Latest KFF Health News Stories
Judge Bans White House From Firing Federal Workers During Shutdown
On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston of San Francisco blocked the firings, stating that the labor unions would likely win their claims that the cuts were arbitrary and politically motivated.
First Edition: Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
GLP-1 Drugs Have Rapidly Lowered American Obesity Rates, Survey Shows
According to the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index, the U.S. obesity rate fell from 39.9% in 2022 to 37% in 2025. Plus: Women may need less exercise than men to improve heart health.
Stillbirths In US Occur Far More Often Than Previously Reported, Study Finds
Researchers found that between 2016 and 2022, there was one stillbirth for every 147 births, The Washington Post reported. Worse yet, a significant number of them happened without warning in pregnancies that did not show any previously identified risks.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
Cigna Will Scrub Drug Rebate Models From Some Plans Starting In 2027
As Bloomberg explains, pharmaceutical companies pay the rebates in order to get favorable placement on pharmacy benefit managers’ lists of covered drugs, a practice some have likened to kickbacks. All of Cigna’s Evernorth customers will have access to upfront discounts starting in 2028.
Mental Health Grants For Schools Must Be Restored, Judge Rules
The Trump administration had canceled the grants, claiming they were not awarded based on merit. The judge said the states made a case for real harm from the cuts to the grants meant to help with a shortage of mental health workers in schools. Also, more than 1 million people show suicidal intent each week while talking to chatbots.
As States Prep To Sue Over Food Aid, Some In GOP Seek Separate SNAP Vote
Democrat-led states are petitioning for the government to tap an emergency fund to keep food aid flowing amid the shutdown — after the Trump administration said it would not do that. Meanwhile, a Texas grocer has a plan to help families in need; Connecticut issues emergency relief; and more.
In Pivot, Federal Workers’ Union Calls For Immediate End To Shutdown
The president of the American Federation of Government Employees suggested that negotiations over Democrats’ health care demands should continue only after the government is reopened. Separately, news outlets cover the Obamacare price hikes headed for residents in New Jersey, Illinois, Arizona, and Colorado.
First Edition: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Young People In Corn Belt Are Getting Significantly More Cancer Since 2015
An analysis by The Washington Post found that in the past decade, cancer rates in the six states with the highest corn production are rising more rapidly than in the country as a whole. People aged 15-49 living there have shown a 5% increase in overall cancer rates, with kidney and skin cancer soaring to 35%-65% higher than the national average.
Viewpoints: Annual Open Enrollment Is About Making More Money; New Meds Make Dementia Less Scary
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Texas Doctor Gives Up License After Being Sued For Providing Gender Care
Pediatrician May Lau has decided to move her practice from Dallas to Oregon after being sued last year by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and accused of prescribing testosterone to at least 21 patients, which she denies. More news is from Virginia, California, New Mexico, Maryland, Arizona, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Utah, and Florida.
BJC Health Failed To Alert School District About Shooter, Lawsuit Claims
The family of Jean Kuczka, a teacher slain in the 2022 shooting at CVPA in St. Louis, has filed a wrongful death suit against BJC Health, alleging that it failed to make the school aware of the threat after the shooter told multiple BJC mental health providers that he planned to “shoot up my old high school” in the two months before the attack.
California Ponies Up $140 Million To Preserve Planned Parenthood Clinics
The Golden State is tapping local funds to ensure the organization can maintain reproductive health services after the federal government cut funding. Plus, as Wyoming moves to prevent regulation of crisis pregnancy centers that counsel against abortion, some centers across the states expand medical services.
NIH Installation Of Vance Pal To Lead Environmental Health Sciences Panned
Some fear the elevation of Kyle Walsh to a director’s role — a promotion that didn’t abide by standard procedures — will pave the way for future political appointments. Plus, President Trump issues an all-caps missive about Tylenol, touts his “perfect” MRI findings, and more.
Obamacare Premiums Will Climb 30% On Average Next Year
The news of premium spikes arrives during the prolonged federal government shutdown, which was prompted in part by a fight over the extension of Obamacare subsidies. Higher premiums and a loss of subsidies could mean skyrocketing health care costs for millions. More coverage is on SNAP, WIC, and other impacts of the shutdown.
First Edition: Monday, Oct. 27, 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 nursing careers, baldness, pain management, PMDD, ivermectin, and a pioneering FDA medical officer.
‘A Miracle’: Girl, 12, Who Was Gravely Hurt In Minn. Shooting Leaves Hospital
Sophia Forchas, who was shot in the head, was the most seriously wounded child among those who survived the Aug. 27 attack at the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis, AP reported. Surgeons removed the left half of her skull. On Thursday, she was greeted with cheers after being taken around town in a limousine.
