Latest KFF Health News Stories
FDA Drug Official Steps Down, Is Sued By Drugmaker Over ‘Personal Vendetta’
George Tidmarsh left his post after a former business partner filed a complaint alleging Tidmarsh’s personal animosity, through his actions and public comments, was hurting his company. Tidmarsh denies any wrongdoing. Also: Kimberly-Clark is buying embattled Tylenol maker Kenvu.
Help With Heating Bills, Head Start, AIDS Funding At Peril Amid Shutdown
As millions of Americans await SNAP benefits, states are now warning low-income Americans that the money for energy assistance isn’t available. Plus, it’s ACA enrollment season.
First Edition: Monday, Nov. 3, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to read. Today’s selections are on Napoleon’s army, cancer immunotherapy, memory manipulation, and more.
Telltale Signs Of Bird Flu Infection Aren’t Always Evident, Review Finds
Researchers delve deeper into the perception that human H5N1 infections are apparent and severe. They also examine the likelihood of transmission among people. Also: A listeria outbreak tied to pasta salads claims two more lives; an ill Utah resident refuses a measles test; and more.
Insurers Blame Hospitals’ Use Of AI, ‘Aggressive’ Coding For Price Spikes
Health insurers are ready to fight fire with fire, as they cite the overzealous uses of AI in billing and coding for the surge in claims that are cutting into their profits. Other news looks at a class-action lawsuit by nurses and doctors in Montana, racial disparities in maternal care, and more.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
HHS Drafts Plan To Effectively End Trans Care For Youths Nationwide
The proposal, obtained by NPR, says the Trump administration would halt all Medicaid and Medicare funding for any services at hospitals that provide pediatric gender-affirming care. Other news is on reproductive health care in Maine, homelessness in Utah, asbestos in D.C., and more.
FDA’s Block Of Mifepristone Access Is Unlawful, Federal Judge Rules
U.S. District Judge Jill Otake of Hawaii said in her ruling that the FDA violated the law by failing to provide reasonable scientific justification. She did not seek an immediate elimination of the restrictions.
Many States — But Not All — Step Up To Help SNAP Beneficiaries Amid Deadline
Meanwhile, a federal judge in Boston appeared skeptical of the Trump administration’s decision to suspend food aid until the government spending stalemate is resolved.
Kennedy Softens Warning On Tylenol; Study Ties Covid In Pregnancy, Autism
Health and Human Services chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Wednesday there is not “sufficient” evidence that Tylenol causes autism. Earlier this month, Kennedy had said, “We’re doing the studies to make the proof.” In related news, a study of more than 18,100 births found that children born to mothers infected with covid during pregnancy faced a higher risk of autism.
First Edition: Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 🎃
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Study Links Health Issues Later In Life With Using Cannabis Before Age 15
Researchers found ties between both physical and mental health issues with early cannabis use. Other health and wellness news is on Character.AI, anti-fall technology in assisted living, the benefits of flavanol-rich foods, and food allergy reminders ahead of Halloween.
Alaska Supreme Court Rethinks Rules On Who Can Perform Abortions
Last year, a superior court judge struck down a law that required abortions to be performed only by a doctor licensed by the state medical board, the Anchorage Daily News reported. Other states making news: Ohio, Maine, Florida, Missouri, and California.
Judge Quashes DOJ Effort To Acquire Private Patient Information
Judge Jamal N. Whitehead of Federal District Court in the Western District of Washington ruled the Trump administration overstepped its authority when it sought data from a trans health provider. “When a federal agency issues a subpoena … to intimidate and coerce providers into abandoning lawful medical care, it exceeds its legitimate authority and abuses the judicial process,” he said.
Viral Infections Drastically Raise Risk Of Heart Disease And Stroke: Study
Researchers have zeroed in on inflammation sparked by covid, flu, and shingles as one component that explains why some people face an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease after infection. Plus, a look at how air travel fuels disease spread.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
To Cut Drug Costs, FDA Paves Way For Easier Approval Of Copycat Biologics
The draft framework announced Wednesday lowers the standards that companies need to meet to bring the drugs to market. Also, states try to lower drug prices by regulating PBMs; how the immigration crackdown is affecting elder care; and more.
Healthcare.gov Unveils Updated Prices; Customers Could Pay Double Next Year
Newly posted prices on the federal marketplace show an average premium increase of 26%, but the actual increase will be closer to 114% unless Congress extends Obamacare tax credits, which are at the heart of the ongoing government shutdown. Meanwhile, military families say their refrigerators will be empty after food aid funding runs dry Saturday.
