PM EDT
East Idaho News
POCATELLO — A statewide advocacy group is calling on east Idaho residents to help push a medical cannabis initiative onto the November ballot, and it’s offering paid opportunities for those willing to gather signatures. The Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho, or NMAI, is working to collect enough signatures statewide, with a growing push in local […]
Illinois
Catholic health care's policies limit reproductive care in rural Illinois counties
March 31, 2026 06:00 AM EDT
Shaw Media.
Two rural Illinois counties now largely depend on OSF HealthCare for reproductive services, but its policies limit the care it can provide.
Illinois
Judge stops Trump from pulling $600M from Dem states
March 30, 2026 02:29 PM EDT
Wonderwall.
A federal judge in Illinois ruled that the Trump administration cannot rescind $600 million in public health grants allocated to four Democratic-led states.
Illinois
Raw milk proponents push for fewer restrictions on Illinois sales despite state health warnings
March 28, 2026 10:50 AM EDT
Daily Herald.
With the ascension of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to U.S. Health and Human Services secretary and allies in the Make America Healthy Again movement, raw milk advocates have cheered on newfound support at th...
Indiana
Indiana law enforcement treatment initiative expands to cover behavioral health
March 30, 2026 07:25 PM EDT
The Indiana Gazette
The state's law enforcement treatment initiative is expanding in Indiana County to cover behavioral health issues.
Kentucky
Kentucky WIC Updates Bring More Flexibility, New Food Options for Families - WNKY News 40 Television
March 31, 2026 06:51 PM EDT
WNKY News.
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – Big changes are now in effect for Kentucky’s WIC program, with updated food packages aimed at giving families more flexibility while meeting modern nutrition standards. The updates are part of a routine review that happens about every ten years, ensuring the program aligns with guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Health officials say...
Kentucky
Kentucky's next budget could close courts prioritizing treatment over jail
March 30, 2026 05:04 PM EDT
lpm
Kentuckians charged with low-level crimes often brought on by substance abuse or mental illness can avoid incarceration by participating in specialty courts. But the next two-year state budget being crafted in the General Assembly threatens to eliminate that option.
Maine
Maine terminates contract with MaineCare provider due to health and safety violations
March 31, 2026 05:06 PM EDT
Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation
Maine's Department of Health and Human Services notified Paradise Residential Services in a letter on March 6 that it was terminating its MaineCare contract as of March 9 because clients were in "immediate jeopardy."
Maine
Trump eliminated, then returned some money for mental health workers in Maine schools. Educators don't know what's next
March 31, 2026 11:30 AM EDT
Penobscot Bay Pilot.
Last year, a federal government decision to eliminate grant funding for counselors, social workers and other mental health professionals left some Maine schools without the means to hire needed staff. Following a judge’s order in December, Maine education institutions regained some of that funding, but it amounted to just half of what they anticipated for the year. And Maine schools still don’t know if they can count on receiving more of the congressionally allocated money in the future.
Maine
Applications Open for Maine's Paid Family Leave Program, Benefits Start May 1
March 31, 2026 10:48 AM EDT
themainewire
Applications for Maine’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Program opened Monday, allowing Mainers to take up to twelve weeks of paid leave to care for a sick family member, as well as to bond with a newborn baby or newly adopted child. Also eligible for leave under the program are those who are
Maine
Why Trump is investigating Maine for requiring insurers to cover abortion
March 29, 2026 01:50 PM EDT
The Portland Press Herald.
One legal scholar described the investigations into Maine and 12 other states as Trump “throwing a bone” to conservatives who want more abortion restrictions.
Maine
Opinion: Maine must protect reproductive care
March 28, 2026 01:00 AM EDT
the Bangor Daily News
“Without swift action at the state level, I worry about how much longer we can continue to ensure no one who comes to us for care is turned away.”
Massachusetts
MA dentists fear Healey's 'shortsighted' MassHealth cap proposal
March 30, 2026 10:51 AM EDT
The Lowell Sun.
Dentists across Massachusetts fear that Gov. Maura Healey’s proposal to place a $1,000 annual cap on MassHealth dental coverage would drastically reduce services for nearly 2 million Bay Staters.
Massachusetts
Unease grows in Massachusetts as more health care providers limit gender-affirming care for minors: 'It's terrifying' - The Boston Globe
March 29, 2026 04:33 PM EDT
The Boston Globe
Even a state with strong legal protections may not be able to guarantee access, some local families worry.
