Latest KFF Health News Stories
Louisiana Becomes Fourth State With No Planned Parenthood Locations
Growing financial and political pressure led to the closures of its Baton Rouge and New Orleans clinics. No abortions were performed at the clinics, which provided other medical care services to nearly 11,000 patients last year, AP reported. Meanwhile, Pope Leo said Tuesday that people who support the death penalty are “not really pro-life.”
Trump Directs Use Of AI For Pioneering Pediatric Cancer Research
The administration also announced that it is doubling the funding for the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative. Separately, the administration has restored most of the research grants it had stripped from UCLA. It also says it’s close to a deal with Harvard University.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
President Unveils ‘TrumpRx’ Site For Discounted Drugs And Deal With Pfizer
Pfizer has agreed to sell its drugs at lower prices to Medicaid patients and also to sell some of its meds on a “TrumpRx” website. The Wall Street Journal looks at how “TrumpRx” might work, while Mark Cuban gives the site a “B.”
Federal Health Workers Await Their Fates As Government Comes To A Halt
The impasse over Affordable Care Act subsidies continues, and there is no sign the shutdown will be over quickly, Politico reported. Two labor unions have sued the Trump administration over its threats to cut thousands of federal workers during the closure.
First Edition: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
Many States Brace For Grim Aftermath If Congress Can’t Make A Deal On ACA
Millions of Americans who buy Obamacare would see their monthly premiums skyrocket. In Georgia, expiring subsidies could cause a loss of $3.7 billion in health sector revenue next year.
West Nile Cases Up; Many People Don’t Know The Right Way To Use Bug Spray
Colorado has more than double the cases of West Nile virus of any other state, the CDC says. But the virus — spread by mosquitoes — is also on the rise in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and elsewhere. Concerningly, most Americans don’t know how to properly apply mosquito repellant, a poll shows.
Opioid Use Disorder Diagnoses Surged Nationwide Between 2021 And 2024
Tennessee had the highest rate, with 1,447 patients diagnosed with opioid use disorder per 100,000, Axios reports. Also in the news: Gabapentin use rises, GLP-1 meds are tied to lower cancer risk, and more.
New Report Shows Notable Decline In Clinical Abortions In First Half Of Year
According to Guttmacher Institute data, the decline is greatest in states with six-week bans as well as states bordering those with full bans. An 8% decline in out-of-state travel for care also was reported.
HHS Moves To Bar Harvard From Receiving Federal Funding, Contracts
The university has 20 days to request a hearing to appeal the decision. Plus, the Trump administration says it will defund a federal government watchdog group. In other news: Trump shared a video promoting cannabis use for seniors.
Impasse Over ACA Subsidies Unresolved As Clock Ticks Down Toward Shutdown
A meeting between President Donald Trump and congressional leaders did not bring the sides closer to a deal on funding the federal government. Meanwhile, Republicans have upped the rhetoric, saying Democrats want free health care for unauthorized immigrants, a claim that is not part of the proposal Democrats put forward. Plus, Trump posts a vulgar, AI-generated deepfake on Truth Social.
First Edition: Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
NC’s Medicaid ‘HOP’ Experiment Nixed; It ‘Saved My Life,’ One Recipient Says
Cancellation of the Healthy Opportunities Pilot, or HOP, has been especially disheartening for residents of Asheville and the surrounding counties, which are still recovering from Hurricane Helene that hit one year ago, The New York Times reported. More stories on Medicaid, SNAP, and hunger are from Maryland, California, Maine, Kansas, and elsewhere.
Viewpoints: What 25 Years Of Mifepristone In The US Has Brought; Actions That Will Lower Drug Costs
Opinion writers discuss these public health issues.
Wyoming Maternity Desert Grows As Another County Stops L&D Services
When Banner Platte County Hospital pauses inpatient labor and delivery services in October, nine Wyoming counties won’t have obstetric care. Other news from around the nation is about an abortion bill in Ohio, Lilly’s fifth ‘gateway’ lab in California, and more.
Summer Covid Surge Is Ebbing, Though ED Visits Are Highest For Kids Under 4
Wastewater sampling shows that the Northeast has the highest level of infections in the U.S. Plus, updates on the 2024-25 flu season, this year’s flu vaccine makeup, various food recalls, and more.
4 Million People May Lose Housing Assistance Under New Trump Plan
ProPublica obtained drafts of unpublished rules that could lead to work requirements, time limits on living in federally supported housing, and more. Other administration news is on visa fees, foreign aid, tariffs, and drug prices.
ACA Subsidies Remain A Sticking Point As Government Shutdown Draws Nigh
Democrats are pressing for the extension of subsidies in the GOP-backed continuing resolution to fund the government. Republicans stand firm in putting off those negotiations until later. Top lawmakers from both parties are set to meet with the president today.
