Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion 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.
Michigan Child With Measles May Have Exposed ER Visitors As Outbreak Grows
Seven cases are under investigation; all of the people involved were unvaccinated against measles, CBS News reported. The emergency room treatment area of Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital in Ypsilanti was potentially exposed to the virus on March 21.
FDA Approves Hunter Syndrome Drug On Heels Of Similar Drug Rejections
Last month, the FDA rejected a Hunter syndrome gene therapy from Regenxbio over a lack of clinical data. Denali Therapeutics’ drug is a form of enzyme replacement therapy — not a gene therapy — that can enter the brain and slow the cognitive decline affecting two-thirds of patients.
Aetna, Elevance, Humana May Be Sued In Alleged Kickback Scheme, Judge Says
The insurers are accused of paying to have customers directed to their Medicare Advantage plans and of paying brokers to limit sign-ups of people with disabilities. The companies deny any wrongdoing.
Cord Blood Bank Sued By Two States Over Misleading Advertising
The company Cord Blood Registry is being sued by the attorneys general of Texas and Arizona over claims about the medical value of storing newborn cord blood, while charging new parents thousands of dollars. The lawsuits ask CBR to remove the false ads and repay families.
CDC In Leadership Limbo As Trump Misses Deadline To Nominate Director
Jay Bhattacharya will continue to lead the agency while the administration searches for a permanent director. About six contenders are still under consideration, The Washington Post reports. Also, a month after Casey Means’ confirmation hearings, she still has not secured the surgeon general post.
Jury Finds Meta, YouTube Liable In Landmark Social Media Addiction Trial
Jurors ruled that Meta and YouTube were negligent and awarded the plaintiff $6 million in damages. Meanwhile, The New York Times reports on an Irish village making a “phone-free childhood” happen.
First Edition: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Iowa Abortions Drop 22% In 2025, New Data Shows
During the first year of an Iowa law severely restricting abortion, a 22% drop was observed, according to the Guttmacher Institute. Also: Dietary changes may holistically help manage endometriosis.
Isolation Linked To Lower Uptake Of Preventive Care, Higher Death Rates
A lack of social connections has been linked to higher all-cause death rates. Physical and social isolation were also tied to financial difficulty, including food insecurity and problems paying bills.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Belgian Drugmaker UCB To Build Factory Outside Atlanta, Add 330 Jobs
The rapidly growing company will spend $2 billion on the suburban Atlanta plant, marking a major expansion into the U.S. Other industry news is on insulin pricing, doctors’ drug kickbacks, and more.
Experts Worry ‘Hib,’ A Deadly Pediatric Illness, Could Make A Comeback
Pediatricians are expressing alarm that Haemophilus influenzae type b, or Hib, could be making a return as vaccine hesitancy rises. According to MedPage Today, serious cases are being reported in California, New York, Florida, and elsewhere. Also in the news: measles, alpha-gal syndrome, RSV, and more.
Children’s Mental Health Suffered On Meta’s Platforms, N.M. Jury Determines
Jurors in New Mexico concluded that Meta violated parts of the state’s Unfair Practices Act and engaged in “unconscionable” trade practices that compromised children’s safety, the AP reported.
ACIP Vice Chair Resigns After Judge Questions Advisers’ Qualifications
A federal judge said last week that Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices panelists do not have the expertise needed to make vaccine recommendations. Dr. Robert Malone cited “uncompensated labor, incredible hate from many quarters” as some of the reasons for why he quit the panel.
First Edition: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle these public health problems.
Eating Disorder Hospitalizations Fall To Pre-Pandemic Levels
Starting in October 2024, eating disorder-related hospitalizations among 8- to 25-year-olds dropped to about 350 per month, which is on par with the pre-pandemic period. Also: the impact of exercise on Alzheimer’s risk; sleep EEGs to predict dementia; and more.
