Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Friday, Nov. 7, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Is Universal Child Care Really Possible?; Seniors Who Depend On SNAP Are Struggling
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
FDA Pulls Back On Safety Inspections For Foreign Food, Blames Staffing Cuts
ProPublica reports the vast majority of the nation’s seafood and more than half of its fresh fruit come from foreign markets, which have been increasingly linked to outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. The FDA has seen the loss of 1 in 5 of its workers responsible for ensuring America’s food and drug safety.
Pa. Court Hears Medicaid Case That Could Redefine Abortion Access
Most of Wednesday’s proceedings focused on whether Pennsylvania women have a constitutional right to abortion care at all, one news outlet reported. Abortion is legal in Pennsylvania until the end of the 23rd week of pregnancy.
Radiation May Be Redundant For Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients
A study found that treatment with mastectomy, lymph-node surgery, and advanced anti-cancer drugs was sufficient for survival among women with early-stage breast cancer. Other news is on pancreatic cancer drugs, FDA warnings on unapproved botox, and more.
Appeals Court Appears Skeptical Of NIH Policy On Research Payments
At issue, STAT explains, is the multibillion-dollar question of whether the National Institutes of Health violated federal law when it announced a plan to slash support for research overhead.
‘Beyond Dire’: Understaffing, Facility Closures, Long Wait Times Plague VA
Between December 2024 and August 2025, the VA reported a net loss of thousands of health care positions, at a time when the population of aging veterans is increasing. Other health care news related to the armed forces is on disability benefits, male breast cancer, and Air Force grooming standards.
Loss Of Telehealth During Shutdown Puts Medicare Patients In A Tough Spot
While health care providers wait for reimbursements to resume, they are either having patients pay up front or telling them to schedule an office visit. Both options have drawbacks for people who have difficulty accessing care. Plus, health care systems contend with the reverberations of the shutdown.
First Edition: Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Many More People Ages 45-49 Are Getting Screened For Colon Cancer
Researchers found that facility-based colorectal cancer screening rates among younger adults increased about tenfold after U.S. guidelines changed the recommended screening age to 45. Other public health news is on young-onset dementia, salmonella, the impact of pollution reduction on infants, and more.
Ohio Hospital Searches For Possible On-Site Spread Of Legionnaires’ Cases
The search was initiated after two patients in six weeks tested positive for the disease. Also: The Children’s Hospital Association announced plans to broaden its focus on pediatric health; nearly one in eight Minnesotans live in areas lacking hospital-based obstetrics; and more.
Maine Voters Give Families Leverage To Have Guns Taken From Relatives
The Pine Tree State’s red flag law that gives families the ability to seek court intervention will take effect in January. It comes in the wake of a mass shooting in Lewiston. More election news is regarding dementia research in Texas and a health care system’s expansion in Arizona.
FDA Advisers To Discuss Regulations For Therapy Chatbots, Gen AI
The FDA’s Digital Health Advisory Committee (DHAC) will meet Thursday to discuss how to regulate and mitigate the risks involved with new devices and forms of therapy that use AI. And in Ohio, lawmakers have proposed fines for companies whose chatbots promote self-harm.
White House Bargaining With Lilly, Novo To Offer $149 Weight Loss Drugs
The deal would allow TrumpRx to sell the low-dose medications and ensure that Medicaid and Medicare cover them. Eli Lilly also is negotiating for a government voucher that would expedite the FDA review of a weight loss pill it hopes to bring to market. Plus, an America-first battle for biotech.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Shutdown Is Longest In US History; Jobless Benefits Could Be At Risk Next
The federal closure is also slowing the economy, experts warn. Shutdown news also looks at SNAP payments, furloughed workers, and more.
First Edition: Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Former VP Dick Cheney, Who Received Heart Transplant At Age 71, Dies At 84
A statement from his family said the cause was complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, The New York Times reported. Widely regarded as the most powerful vice president in U.S. history, he suffered from coronary problems for most of his adult life. A staunch conservative on most issues, he advocated for states’ rights on same-sex marriage.
Study Links Melatonin Use With Heart Failure; Experts Call For More Research
Sleep medicine experts and cardiologists are urging the public not to panic, The Washington Post reported. Other news is on teen vaping, pig kidney transplants, the impact of gun blasts on the brain, and more.
