Latest KFF Health News Stories
US Did Not Destroy $10 Million Worth Of Contraceptives, Belgium Says
After Thursday’s report by The New York Times about the destruction of the contraceptives, Belgian officials confirmed Friday that the stockpile was, in fact, intact. Meanwhile, more than 70 reproductive rights groups are asking that the usable birth control products be spared.
Health Officials Plan To Link 25 Child Deaths To Covid Vaccine, Sources Say
In the run-up to new covid vaccine recommendations, which will affect access to shots, health officials are looking at data from the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), including unverified reports submitted by anyone. Plus: childhood shot recommendations, whooping cough vaccine, complications from the flu, and more.
Engineering School To Study Debunked Claim That Vaccines Cause Autism
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has been awarded a no-bid contract for a project that would use AI and machine learning techniques to look for patterns in blood samples of children with autism, AP reports. Plus, Kenvue makes a case that Tylenol remains safe and does not cause autism.
First Edition: Monday, Sept. 15, 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 prison mental health care, flu, chatbots, vaccines, and koalas.
Scientists One Step Closer To Knowing How PFAS Damage The Liver
Researchers observed the cellular processes of “forever chemicals” — PFOA, PFHxS, PFOS, and PFNA — and the effects they had on bodies. Plus, a look at how synthetic vitamin B1, gel manicures, and smartwatches might affect your health.
California Child Dies From Measles Complications Years After Illness
The school-aged child had measles as an infant, before they were eligible for vaccination. The complication, called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, shows up years later and is fatal in about 95% of cases. Also in the news: Iowa, Vermont, Missouri, Minnesota, Texas, and Wyoming.
New York Surgery Center Is Latest Casualty Of Federal Funding Cuts
A spokesperson for Kaleida Health stated that Medicaid reimbursement funding reductions were among the reasons for shutting down its surgery center starting Oct. 1. Also: the impact of CMS’ outpatient plan on ambulatory surgery centers; a liquid cancer biopsy early-detection test; and more.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
Parents Fret Over Kids’ Mental Health After Seeing Kirk’s Slaying Online
Children were easily able to watch the unedited video of the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on their social media feeds, parents say. Plus: Americans of all political persuasions are worried that his killing will suppress the peaceful exchange of ideas. In related news: how mental health measures already in place in Colorado failed to stop this week’s school shooting.
Senators Implement ‘Nuclear Option’ To Push Republican Nominees Through
Republicans advanced the rule change in an effort to bypass Democratic opposition and push through 48 GOP nominees at once. The rule change is expected to be finalized next week, The New York Times reported.
Spending Deal Appears Tenuous As Lawmakers Spar Over Health Care
Republicans, thinking they have the votes to pass the government funding measure and avoid a shutdown, brush off demands by Democrats to include ACA subsidy extensions and other health care-related policies. Seven Senate Democrats would have to break with the party for the bill to pass. “They ain’t going to get the votes,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says.
First Edition: Friday, Sept. 12, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, And Connecticut Preserve Covid Vax Access
Bucking HHS, several more states issued orders allowing their residents to get shots without a doctor’s prescription. Meanwhile in Oregon, CVS rescinded its policy allowing anyone to get a shot.
US Has Worst Chronic Disease Death Data Among High-Income Countries
According to a study published Wednesday in The Lancet, the U.S. performed the worst in reducing deaths caused by chronic diseases. Germany wasn’t far behind, while Denmark showed the largest improvement. Also: Insomnia ages the brain; beta-glucan fiber increases weight loss: and more.
Supreme Court Rejects South Carolina’s Plea To Enforce Trans Bathroom Ban
A lower court ruling was left in place, allowing a 14-year-old student to use the school bathroom that best aligned with their gender identity while his lawsuit winds through the courts. The high court determined South Carolina did not meet the standards for obtaining an emergency injunction.
FTC To Health Care Employers: Review Your Noncompete Agreements
The Federal Trade Commission sent letters warning large employers and firms to make sure any noncompetes are not overly broad or anticompetitive. Other industry news covers the rising share of doctors who belong to unions, CMS’ Medicare Plan Finder tool, robotic intubation, and more.
Fight Over Obamacare Premiums Could Trigger Federal Government Shutdown
Senate and House Democrats are demanding that Republicans stop a sharp spike in Affordable Care Act premiums. In other news, House lawmakers have included an amendment in their 2026 spending bill to fund mRNA vaccine research — in direct opposition to HHS chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
FDNY Honors 39 Who Died This Year From 9/11-Related Illnesses; HHS ‘Chaos’ Delays WTC Health Program
Plus, three more victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks were recently identified using DNA. The New York City medical examiner’s office is still working to identify about 1,100 victims.
