Latest KFF Health News Stories
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on Black paramedics, limb lengthening, mammograms, gene-editing, and more.
MAHA Supporters Reel As RFK Jr. Backs Trump’s Order To Produce Glyphosate
Glyphosate is the most commonly used herbicide for a slew of U.S. crops and also the chemical in the weed killer Roundup, which is under fire in scores of lawsuits that allege it causes cancer. Ken Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group, called the move a “middle finger to every MAHA mom.”
Wis. Bills To Expand Medicaid, Cancer Screenings Await Governor’s Signature
The Medicaid measure would extend coverage for new moms up to a year after giving birth. The second bill requires insurance companies to cover extra cancer screenings for women with dense breast tissue. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is expected to sign them next week, AP reported.
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Nurses Make Tentative Deal To End Walkout
The last set of holdouts picketing for better working conditions will vote on whether to ratify the agreement in the coming days. Other companies making headlines include EmblemHealth, Community Health Systems, UnitedHealthcare, Change Healthcare, Banner Health, and more.
FDA’s Top Drug Regulator To Examine Safety Of SSRIs And RSV Monoclonals
Tracy Beth Høeg, the fifth director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research since last year, says she is prioritizing the health of women and babies. Meanwhile, ACIP is postponing its meeting set for next week. Plus, measles cases continue to spread.
Veteran Furor Prompts VA To Halt Rule Tying Disability Ratings To Treatment
The new Department of Veterans Affairs rule would have factored in whether medication effectively treats an ailment in determining compensation for veterans with a disability. “Disabled veterans should never be forced to choose between following their doctor’s orders and protecting their earned benefits,” VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore said.
First Edition: Friday, Feb. 20, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: ICE Is Causing A Health Crisis; FDA’s Reversal On Moderna Vaccine Can’t Undo The Damage
Editorial writers examine 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.
Blood Tests May Give Patients A ‘Clock’ For Alzheimer’s Disease, Study Finds
Although the findings are not yet accurate enough to predict a patient’s exact trajectory, The Washington Post reports that scientists created a model that could use blood test results to forecast the start of symptoms within a margin of three to four years. Other public health news is on social media, foodborne bacteria, and more.
NYU Langone Ends Transgender Youth Health Program, To Dismay Of Many
Months after the Trump administration proposed a withdrawal of federal funds from hospitals providing gender transition treatments to young people, NYU Langone has announced the end of its health program. Advocates are calling for the reinstatement of the program, while hoping the city and state will help fill gaps in care.
New National Specialty Care Coalition Will Focus On Rural Patient Access
More than 20 health systems have joined forces to improve health care access in rural and underserved communities, Modern Healthcare reported.
More Pregnant People Are Putting Off Prenatal Care, CDC Data Indicate
Although nearly all racial and ethnic groups experienced a downward trend, minority groups had more of a decrease in early prenatal care. The report didn’t touch on reasons for the shift in care, but doctors noted access has become challenging as maternity care deserts pop up across the nation.
Trump’s FDA To Require Only One Study For Drug Approvals, Not Two
In changing the longtime standard, administration officials aim to speed up the approval process. Also in the news: domestic production of glyphosate, fluoride in drinking water, and more.
NIH Director Bhattacharya Takes On Double Duty Leading CDC — For Now
Jay Bhattacharya’s acting role gives the Trump administration time to find a permanent replacement for ousted director Jim O’Neill. Plus, Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine application will be reviewed by the FDA after all.
First Edition: Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers examine these public health issues.
Danaher To Acquire Medical Tech Firm Masimo For Nearly $10 Billion
Meanwhile, Prime Healthcare Foundation has acquired Central Maine Healthcare, and Tampa-based Moffitt Cancer Center plans an eastward expansion into Lakeland, Florida.
Military Rations Rife With Pesticides, Study Finds; US Floats ‘Real Food Pilot’
The Department of Health and Human Services has launched a program to improve meal quality at 20 military bases. Plus: Courts are receiving conflicting answers about the Trump administration’s policy on pregnant detainees; the FDA no longer warns against junk autism treatments; and more.
