Latest KFF Health News Stories
Northwest Tribes Feeling The Weight Of Trump’s Funding Cuts, Report Finds
Roughly $530 million of congressionally allocated funding — some tied to health and wellness initiatives — has not been distributed to tribes and is at risk of being cut altogether, AP reports.
FDA Doing Own Review Of Mifepristone In Effort To ‘Properly Protect’ Women
In other news, the National Institutes of Health has launched a five-year, $37 million stillbirth consortium, ProPublica reported. And Planned Parenthood Wisconsin will stop abortions because of funding cuts.
Despite Broad Global Support, Kennedy Spurns UN Health Declaration
The U.S. health secretary takes exception to policies he decries as “radical gender ideology.” Some health experts contend Kennedy’s decision to reject the declaration is counterintuitive to his MAHA movement. Plus: The U.N. looks at dementia and drug trafficking; an ADHD lobbying alliance debuts; and more.
RFK Jr. Considering Whether Autism Symptoms Qualify For Vaccine Redress
The HHS secretary’s proposed changes to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program would overwhelm the program, a researcher says. Plus, more news about Tylenol, flu deaths, and hep B.
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 aging, prostate cancer, retirement, and more.
Except For Drugmakers On US Soil, Pharma Products Will See 100% Tariff
President Donald Trump has levied tariffs on “any branded or patented pharmaceutical product” entering the country, starting Oct. 1. The president also is eyeing a measure to bring drug costs in line with what other wealthy countries pay.
First Edition: Friday, Sept. 26, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Air Pollution Might Be To Blame For Worsening Eyesight In Kids, Study Says
The study showed that although genetics is a main factor, extended exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter might contribute to higher rates of nearsightedness among children. Also, about 1.6 billion people will be affected by toxic air from burning fossil fuels, data indicate.
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 issues.
Oklahoma Hospital Loses Part Of Roof In Storm, Evacuates Some Patients
Damaging storms tore off a section of the roof at the Northeastern Health System hospital in Sallisaw and forced the evacuation of nine patients. Other states making news: Pennsylvania, North Carolina, California, Kansas, Illinois, Florida, Colorado, and elsewhere.
Experimental Gene Therapy Curbs Progression Of Huntington’s Disease
The results of the small trial have not been published or peer reviewed, but the gene therapy company uniQure is looking to seek approval for the experimental treatment early next year. Plus, news on junk genes, anti-malaria baby wraps, the rollout of cheaper HIV drugs, and more.
Admin Costs Outpace Health Spending In Ga.’s Medicaid Work Program: GAO
Georgia’s Pathways to Coverage is the nation’s only Medicaid work requirement program and has been touted by congressional Republicans as a model for the nation. As of April, the Georgia program has spent $54.2 million on administrative costs since 2021, compared to $26.1 million spent on health care costs.
Trump Plans To Shift USAID Funds To Boost ‘America First’ Agenda
The effort to retool the United States’ foreign aid approach retreats from the longstanding practice of helping to treat and cure diseases, ending famines, and promoting democracy, The Washington Post reports. Plus, the U.N. outlines its health goals, Ben Carson returns to government, and more.
Tylenol Hard Line Eases As Oz, Vance, Thune Advise Taking Doctor’s Advice
The CMS administrator, vice president, and Senate Republican leader have broken with President Donald Trump on whether pregnant women should avoid taking acetaminophen to alleviate pain and fever. Former President Barack Obama also spoke out, saying the current administration’s claims undermine public health.
First Edition: Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Researchers Studying Cancer In Young People Look To Environmental Factors
According to The Washington Post, the increased rate of cancers in people ages 15-49 may be less linked to genetic factors and have more to do with “exposome” — the range of environmental exposures one experiences throughout their lives.
Drug-Resistant ‘Nightmare Bacteria’ Cases Are Rising, CDC Says
Infection rates from the bacteria, which are treatment-resistant because of the NDM gene, increased nearly 70% between 2019 and 2023, according to CDC researchers. It is resistant to all but two antibiotics, and those are expensive and must be administered by IV.
Filtered Cigarettes, Cigars Headed For Ban In Parts Of One California County
The ban will begin in 2027 in unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County and in the cities of Santa Cruz and Capitola in what officials say is the first ban of its kind in the nation. Other news from across the country comes from Connecticut, North Carolina, Colorado, Washington, and Minnesota.
Doctors Voice Concern Over Change To Cigna, Aetna Reimbursement Policies
Physicians say the changes, aimed at office visits billed at the highest reimbursement rates of level 4 and level 5, will exacerbate the already heavy administrative burdens on them. Other industry news is on gaps in hospital charity care, Eli Lilly’s plans in Houston, and more.
