Latest KFF Health News Stories
In an interview with CBS News, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said it might be a “better thing” if fewer youths received that shot. He also said insurance would still cover the vaccine, but the decision to vaccinate a child must be made in consultation with a doctor. Plus: Two young children have died from flu complications in Boston.
Opinion writers delve into these public health issues.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Trump And Policymakers Should Work To Ensure Big Families, Group Says
The conservative Heritage Foundation calls for policies that implement tax credits for bigger families and that “commit to protecting life from fertilization.” The group’s report also discusses alimony, online dating, and climate change. Plus, the president’s take on the ICE shooting in Minneapolis.
Bipartisan Coalition Pushes The House Forward On ACA Subsidies Extension
Nine House Republicans joined Democrats in forcing a vote on a three-year extension of the tax credits, bucking GOP leadership. A vote is slated to take place Thursday. Meanwhile, zero-dollar premiums appear to be a sticking point in discussions on the Senate side.
Red Meat, Full-Fat Dairy Get Top Billing In Updated Dietary Guidelines
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s guidance still encourages people to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as limit sugar intake. Americans also are advised to consume less alcohol, but unlike previous guidance, no clear limits are indicated.
First Edition: Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
FDA Introduces New Rules For Wearables And AI-Enabled Devices
The agency announced Tuesday that it is reducing oversight of digital health products. Commissioner Marty Makary unveiled the news in a speech at the Consumer Electronics Show. Also: Utah is allowing AI to prescribe medications; telehealth reimbursement is in limbo; and more.
HHS Halts $10B In Child Care, Family Aid To 5 States Over Fraud Allegations
The Democratic-led states — California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York — were notified by Health and Human Services that they’ll need to provide extra documentation to access the funds. Other news comes from Texas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Utah, and Louisiana.
Upcoming US Dietary Guidelines Might Reduce Added Sugar, Increase Protein
The guidelines are updated roughly every five years by the Health and Human Services and Agriculture departments, and the latest update is due to be officially unveiled later this week.
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
CDC’s New Childhood Vaccine Guidance Gets Pushback From West Coast States
The West Coast Health Alliance — which includes California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii — will continue to recommend the childhood vaccination schedule endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Colorado has also opted to keep the old schedule.
House To Take Procedural Vote On ACA Today; GOP’s Grip On Congress Slips
The so-called discharge petition allows 218 or more rank-and-file members to sidestep the speaker and force a vote. As of Tuesday, which was the first day of the new session of Congress, the Republican majority has dwindled to the bare minimum of 218 votes, The New York Times reported. This will make it more difficult for the GOP to advance its agenda.
Pointing To Obamacare, Wyoming High Court Affirms Right To Abortion Care
Wellspring Health Access and others argued that the state’s constitution protects an adult’s right to make their own health care decisions — voter-approved wording intended as a check on the Affordable Care Act. The state would have to add “abortion” to the wording to ensure the legality of any ban.
First Edition: Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Erythritol Found To Wreak Havoc On Blood Vessels, Elevating Stroke Risk
The artificial sweetener is commonly used in diet drinks, low-calorie popsicles, and keto-friendly protein bars, The Baltimore Sun reports. Plus, news about eyelid lifts, digital detox efforts, and more.
Calif. Teachers May Out Kids To Family, Judge Says; Appeals Court Delays Order
“California public schools … are not First Amendment-free zones,” U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez wrote in his ruling. “Religious teachers face an unlawful choice between sacrificing their faith and sacrificing their teaching position.” The state appealed the decision the day it was issued. Other news from around the nation comes from Pennsylvania, Michigan, Maryland, and Connecticut.
Medical Examiners Association Warns Stillbirth Test Akin To Witch Trials
The centuries-old forensic lung float test, in which a baby’s lungs are placed in a jar of water to see if they float (indicating that the baby had taken its first breaths), has long been criticized as junk science. Experts warn the test could be “more dangerous than useful.”
In A First, Pill Version Of Wegovy Goes On Sale Nationwide For $149
The weight loss pill is now available at pharmacies and via telehealth, and drugmaker Novo Nordisk has pledged to keep up with demand. Meanwhile, some lots of injectable Wegovy have been recalled due to contaminants in the prefilled syringe.
