Latest KFF Health News Stories
Proposed PFAS Reclassification Isn’t Backed By Science, Experts Warn
A group of 20 scientists has warned that narrowing the definition of what constitutes “forever chemicals” could be detrimental, lead to more lax laws, and is entirely politically and economically motivated. Also in the news: climate mandate reversals, “dirty dozen” list, and more.
Opinion writers dissect these public health issues.
LAPD’s ‘Less Lethal’ Methods Used At Protests Still Cause Harm, Cost State
News outlets break down the health effects rubber bullets and tear gas have on people, and how the use of such methods could open up governments to civil liability claims. Other states making news: Texas, Louisiana, Oregon, Alabama, Florida and South Carolina.
After Staff Layoffs, FDA Says It Will Use AI To Improve Drug Approval Efficiency
Officials at the FDA say they want to speed up approvals for new drugs and devices using tech like the new “Elsa” AI system. More news is on other uses of AI in health care, Eli Lilly refusing to work with telehealth firms over copycat drug sales, and more.
Congressional Report Alleges Organ Procurement Numbers Are Miscounted
The bipartisan report alleges that organ procurement organizations use a loophole to boost ratings and stay certified. In other news: UnitedHealth faces whistleblower claims; CVS and Cigna settle lawsuit; many physicians would consider assisted suicide for themselves; and more.
Anti-Vaxxers Won’t Have A Place On CDC’s Advisory Panel, RFK Jr. Says
The Health and Human Services secretary will announce on X the “highly credentialed physicians” who will replace the 17 committee members he just fired. More are calling for Kennedy’s resignation as frustration grows.
All Of USAID’s International Workforce Will Be Eliminated By Sept. 30: Report
In a cable sent Tuesday and obtained by The Guardian, the State Department said it will “assume responsibility for foreign assistance programming previously undertaken by USAID” starting June 15. Plus: What NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya told a Senate panel Tuesday about recent budget cuts.
House GOP Alters Portions of Megabill That Jeopardized Quick Senate Passage
SNAP is among the provisions being revised after Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) complained about it. Meanwhile, states are working to cushion the blow the GOP tax bill will have on their budgets.
First Edition: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: RFK Jr.’s Take On Rebuilding Public Trust In Vaccines; MAHA Report Falls Short
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Although Rare, Appendix Cancer More Prevalent In Under-50s, Study Shows
As many as one-third of cases are among young adults. Meanwhile, the number of fentanyl and other drug overdose deaths in those under 35 dropped by nearly 47% between 2021 and 2024. Other news is on treatment for OCD, a study on dementia risk, and more.
New York Lawmakers Pass Bill Opening Door For Medically Assisted Suicide
The bill will allow terminally ill New Yorkers to end their life on their own terms, and it now heads to Gov. Kathy Hochul. “It’s not about hastening death, but ending suffering,” Democratic state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal said. Plus: 27 states and the District of Columbia have sued to block their citizens’ 23andMe data from being sold.
Policy Change Could Allow Abusers To Have Gun Rights Restored More Easily
Lawmakers and gun violence experts voice concern over the Trump administration’s proposed change and what it could mean for domestic violence survivors. Also in the news: forced reset triggers; a rise in firearm deaths of children and teenagers in states that loosened gun laws; and more.
Montana Supreme Court Declares Abortion Restrictions Unconstitutional
Monday’s ruling concluded a multiyear legal challenge over three reproductive rights restrictions. Also in reproductive health news: Wisconsin now has five abortion clinics; Ohio Republicans want to bring back a 24-hour waiting period for abortions; Texas isn’t budging on abortion bans; and more.
Doctor Shortage Could Grow More Dire With Bill’s Limits On Med School Loans
If a $150,000 cap on direct federal unsubsidized loans stands, some fear fewer students will be able to afford medical school. Graduates carry an average debt of $212,341, the Association of American Medical Colleges found. Plus, Republicans take a swing at changes to the One Big Beautiful Bill.
NIH Halts Anti-DEI Policy That Was Required To Get New Research Grants
It’s unclear what prompted the change, which is effective immediately, Stat reported. In related news, a federal judge on Monday blocked the Trump administration from enforcing anti-DEI and anti-trans policies against groups that provide help for the LGBTQ+ community.
RFK Jr. Ousts Panel Of CDC Vaccine Advisers, Presumably Picks Successors
New members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have not yet been identified, but they are expected to meet later this month. Separately, the FDA has approved Merck’s monoclonal antibody clesrovimab to protect infants from RSV.
3 Health Care Companies To Lay Off Hundreds Of Workers
The cuts are coming to Virginia Mason Franciscan (based in Tacoma, Washington), Prime Healthcare (based in Ontario, California), and Bayada Home Health Care (based in Moorestown, New Jersey). Plus: Affinia Healthcare is now fully accredited for its new family medicine residency program.
First Edition: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Risk Of Diabetes Is Higher With Sugary Beverages But Not Sugary Foods
A study, which spanned multiple continents, found that drinking sugar consistently led to higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, but consuming it from food sources showed no such link. In other lifestyle news: a BowFlex recall; dating apps’ effects on mental health; and more.
