Latest KFF Health News Stories
AI Model Holds Promise For Autism Assessment, Brain Mapping
Researchers hope the new model can help toward improving backlogged assessment pathways. Other news is on the reporting of hospital-acquired infections, long covid among older adults, a drug trial for late-stage breast cancer, and more.
Judge Orders Missouri To Recast Ballot Summary For Anti-Abortion Measure
Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green rejected the GOP-written summary, reasoning that the description is insufficient and would be confusing to voters. Abortion rights activists’ requests to block the amendment were denied.
Trump Administration Set to Link Acetaminophen To Autism: Report
The Washington Post reports that the Trump administration will highlight research showing a possible autism link to ingestion of common drugs like Tylenol during pregnancy. Officials will also tout the drug leucovorin as a potential treatment for autism. Other federal government news reports on hunger, drug costs, geriatrics, and more.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
GOP Mulls Modifying ACA Tax Credits — And Then Extending Them
Although a federal shutdown looms, Axios reports Republican leaders as saying that any extension of the subsidies would not be part of stopgap legislation to keep the government open into November. Other news is on telehealth and hospital-at-home programs, Medicaid work requirements, and more.
CDC Vaccine Advisory Panel Abandons Universal Covid Shot Recommendation
The panel had previously supported an annual covid vaccine shot for anyone 6 months and older. Now, after a unanimous vote, the panel says it is up to individuals to choose. Meanwhile, ACIP put off a vote on whether newborns should get a dose of the hepatitis B shot.
First Edition: Monday, Sept. 22, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers examine these public health issues.
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 obesity, weight loss, terminal cancer, natural childbirth, and more.
Despite New Texas Law, Abortion Pill Providers Refuse To Obey In Advance
On Wednesday, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law a bill that allows residents to sue someone they suspect of manufacturing, distributing, or mailing abortion medication into the state. In response, out-of-state providers have vowed to continue providing care.
Where Do Docs Get Paid The Most? Rochester, Minn., Home Of Mayo Clinic
Physicians in the Rochester metro area make $495,532 a year on average. This was the first year Doximity included Rochester in its annual rankings, MPR News reported, after expanding its analysis from the top 50 most populous metro areas to the top 60.
Chemical Breakthrough Could Lower Some Drug Production Costs, Prices
Researchers are exploring a cost-reducing pathway to produce one of the crucial building blocks in cholesterol-lowering drugs and antibiotics. Plus, news on specialty pharmacies; autoimmune drug production; obesity drug marketing; and more.
Fight Over ACA Subsidies Will Decide Fate Of Stopgap Funding Bill In House
The House will vote today. The Republican measure would fund the government through Nov. 21, but Democrats say Congress won’t have the votes to get the bill passed unless it addresses health care policies. High on Democrats’ priority list is an extension of ACA subsidies, which would cost the government roughly $350 billion, the CBO estimates.
US Shifts Strategy On Global Health Aid
After dismantling the United States Agency for International Development, the State Department will turn to multi-year bilateral agreements that require recipient nations to pony up funds for health initiatives while meeting “performance benchmarks.” Plus, the HHS overhaul remains blocked.
Vaccine Panel Proposes Splitting MMR, Varicella Shots For Kids Under 4
The recommendation stems from data that indicate young children have a small risk for febrile seizures. Public health experts question the motive behind the change, with one noting: “This feels like using a known, disclosed, managed risk to undermine confidence in the entire schedule.” Next up for ACIP review: hepatitis B, and vaccines given during pregnancy.
First Edition: Friday, Sept. 19, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
Blind People Decry Changes To Iowa’s Independent-Living Program
A state training initiative ended a requirement that people in the program use sleep shades, or eye masks that block out all light. Former participants say the shades are critical to understanding how much a vision-impaired person can achieve in daily life, especially if the person is newly impaired.
Study: Vitamin B3 Linked To A Reduction In Skin Cancer Risk
Researchers found the biggest reduction in risk among people who began taking B3 after their first skin cancer diagnosis. Other public health coverage is on the benefits of blueberries on infants’ immune systems, mental health, and more.
Eli Lilly Study Shows Mounjaro As New Way To Fight Childhood Diabetes
The positive results show that the shot reduced blood sugar levels by an average of about 2% in kids as young as 10, as well as a 10% reduction in body weight after a year of treatment. Plus: how GLP-1 drugs could help patients on antipsychotics live longer; the link between medical imaging and blood cancer in kids; and more.
