Latest KFF Health News Stories
FDA Cracks Down On Unapproved Weight Loss Drug Popular Online
The compounded retatrutide, developed by Eli Lilly but still in the testing phase, has become popular among fitness influencers on social media. The FDA has sent warning letters to six online companies. Also: funding for specialty drugs; the effectiveness of the recombinant shingles vaccine; and more.
Thousands Of Kaiser Permanente Health Workers Walk Off Jobs
In Los Angeles, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, and more marched in a downpour for better pay and staffing. The five-day strike affects workers in several states.
Coal Miners Plead For Trump To Make Good On Black Lung Protections
A Biden-era rule would have lessened exposure limits for miners to airborne silica, but the Trump administration has frozen the rule, now citing the federal government shutdown as a reason. Plus, the confusion over whom to believe about autism, the global food aid crisis, and more.
Viewpoints: Evidence Mounting On GLP-1s For Addiction; Upgraded Speculum Is Finally Female-Friendly
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Senate GOP Reportedly Working On Legislation To Fund FDA, VA, More
Meanwhile, Republicans are mulling proposals that address the ACA subsidies that Democrats want, though they still say negotiations won’t happen unless the government reopens.
First Edition: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Meta Says It Will Use PG-13 Standard To Limit Teen Content On Instagram
The policy will roll out by the end of the year, The New York Times reported. Plus: A study in JAMA suggests a link between preteen use of social media and poorer cognition.
North Carolina Initiative Eliminates $6.5B In Medical Debt For Residents
In a first-of-its-kind effort, North Carolina officials have helped to erase medical debt for more than 2.5 million residents through a program that offered hospitals more Medicaid funds in exchange for financial relief for low- and middle-income patients.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
AstraZeneca Agrees To Lower Drug Prices For Three-Year Tariff Reprieve
AstraZeneca will sell its drugs to Medicaid at prices comparable to what some European countries pay. But in many cases, experts say, those prices are already similar, The New York Times reports. Plus, Novo Nordisk’s new manufacturing plant in Indiana fails to meet FDA standards.
Kaiser Criticizes 5-Day Strike As Money Grab. Unions Say It’s Not That Simple.
The historic walkout, which begins today, will include tens of thousands of health care workers and nurses. Kaiser’s latest proposal on the table would lift wages 21.5% over four years but remains shy of the 25% the unions are seeking. Union leaders say wages are only part of the story, citing unsafe staffing, scheduling pressures, and burnout.
Some Pregnant Women Slam ‘Fearmongering’ Over Tylenol
Several expectant moms who spoke to The Wall Street Journal said they are confident that using Tylenol is safe during pregnancy. However, the Trump administration’s push against it has now left some with “that little question mark.”
Trump Fires Health Workers, Brings Back Some, As Shutdown Grows Longer
Although the CDC’s “disease detectives” have been reinstated, those who work on mental illness and addiction, and in biodefense, have been let go. Plus, House Speaker Mike Johnson, who refuses to negotiate unless Democrats capitulate, said, “We’re barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history.”
First Edition: Tuesday, Oct. 14, 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 read. Today’s selections are on Alzheimer’s, teen mental health, the effects of U.S. foreign aid cuts, and more.
Missouri Health Officials Sound Alarm As Deaths Climb From West Nile Virus
At least three people have died this year as the state sees a big rise in cases of the virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes and has no specific treatment or cure.
Viewpoints: Reforms Could Keep Obamacare Affordable; Vaccines Improve Life Span And Save Money
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
In Another Setback For Rural Health, Montana Hospital Halts Maternity Care
The Family Maternity Center at Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, Montana, will close today. There is only one other hospital in the city. Plus: A judge upholds North Dakota’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors.
Kaiser Permanente Lays Off Employees Across California Ahead Of Mass Strike
The health care provider is eliminating more than 200 positions, mostly in IT and food services, across 15 hospitals and clinics in this latest round of layoffs. Over 30,000 nurses and health professionals will go on strike Tuesday.
High Court’s Medical Malpractice Case Pits State Laws Against Federal Laws
The lawsuit now in front of the Supreme Court was previously thrown out in Delaware for failure to comply with affidavit filing rules. The question now is what to do when state laws conflict with federal rules. Also in the news: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Humana, Aetna, and more.
