Latest KFF Health News Stories
Young People In Corn Belt Are Getting Significantly More Cancer Since 2015
An analysis by The Washington Post found that in the past decade, cancer rates in the six states with the highest corn production are rising more rapidly than in the country as a whole. People aged 15-49 living there have shown a 5% increase in overall cancer rates, with kidney and skin cancer soaring to 35%-65% higher than the national average.
Viewpoints: Annual Open Enrollment Is About Making More Money; New Meds Make Dementia Less Scary
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Texas Doctor Gives Up License After Being Sued For Providing Gender Care
Pediatrician May Lau has decided to move her practice from Dallas to Oregon after being sued last year by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and accused of prescribing testosterone to at least 21 patients, which she denies. More news is from Virginia, California, New Mexico, Maryland, Arizona, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Utah, and Florida.
BJC Health Failed To Alert School District About Shooter, Lawsuit Claims
The family of Jean Kuczka, a teacher slain in the 2022 shooting at CVPA in St. Louis, has filed a wrongful death suit against BJC Health, alleging that it failed to make the school aware of the threat after the shooter told multiple BJC mental health providers that he planned to “shoot up my old high school” in the two months before the attack.
California Ponies Up $140 Million To Preserve Planned Parenthood Clinics
The Golden State is tapping local funds to ensure the organization can maintain reproductive health services after the federal government cut funding. Plus, as Wyoming moves to prevent regulation of crisis pregnancy centers that counsel against abortion, some centers across the states expand medical services.
NIH Installation Of Vance Pal To Lead Environmental Health Sciences Panned
Some fear the elevation of Kyle Walsh to a director’s role — a promotion that didn’t abide by standard procedures — will pave the way for future political appointments. Plus, President Trump issues an all-caps missive about Tylenol, touts his “perfect” MRI findings, and more.
Obamacare Premiums Will Climb 30% On Average Next Year
The news of premium spikes arrives during the prolonged federal government shutdown, which was prompted in part by a fight over the extension of Obamacare subsidies. Higher premiums and a loss of subsidies could mean skyrocketing health care costs for millions. More coverage is on SNAP, WIC, and other impacts of the shutdown.
First Edition: Monday, Oct. 27, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
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 nursing careers, baldness, pain management, PMDD, ivermectin, and a pioneering FDA medical officer.
‘A Miracle’: Girl, 12, Who Was Gravely Hurt In Minn. Shooting Leaves Hospital
Sophia Forchas, who was shot in the head, was the most seriously wounded child among those who survived the Aug. 27 attack at the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis, AP reported. Surgeons removed the left half of her skull. On Thursday, she was greeted with cheers after being taken around town in a limousine.
NYC Wipes Out $135M In Medical Debt, Easing Burden For 75,000 Residents
Residents who qualify for this one-time debt relief program will be notified by Undue Medical Debt. Separately, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore decries FEMA’s decision to withhold disaster aid.
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
Launch Prices For Some Medications Outpace Inflation, Review Finds
The cost when new drugs hit the market are up 51% after discounts, Stat reports. Other pharmaceuticals in the news include generic Trikafta, Enbrel, Blenrep, and more.
Howard University Hospital In D.C. Could Be Teetering On Edge Of Closure
The hospital is a lifeline for patients who are heavily reliant on Medicare and Medicaid, The Wall Street Journal reported. But after major cuts in federal funding, “This is a very vulnerable hospital,” said Dr. Andrea Hayes Dixon, senior VP of health affairs at Howard University College of Medicine.
Federal Judge Overturns Protections For Transgender Health Care
The Biden-era rule, which barred discrimination against sexual orientation and gender identity in certain health programs and activities, was struck down Wednesday by Judge Louis Guirola Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.
Furloughed CMS Employees To Return Temporarily For Open Enrollment
Employees have been furloughed since the government shut down three weeks ago. Meanwhile, federal workers have begun missing paychecks, and Democrats blocked a bill that would have allowed some workers to be paid.
First Edition: Friday, Oct. 24, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Study: Gum Disease Might Be Linked To Poor Heart And Brain Health
In two studies released Wednesday, both published in Neurology Open Access, researchers found associations between gum disease and damage to the brain’s white matter, as well as inflammation that can lead to atherosclerosis. Add cavities to the mix, and the risk of stroke increases by 86%.
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 discuss these public health issues.
