Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Although Still A Threat, Mpox Isn’t A Global Health Emergency, WHO Says
The Africa CDC did not lower its public health emergency status for mpox. Plus, the Democratic Republic of Congo is under strain to contain Ebola and other diseases after the U.S. cut aid. Other U.S. health threats are about bird flu, N meningitidis conjunctivitis, salmonella, and listeria.
Missouri Attorney General, Who Is Against Abortion Rights, Heads To FBI
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who used his office to attack reproductive rights, was named an FBI co-deputy director, NPR reports. Also: Justice Amy Coney Barrett defends overturning Roe.
Texas Parental Consent Law Leaves School Nurses In Limbo Over Care
The Texas Tribune reports that although the new law urges “common sense,” some nurses are concerned about violating the law if they provide basic care, like offering bandages, without a parent’s approval. Other news comes from Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Michigan, and more.
Leaked Documents Imply Meta Hid Kids’ Safety Risks In VR Apps, Devices
Meta publicly committed to making child safety a top priority across its platforms, but internal documents recently disclosed to Congress include guidance from Meta’s legal team on how researchers should handle sensitive topics that risked bad press, lawsuits, or action by regulators. The company has vehemently denied the accusations. Plus: chronic pain, hearing loss, cancer, and more.
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
Walgreens Private Equity Deal May Mean Closures, Threaten Patient Access
As part of the deal, Walgreens will be split into five privately owned companies, but experts warn that private equity takeovers often mean store closures, reduced staffing, and prescription errors. Sycamore Partners has no background in health care or retail pharmacy. Also, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) warns the buyout may run the company into the ground.
Trump Defends Covid And Polio Vaccines While Also Defending RFK Jr.
Meanwhile, among some GOP lawmakers, doubts linger over HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Also: the difficulties in getting a covid shot; Florida’s plan to drop school vaccine rules; the nation’s current covid levels; and more.
RFK Jr. Expected To Tie Tylenol Use During Pregnancy With Autism
A Department of Health and Human Services report, due out this month, will look at other potential causes of autism. It also will explore leucovorin as a means to lessen symptoms, people familiar with the report indicate. Plus, the Autism Science Foundation issues a response.
First Edition: Monday, Sept. 8, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues and others.
Minnesota Judge Dismisses Lawsuit, Keeps Abortion Protections In Place
The lawsuit, brought by anti-abortion organizations and crisis pregnancy centers, sought to limit abortion access, claiming that the state’s abortion laws are too permissive. Other states in the news: North Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, Wyoming, New Hampshire, and more.
After Minneapolis Shooting, Feds May Ban Gun Ownership For Trans People
The discussions focus on whether to classify being transgender as a mental illness, which would disqualify individuals from the right to own guns under existing rules. More mental health news looks at LSD to reduce anxiety, a pill to heal the brain post-stroke, and more.
Federal Appeals Court Rules Alligator Alcatraz May Stay Open
The ruling came Thursday, halting a Miami judge’s ruling to break down the Everglades immigration center. Also: U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) is fighting to release a woman with cancer from immigration detention; fear of deportation is putting health and hunger at risk; and more.
Trump Administration To Distribute Gilead’s New HIV Meds To Millions
As plans for PEPFAR’s future move forward, up to 2 million people in lower-income countries will receive Gilead Sciences’ HIV prevention drugs. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports how reinstated CDC staff were tasked with dismantling their own departments, including the Division of HIV Prevention.
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 cancer, birth control, PFAS, heat waves, rats, and more.
HHS Broadens Catastrophic Coverage Eligibility On ACA Exchange
Starting Nov. 1, Affordable Care Act participants who don’t qualify for the advanced subsidies or cost-sharing reductions may apply for a hardship exemption. In other news: ACA insurers might need to revise 2026 prices; companies and their employees are looking at higher health care costs; and more.
Massachusetts, New York Break With FDA On Covid Vaccine Limitations
While Massachusetts will mandate insurance coverage for state-recommended shots, New York plans to give pharmacists the authority to offer vaccines to anyone over 3 without a prescription. Plus: Hawaii joins the West Coast Health Alliance; Georgia pumps the breaks on covid shots; and more.
RFK Jr. Grilled Over CDC Shake-Up, Vaccine Confusion, Abortion Pill Access
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. struck a defiant tone as senators — Democrat and Republican — pressed him for answers about the direction he is taking the department. “If we’re going to make America healthy again, we can’t allow public health to be undermined,” said John Barrasso, R-Wyo. Kennedy indicated more upheaval is to come. Plus, looks at claims made during the hearing.
First Edition: Friday, Sept. 5, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
