Latest KFF Health News Stories
Warmer, Humid Climate Helps Propel Rise In Tick Bites, Lyme, Experts Say
The human imprint on landscapes also impacts where ticks are found, CNN reports. Other public health news is on obesity-related cancer deaths, chronic pain, child abuse, and more.
Wegovy Sales Are Soaring Despite Generic Copycat Drugs
Even though Novo Nordisk warned that copycat versions of its obesity and diabetes drugs would hurt sales in the U.S., second-quarter sales saw a 67% rise year on year. More news covers telehealth company eMed’s new CEO; Ascension’s new research and development institute; and more.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Death Toll Rises In Harlem Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak
Three people have died and nearly 70 have been sickened, the New York City Health Department said Tuesday. Residents are being advised to monitor for symptoms and seek treatment if needed. Other states making news: Arizona, Tennessee, Nevada, Missouri, and California.
CDC Issues Travel Advisory For China Following Chikungunya Virus Outbreak
The virus, which is spread by mosquitoes, has sickened 7,000 people in Guangdong province since June. China has revived many covid-era rules to combat the outbreak. Also in the news, Zika virus, covid, influenza, and more.
Trump Floats 250% Pharma Tariffs
“We want pharmaceuticals made in our country,” President Trump said. Meanwhile, the Government Accountability Office says the administration violated the law when it withheld NIH funding approved by Congress. Also: overdose prevention funding, Medicaid cuts, nuclear threats, and more.
RFK Jr. Cuts $500M In mRNA Contracts, Eliciting Horror Among Experts
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says mRNA vaccines “fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections.” An expert says the move to end 22 grants for vaccine development is a “self‑inflicted vulnerability” because it compromises the country’s ability to respond quickly to infectious disease threats. Plus, six more states now have food stamp restrictions.
First Edition: Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Successful Transplant Is ‘Exciting Step Forward’ For Curing Type 1 Diabetes
A 42-year-old man who received a gene-edited islet cell transplant is making his own insulin without needing anti-rejection drugs, MedPage Today reported. Other pancreatic treatments require the patient to be “fully immunosuppressed,” one expert noted.
Opinion writers discuss this and other public health topics.
NH Is First Northeastern State To Ban Gender-Affirming Care For Minors
The bills take effect Jan. 1 and include a “grandfather clause” for minors already receiving treatment. In another first, Colorado is the first blue state to push through rules limiting SNAP participants’ ability to buy soda. Other news comes from New Jersey, Florida, Georgia, California, and more.
‘Very Hopeful’: New Data Show Teen Suicide, Depression Are Declining
NPR reports that a new federal report, however, found that the percentage of adults with suicidal thoughts and attempts remained about the same between 2021 and 2024. Also: ChatGPT, the stress of grocery prices, colon cancer screenings, and more.
Bird Flu Virus Detected In The Air Inside Dairy Farm Milking Facilities
In a study, researchers also learned that infected cows that show no sign of illness might spread the virus to others. More outbreak news is about E. coli and campylobacter, measles, and babesiosis.
RFK Jr: ‘No Decision Has Been Made’ About Ejecting Task Force Members
The Health and Human Services secretary said he is reviewing whether to remove the medical experts on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force who advise on cancer screenings, HIV prevention drugs, and other measures that most insurers are required to cover.
CMS Launches Fund To Help Rural Hospitals Cope With Federal Cuts
The $50 billion rural health fund was created in response to concerns about the impact of Medicaid and Medicare cuts in President Trump’s tax law. However, a study in Health Affairs points to the problematic practice of dual classification that some urban hospitals have garnered, allowing them to also receive benefits intended for rural hospitals.
Trump Admin Proposes Rule To Ban VA Hospitals From Providing Abortions
Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals would not be allowed to provide abortion access even in cases of rape, incest, or life-threatening emergencies. Other news discusses IVF, maternal care, women’s health, and anti-trans issues.
First Edition: Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A Dose Of Good News: FDA Approves Implant For Rheumatoid Arthritis
More inspiring news is on low-dose radiation therapy, diabetes, wearables, dementia, and more.
Trump Intimidated Hospitals To End Trans Youth Care, States’ Suit Alleges
The lawsuit was filed Friday by attorneys general from 15 states and the District of Columbia, plus the governor of Pennsylvania. It comes on the heels of at least eight major hospitals announcing restrictions on gender-affirming care for people under 19. Meanwhile, UI Health in Chicago suspended gender-affirming surgeries for youths.
Hospice, Rehab, Psychiatry Set For Modest 2026 Medicare Rate Increase
The pay increases, which range from 2.5% to 2.6%, go into effect Oct. 1. Today’s health industry news also covers an efficiency effort among hospitals, agentic AI technology, and more.
