Latest KFF Health News Stories
Minnesota Residents ‘Holding Off’ On Medical Care In Order To Avoid ICE
Also: More older adults are protesting in California; geriatricians say it can be beneficial to their health. Other news from around the nation comes from Maryland, Florida, Oregon, and Illinois.
Pig Kidney Recipient Gets A Human Organ, Making Transplant History
Doctors and scientists have been able to fine-tune treatment for future xenotransplant patients after guiding New Hampshire patient Tim Andrews through an experimental pig kidney transplant that his body rejected months later but that bought him time while waiting for a human kidney match.
Future Of Abortion Rights In Virginia Will Be Decided By Voters
A proposed constitutional amendment protecting reproductive rights cleared the Virginia General Assembly last week. The issue will go before voters in November. Virginia currently allows abortion through the second trimester of pregnancy.
Phantom Exchange Enrollees May Haunt Health Insurers As Sign-Ups End
Some insurers are still seeing enrollees who were automatically enrolled when their previous carrier left the market, and they are not counting on them paying their premiums. Early evidence suggests that more exchange enrollees than usual will not keep their plans this year. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump focuses blame on insurance companies for rising health care costs.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
As Vaccinations Dip, Experts Warn That Few ERs Can Fully Care For Sick Kids
Only about 17% of hospitals met standards for high pediatric readiness in a 2024 national study of almost 5,000 emergency departments, Axios reported. In related news, the United States is on the cusp of losing its measles elimination status.
Maternal Acetaminophen Use Does Not Increase Autism Risk, Review Confirms
Acetaminophen remains “the first-line treatment that we would recommend if the pregnant women have pain or fever in pregnancy,” said Dr. Asma Khalil, the lead author of the study. Other MAHA news looks at fluoridated water, whole milk, and more.
First Edition: Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
14 Psychiatric Disorders Have Genetic Similarities, Large Study Finds
The new study suggests that many disorders may not need to be treated as distinct illnesses, as they involve similar genes. Scientists believe this could lead to better treatment for millions of psychiatric patients. Other news discusses Lyme disease, measles, avian flu, and more.
NY Hospitals Woo Replacement Nurses With $9,000-A-Week Pay During Strike
As the New York City nurses’ strike enters its fifth day, Continuum Health Center is offering to pay travel nurses nearly three times the average salary typically offered by New York hospitals. As of Thursday evening, only one of the three hospital systems affected by the walkout has returned to the negotiating table, but no resolution has been reached.
Viewpoints: Debunking The Most Stubborn Vaccine Myths; ChatGPT Shouldn’t Lead AI Health Care
Opinion writers examine these public health issues.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on psilocybin, bigorexia, eating disorders, the stigma of HIV in dating, and a new autistic Barbie.
HHS Studying Cellphone Effects On Health — After Deleting Data On Safety
“The FDA removed webpages with old conclusions about cellphone radiation while HHS undertakes a study on electromagnetic radiation and health research,” HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon said. Plus, the updated dietary guidelines are drawing scrutiny.
Democrats Threaten Federal Shutdown Over ICE Raids, Minnesota Shooting
The Hill reported that Democratic lawmakers in both houses of Congress are vowing to oppose funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless the legislation includes tougher rules governing the conduct of ICE officers. The deadline for the next shutdown is Jan. 30.
ACA Enrollment Ends In Most States; Dems Push To Keep No-Premium Plans
Republicans argue that zero-dollar premiums invite fraud, while Democrats warn that higher premiums will lead lower-income enrollees to drop coverage.
Trump’s ‘Great Healthcare Plan’ Skirts Issue Of Skyrocketing Obamacare Costs
The president’s initiative, which would need a nod from Congress, does not include estimates of what the plan would cost or save the federal government. Experts noted the plan does not help people facing higher ACA premiums or help people with preexisting conditions.
First Edition: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: The First Edition will not be published Monday in observance of MLK Day. Look for it again in your inbox Tuesday.
Editorial writers discuss 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.
US Sees Roughly 21% Decline In Drug Overdose Deaths, CDC Data Reveal
All but five states — Arizona, New Mexico, Hawaii, Kansas, and North Dakota — reported fewer fatal outcomes tied to drug overdoses from August 2024 to August 2025, data indicate. Other lifestyle and wellness news looks at social media use among children, text-to-therapy tech, recalls, and more.
