Latest KFF Health News Stories
Air Pollution Might Be To Blame For Worsening Eyesight In Kids, Study Says
The study showed that although genetics is a main factor, extended exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter might contribute to higher rates of nearsightedness among children. Also, about 1.6 billion people will be affected by toxic air from burning fossil fuels, data indicate.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
Oklahoma Hospital Loses Part Of Roof In Storm, Evacuates Some Patients
Damaging storms tore off a section of the roof at the Northeastern Health System hospital in Sallisaw and forced the evacuation of nine patients. Other states making news: Pennsylvania, North Carolina, California, Kansas, Illinois, Florida, Colorado, and elsewhere.
Experimental Gene Therapy Curbs Progression Of Huntington’s Disease
The results of the small trial have not been published or peer reviewed, but the gene therapy company uniQure is looking to seek approval for the experimental treatment early next year. Plus, news on junk genes, anti-malaria baby wraps, the rollout of cheaper HIV drugs, and more.
Admin Costs Outpace Health Spending In Ga.’s Medicaid Work Program: GAO
Georgia’s Pathways to Coverage is the nation’s only Medicaid work requirement program and has been touted by congressional Republicans as a model for the nation. As of April, the Georgia program has spent $54.2 million on administrative costs since 2021, compared to $26.1 million spent on health care costs.
Trump Plans To Shift USAID Funds To Boost ‘America First’ Agenda
The effort to retool the United States’ foreign aid approach retreats from the longstanding practice of helping to treat and cure diseases, ending famines, and promoting democracy, The Washington Post reports. Plus, the U.N. outlines its health goals, Ben Carson returns to government, and more.
Tylenol Hard Line Eases As Oz, Vance, Thune Advise Taking Doctor’s Advice
The CMS administrator, vice president, and Senate Republican leader have broken with President Donald Trump on whether pregnant women should avoid taking acetaminophen to alleviate pain and fever. Former President Barack Obama also spoke out, saying the current administration’s claims undermine public health.
First Edition: Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Researchers Studying Cancer In Young People Look To Environmental Factors
According to The Washington Post, the increased rate of cancers in people ages 15-49 may be less linked to genetic factors and have more to do with “exposome” — the range of environmental exposures one experiences throughout their lives.
Drug-Resistant ‘Nightmare Bacteria’ Cases Are Rising, CDC Says
Infection rates from the bacteria, which are treatment-resistant because of the NDM gene, increased nearly 70% between 2019 and 2023, according to CDC researchers. It is resistant to all but two antibiotics, and those are expensive and must be administered by IV.
Filtered Cigarettes, Cigars Headed For Ban In Parts Of One California County
The ban will begin in 2027 in unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County and in the cities of Santa Cruz and Capitola in what officials say is the first ban of its kind in the nation. Other news from across the country comes from Connecticut, North Carolina, Colorado, Washington, and Minnesota.
Doctors Voice Concern Over Change To Cigna, Aetna Reimbursement Policies
Physicians say the changes, aimed at office visits billed at the highest reimbursement rates of level 4 and level 5, will exacerbate the already heavy administrative burdens on them. Other industry news is on gaps in hospital charity care, Eli Lilly’s plans in Houston, and more.
Different Takes: People With Autism Are Not Damaged; Vaccine Panel Puts Ideology Over Evidence
Opinion writers examine these public health topics.
Furloughed Federal Workers Reinstated Months After DOGE Cost-Cutting Blitz
The General Services Administration says hundreds of employees have until Friday to accept return-to-work offers. Separately, University of California schools should have more than $500 million in research grants restored, a U.S. District judge in San Francisco has ruled. Plus, ACA subsidy talks.
Medical Community Stands United: Consult With Docs, Don’t ‘Tough It Out’
Despite President Donald Trump and his health officials advising pregnant women to avoid acetaminophen, experts in the field maintain the over-the-counter medication is safe. Medical groups also pushed back on claims that leucovorin is a treatment option for children with autism.
First Edition: Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
Today’s stories are on psychedelic mushrooms, robots, a new way to fix broken legs, and more.
2nd Death Reported In Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak In Iowa
Health officials are urging Marshall County residents to maintain clean water systems and seek medical attention if they show signs of infection. Health officials also are monitoring the New World screwworm nearing the U.S. border, a measles outbreak in Utah and Arizona, and valley fever in the Southwest.
Minneapolis School Shooting Victim, 12, Improving After Being Shot In Head
Seventh grader Sophia Forchas will soon leave an acute care ward and join an inpatient rehab program in what her family has called a “miraculous” recovery. Other news from around the nation comes from Florida, Illinois, Michigan, and Virginia.
