Latest KFF Health News Stories
Bipartisan Legislation Aims To Help US Sunscreen Market Catch Up
Lawmakers from both parties are trying to lower market barriers and catch up with other nations, who have more recently introduced new sunscreen ingredients. In related news, the Independent reports on how sunscreen became the subject of troubling conspiracy theories. Also: the first pig-to-human lung transplant, benefits of the Mediterranean diet, and more.
Judge Rebuffs Maine Family Planning’s Plea To Restore Medicaid Funding
In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Lance Walker says he does not hold sway over “Congress’s power of the purse.” The provider sued after the One Big Beautiful Bill law stripped funding from health care entities that provide abortions.
Survey: Shortage Of Qualified Doctors Expected To Worsen Over Next Decade
Two-thirds of participants surveyed say there are not enough qualified doctors to fill available positions, in part due to medical school enrollment not keeping up with demand. Qualified applicants for nurse and physician assistant positions are up from the prior three years.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Panning MAHA Plan, Farm Action Says It’s ‘A Far Cry From The Bold Promises’
The watchdog organization supported HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in his plan to make the nation’s food supply healthier but now says his strategy is severely lacking. Plus, the movement’s influence on food makers, MAHA boxes, supplements, birth control, and IVF.
HHS Puts Kibosh On Minority Biomedical Research Support Program
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says the program, which provided mentorship and lab salaries to up-and-coming scientists, doesn’t align with President Trump’s ban on DEI efforts.
First Edition: Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Note to readers: The First Edition will be on hiatus starting tomorrow, Aug. 27, and will return Tuesday, Sept. 2. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend!
Alaskan Doctors Could Be Punished For Giving Kids Gender-Affirming Care
On Friday, Alaska’s medical board approved draft language for changes to state regulations that would consider any medical or surgical intervention to “treat gender dysphoria or facilitate gender transition” as unprofessional conduct. Other news from across the nation is about mifepristone restrictions, infant mortality rates, and more.
FDA Shift In Drug Approvals Halts Trial Of Second Skin Cancer Drug
Krystal Biotech has suspended a study of a skin cancer therapy called KB707, citing a shift in the approach toward drug approvals by the regulatory agency.
Opinion writers examine these public health issues.
Flesh-Eating Screwworm Found In Md. Patient Is First Case Linked To Travel
The person had traveled to El Salvador. Other outbreak news is on West Nile virus, measles, and covid. Also: air pollution, the impact of heat, and more.
Federal Court Blocks Rule That Would Cause 1.8M To Lose ACA Coverage
On Friday, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland paused several parts of a health insurance exchange enrollment and eligibility rule that was set to take effect today. The court agreed that the plaintiffs, who claim the rule violates the Administrative Procedures Act, had grounds for a preliminary injunction while the case is argued.
HHS Aims To Take Union Rights From Thousands Of Federal Health Workers
Meanwhile, 10,000 VA employees are resigning in September. Also, a Wall Street Journal analysis finds that scientists are scrubbing words like “diverse” and “disparities” from federal grant renewals.
Defying CDC Guidance, OB-GYNs Advise Vaccines During Pregnancy
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends shots for covid, flu, and RSV. “Vaccines continue to be the best tool available for pregnant patients to protect themselves and their infants from these viruses,” said Steven Fleischman, the group’s president. The HHS chief warned of liability risks if doctors don’t follow official CDC advice.
First Edition: Monday, Aug. 25, 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 water cremation, terminal cancer, gender-affirming care, measles, and more.
Colorado Funeral Home Accused Of Hiding Decomposing Bodies
State inspectors said Thursday they had discovered about 20 bodies stashed behind a hidden door at Davis Mortuary in Pueblo. Some of the bodies may have been awaiting cremation for about 15 years, authorities said. In other news, a sixth person has died from Legionnaires’ disease in New York.
Inspection Finds Contamination At Major Pharmaceutical Plant In Indiana
The plant — which was acquired last year by Novo Nordisk and has a history of troubled inspections — was cited for having cat hair, pests, and bacteria, a recent FDA inspection showed.
Planned Parenthood Sues To Retain Medicaid Pay For Non-Abortion Care
The health care provider is challenging South Carolina Republican Gov. Henry McMaster’s executive order that prohibits Medicaid reimbursements for groups that provide abortions. Meanwhile, Iowa is struggling to find and keep OB-GYNs.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
