Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
FDA Introduces New Rules For Wearables And AI-Enabled Devices
The agency announced Tuesday that it is reducing oversight of digital health products. Commissioner Marty Makary unveiled the news in a speech at the Consumer Electronics Show. Also: Utah is allowing AI to prescribe medications; telehealth reimbursement is in limbo; and more.
HHS Halts $10B In Child Care, Family Aid To 5 States Over Fraud Allegations
The Democratic-led states — California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York — were notified by Health and Human Services that they’ll need to provide extra documentation to access the funds. Other news comes from Texas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Utah, and Louisiana.
Upcoming US Dietary Guidelines Might Reduce Added Sugar, Increase Protein
The guidelines are updated roughly every five years by the Health and Human Services and Agriculture departments, and the latest update is due to be officially unveiled later this week.
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
CDC’s New Childhood Vaccine Guidance Gets Pushback From West Coast States
The West Coast Health Alliance — which includes California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii — will continue to recommend the childhood vaccination schedule endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Colorado has also opted to keep the old schedule.
House To Take Procedural Vote On ACA Today; GOP’s Grip On Congress Slips
The so-called discharge petition allows 218 or more rank-and-file members to sidestep the speaker and force a vote. As of Tuesday, which was the first day of the new session of Congress, the Republican majority has dwindled to the bare minimum of 218 votes, The New York Times reported. This will make it more difficult for the GOP to advance its agenda.
Pointing To Obamacare, Wyoming High Court Affirms Right To Abortion Care
Wellspring Health Access and others argued that the state’s constitution protects an adult’s right to make their own health care decisions — voter-approved wording intended as a check on the Affordable Care Act. The state would have to add “abortion” to the wording to ensure the legality of any ban.
First Edition: Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Erythritol Found To Wreak Havoc On Blood Vessels, Elevating Stroke Risk
The artificial sweetener is commonly used in diet drinks, low-calorie popsicles, and keto-friendly protein bars, The Baltimore Sun reports. Plus, news about eyelid lifts, digital detox efforts, and more.
Calif. Teachers May Out Kids To Family, Judge Says; Appeals Court Delays Order
“California public schools … are not First Amendment-free zones,” U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez wrote in his ruling. “Religious teachers face an unlawful choice between sacrificing their faith and sacrificing their teaching position.” The state appealed the decision the day it was issued. Other news from around the nation comes from Pennsylvania, Michigan, Maryland, and Connecticut.
Medical Examiners Association Warns Stillbirth Test Akin To Witch Trials
The centuries-old forensic lung float test, in which a baby’s lungs are placed in a jar of water to see if they float (indicating that the baby had taken its first breaths), has long been criticized as junk science. Experts warn the test could be “more dangerous than useful.”
In A First, Pill Version Of Wegovy Goes On Sale Nationwide For $149
The weight loss pill is now available at pharmacies and via telehealth, and drugmaker Novo Nordisk has pledged to keep up with demand. Meanwhile, some lots of injectable Wegovy have been recalled due to contaminants in the prefilled syringe.
Federal Judge Lets HHS Share Some Info On Medicaid Enrollees With ICE
AP points out that the decision limits that data, though, to basic biographical information. Other news is on the 340B drug discount program, expanded cervical cancer screenings, new nutrition guidelines, and more.
CDC Limits Some Childhood Vaccines, Urges Shared Decision-Making
The New York Times reported that immunization against six illnesses — hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal disease, rotavirus, influenza, and RSV — will be recommended only for some high-risk groups or after consultation with a health care provider. The update, made without expert input, was derided by Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who is a doctor from Louisiana, and epidemiologists.
Opinion writers examine these public health issues.
First Edition: Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Children’s Hospital Colorado Pauses Gender Care For Trans Youths, Again
The hospital confirmed the suspension of gender-affirming care for people younger than 18 on Friday, in the wake of a new federal investigation. The previous suspension was in early 2025, when the Trump administration threatened to pull federal funding. More news comes out of Texas, Minnesota, Illinois, North Carolina, and Iowa.
Scientists Find Possible Biomarker That Could Help Diagnose Progressive MS
Researchers from the University of Toronto say the potential biomarker could also help identify the most beneficial medications. Plus: There might soon be medications to help lower levels of lipoprotein(a), a genetic disorder that greatly raises a person’s risk for heart attacks or stroke.
