Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Monday, Feb. 2, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
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 lung transplants, male birth control, a power struggle at the NIH, and more.
Genetics Play Greater Role In Lifespan Than Previously Thought, Study Shows
A study published Thursday suggests the genetic contribution to a person’s longevity could be as high as 55%, which is in stark contrast to the previously estimated 6% to 33%. Plus: GLP-1s are linked to pancreatitis; a lower risk of amputation for people with diabetes on GLP-1s; B6 toxicity; and more.
Colorado Democrats Move To Update Red Flag Law And Regulate Gun Barrels
Democrats in the Colorado legislature have given approval of Senate Bill 4, which would allow behavioral health co-responders to ask a judge to order the removal of an individual’s firearms. Also in the news: Iowa, Texas, Mississippi, Florida, and California.
Covid Exposure In Utero Could Affect Brain Development, Researchers Find
Scientists investigating the mysteries of SARS-CoV-2 are finding subtle differences in brain structure among babies exposed to the virus before they were born. They say their findings underscore the need for vaccination. Also, a study debunks the theory that covid vaccines affect fertility.
Trump Unveils Plan To Prevent Drug Use, Boost Treatment And Recovery
The president’s executive order is intended “to help Americans struggling with all forms of addiction … get the help and the support they need.” Plus, TrumpRx won’t launch this month after all.
Finalized CMS Rule Sets Limits On State Provider Taxes Funding Medicaid
The new regulation will crack down on the provider taxes states use to help finance their share of Medicaid spending. CMS is expecting the policy to reduce federal expenditures by $78 billion over the next decade. Also, tech firms are vying to implement Medicaid work requirements; CMS incentivizes hospitals to buy American; and more.
Nurse’s Death Looms Large As Senators Make Last Attempts To Avoid Shutdown
The Senate will reconvene at 11 a.m. Friday to see if they can reach an agreement, ABC News reported. Modern Healthcare explains how health care would be affected if no deal is reached before Saturday. Plus: Nurses across the U.S. hold vigils for slain Minneapolis ICU nurse Alex Pretti.
First Edition: Friday, Jan. 30, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Walmart Invests In Pharmacy Workers, Raises Pay As Clinics Lose Popularity
Axios reports how Walmart’s approach comes at a time when its major competitors are cutting back hours and closing pharmacies across the U.S. Millions of Americans prefer to use pharmacies over clinics, with 75% of Walmart’s testing-and-treatment visits happening outside normal business hours.
US Life Expectancy Hits Record High Thanks To Drop In Overdose Deaths
CDC data for 2024 shows the life expectancy at birth for the average American to be 79, up 0.6 years from 2023. Other public health news is on U.S. obesity, the health effects of traditional sleep-wake schedules, and more.
Autism Council Stacked With Panelists Who Question Vaccine Safety
The makeup of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee has raised alarms among advocates over the imbalance of the committee, specifically the lack of scientists. Plus, the U.S. is imploring Gavi, the vaccine alliance, to stop including thimerosal in multidose shots used in other countries.
HHS Rule Reversal Leaves Access To Abortion Drugs Up To Pharmacists
Overturning the Biden-era rule means that pharmacists can now refuse to stock or dispense the medication abortion drugs mifepristone, misoprostol, and methotrexate without losing federal funding. Methotrexate is also used to treat ectopic pregnancies and autoimmune disorders.
Government Shutdown Is Days Away Amid Impasse Over DHS Funding
In the wake of the slaying of VA nurse Alex Pretti, Democrats want to see either Homeland Security funding separated from the larger appropriations bill or congressional measures to rein in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Republicans do not want to split the funding bill. If the measure does not pass, nonessential work at Health and Human Services would stop come Saturday.
Americans’ Biggest Pocketbook Worry Is The Cost Of Health Care, Poll Reveals
Health care ranks higher on the list of concerns than the cost of groceries and housing, and voters say the cost of health care will affect their election choices in November. Also: Affordable Care Act enrollment drops by more than a million people following the expiration of federal subsidies.
First Edition: Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
