Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study Links Long-Term Alcohol Use To Increased Risk Of Colorectal Cancer
The new study suggests that those who drink heavily throughout their lifetime could be at a 91% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. Meanwhile, health experts warn that research does not show that social isolation poses a greater threat to young adults than moderate alcohol consumption.
Viewpoints: ChatGPT Health Appears To Just Be Winging It; What Happens When MAHA Meets Public Health
Opinion writers examine these public health issues.
VA Workers Say Vets Lost A Champion Of Their Care After Minn. Nurse Killed
Alex Pretti, 37, spent his workdays caring for critically ill veterans in Minneapolis. The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is encouraging nurses to “seek peer or professional counsel as needed.” Meanwhile, Pretti’s slaying has sparked a Second Amendment debate and a vow among Senate Democrats to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security, a move that could lead to a government shutdown.
HHS Halts $5B In Public Health Grants. Hours Later, It Reinstates Them.
Bloomberg News reports that the pause was in order to evaluate whether activities were in “alignment with administration and agency priorities.” Also: A New York Times report finds that genetic data of more than 20,000 U.S. children that was held at the National Institutes of Health was misused for “race science.”
Pediatrician Group Endorses Vaccines For 18 Diseases, In Break With CDC
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations, released Monday, remain mostly unchanged from last year. The CDC now recommends all children get vaccinated against only 11 diseases. Meanwhile, more parents are declining vitamin K shots for their newborns.
After Deadly Winter Storm, Subzero Temperatures Pose Danger To Millions
At least six people have died in the storm, including one in Austin from hypothermia. Dangerously cold temperatures are expected to continue across the U.S. through Friday.
First Edition: Monday, Jan. 26, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
Huntsville, Ala., Hospital System May Have Monopoly Of City, Pending Deal
The nonprofit has agreed to acquire the only hospital not owned by them in Huntsville and the surrounding northern Alabama region, leaving residents with only one choice for care and putting antitrust officials to the test. Also in the news: the nurse strike in New York; an ambulance worker shortage in Minnesota; informed patient consent for AI use in health care; 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 syphilis, motherhood, “house burping,” and more.
Global Groups That Don’t Abide By US Health Priorities Will Lose Foreign Aid
In addition to organizations that provide abortion-related care, the Trump administration announced it is cutting off funding to those that promote DEI and gender-identity programs. The administration also halted funding for fetal tissue research.
Moderna Says It’s Scaling Back Vaccine Trials Because Of US Resistance
“You cannot make a return on investment if you don’t have access to the U.S. market,” CEO Stéphane Bancel said. In other news, the chairman of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices suggested in a podcast that the public might want to reconsider the use of polio vaccines.
EPA To Stop Testing Chemical Toxicity On Animals By 2035
The agency is working to adopt testing methods that do not involve animals but that meet legal obligations for chemical safety. Plus: the FDA weighs Zyn’s safer-than-cigarettes claim; the use of a device to treat ADHD is questioned; the role of llamas in drug development; and more.
Colorectal Cancer Ousts Lung Cancer As Deadliest Type For People Under 50
Colorectal cancer leaped from the fifth-leading cause in 1990 to first place in 2023, the most recent year examined in the JAMA study. Of the top cancers, it was the only one that increased. Lung cancer deaths fell to No. 4.
Health Insurers, Lawmakers Lock Horns Over High Cost Of Medical Care
The chief executive officers of five large insurance companies largely deflected the blame for soaring costs, arguing it’s the hospitals, doctors, and drug companies that charge too much to begin with. Lawmakers were united in their criticism, with Rep. Greg Murphy, R-N.C., telling the CEOs, “You all have been very delinquent in your duty.” Plus, a look at the VA’s plan to expand community care.
First Edition: Friday, Jan. 23, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Research Finds Trace Amounts Of Pesticides, Chemicals In Breast Milk
Although researchers were quick to say that the health effects are still unknown, they say this new data could help strengthen chemical regulations as well as protections for infants and parents. Plus, news about abortion access, vasectomies, C-sections, and more.
FDA Clears AI Radiology Tool That Triages CT Scan For 14 Conditions
Aidoc’s tool can scan for multiple critical findings — including liver injury, spleen injury, bowel obstruction, and appendicitis — in one abdominal scan, which sets it apart from other approved AI-based medical devices.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.