Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
NY Health System, Union Strike Deal To Bypass Insurers, Reduce Red Tape
Members of the 32BJ Health Fund will receive more favorable pricing from the nonprofit Northwell Health system, which will become the preferred provider. This strategy bypasses an insurer’s role in administering the plan. Plus, the latest on the Brown University shooting.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Will Pay $15M To Settle Case Over Flawed Data
Dana-Farber has admitted that scientists, working under inadequate supervision, used federal grant money to conduct research that led to papers with duplicated or manipulated images, Stat reported. But the agreement doesn’t include an admission of intentional fraud, Stat noted.
Opinion writers tackle these public health topics.
FDA Will Put Brain Tumor Warning On Depo-Provera Birth Control Shot
Pfizer, which makes the shot, is fighting a lawsuit from more than 1,000 women who claim the company knew about the risk of meningiomas but failed to warn patients. Meanwhile, former Vice President Mike Pence’s organization Advancing American Freedom has called for HHS Secretary RFK Jr.’s removal from office over his refusal to review the abortion pill mifepristone.
Dismantling Of USAID In Bangladesh Has Led To Surge In Child Prostitution
The sudden funding cuts in multiple countries forced the closure of thousands of schools and child protection programs. Without them, AP reported, many children as young as 10 have been forced into unwanted marriages and manual labor, and girls as young as 12 have been forced into prostitution.
CDC Makes It Official, Drops Hep B Shot Recommendation For Newborns
Babies whose mothers test positive for the virus, or whose status is unknown, should still get the birth dose, the CDC says, but others may delay the first shot until the child is at least 2 months old. However, doctors and hospital systems are likely to continue following the decades-old policy.
House To Vote On Gender-Affirming Care For Kids, Including Penalties
The two bills up for a vote include one that would criminalize providing certain gender-affirming procedures or medications, and one that would prohibit Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care, Axios reports. Also: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) blocks a vote on ACA subsidies.
First Edition: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Ohio Pediatricians Claim They Were Fired After Raising Safety Concerns
The two Cleveland pediatricians claim they were fired after alerting the hospital leaders to understaffing, vaccine shortages, and lab work delays. They have filed a lawsuit for wrongful termination and defamation. Also: Rural health care workers juggle multiple roles; and more.
FDA Green-Lights Libido-Enhancing Drug For Postmenopausal Women
The drug, Addyi, was first approved a decade ago for premenopausal women but comes with some unpleasant side effects. Also: a warning to retailers about tainted formula, a lawsuit over paraquat and Parkinson’s, and more.
RFK Jr. Calls For Changes As Childhood Vaccine Injuries Group Preps To Meet
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expressed a desire to add autism to the program. More vaccine news covers covid, long covid, measles, and avian flu in cattle.
Viewpoints: Both Parties Get Health Care Wrong; Dropping Hep B Birth Dose Has Dangerous Consequences
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
VA Rolls Out Plan To Restructure Veterans Health Administration
The department intends to reduce “duplicative management layers,” and says VA medical centers and clinics will retain their staffing levels. Veterans Affairs also will eliminate 25,000 unfilled jobs. Other administration news looks at disability rights lawyers, dietary supplements, saturated fats, and more.
Trump Order Classifies Fentanyl As Weapon Of Mass Destruction
The decree gives the administration additional tools to target countries, cartels, and organizations that are connected to the manufacturing and distribution of fentanyl, The Hill reported. Experts pushed back on the new designation, with one noting it “is about looking like you’re doing something rather than actually doing something.”
Senators Buoyed By Talks On ACA But Say Solution Not Likely By End Of 2025
The framework of a bipartisan deal could come about by the end of the week, The Hill reported. Even so, January was targeted as a realistic time frame, senators cautioned. The current enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies will expire Dec. 31.
First Edition: Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Tanning Bed Use Causes Significant Skin Cell Damage, Study Finds
The Northwestern Medicine study showed that tanning bed use not only increases skin cancer risk but also damages skin cell DNA. The study was prompted by recurrent melanoma in a high number of women under 50. Also: cervical, ovarian, and breast cancer; mental health; and gun violence.
Viewpoints: Employers Can Ensure Fair Access To GLP-1s; Testosterone Won’t Stop Aging Or Menopause
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
GAO Report Indicates FDA Rarely Pulls Defective Medical Devices Off Market
The Government Accountability Office’s new report says the FDA’s understaffing means it has difficulty ensuring companies are taking critical steps to protect patients.
