‘A Miracle’: Girl, 12, Who Was Gravely Hurt In Minn. Shooting Leaves Hospital
October 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
Sophia Forchas, who was shot in the head, was the most seriously wounded child among those who survived the Aug. 27 attack at the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis, AP reported. Surgeons removed the left half of her skull. On Thursday, she was greeted with cheers after being taken around town in a limousine.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
October 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on nursing careers, baldness, pain management, PMDD, ivermectin, and a pioneering FDA medical officer.
NYC Wipes Out $135M In Medical Debt, Easing Burden For 75,000 Residents
October 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
Residents who qualify for this one-time debt relief program will be notified by Undue Medical Debt. Separately, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore decries FEMA’s decision to withhold disaster aid.
Morning Briefing for Friday, October 24, 2025
October 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
Behind on your reading? Catch up on this week's KFF Health News stories with The Week in Brief, delivered every Friday to your inbox. Sign up here !
Furloughed CMS Employees To Return Temporarily For Open Enrollment
October 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
Employees have been furloughed since the government shut down three weeks ago. Meanwhile, federal workers have begun missing paychecks, and Democrats blocked a bill that would have allowed some workers to be paid.
Federal Judge Overturns Protections For Transgender Health Care
October 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Biden-era rule, which barred discrimination against sexual orientation and gender identity in certain health programs and activities, was struck down Wednesday by Judge Louis Guirola Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.
Howard University Hospital In D.C. Could Be Teetering On Edge Of Closure
October 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
The hospital is a lifeline for patients who are heavily reliant on Medicare and Medicaid, The Wall Street Journal reported. But after major cuts in federal funding, “This is a very vulnerable hospital,” said Dr. Andrea Hayes Dixon, senior VP of health affairs at Howard University College of Medicine.
Launch Prices For Some Medications Outpace Inflation, Review Finds
October 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
The cost when new drugs hit the market are up 51% after discounts, Stat reports. Other pharmaceuticals in the news include generic Trikafta, Enbrel, Blenrep, and more.
First Edition: Friday, Oct. 24, 2025
October 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Listen: Amid Shutdown Stalemate, Families Brace for SNAP Cuts and Paycheck Limbo
By Julie Rovner
October 24, 2025
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News chief Washington correspondent Julie Rovner appeared on WAMU’s “Health Hub” to discuss how the government shutdown is affecting food benefits and the help many Americans get to offset their health insurance premiums.
GOP Talking Point Holds ACA Is Haunted by ‘Phantom’ Enrollees, but the Devil’s in the Data
By Victoria Knight
October 24, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Enhanced Affordable Care Act marketplace subsidies have emerged as a flash point in the congressional standoff over the federal government shutdown. Republicans point to what they characterize as increasing amounts of fraud as a reason to hold up the subsidies. But there are two sides to the story.
What the Health? From KFF Health News: Nutrition Programs Face Their Own Shutdown
October 23, 2025
Podcast
Two major nutrition programs — SNAP and WIC — are likely to exhaust their funding in November, and the furloughs and firings at the CDC have left the agency unable to perform some of its major functions. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s new IVF policy is being met with dissatisfaction from both sides. Shefali Luthra of The 19th, Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, and Rachel Roubein of The Washington Post join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss those stories and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews KFF Health News’ Katheryn Houghton, who wrote the latest “Bill of the Month” feature.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
October 23, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Study: Gum Disease Might Be Linked To Poor Heart And Brain Health
October 23, 2025
Morning Briefing
In two studies released Wednesday, both published in Neurology Open Access, researchers found associations between gum disease and damage to the brain’s white matter, as well as inflammation that can lead to atherosclerosis. Add cavities to the mix, and the risk of stroke increases by 86%.
Bird Flu Infections Surging In Poultry And Cattle; Measles Outbreaks Swelling
October 23, 2025
Morning Briefing
With no clear picture of the scope of the U.S. bird flu surge — federal agencies have stopped communicating during the shutdown — state health officials are left to fend for themselves to cope with outbreaks. Meanwhile, Utah, Arizona, and South Carolina are measles hot spots.
Trump Might Replace ACA, Oz Says; 25 States Will Halt SNAP Amid Shutdown
October 23, 2025
Morning Briefing
CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Wednesday that President Donald Trump “has a plan” to redo Obamacare, which is at the heart of the federal shutdown. Oz didn’t offer specifics but said, “There’s all kinds of ideas.” Meanwhile, dozens of states say they don’t have enough funding to run the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program after Nov. 1.
Deportees Recount Horrors Of Hours Spent In ICE’s Full-Body Restraints
October 23, 2025
Morning Briefing
The use of the WRAP — also called “the burrito” or “the bag” — has been criticized as inhumane by deportees and their advocates. Federal lawsuits liken incorrect usage of the device to punishment and even torture, AP reports. Plus, pregnant people decry the care they receive at detention facilities.
