Latest KFF Health News Stories
Trump Demands Homeless People ‘Immediately’ Get Out Of DC
The president’s crackdown on homelessness in the nation’s capital comes after an alleged assault of a former Department of Government Efficiency staffer. Separately, the Commerce Department will launch an investigation into Harvard University’s patents that received government funding.
CDC Leaders And Staff Express Fear, Anger, And Resolve After Shooting
In a call with employees, agency brass told employees that the attack on the office complex was deliberate: “This was not stray bullets.” Employees are calling for the resignation of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who one says is “propagating misinformation and distrust.” Law enforcement sources say the suspect might have blamed his health concerns on the covid-19 vaccine.
Editorial writers discuss these public health topics.
First Edition: Monday, Aug. 11, 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 public health policy, abortion undergrounds, medically assisted death, and more.
Proposed California Bill Aims To Protect Access To HIV Treatments
Assembly Bill 554 would protect access to PrEP and PEP medications by requiring insurers to cover the antiretroviral drugs. Other states making news: Florida, Missouri, Ohio, and Colorado.
Eli Lilly Says Weight Loss Pill A Success, Will Apply This Year For FDA Approval
During a 72-week study, those taking the highest dose of orforglipron lost an average of 27.3 pounds. While injections might cause people to lose more weight, a pill has advantages over them, specifically that it doesn’t need to be kept cold. And in health tech news, GPT-5 has been released.
To Make Up For Federal Medicaid Cuts, Calif. County Aims To Raise Sales Taxes
Santa Clara County will add a ballot measure to November’s special election. “We cannot afford to sit back and tell ourselves it won’t be that bad because it will, for all of us,” County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg said. Plus, more news on the Medicaid reductions.
Editorial writers explain these public health issues.
Heart Association: Americans Should Be Picky About Ultraprocessed Foods
In its new guidelines, the American Heart Association says not all ultraprocessed foods are so bad — such as whole grain breads, low-sugar yogurts, tomato sauces, and nut or bean-based spreads. The MAHA Commission report on ultraprocessed foods is due Tuesday.
Trans Troops Forced Out Of Air Force After 15-18 Years Won’t Get Benefits
The move means that transgender service members will now have to take a lump-sum separation payment offered to junior troops or be removed from service, AP reported. Other news is about VA collective bargaining, maternal and mental health programs cuts, and more.
Senators Want UnitedHealth Group’s Records On Nursing Home Transfers
Democratic Sens. Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren have asked to see internal company documents after a Guardian investigation alleged that the company partnered with nursing homes across the country to cut back on residents’ hospital transfers in an effort to reduce expenses.
First Edition: Friday, Aug. 8, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Three Studies Show Far-Reaching Health Effects Of Maui, LA Wildfires
The studies looked at the impact of the 2023 wildfires in Maui and the 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles. In Maui, 1 in 5 people suffered lung damage and up to half had symptoms of depression. In Los Angeles, there were more than 400 additional deaths due to interruptions to health care and other factors. Other news comes from Illinois, Missouri, Texas, Iowa, and elsewhere.
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 examine these public health issues.
Doctors Urged To Run For Congress Amid Dems’ Outrage Over Health Cuts
Historically, most physicians serving in Congress have been Republican. Now, a Democrat-affiliated PAC known as 314 Action aims to change that by electing at least 100 health professionals to Congress and other offices by 2030. Plus: a look at wait times in ERs, hospital closures, and more.
Louisiana Set To Lose Last Two Planned Parenthood Clinics
The clinics, scheduled to close Sept. 30, provided medical care for more than 10,000 patients last year. In other reproductive news: Hey Jane expands its reproductive telehealth care to Michigan; the Tennessee attorney general’s office demands abortion records from medical centers; and more.
HHS Has ‘Suppressed’ Data From New Dietary Guidelines, Researchers Claim
Every five years, members of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) offer recommendations for how the Health and Human Services Department and the USDA should update dietary guidelines such as the food pyramid or MyPlate. The researchers also have concerns about how quickly the new guidelines are being pushed through.
Got Obamacare? Get Ready To Start Paying A Lot More For Your Premiums
The rates could change before being finalized late this summer. But on average, ACA marketplace insurers are raising premiums by about 20% in 2026, KFF found. (Disclosure: KFF Health News is one of the three major operating programs at KFF, together with policy analysis and polling.)
