Latest KFF Health News Stories
Furloughed Federal Workers Reinstated Months After DOGE Cost-Cutting Blitz
The General Services Administration says hundreds of employees have until Friday to accept return-to-work offers. Separately, University of California schools should have more than $500 million in research grants restored, a U.S. District judge in San Francisco has ruled. Plus, ACA subsidy talks.
Medical Community Stands United: Consult With Docs, Don’t ‘Tough It Out’
Despite President Donald Trump and his health officials advising pregnant women to avoid acetaminophen, experts in the field maintain the over-the-counter medication is safe. Medical groups also pushed back on claims that leucovorin is a treatment option for children with autism.
First Edition: Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
Today’s stories are on psychedelic mushrooms, robots, a new way to fix broken legs, and more.
2nd Death Reported In Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak In Iowa
Health officials are urging Marshall County residents to maintain clean water systems and seek medical attention if they show signs of infection. Health officials also are monitoring the New World screwworm nearing the U.S. border, a measles outbreak in Utah and Arizona, and valley fever in the Southwest.
Minneapolis School Shooting Victim, 12, Improving After Being Shot In Head
Seventh grader Sophia Forchas will soon leave an acute care ward and join an inpatient rehab program in what her family has called a “miraculous” recovery. Other news from around the nation comes from Florida, Illinois, Michigan, and Virginia.
CVS’ Omnicare Seeks Chapter 11 Bankruptcy After Whistleblower Case
CVS Health subsidiary Omnicare, a pharmacy services provider for long-term care businesses, may explore a restructuring or sale. Also: the fight over who pays for GLP-1 weight loss drugs, AI device manufacturers’ payments to doctors, and more.
Doctors May Qualify For Exemption From $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
An executive order released Friday stated that an application fee waiver may be approved by the Homeland Security secretary if hiring a specific worker would be deemed “in the national interest.” This comes after medical groups called out the potential risk to rural health care.
After Cutting Billions In Aid, Trump To Spell Out His World Vision Today At UN
The president has made it clear he wants little to do with much of the United Nations mandate, The New York Times reports. More administration news is on the FTC, “forever chemicals,” medical research, data sharing, and more.
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
Trump Ties Acetaminophen To Autism, A Link Roundly Panned By Health Pros
The president advises that pregnant women should avoid Tylenol unless they cannot “tough it out.” The notion that the widely used pain reliever and fever reducer is harmful to developing fetuses is not based on science, say medical experts, autism groups, and the makers of Tylenol.
First Edition: Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
With Wegovy Pill Coming Soon, Its Maker Seeks To Regain Industry Lead
Novo Nordisk is poised to shake up the weight loss medication landscape again next year with the first-to-market pill. But pharmaceutical competitors are on its heels. Other health industry news reports on telehealth, hospital rankings, and more.
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.
