Latest KFF Health News Stories
Save For A Few Brief Moments, Trump Avoided Health Care In Lengthy Speech
In his State of the Union address, the president touched on his efforts to lower prescription drug costs and touted his “Great American Health Plan” that would shift health care payments to people. But he noticeably did not mention changes his administration has made regarding vaccine recommendations, Medicaid and research funding cuts, or the hot-button issue of abortion.
First Edition: Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Entering Advanced Nursing Careers Just Got Harder; The Truth About Youth Gender Care
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
Florida, Trump Administration At Odds Over Medicaid Program Application
Florida’s Republican congressional delegation is getting involved in an effort to get approval for the program, which boosts payments to state hospitals. Also: AbbVie is planning two manufacturing facilities in North Chicago; Camp Mystic parents sue the state of Texas; and more.
On Trump’s Request, High Court Agrees To Hear Case On Fossil Fuel Lawsuits
In an unusual move, the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to take up the case of whether or not states and cities can sue large oil and gas companies for climate change damages driven by greenhouse gas emissions and pollution from the industry.
Dentists Keep Prescribing Clindamycin Despite ‘Black Box’ Label, C Diff Risk
CIDRAP takes a deeper look at the antibiotic’s health effects. Also in the news: The FDA has approved milsaperidone to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; Bayer sues Johnson & Johnson; Mounjaro may reduce alcohol intake; and more.
CDC’s Second-In-Command Resigns After Less Than 2 Months On The Job
Ralph Abraham said “unforeseen family obligations” are pulling him away from his role as the agency’s deputy secretary general. Plus, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force might be in HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s crosshairs, former members warn.
Kaiser Mental Health Therapists Vote To Strike Just As Nurses Are Returning
A day after the union representing more than 31,000 Kaiser Permanente health care professionals noted productive labor negotiations and agreed to end the four-week walkout, KP mental health therapists in California voted to authorize a one-day unfair labor practice strike.
FDA Unveils Framework To Fast-Track Rare Disease Gene Therapy Approvals
The proposed system would create a standardized process for authorizing cutting-edge treatments where there is a plausible reason to think they might work, the AP reported.
First Edition: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Study Sheds Light On Why Women Are More Prone To Chronic Pain Than Men
The study, published Friday in Science Immunology, suggests that men’s immune systems have higher levels of cells with a mechanism that switches off pain signals to the brain. Plus: autism, heart disease in women, SUIDS in recalled sleepers, and more.
New Mexico Will Investigate History Of Forced Sterilization Of Native Women
Last week, legislators in New Mexico approved a measure to investigate the history and impact of forced and coerced sterilization of women of color in the state. Also in the news: abortion in Wyoming, elderly health care in California, and more.
Editorial writers discuss these public health topics.
With Nearly 1,000 Infections, Measles Tally Is Outpacing 2025’s Case Count
More than half of the states have confirmed measles cases, with South Carolina, Utah, and Arizona experiencing widespread outbreaks. Meanwhile, five more children have died from the flu, which is still circulating at high levels across much of the country.
Ransomware Attack Forces Closure Of All University Of Mississippi Clinics
The extent of the attack is still being evaluated at one of the state’s largest health care providers. Roughly three dozen clinics around the state were forced to close, and elective procedures have been canceled. Officials are warning the shutdown could continue for days.
Trump’s EPA Supports Biden Admin’s 10-Year Deadline To Replace Lead Pipes
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump says he’ll deploy a hospital ship to Greenland, but Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen says, “It’s a no thank you from here.” Also in the news: Jay Bhattacharya, glyphosate, ICE, and more.
High Court’s Tariff Ruling Likely Won’t Affect Deals Struck With Drugmakers
The Trump administration may impose sector-specific tariffs if pharmaceutical companies stray from most-favored-nation pricing for prescriptions, Managed Healthcare Executive reported. The administration is also looking at other statutes that would allow the use of tariffs to further its policy priorities.
First Edition: Monday, Feb. 23, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Influencers Push Cognitive, Health Benefits Of Nicotine In Image Makeover
Companies are now marketing “clean,” “modern” nicotine pouches with minimalist packaging, aimed at helping people “lock in” and achieve their goals. The catch is that most of these products have not been cleared by the FDA for sale in the U.S.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
