Latest KFF Health News Stories
Drug Users Are Changing How They Use Opioids, Harm-Reduction Workers Say
Experts have noticed a sea change of more users preferring to smoke drugs, shifting away from injections. Also: A study looks at the risk factors that might drive food allergies; plant-based foods are linked to lower heart disease risk; and more.
Senate Bill Would Cement Nursing Home Staffing Rule Rebuffed By Trump
The Democratic measure would mandate around-the-clock registered nurse staffing and set a care threshold for patients, Axios reported. Republicans are unlikely to support the measure. Plus, Congress also discussed pharmacy benefit managers.
Refusal To Review Moderna Flu Vaccine Application Came From FDA’s Prasad
A team of scientists was set to review the company’s flu vaccine for people 50 and older, but the director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research quashed the application. Plus: The U.S. will participate in a Feb. 26 WHO meeting to discuss the composition of the 2026-27 flu vaccine.
4 Democratic States Sue Over Trump’s Plan To Slash $600M In Health Grants
Attorneys general for California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota say the cuts are in response to the states’ opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Also: Dr. Mehmet Oz says Medicaid cuts won’t hurt rural providers and patients because they weren’t benefiting anyway.
First Edition: Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and others.
Meta, TikTok, And Snap Agree To Teen Safety Ratings
The voluntary agreement comes amid pressure from lawmakers and a slew of lawsuits alleging that the social media giants have made their platforms addictive. Other news on mental health covers the benefits of exercise on mild depression, divergent criteria in Alzheimer’s diagnoses, and more.
Washington Case May Set Precedent For Addiction Harm-Reduction Services
A potentially landmark settlement in Lewis County, Washington, could set a precedent in federal law, applying the Americans with Disabilities Act to harm-reduction services, which aim to help drug users preserve their health without demanding abstinence. The ruling pointed out that denying access to syringe exchange would constitute a violation of the ADA.
American Academy Of Pediatrics Under Investigation Over Trans Youth Care
The AAP and the nonprofit World Professional Association of Transgender Health are being asked to turn over documents looking into whether they made false or unsubstantiated claims related to the marketing or advertising of pediatric gender dysphoria treatment, Bloomberg reported.
Bipartisan ‘Break Up Big Medicine’ Bill Aims To End Health Care Consolidation
The measure would force the separation of insurers, PBMs, and providers. “There’s no question that massive health care companies have created layers of complexity to jack up the price of everything,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., one of the bill’s sponsors. “This bipartisan legislation is a massive step towards making health care affordable for every American,” added Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., the other sponsor.
FDA Considers Banning BHA, An Additive In Many Processed Foods
In announcing its review of BHA — which is used in some breads, cereals, cookies, and other processed foods — the FDA pointed toward long-standing concerns that the additive may be carcinogenic. Also: a look at President Donald Trump’s nominee for surgeon general.
FDA Rebuffs Moderna’s Application For mRNA Flu Vaccine For Those 50 And Up
The Food and Drug Administration said Moderna’s study was not “adequate and well-controlled.” The company says it will protest the decision. Separately, the American Medical Association will have its own vaccine safety review system.
First Edition: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and others.
Since The ’80s, Olympic Snow Sports Have Used Waxes With PFAS. No More.
This year marks the first winter Olympics without the use of fluorinated ski waxes, which increase speed. Also: self-quarantines among some athletes at the Games; a lack of child care and support for Olympian moms; and more.
California Assembly OKs $90M Funding Bills For Planned Parenthood Clinics
The money is not earmarked for abortion procedures but would cover reproductive health care such as cervical cancer screenings. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom must approve the package before funds can flow to clinics. More news is from Colorado, North Carolina, Missouri, Louisiana, and Michigan.
Novo Nordisk Files Patent Suit Against Hims & Hers Over Ozempic, Wegovy
The Wall Street Journal reports that what’s at issue is sales of custom-made, or compounded, versions of weight loss drugs. Also: The FDA issued a warning letter to a compounding pharmacy owned by Hims & Hers over inspection issues, as well as warned Novo Nordisk that its Wegovy pill ad included “false or misleading” claims.
60 Kids Have Died From Flu So Far This Season; Most Weren’t Fully Vaccinated
Meanwhile, influenza A activity is decreasing while influenza B is increasing, the CDC’s FluView report shows. In other news, a study has found that long covid might be triggering Alzheimer’s-like changes in the brain.
CDC To Rescind $600M In Grants To 4 Blue States; California Takes Worst Hit
The other cuts are in Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota. But nearly two-thirds of the funding is unspent money allocated to state and local public health departments in California, The New York Times reported.
