Latest KFF Health News Stories
White House Tells 40 States To Nix LGBTQ+ Topics From Sex Ed
States were told they have 60 days to change the lessons or they risk losing federal funding, AP reported. Other health news is from Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Delaware, Florida, and Nevada.
Studies: Beta-Blockers Are Ineffective — And Also Dangerous For Some
The drugs have been shown to have no benefit for the majority of patients. Also, researchers found an increased risk of death in some women, according to lead author Dr. Borja Ibáñez, scientific director for Madrid’s National Center for Cardiovascular Investigation.
Congress Divided Over Strategy To Avoid Federal Government Shutdown
Republicans will need Democrats’ support to clear the filibuster threshold in the Senate. Meanwhile, Democrats are still angry at the White House’s move to cut nearly $5 billion in foreign aid without congressional approval. More news is on veterans’ health care.
Top Vaccine Panel To Meet This Month To Debate Covid Shots, Others
But Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) has asked that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices postpone its meeting until “serious allegations … about the meeting agenda, membership, and lack of scientific process” can be investigated. Plus, more about the limitations on the covid vaccine.
Viewpoints: Unprecedented Damage Being Done To The CDC; Childhood Vaccines May Be On Chopping Block
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
Trump Calls On Drug Companies For Vaccine Data Amid CDC Shake-Up
In the first public recognition of the upheaval at the CDC, President Donald Trump has demanded that pharmaceutical companies share their covid vaccine data with the public as a means to “clear up this mess.” Also, CDC resignations, a new acting CDC head, and more.
Medicare To Test Prior Authorizations In 6 States As Part Of A Pilot Program
The program will use AI to review cases, which some experts say could lead to inappropriate denials of care. Also in the news: more on prior authorization, Medicare Advantage, the impact of Medicaid cuts on maternity care, aging alone, and more.
First Edition: Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Higher THC Concentrations Linked To Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Addiction
Studies looking at therapeutic use linked to cancer showed mixed results in treating anxiety and depression, but over half the nontherapeutic studies showed links to unfavorable outcomes among healthy people. Plus: college students’ mental health; mental health and cellphone use; and more.
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.
