First Edition: Friday, Feb. 20, 2026
Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news.
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Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Although the findings are not yet accurate enough to predict a patient’s exact trajectory, The Washington Post reports that scientists created a model that could use blood test results to forecast the start of symptoms within a margin of three to four years. Other public health news is on social media, foodborne bacteria, and more.
Months after the Trump administration proposed a withdrawal of federal funds from hospitals providing gender transition treatments to young people, NYU Langone has announced the end of its health program. Advocates are calling for the reinstatement of the program, while hoping the city and state will help fill gaps in care.
More than 20 health systems have joined forces to improve health care access in rural and underserved communities, Modern Healthcare reported.
Although nearly all racial and ethnic groups experienced a downward trend, minority groups had more of a decrease in early prenatal care. The report didn't touch on reasons for the shift in care, but doctors noted access has become challenging as maternity care deserts pop up across the nation.
In changing the longtime standard, administration officials aim to speed up the approval process. Also in the news: domestic production of glyphosate, fluoride in drinking water, and more.
Jay Bhattacharya's acting role gives the Trump administration time to find a permanent replacement for ousted director Jim O'Neill. Plus, Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine application will be reviewed by the FDA after all.
Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers examine these public health issues.
Meanwhile, Prime Healthcare Foundation has acquired Central Maine Healthcare, and Tampa-based Moffitt Cancer Center plans an eastward expansion into Lakeland, Florida.
The Department of Health and Human Services has launched a program to improve meal quality at 20 military bases. Plus: Courts are receiving conflicting answers about the Trump administration's policy on pregnant detainees; the FDA no longer warns against junk autism treatments; and more.
Illinois has spent about $10 million on the program so far, with each dollar spent equating to more than $100 of medical debt erased. Other news from around the nation comes out of Massachusetts, Wyoming, Florida, Connecticut, Hawaii, Michigan, and Maryland.
Researchers examined data from more than 27.8 million Americans. There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, which affects about 57 million people worldwide. Plus: Alzheimer's affects women at an increased rate to men.
The settlement would still need the court's approval. However, it would guarantee a payout for cancer patients and would protect Bayer from higher costs should the Supreme Court rule against it when the case goes in front of justices in April.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz is urging uptake of the MMR shot as the country's measles outbreak shows no signs of ending. He vowed that parents and patients will have access to inoculations and that the government will pick up the tab.
Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
NBC News reports how nationwide nearly 4 million people work as home health or personal care aides. Most of them are women. Another roughly 1.5 million people work as nursing assistants. The pay for these roles is often just above the poverty line and below the national annual median wage.
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