Michigan
Fewer Michiganders will be covered by Medicaid in 2028, report says
March 30, 2026 06:40 PM EDT
Michigan Public Radio
Between 171,000 and 355,000 Michiganders are projected to lose Medicaid coverage under new work requirements and more frequent eligibility determinations, according to the Urban Institute.
Minnesota
Minnesota still waiting on $243M Medicaid funds despite federal approval
March 31, 2026 05:59 PM EDT
Minnesota Public Radio News
Minnesota officials announced that the federal government has not yet released $243 million for the state’s Medicaid programs, despite approving a plan to prevent fraud.
Minnesota
Mental health facility let patient stay up late playing violent video games before he killed his roommate, lawsuit says
March 31, 2026 03:50 PM EDT
Inkl
David Otey allegedly killed roommate Abdirashid Mohamed Hussein at the Minnesota Security Hospital
Missouri
Missouri lawmakers eye age verification measures for minors using soci...
March 31, 2026 03:24 PM EDT
The Southeast Missourian.
Missouri lawmakers consider bills to require age checks for minors on social media and AI chatbots, limiting addictive features and ads amid concerns over youth mental health.
Missouri
Pushing for psilocybin treatment for Missouri veterans and first responders | 104.1 FM KMOX
March 31, 2026 10:30 AM EDT
Audacy, Inc
<p>Legislation in Jeff City calls for $2M for clinical trials</p> | 104.1 FM KMOX
Missouri
Missouri bill would require citizenship proof for food stamps, health care
March 30, 2026 07:45 PM EDT
associated with "First Alert.
Missouri lawmakers are considering 43 bills on immigration and immigrant rights this year.
New Hampshire
NH's conversation therapy ban in doubt following Supreme Court ruling striking down Colorado law
March 31, 2026 05:46 PM EDT
New Hampshire Public Radio
New Hampshire is one of at least 20 other states with laws prohibiting medical providers, including therapists, from “practices or treatments that seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity,” including efforts to eliminate attraction toward people of the same gender, for patients under the age of 18.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire House Passes Scaled-Back Psilocybin Bill, While Rejecting Measure To Protect Medical Marijuana Patients' Gun Rights - Marijuana Moment
March 31, 2026 08:01 AM EDT
Marijuana Moment.
The New Hampshire House of Representatives has approved an amended bill to establish a psilocybin advisory board to study pathways to allow patients to access the novel therapy—though lawmakers separately rejected an effort to revive separate legislation aimed at protecting gun rights for medical marijuana patients. Members took up the psilocybin and cannabis measures on […]
New York
DOJ sues New York-Presbyterian over alleged anticompetitive contracts
March 30, 2026 06:46 AM EDT
BenefitsPRO.
New York-Presbyterian Hospital uses anticompetitive contract restrictions that deny New Yorkers the choice of lower-cost health care options, the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Justice Department alleged in a lawsuit filed on Thursday.
New York
New bill seeks to preserve Essential Plan coverage for half a million New Yorkers
March 30, 2026 05:30 AM EDT
Crain's New York Business
The legislation is the first solution from lawmakers to preserve coverage for roughly 450,000 expected to lose their insurance in July.
New York
New York to Cut Health Coverage for Thousands After Federal Cuts
March 27, 2026 07:55 PM EDT
Mundo Now.
New York will eliminate health coverage for 460,000 people following federal cuts, forcing many to seek new insurance options.
North Carolina
Medicare proposal pitched as way to thwart medical deserts
March 31, 2026 02:21 PM EDT
The Center Square.
(The Center Square) – Stability for physicians and patients is sought through a North Carolina congressman’s proposal updating Medicare’s fee schedule for the first time since its establishment in 1992.
North Carolina
With stricter laws across the Southeast, NC remains an access point for abortion care
March 30, 2026 09:50 AM EDT
WFAE 90.7 FM
Out-of-state patients got more than one-third of the abortions provided in North Carolina in 2025, as telehealth expands as a pathway to care.
Ohio
Ohio Dems push affordability legislation; critics tout consequences
March 31, 2026 11:54 AM EDT
Yahoo! Inc.
(The Center Square) – Ohio House Democrats House recently unveiled a series of legislative proposals on a major issue in this year’s elections both statewide and nationally – affordability. The Democr...
Ohio
Ohio, Michigan strive to overcome shortage of mental health care workers
March 28, 2026 08:00 PM EDT
The Toledo Blade.
A shortage of mental health care workers remains unresolved in Ohio, Michigan, and around the country. Worker burnout during the pandemic still leaves the ...
Oklahoma
New online biosecurity premises mapping tool available to livestock producers - Oklahoma Farm Report
March 31, 2026 09:25 AM EDT
Oklahoma Farm Report.
Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in U.S. poultry flocks highlight the importance of biosecurity measures in limiting the spread of infectious disease in livestock production, diseases that can potentially cross into humans. To help producers increase preparedness and maintain continuity of business during a disease response, staff at the National Farm Medicine
Oklahoma
'Uphill in a snowstorm': How one rural Oklahoma county is fighting the opioid epidemic
March 31, 2026 05:55 AM EDT
KOSU Radio.
Local governments in Oklahoma are taking an active role in managing mental health care with opioid settlement funds, but some are struggling to take on new responsibilities while existing services are cut.
Oregon
Letters to the Editor, Week of April 2 - The Source - Bend, Oregon
March 31, 2026 04:00 PM EDT
The Source Weekly.
Amy Sabbadini for County Commissioner I am asking readers to vote for Amy Sabbadini in the upcoming County Commissioner election. Now more than ever, it is imperative to have logical, science-minded leaders who will embrace evidence-based practices. We need leaders to support the behavioral and public health programs that are critical resources for our community. […]
Pennsylvania
Shapiro Administration announces $12.3 million investment in maternal and child health initiatives
March 31, 2026 06:47 PM EDT
WFMZ-TV
The plan is the first in Pennsylvania and contains strategic goals, data and research, ongoing work, and recommendations to combat maternal health disparities that can shape quality of life for
Pennsylvania
Research associate and postdoc union pushes Penn on compensation, health protections
March 30, 2026 08:38 PM EDT
thedp
As RAPUP awaits responses from University administrators on several major proposals, The Daily Pennsylvanian spoke to members of the union's bargaining committee.
South Dakota
South Dakota Maternal and Infant Health Task Force Releases Five-Year Strategic Plan to Improve Outcomes for Mothers and Babies
March 30, 2026 11:15 AM EDT
associated with the organization "MyKXLG.
{KXLG - Pierre, SD} Today, the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) and the South Dakota Maternal and Infant Health Task Force announced the release of a new five-year strategic
Texas
Stores scramble to sell smokeable hemp products before Texas-wide ban takes effect | Houston Public Media
March 30, 2026 04:18 PM EDT
Houston Public Media
The March 31 ban comes as part of a set of stiff new regulations from the Texas Department of State Health Services, enacted earlier this month.
Texas
Undocumented immigrants in Texas are delaying medical care
March 30, 2026 06:00 AM EDT
The Texas Tribune
Since Gov. Greg Abbott ordered Texas hospitals to start asking patients for their citizenship status in November 2024, reported visits by undocumented immigrants have dropped.
Virginia
As Virginia looks to expand reproductive rights, funding cuts may threaten access
March 31, 2026 08:00 AM EDT
WHRO Public Media
One lawmaker says proposed constitutional protections are “a moot point” if people can’t afford reproductive healthcare.
Washington
DRC • The hidden clauses of Washington and Kinshasa's new health deal
March 31, 2026 12:40 AM EDT
Africa Intelligence.
Africa Intelligence has obtained a copy of the memorandum of understanding signed in February between the DRC and the United States. Whilst aimed at strengthening the Congolese healthcare system,
West Virginia
After man's death following insurance denials, West Virginia tackles prior authorization
March 31, 2026 06:00 PM EDT
NBC News
On Tuesday, the state's Republican governor signed a bill that aims to curb the harms of insurance denials.
West Virginia
Mindy Holcomb: Health coverage is shrinking, costs are rising (Opinion)
March 31, 2026 12:00 AM EDT
The Charleston Gazette-Mail
As the Affordable Care Act marked its 16th anniversary on March 23, it’s worth remembering what the law achieved: bringing the number of uninsured West Virginians down to historic lows
West Virginia
School boards appeal court ruling on religious vaccine exemptions
March 28, 2026 04:26 PM EDT
West Virginia News.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Board of Education and the Raleigh County Board of Education are asking the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia to overturn a lower
Wisconsin
Evers vetoes 5 transgender bills
March 31, 2026 07:24 PM EDT
The Superior Telegram.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers rejected legislation that would have restricted gender-affirming health care and team sports access
Wisconsin
Rep. Grothman Opens Roundtable on Examining Mental Health in the MAHA Age
March 30, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
Seehafer News.
An Eastern Wisconsin Congressman led a conversation regarding mental health late last week. Rep. Glenn Grothma...
Wisconsin
Wisconsin teen named in new Meta lawsuit
March 29, 2026 11:37 AM EDT
Channel 3000.
LOS ANGELES — Jurors in California found Meta and Google liable for harming a young woman's mental health when she was a minor.
