Latest KFF Health News Stories
Doctors Implore AMA To Challenge Trump’s Health Agenda More Strongly
Cuts to Medicaid and NIH, along with trade tariffs, will make it harder to give Americans the kind and quality of care they need, doctors argue. “Quiet advocacy is insufficient,” one AMA member said.
As Measles Cases Close In On 30-Year High, WHO Warns US Must Act Now
With 1,168 confirmed cases across 33 states — more than four times as many cases as last year — the country is at risk of losing its disease-elimination status. U.S. leaders must focus on vaccine efforts to prevent it from becoming endemic, the WHO’s vaccine director says.
Viewpoints: Medicaid Work Requirements Will Create Chaos, And Cuts Will Lead To Excess Deaths
Opinion writers discuss Medicaid and other topics.
4 Members Of CDC Vaccine Advisory Panel Get Termination Notices
Stat reports that the panel, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, has been a target of health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Other vaccine-related news is on covid vaccine recommendations, “medical freedom,” and more.
First Edition: Monday, June 9, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to spend some time with over the long weekend. Today’s selections are on infant testing, cancer, ultra-processed foods, and consumer health.
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
Denver ER Visits, Overdoses Drop Thanks To Mental Health Program
Denver’s THRIVE program, which aims to help those experiencing homelessness and addiction, has also helped to decrease jail bookings. Other news from around the nation comes from North Carolina, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, Florida, and Illinois.
AMA To Allow AI Startup Access To Medical Journals’ Content In New Deal
The AI search tool allows clinicians to input patients’ clinical presentations and receive relevant academic articles from medical journals. This is the second deal the AI startup, OpenEvidence, has brokered this year with medical publications. Plus: “ghost networks;” the No Surprises Act; and more.
Gilead Pins Its Hopes On Breakthrough Twice-Yearly HIV Prevention Shot
The Wall Street Journal reports on the expected FDA approval of lenacapavir and what it might mean for Gilead’s future in the market. Other coverage of science and research-related news is on a mini-heart breakthrough at Stanford; a potential link between semaglutides and age-related macular degeneration; the prevalence of aggressive fatty liver disease; and more.
Four States Petition FDA To Remove Mifepristone Restrictions
The petition, filed by Massachusetts, New York, California, and New Jersey, aims to compel the FDA to recognize that mifepristone is safe and effective. More reproductive health news includes GLP-1 drugs and birth control; IVF; antibiotics during pregnancy; gut microbiota; menopause; and more.
Once Off Limits, Medicare Cuts Now In The Mix As Senate Works On Tax Bill
Desperate to find savings in President Donald Trump’s budget bill, Senate Republicans are opening the door to changes to Medicare — which they previously indicated would not be a part of the legislation. Changes to target “waste and fraud” in private Medicare Advantage plans are high on the list. Meanwhile, news outlets also report cuts to Medicaid and the ACA are under consideration.
From FDA To USAID, Trump Team Races To Bring Back Fired Workers
A Washington Post review found recent messy re-hirings at agencies including the Food and Drug Administration, the State Department, and others. “It feels like it was all just a game to them,” one rehired FDA staffer said. Separately, questions are swirling about the CDC’s leadership.
First Edition: Friday, June 6, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Texas Hospital Faulted For Denying Care To Woman With Life-Threatening Pregnancy
A federal inquiry determined a Texas facility violated the law when it did not provide care for Kyleigh Thurman’s ectopic pregnancy, AP reports. Other states in the news include California, Texas, and Florida.
Mangione’s Diary Details Lead-Up To CEO’s Slaying, Prosecutors Contend
Court filings give insight into why shooting suspect Louis Mangione might have targeted the UnitedHealthcare executive: “It checks every box.” In other news: Hospital construction trends include AI; Novo Nordisk is playing catch-up to Eli Lilly in the weight loss drug race; and more.
Scientists Might Have Found A Way To Eradicate HIV From The Body
Australian researchers have found a way to lure the virus out of the body’s white blood cells, where it usually hides, using mRNA technology. Also: DNA testing to select embryos with longer life expectancy might be possible; maternal obesity affects childhood infection rates; and more.
Valley Fever Much More Prevalent In The US Than Previously Thought
A study looked at data models and national surveillance reports for 2019, estimating that the true number of cases is likely 10 to 18 times higher than those reported. Other news is on the measles outbreak and tracking systems, and a ground beef recall.
VA Spending Bill Boosts Budget For Vets To See Private Docs By 50%
Military.com reports that the House Appropriations Committee’s fiscal 2026 VA spending bill would allocate about $453 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs — an $83 billion increase over this year. However, only 4% would be slated for medical care. Other news from Capitol Hill is on an FDA program that brings nonprescription drugs to market, PEPFAR funds, and more.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
