Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion writers examine these public health issues.
Flesh-Eating Screwworm Found In Md. Patient Is First Case Linked To Travel
The person had traveled to El Salvador. Other outbreak news is on West Nile virus, measles, and covid. Also: air pollution, the impact of heat, and more.
Federal Court Blocks Rule That Would Cause 1.8M To Lose ACA Coverage
On Friday, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland paused several parts of a health insurance exchange enrollment and eligibility rule that was set to take effect today. The court agreed that the plaintiffs, who claim the rule violates the Administrative Procedures Act, had grounds for a preliminary injunction while the case is argued.
HHS Aims To Take Union Rights From Thousands Of Federal Health Workers
Meanwhile, 10,000 VA employees are resigning in September. Also, a Wall Street Journal analysis finds that scientists are scrubbing words like “diverse” and “disparities” from federal grant renewals.
Defying CDC Guidance, OB-GYNs Advise Vaccines During Pregnancy
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends shots for covid, flu, and RSV. “Vaccines continue to be the best tool available for pregnant patients to protect themselves and their infants from these viruses,” said Steven Fleischman, the group’s president. The HHS chief warned of liability risks if doctors don’t follow official CDC advice.
First Edition: Monday, Aug. 25, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
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 water cremation, terminal cancer, gender-affirming care, measles, and more.
Colorado Funeral Home Accused Of Hiding Decomposing Bodies
State inspectors said Thursday they had discovered about 20 bodies stashed behind a hidden door at Davis Mortuary in Pueblo. Some of the bodies may have been awaiting cremation for about 15 years, authorities said. In other news, a sixth person has died from Legionnaires’ disease in New York.
Inspection Finds Contamination At Major Pharmaceutical Plant In Indiana
The plant — which was acquired last year by Novo Nordisk and has a history of troubled inspections — was cited for having cat hair, pests, and bacteria, a recent FDA inspection showed.
Planned Parenthood Sues To Retain Medicaid Pay For Non-Abortion Care
The health care provider is challenging South Carolina Republican Gov. Henry McMaster’s executive order that prohibits Medicaid reimbursements for groups that provide abortions. Meanwhile, Iowa is struggling to find and keep OB-GYNs.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Name-Brand Pharmaceuticals From EU Will Carry 15% Tariff, Per Trade Deal
The agreement struck between the Trump administration and the European Union, which goes into effect Sept. 1, holds tariffs for generic pharmaceuticals at roughly 2.5%.
Public Health Leaders From 8 States Meet To Discuss Regional Collaboration
Every New England state except New Hampshire was represented, as well as New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The Boston Globe reported that the meeting was unusual and marked a step toward independence from federal health agencies. Plus: New details about the CDC shooting.
In Blow To Medical Research, Supreme Court Says Trump Can Halt NIH Grants
The 5-4 ruling lifts a lower court ruling that forced the National Institutes of Health to restore funding for more than 1,700 health research grants. In a searing rebuttal, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson accused her colleagues of making it so that “this administration always wins,” Politico wrote.
First Edition: Friday, Aug. 22, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Construction Companies Sued In Deadly NY Legionnaires’ Outbreak
The lawsuits, filed Wednesday, claim the companies neglected safety measures, causing a “completely preventable” outbreak that has killed at least five and sickened many more. Other states making news: Missouri, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Alabama, Kentucky, and California.
63% Of US Drug Plants Are In Counties With Prior Climate-Related Disasters
Researchers point to supply chain risks, given that so many American drug manufacturing plants fall in the path of hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. Also in pharma and tech news: radiopharmaceuticals, airborne germ sensors, UTI treatments, 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.
Editorial writers discuss these public health topics.
To Prevent Illness In Infants, Parents Urged To Mix Formula More Carefully
Parents should boil water, add formula, and then wait. Researchers found that not following these steps — which isn’t spelled out in packaging instructions — could lead to serious illness in infants. More public health news is on Omega-3 in adults and children, a covid surge, and more.
