Latest KFF Health News Stories
Editorial writers dissect these public health issues.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
VA Spending Bill Boosts Budget For Vets To See Private Docs By 50%
Military.com reports that the House Appropriations Committee’s fiscal 2026 VA spending bill would allocate about $453 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs — an $83 billion increase over this year. However, only 4% would be slated for medical care. Other news from Capitol Hill is on an FDA program that brings nonprescription drugs to market, PEPFAR funds, and more.
Valley Fever Much More Prevalent In The US Than Previously Thought
A study looked at data models and national surveillance reports for 2019, estimating that the true number of cases is likely 10 to 18 times higher than those reported. Other news is on the measles outbreak and tracking systems, and a ground beef recall.
Scientists Might Have Found A Way To Eradicate HIV From The Body
Australian researchers have found a way to lure the virus out of the body’s white blood cells, where it usually hides, using mRNA technology. Also: DNA testing to select embryos with longer life expectancy might be possible; maternal obesity affects childhood infection rates; and more.
Mangione’s Diary Details Lead-Up To CEO’s Slaying, Prosecutors Contend
Court filings give insight into why shooting suspect Louis Mangione might have targeted the UnitedHealthcare executive: “It checks every box.” In other news: Hospital construction trends include AI; Novo Nordisk is playing catch-up to Eli Lilly in the weight loss drug race; and more.
Texas Hospital Faulted For Denying Care To Woman With Life-Threatening Pregnancy
A federal inquiry determined a Texas facility violated the law when it did not provide care for Kyleigh Thurman’s ectopic pregnancy, AP reports. Other states in the news include California, Texas, and Florida.
Biden’s Alleged Mental Decline Probed; Biden Calls Claims ‘Ridiculous’
President Donald Trump has called for an investigation into whether former President Joe Biden’s aides helped to cover up an alleged decline in his mental acuity. Biden states that all his decisions as president were his own. Other White House news covers vaccine policies, funding cuts, and more.
Tax Bill Would Slash $1 Trillion From Medicaid, Health Care System: CBO
Analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that $1 trillion would be cut over a decade, with Medicaid budget losses making up the biggest part — despite President Donald Trump’s claims that the bill would make “no cuts” to the social safety net program. Also in the news: ACA tax credits, Medicare drug prices, and more.
First Edition: Thursday, June 5, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss the following public health issues.
Survey Shows Health Care Workers Use More AI At Home Than At Work
This holds true across the board for nurses and physicians. Also in industry news: Orlando Health holds its second mental health conference; A judge denies a motion to dismiss lawsuits accusing Claritev of colluding with insurers to reduce pay for out-of-network providers; and more.
Mississippi Public Health Advocates Find Opioid Settlement Plan Unsettling
Some fear lawmakers will allow money to be spent on issues other than addressing and preventing overdoses. Other states making news include Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, and California.
Immunotherapy Shows Promise As A ‘Potential Cure’ For Multiple Myeloma
In a small study, a third of the participants with multiple myeloma, a common blood cancer which has up until now been deemed incurable, seem to have had their cancer disappear, The New York Times reports. The immunotherapy was developed by China-based Legend Biotech. Plus, a suggestion to lower the screening age for colon cancer.
Hospitals Aren’t Required to Perform Emergency Abortions, Feds Now Say
In reversing the Biden-era guidance, the Trump administration has lifted EMTALA measures that allowed doctors to perform abortions when necessary, irrespective of the legality of the procedure in the state. HHS and CMS say that this previous guidance does not “reflect the policy of this Administration.”
USDA Confirms Third Avian Flu Outbreak At A Large Arizona Farm
The H5N1 avian flu virus has affected nearly 1.4 million birds. With the most recent outbreak, three of Arizona’s largest layer farms have been infected, leading to the loss of more than 5 million birds. Other outbreak news reports on measles, norovirus, covid, and more.
New Study Links Cannabis Use With Compromised Heart Health
The small study, published in JAMA Cardiology, found the vascular effects applied whether the cannabis was eaten or smoked. Other science and research news is on anorexia in later life, MIS-C, Pepto Bismol, and more.
Trump Eyes July 4 Deadline For Tax Bill As Senate Faces A Three-Week Sprint
AP points out that Democrats are loudly criticizing GOP proposals to cut Medicaid, food stamps, and green energy investments as part of the huge tax bill. Other news from Capitol Hill is on cuts to public broadcasting and foreign aid, and the bill’s impact on Obamacare.
First Edition: Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.