Latest KFF Health News Stories
Cook County, Ill., Sees Highest Decline In Fatal ODs Among Largest Counties
The county — home to Chicago — had a 37% reduction in 2023, The Guardian reported. The success is due to rapidly increasing Chicago’s overdose surveillance and strong grassroots efforts. Second on the list was Queens County, New York.
With Possible Sale Of 2 Pa. Hospitals, Prospect’s Troubled Tale May Soon End
Deals are in the works to sell two of its shuttered hospitals — Chester Medical Center and Springfield Hospital — for a combined $13 million, Healthcare Dive reported. In other news from Pennsylvania: Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health is laying off 650 workers.
Viewpoints: Autism Spectrum Needs Subtypes; Perimenopause Is More Than Hot Flashes And Mood Swings
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
Ex-NIH Workers Detail Grim Reality Of Crippled Agency In ‘Constant Chaos’
The former leaders and a researcher tracking the effects of funding cuts lament the loss of research critical to their mission and fear up-and-coming scientists won’t seek government work. They also fear things haven’t “bottomed out” yet. Plus: The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report is on hiatus, despite being published during previous shutdowns.
USDA Secretary Warns Funds For Food Stamps Will Run Out In Two Weeks
Nearly 42 million Americans will feel the effects of losing their monthly benefits after Congress couldn’t reach an agreement on funding the government. November SNAP benefits also have been paused. Meanwhile, Congress has missed its window to extend the Affordable Care Act subsidies without causing issues for states.
Trump Touts Pledge To Sell IVF Drugs At 70% Discount On His Branded Site
In exchange, drugmaker EMD Serono would get a reprieve from certain tariffs if it also invests in research and manufacturing in the U.S. The government also might consider a speedier FDA review for another fertility medicine the company wants to bring to the U.S. market.
Alcohol Consumption, Even In Small Amounts, Increases Dementia Risk
The research counters long-held beliefs that light intake of alcohol could be beneficial for health and instead suggests that it can increase the risk of dementia and cancer. Other news is on the improving obesity epidemic, food recalls, and more.
Deportation Fears Spread To Military After Marine’s Dad Is Deported in Calif.
Both parents — who were from Mexico and had pending green card applications — were taken into custody last month while visiting family members at Camp Pendleton, AP reported. The father was deported Friday. In other news about race and health, California’s Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed bills on slavery reparations.
Error-Ridden Medicare Advantage Directory May Confuse Seniors: Report
The Washington Post reports that the directory, originally part of the “Make Health Tech Great Again” push by the White House, could lead millions of seniors to make ill-informed choices ahead of the open enrollment period. Also, Humana lays out a plan to improve its Medicare Advantage star rating.
CVS To Take Over Select Rite Aid Assets Amid Bankruptcy Breakup
Among the assets acquired were stores in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington and prescriptions in 15 states. Also in the news: how America is reliant on China’s raw materials for key medicine production; a look at cancer treatments at risk from funding cuts; and more.
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 tackle these public health topics.
HHS Family Planning Office Staffers Axed During Ongoing Shutdown
Almost everyone who worked for the Office of Population Affairs was emailed a reduction-in-force notice — after they had logged off for the weekend. The Title X program, in place for more than 50 years, had already been targeted for elimination under the administration’s 2026 budget proposal.
Trump’s Request To Remove Aluminum From Vaccines Is Risky, Experts Warn
An effort to remove the trace of metal from childhood inoculations would compromise the nation’s shot supplies, leaving Americans vulnerable to infectious diseases, health officials say. The president acknowledged the case against aluminum is limited.
First Edition: Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
After Second Loss In Court, Humana’s Contested MA Star Rating Will Stick
Humana had disputed its 2025 Medicare Advantage rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which gave it a 3.5 out of five. A federal court ruled Tuesday that CMS doesn’t have to recalculate it.
Colorado School Shooting Victim Leaves Hospital After Critical Injuries
Michael Silverstone, an Evergreen High student, was shot in the head and chest on Sept. 10, and has been released after five weeks in the hospital. The other student critically injured in the shooting has been released and is recovering. Also in the news: Minnesota, California, New York, and more.
FDA Cracks Down On Unapproved Weight Loss Drug Popular Online
The compounded retatrutide, developed by Eli Lilly but still in the testing phase, has become popular among fitness influencers on social media. The FDA has sent warning letters to six online companies. Also: funding for specialty drugs; the effectiveness of the recombinant shingles vaccine; and more.
Thousands Of Kaiser Permanente Health Workers Walk Off Jobs
In Los Angeles, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, and more marched in a downpour for better pay and staffing. The five-day strike affects workers in several states.
Coal Miners Plead For Trump To Make Good On Black Lung Protections
A Biden-era rule would have lessened exposure limits for miners to airborne silica, but the Trump administration has frozen the rule, now citing the federal government shutdown as a reason. Plus, the confusion over whom to believe about autism, the global food aid crisis, and more.
