Latest KFF Health News Stories
‘A Scam’: Trump, EPA Revoke Scientific Proof That Climate Change Is Harmful
According to experts, “health risks are increasing because human-cause climate change is already upon us.” But at a White House event Thursday, President Donald Trump disagreed with that scientific finding, saying, “It has nothing to do with public health. This is all a scam, a giant scam.”
First Edition: Friday, Feb. 13, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: The First Edition will not be published Monday in observance of Presidents Day. Look for it again in your inbox Tuesday.
Viewpoints: Medicaid Work Rules Punish Unpaid Caregivers; Surprise At A MAHA Roundtable
Opinion writers weigh in on these public health topics.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Conagra Must Pay $25M To Calif. Man Who Says Cooking Spray Ruined Lungs
At issue was the use of diacetyl as a butter flavoring in Pam spray. Conagra, which says it removed the ingredient from its Pam formulation in 2009, will challenge the ruling.
Nurses Vote To End Strike At 4 Out Of 5 New York City Hospitals
After weeks on the picket, the New York State Nurses Association has struck tentative deals with Montefiore Medical Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, and two other medical centers in the Mount Sinai system. The deals include salary increases and modest improvements to nurse staffing levels. Nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia hospital voted down the deal.
Drug Users Are Changing How They Use Opioids, Harm-Reduction Workers Say
Experts have noticed a sea change of more users preferring to smoke drugs, shifting away from injections. Also: A study looks at the risk factors that might drive food allergies; plant-based foods are linked to lower heart disease risk; and more.
Senate Bill Would Cement Nursing Home Staffing Rule Rebuffed By Trump
The Democratic measure would mandate around-the-clock registered nurse staffing and set a care threshold for patients, Axios reported. Republicans are unlikely to support the measure. Plus, Congress also discussed pharmacy benefit managers.
Refusal To Review Moderna Flu Vaccine Application Came From FDA’s Prasad
A team of scientists was set to review the company’s flu vaccine for people 50 and older, but the director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research quashed the application. Plus: The U.S. will participate in a Feb. 26 WHO meeting to discuss the composition of the 2026-27 flu vaccine.
4 Democratic States Sue Over Trump’s Plan To Slash $600M In Health Grants
Attorneys general for California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota say the cuts are in response to the states’ opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Also: Dr. Mehmet Oz says Medicaid cuts won’t hurt rural providers and patients because they weren’t benefiting anyway.
First Edition: Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and others.
Meta, TikTok, And Snap Agree To Teen Safety Ratings
The voluntary agreement comes amid pressure from lawmakers and a slew of lawsuits alleging that the social media giants have made their platforms addictive. Other news on mental health covers the benefits of exercise on mild depression, divergent criteria in Alzheimer’s diagnoses, and more.
Washington Case May Set Precedent For Addiction Harm-Reduction Services
A potentially landmark settlement in Lewis County, Washington, could set a precedent in federal law, applying the Americans with Disabilities Act to harm-reduction services, which aim to help drug users preserve their health without demanding abstinence. The ruling pointed out that denying access to syringe exchange would constitute a violation of the ADA.
American Academy Of Pediatrics Under Investigation Over Trans Youth Care
The AAP and the nonprofit World Professional Association of Transgender Health are being asked to turn over documents looking into whether they made false or unsubstantiated claims related to the marketing or advertising of pediatric gender dysphoria treatment, Bloomberg reported.
Bipartisan ‘Break Up Big Medicine’ Bill Aims To End Health Care Consolidation
The measure would force the separation of insurers, PBMs, and providers. “There’s no question that massive health care companies have created layers of complexity to jack up the price of everything,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., one of the bill’s sponsors. “This bipartisan legislation is a massive step towards making health care affordable for every American,” added Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., the other sponsor.
FDA Considers Banning BHA, An Additive In Many Processed Foods
In announcing its review of BHA — which is used in some breads, cereals, cookies, and other processed foods — the FDA pointed toward long-standing concerns that the additive may be carcinogenic. Also: a look at President Donald Trump’s nominee for surgeon general.
FDA Rebuffs Moderna’s Application For mRNA Flu Vaccine For Those 50 And Up
The Food and Drug Administration said Moderna’s study was not “adequate and well-controlled.” The company says it will protest the decision. Separately, the American Medical Association will have its own vaccine safety review system.
First Edition: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
