Latest KFF Health News Stories
Days After Mass Layoffs, HHS Expects To Reinstate 20% Of Fired Employees
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says the agency is working to correct mistakes made during its restructuring rollout. Meanwhile, the FDA is trying to bring back fired employees to get the agency through this transitional period. Also, more insight into where job cuts were made.
Mehmet Oz Confirmed As Head Of Medicare and Medicaid Services
The Senate voted along party lines to confirm him. Also, as House Republicans look to cut spending, the GOP chair of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee pushes back on Medicaid cuts. Other news is about the potential fallout from any cuts.
First Edition: Friday, April 4, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Supreme Court Sides With FDA Over Flavored Vape Application Denials
In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court dismissed the lower court’s ruling and concluded the FDA adhered to its standards when it assessed the applications. Also, the Supreme Court is allowing a truck driver to sue a CBD company after he tested positive for THC and was fired.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Editorial writers discuss these public health topics.
Nashville School Shooter Manipulated Mental Health Providers, Report Says
Audrey Hale, who died in the 2023 attack, was able to convince providers and family members that her “homicidal and suicidal ideations were well in her past,” the investigative case summary concludes. Meanwhile, efforts are underway in Florida’s Miami-Dade County and in Ohio to ban fluoride from public drinking water. More news comes from Indiana, North Carolina, and California.
Mass General Brigham Staff Rocked By Layoffs Of Chaplains, Abuse Counselors
Chaplains help families navigate the decision to take loved ones off life support and also comfort employees struggling with traumatic situations. Among other jobs cut were a clinical social worker who led violence intervention and prevention programs and a tobacco treatment specialist.
Senators Offer Up Budget Plan That Could Ease Some Health Care Cuts
Modern Healthcare reports that the Senate Budget Committee’s proposal includes the House’s recommendations that could lead to billions in health program cuts but also provides for greater flexibility. Plus: a proposal to offer nondairy milk options in school lunches.
Supreme Court Justices Differ On South Carolina’s Planned Parenthood Case
Planned Parenthood’s attorney, along with liberal justices, stated that “preventing the medical provider from suing over South Carolina’s actions could allow states to exclude providers from Medicaid for any reason at all,” Roll Call reported. Also, the CDC’s IVF unit was cut Tuesday; doctors take a deeper look at the cases of three patients who died because of abortion bans; and more.
Missed Deadline: Novavax’s Covid Shot Still Awaiting FDA’s Full Approval
The Food and Drug Administration had already indicated that it approved the vaccine, but new agency leaders are now requesting more data. Meanwhile, FDA staffers who oversaw expert panel meetings on vaccines have been dismissed. Other news is on measles and shingles.
Scientists, ACLU Sue NIH Over ‘Ideological Purge’ Of Research Grants
Also: How the push against diversity, equity, and inclusion affects transgender people and those with disabilities; the impact of Trump administration cuts on cancer research; and more.
CDC Tasked With Cutting $2.9B Of Its Spending On Contracts In Just Weeks
The Trump administration gave the agency until April 18 to reduce by 35% its spending on contracts. Also, more about the gutting of federal health agencies and how people are responding.
FDA Layoffs Will Likely Force Cutbacks In Food And Drug Inspections
CBS reports that roughly 170 workers were laid off from the FDA’s Office of Inspections and Investigations. In related FDA news, the pharmaceutical industry is worried about the cuts; layoffs include senior veterinarians working on bird flu; and more. Also, President Donald Trump’s tariff exemptions for pharma.
First Edition: Thursday, April 3, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Study: Exposure To Phthalates May Impact Brain Development In Infants
The study, published Wednesday in the journal Nature Communications, looked at moms’ phthalate exposure and newborns’ brain development. Other health news is on a promising new drug in the fight against ovarian cancer, the impact of “cold-water immersion” on your body’s cells, and more.
LA County Forms New Homeless Agency Despite Mayor’s Disapproval
According to the Los Angeles Times, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved a plan Tuesday to move more than $300 million in funds from the existing homeless services agency. Other news is from Massachusetts, Georgia, Colorado, Illinois, and North Carolina.
Prosecutors To Seek Death Penalty For Mangione In UnitedHealthcare Slaying
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi accused Luigi Mangione, 26 — on trial in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson — of committing a “cold-blooded assassination.” President Donald Trump has restored the use of federal executions, which had been on hold since mid-2021 under the Biden administration.
Editorial writers share their thoughts on these public health issues.
Wisconsin High Court Keeps Liberal Tilt With Abortion Rights On Docket
Liberal Judge Susan Crawford bested conservative Judge Brad Schimel for a seat on the court. Separately: Wyoming makes it harder for people to obtain procedural abortions; funding freezes limit contraception access nationally and globally; and more.
