Latest KFF Health News Stories
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Order To Restore Prior Vaccine Policy Leaves 20 States, Clinicians In Limbo
The CDC has not updated its guidance on the childhood vaccine schedule, putting the states that signed onto Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s pared-down recommendations in a tough spot. The ruling also inadvertently blocks the use of a free monoclonal antibody that protects against RSV.
In A First, Smoking Rates Fell Below 10%; CDC Missed It Due To Cuts
Only 9.9% of U.S. adults reported smoking cigarettes in 2024 — a historic low — down from 10.8% in 2023. But federal cuts put an end to the CDC’s Office of Smoking and Health last year, leaving them short on experts to analyze the data they had collected.
Study Links PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ To Decreased Bone Density In Kids
Researchers found that the chemicals, particularly PFOA, may interfere with children developing their full potential for bone density, possibly raising the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life. Also: Eating more ultra-processed foods raises the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and dying from heart disease.
Bill Targeting ‘Forever Chemicals’ Awaits Wisconsin Governor’s Signature
On Tuesday, Wisconsin’s Legislature sent the $133 million package to Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, who has said he will sign it.
Health Care Workers Might Get Relief From Trump’s $100K H-1B Visa Fee
The bipartisan Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act, intended to stem the clinician shortage, also would restrict other fees beyond what is stipulated in immigration law. Plus, President Trump has been mostly mum about his housing affordability proposal that is stalled in Congress.
VA Worker Hospitalized After Shooting At Outpatient Clinic In Rural Georgia
The injuries suffered by the unidentified employee, as well as their condition, are unclear. USA Today reported that police officers killed the shooter after confronting them at the clinic in Jasper, about 60 miles north of downtown Atlanta.
First Edition: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Writers examine these public health issues and others.
Raw Cheddar Tied To California E. Coli Outbreak, But Dairy Declines A Recall
The FDA has said that Raw Farm cheddar is the likely source of an outbreak that has sickened at least five in California, one in Florida, and one in Texas. Other public health news is on vitamin D3 supplements, blood pressure guidelines, and more.
Marijuana Doesn’t Help Mental Health Conditions, Analyses Find
Two new reviews published Monday in the Lancet Psychiatry journal looked at data from 54 randomized controlled trials and found no evidence that any form of cannabis is effective in treating anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. About 27% of people between 16 and 65 in the U.S. and Canada have used marijuana for medical purposes, with about half being for mental health purposes.
NYC Reports Case Of ‘Life-Threatening’ Clade I Mpox That Spreads By Touching
The patient, who recently traveled internationally, tested positive for mpox clade I, which presents with more severe symptoms and can be fatal. It is spread through direct or close contact, “not over longer distances by respiratory spread,” a medical analyst told Fox News Digital.
People Taking GLP-1s Might Be Forced To Delay Certain Medical Procedures
In a trial, some patients who took their GLP-1 drug while prepping for an endoscopy were found to have “clinically significant” content in their stomachs. Researchers suggested that patients should be advised to hold at least one dose of the medication or to reschedule the procedure in order to avoid the risks of aspiration or unplanned intubation.
Thousands Of Kaiser Nurses Join Strike Over Use Of AI In Mental Health Care
The one-day strike, slated for Wednesday, will see participation from the National Union of Health Care Workers and the California Nurses Association. Kaiser Permanente maintains that the unions are misrepresenting its push for AI inclusion, saying, “Many AI tools have the potential to help our clinicians spend more time focused on serving our members and patients.”
RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Policies Put On Hold; Judge Says Government Overstepped
Judge Brian E. Murphy said that the government skirted the long-standing practice of following “a method scientific in nature” when it revised the childhood vaccine schedule and that it acted improperly when it remade the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
First Edition: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: American Health Is Declining Under RFK Jr.; Congress Can’t Let Medicare Miss Innovations
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
New Pennsylvania Hospital Offers Care To Northern Maryland Patients
The “small-format” hospital will offer 24/7 emergency care and will alleviate transport times. Other states making news: Iowa, California, Georgia, Colorado, Virginia, and elsewhere.
Google Quietly Nixes AI Search Feature That Gave Health Tips From Strangers
A Google spokesperson confirmed to The Guardian that the “What People Suggest” feature had been dropped. Also in health industry news: Illinois’ Prime Healthcare, Vanderbilt Health, Stryker, and more.
