Latest KFF Health News Stories
A Germy Mix Of Flu, Coupled With Covid And RSV, Is Afflicting The Nation
Influenza A rates have remained stable, but influenza B is starting to spread. This comes as the CDC reports evidence of a covid upsurge in 11 states and respiratory syncytial virus in 21 states. Plus, two more children sick with flu have died this season. “It is not too late to get vaccinated,” the CDC says.
Judge Takes Death Penalty Off The Table In UnitedHealthcare CEO Slaying
Judge Margaret Garnett has dismissed two charges against Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing Brian Thompson in 2024. However, Mangione still faces a charge of second-degree murder in the case. The judge also ruled that evidence collected from his backpack is admissible. Prosecutors have 30 days to appeal the death penalty decision.
Kidney Disease-Heart Failure Link May Be Traced To A Tiny Toxin, Study Finds
Researchers have discovered that diseased kidneys secrete tiny particles that are harmful to the heart. Other public health news looks at heart disease among women, how to guard against hypothermia and frostbite, and a salmonella outbreak.
First Edition: Monday, Feb. 2, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Covid Exposure In Utero Could Affect Brain Development, Researchers Find
Scientists investigating the mysteries of SARS-CoV-2 are finding subtle differences in brain structure among babies exposed to the virus before they were born. They say their findings underscore the need for vaccination. Also, a study debunks the theory that covid vaccines affect fertility.
Colorado Democrats Move To Update Red Flag Law And Regulate Gun Barrels
Democrats in the Colorado legislature have given approval of Senate Bill 4, which would allow behavioral health co-responders to ask a judge to order the removal of an individual’s firearms. Also in the news: Iowa, Texas, Mississippi, Florida, and California.
Genetics Play Greater Role In Lifespan Than Previously Thought, Study Shows
A study published Thursday suggests the genetic contribution to a person’s longevity could be as high as 55%, which is in stark contrast to the previously estimated 6% to 33%. Plus: GLP-1s are linked to pancreatitis; a lower risk of amputation for people with diabetes on GLP-1s; B6 toxicity; and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on lung transplants, male birth control, a power struggle at the NIH, and more.
Nurse’s Death Looms Large As Senators Make Last Attempts To Avoid Shutdown
The Senate will reconvene at 11 a.m. Friday to see if they can reach an agreement, ABC News reported. Modern Healthcare explains how health care would be affected if no deal is reached before Saturday. Plus: Nurses across the U.S. hold vigils for slain Minneapolis ICU nurse Alex Pretti.
Finalized CMS Rule Sets Limits On State Provider Taxes Funding Medicaid
The new regulation will crack down on the provider taxes states use to help finance their share of Medicaid spending. CMS is expecting the policy to reduce federal expenditures by $78 billion over the next decade. Also, tech firms are vying to implement Medicaid work requirements; CMS incentivizes hospitals to buy American; and more.
Trump Unveils Plan To Prevent Drug Use, Boost Treatment And Recovery
The president’s executive order is intended “to help Americans struggling with all forms of addiction … get the help and the support they need.” Plus, TrumpRx won’t launch this month after all.
First Edition: Friday, Jan. 30, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
US Life Expectancy Hits Record High Thanks To Drop In Overdose Deaths
CDC data for 2024 shows the life expectancy at birth for the average American to be 79, up 0.6 years from 2023. Other public health news is on U.S. obesity, the health effects of traditional sleep-wake schedules, and more.
Walmart Invests In Pharmacy Workers, Raises Pay As Clinics Lose Popularity
Axios reports how Walmart’s approach comes at a time when its major competitors are cutting back hours and closing pharmacies across the U.S. Millions of Americans prefer to use pharmacies over clinics, with 75% of Walmart’s testing-and-treatment visits happening outside normal business hours.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Americans’ Biggest Pocketbook Worry Is The Cost Of Health Care, Poll Reveals
Health care ranks higher on the list of concerns than the cost of groceries and housing, and voters say the cost of health care will affect their election choices in November. Also: Affordable Care Act enrollment drops by more than a million people following the expiration of federal subsidies.
Government Shutdown Is Days Away Amid Impasse Over DHS Funding
In the wake of the slaying of VA nurse Alex Pretti, Democrats want to see either Homeland Security funding separated from the larger appropriations bill or congressional measures to rein in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Republicans do not want to split the funding bill. If the measure does not pass, nonessential work at Health and Human Services would stop come Saturday.
HHS Rule Reversal Leaves Access To Abortion Drugs Up To Pharmacists
Overturning the Biden-era rule means that pharmacists can now refuse to stock or dispense the medication abortion drugs mifepristone, misoprostol, and methotrexate without losing federal funding. Methotrexate is also used to treat ectopic pregnancies and autoimmune disorders.