Latest KFF Health News Stories
Questions, Conspiracy Theories Swirl Over Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis
As The Wall Street Journal wonders why Biden’s cancer went undetected, and as President Trump’s allies suggest those in Biden’s circle schemed to conceal the news, health experts explain why the diagnosis might have been missed. Also: colorectal cancer, glioblastoma brain cancer, and more.
WHO Adopts New Pandemic Treaty Without The US
The treaty, which has been in negotiations for more than three years, was adopted in Geneva on Tuesday. One of its main goals is to improve equitable access to vaccines, Stat reported.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Bipartisan Take It Down Act That Bans ‘Revenge Porn’ Becomes Law
It is now illegal to publish or threaten to publish real or AI-generated intimate images of a person without their consent. Tech sites and companies also must take down such images within 48 hours of notice from a victim and try to delete duplicate content.
Medicaid Work Requirements Could Be Instituted In Early 2027
As GOP leadership works to mend internal divisions to get its One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed, President Trump plans to visit Capitol Hill to shore up support. Wall Street’s worries over a burgeoning debt might complicate their efforts, Politico reported.
First Edition: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss these public health topics.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
Today’s stories are on mental health, an in-flight emergency, cancer, organ transplants, and more.
Compounding Pharmacies Again Skirt Crackdown On GLP-1 Knockoffs
As the government tries to end the sale of compound diabetes and weight loss drugs, some drugmakers and telehealth companies are finding new ways to keep them on the shelves by tweaking the dosage or delivery method. Plus, a Rite Aid deal, a UnitedHealth insurance denial, and more.
Novavax’s Covid Jab Wins FDA Backing For People 65 And Older, Those At Risk
In other vaccine news, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has officially ordered placebo testing on new vaccines, a change that experts claim will be costly and — harkening back to polio vaccine trials in the 1950s — unethical. Plus, news about long covid, bird flu, measles, and more.
First Diagnostic Blood Test For Alzheimer’s Cleared By FDA
This new test gives a less-invasive option to aid in diagnosis and makes it more available because patients will not have to wait for a neurologist to start the process. The FDA warns that blood tests are prone to false results. Also: the danger of an undiagnosed ministroke; food recalls; and more.
Authorities Say Alleged Calif. IVF Clinic Bomber Was Critical Of Procreation
Suspect Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, was killed in Saturday’s blast outside the American Reproductive Centers clinic in Palm Springs. Bartkus left behind writings that indicated “anti-pro-life” sentiments and anti-natalist views, law enforcement officials said. Four others were hurt in the attack, but no patients were at the clinic that day. All embryos were saved, the FBI said.
Judge Indefinitely Halts Trump’s Effort To Nix $11B In Public Health Funds
Judge Mary McElroy of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island on Friday extended a temporary restraining order she had issued in April regarding pandemic-era funding. Other Trump administration news is on layoffs, research cuts, the GAO, and more.
After Medicaid Concessions, House GOP Hardliners Let Megabill Advance
The tax bill survived a committee vote Sunday night. It would make Medicaid work requirements happen “as soon as possible,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said. The measure still faces uncertainty as it comes up for votes in the full House and the Senate. Plus, the effects this “big, beautiful bill” would have on health care providers and patients.
Joe Biden And His Family Are Reviewing Cancer Treatment Options
Former President Biden’s office announced Sunday that he has prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. The statement said his cancer is “hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management.” Politicians on both sides of the aisle reached out to send well-wishes.
First Edition: Monday, May 19, 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 enjoy. Today’s selections are on infectious-disease detectives, Powassan virus, the LA wildfires, Pope Leo XIV, and more.
UnitedHealth To End Commissions On Sales Of Medicare Drug Plans
As of now, commissions on renewals will continue to be paid. Also, Leapfrog has served a cease-and-desist after Tenet Healthcare Corp. filed a lawsuit alleging that the safety grades process was bought and paid for. Other news is on upcoding practices in outpatient care, updated industry standards for antibiotic manufacturing, and more.
First-Ever Personalized Gene-Editing Treatment Saves Baby’s Life
The Philadelphia boy was born with a rare genetic disorder called CPS1 deficiency. Half of all babies with the disorder die in the first week, The New York Times notes. Also making news: measles, prion diseases, and night owls.
Editorial writers discuss the following public health topics.
