Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study: Gum Disease Might Be Linked To Poor Heart And Brain Health
In two studies released Wednesday, both published in Neurology Open Access, researchers found associations between gum disease and damage to the brain’s white matter, as well as inflammation that can lead to atherosclerosis. Add cavities to the mix, and the risk of stroke increases by 86%.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
WVa Medical Cannabis Program Has Raked In $34 Million But Has Spent $0
West Virginia officials say the money will remain unspent until federal law, which classifies cannabis as an illegal drug, changes. Other news from around the nation comes out of North Carolina, Maryland, and California. Also: the fight to influence paid family leave policy.
FDA Redacts Names Of Drugs From Reports On Contaminated Factories
ProPublica reports that, according to the FDA, releasing the names of the drugs in inspection reports on foreign facilities would violate federal law protecting confidential commercial information. Experts worry that removing this data renders the reports useless for keeping Americans safe.
OB-GYN Group Urges Members To Support Contraception, Fight Misinfo
An official at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has stressed the importance of helping “patients get access to the evidence-based care they need and deserve.” Also: Nurses are going on strike at Tenet Health hospitals in California; a look at the maternity care deserts in Minnesota; and more.
Deportees Recount Horrors Of Hours Spent In ICE’s Full-Body Restraints
The use of the WRAP — also called “the burrito” or “the bag” — has been criticized as inhumane by deportees and their advocates. Federal lawsuits liken incorrect usage of the device to punishment and even torture, AP reports. Plus, pregnant people decry the care they receive at detention facilities.
Bird Flu Infections Surging In Poultry And Cattle; Measles Outbreaks Swelling
With no clear picture of the scope of the U.S. bird flu surge — federal agencies have stopped communicating during the shutdown — state health officials are left to fend for themselves to cope with outbreaks. Meanwhile, Utah, Arizona, and South Carolina are measles hot spots.
Trump Might Replace ACA, Oz Says; 25 States Will Halt SNAP Amid Shutdown
CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Wednesday that President Donald Trump “has a plan” to redo Obamacare, which is at the heart of the federal shutdown. Oz didn’t offer specifics but said, “There’s all kinds of ideas.” Meanwhile, dozens of states say they don’t have enough funding to run the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program after Nov. 1.
First Edition: Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Hundreds Of Disability Advocates Urge NC Legislature To Repeal Medicaid Cuts
The state’s Department of Health and Human Services slashed reimbursement for Medicaid-covered services on Oct. 1, North Carolina Health News reported. Other health news is from Mississippi, Minnesota, New Jersey, California, and Montana. Plus: A nationwide shrimp recall widens.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
White House Warns Of Repercussions For Using Artificial Food Dyes
At a health industry conference on Tuesday, White House adviser Calley Means announced that regulations might be imposed on food companies that don’t switch away from synthetics. Also: The soda industry pits MAGA against MAHA; experts weigh in on the seed oil scandal; and more.
Gilead To Keep States’ HIV Drug Prices Steady After Earlier Saying They’d Rise
The agreement provides relief to federally funded programs that provide free or low-cost drugs to around 110,000 low-income people nationwide. Other news is on the side effects of antidepressants; the cause of auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia; ivermectin as a cancer treatment; and more.
Private Equity Firms Blackstone, TPG To Buy Hologic For $13 Billion
Hologic — which makes mammography systems, breast imaging technology, and biopsy equipment — will go private in the deal. Other health industry news is on home infusion, death rates at U.S. dialysis centers, the shuttering of obstetric services at an Ohio hospital, and more.
Amid Shutdown, Health Care Lobbyists Tiptoe Around Topics To Pursue Wins
Health care advocates tread a delicate line when it comes to discussions about politically charged ACA subsidies, but they see opportunities to sway lawmakers on bipartisan issues such as telehealth. Meanwhile, moderate Republicans lean on House leadership to address expiring ACA subsidies.
ICE Detainees Claim They’re Served Low-Quality Meals, Are Left Hungry
USA Today reports on food quality at a Louisiana ICE hub, where detainees say they are subject to a diet of processed foods that are often expired and never fully sate their hunger. A Guardian report highlights ICE detention conditions of perpetual twilight under fluorescent lights.
First Edition: Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A Record 154,000 NYC Students Were Homeless During The Last School Year
In New York, more than half of all children who are considered homeless under federal law are “doubled up,” sometimes packed into tiny apartments with three or four other families, The New York Times reported. Other health news from around the U.S. comes from Michigan, Wyoming, Colorado, Iowa, Utah, Arizona, New York, and the District of Columbia.
Viewpoints: Rural Medicine Has Lessons For American Health Care; Covering Ozempic Will Save Money
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
