First Edition: Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025
October 14, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Why Brittle Bones Aren’t Just a Woman’s Problem
By Paula Span
October 14, 2025
KFF Health News Original
More men are now living long enough to develop osteoporosis. But few are aware of the risk, and fewer still are screened and treated.
California’s Health Insurance Marketplace Braces for Chaos as Shutdown Persists
By Bernard J. Wolfson
October 14, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Jessica Altman, the head of California’s Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplace, warns letters will be sent out this week with sky-high premiums unless Washington extends covid-era enhanced tax credits by then. Even if Congress acts later and rates are lower than feared, she says, shoppers could be scared off.
Listen: Green Goodbyes: Choosing an Eco-Friendly Burial
By Paula Span
October 14, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Environmental and economic concerns prompt some people to explore obsequies options beyond metal caskets and cremation.
Journalists Dig Into Government Shutdown and Rural Doctor Drought
October 11, 2025
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News journalists made the rounds on national media recently to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Trump calificó de “racista” la Ley de Equidad Digital. Ahora, el dinero para que la gente del campo tenga internet ha desaparecido
By Sarah Jane Tribble
October 10, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Políticos, investigadores, bibliotecarios y defensores afirmaron que la desfinanciación de los programas de banda ancha, pone en peligro los esfuerzos para ayudar a los residentes rurales y desfavorecidos a participar en la economía moderna y llevar una vida más saludable.
As Trump Denies Climate Change, At Least 170 Hospitals Face Major Flood Risk
By Brett Kelman
October 10, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Get our weekly newsletter, The Week in Brief, featuring a roundup of our original coverage, Fridays at 2 p.m. ET.
Senators Press Deloitte, Other Contractors on Errors in Medicaid Eligibility Systems
By Rachana Pradhan Samantha Liss
October 10, 2025
KFF Health News Original
As contractors position themselves to cash in on a gush of new business managing Medicaid work requirements, a cadre of senators has launched an inquiry into the companies paid billions to build eligibility systems.
La escasez de enfermeras en California se agrava, y las trabajadoras culpan a los directivos
By Angela Hart
October 10, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Según datos estatales, casi el 60% de los condados de California —que se extienden entre las fronteras con México y Oregon— enfrentan una falta importante de enfermeras.
Missouri Health Officials Sound Alarm As Deaths Climb From West Nile Virus
October 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
At least three people have died this year as the state sees a big rise in cases of the virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes and has no specific treatment or cure.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
October 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to read. Today’s selections are on Alzheimer’s, teen mental health, the effects of U.S. foreign aid cuts, and more.
Kaiser Permanente Lays Off Employees Across California Ahead Of Mass Strike
October 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
The health care provider is eliminating more than 200 positions, mostly in IT and food services, across 15 hospitals and clinics in this latest round of layoffs. Over 30,000 nurses and health professionals will go on strike Tuesday.
Morning Briefing for Friday, October 10, 2025
October 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
Time is running out to enter our terrifyingly terrific Halloween haiku contest! Click here for the rules and how to enter. 👻 Then, catch up on this week's KFF Health News stories with The Week in Brief, delivered every Friday to your inbox. Sign up here! 📬 Please note: The Morning Briefing will not be published Monday in celebration of the federal holiday. We'll return Tuesday.
With No Evidence, RFK Jr. Ties Tylenol Use After Circumcision To Autism
October 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
The health secretary doubled down on his assertion that the over-the-counter pain reliever is problematic, noting, “We’re doing the studies to make the proof.” His claims are resonating with Republican women, a survey has found. Plus, more upheaval at the CDC.
More Military Families Seek Help From Food Pantries As Shutdown Drags On
October 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Armed Services YMCA says its food pantries are busy and running out of food more quickly than normal. Operations in Killeen, Texas, had about a 34% increase in demand, an ASYMCA official said. Making things worse, some U.S. troops won’t get paid next week unless the government intervenes.
In Another Setback For Rural Health, Montana Hospital Halts Maternity Care
October 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Family Maternity Center at Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, Montana, will close today. There is only one other hospital in the city. Plus: A judge upholds North Dakota’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors.
High Court’s Medical Malpractice Case Pits State Laws Against Federal Laws
October 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
The lawsuit now in front of the Supreme Court was previously thrown out in Delaware for failure to comply with affidavit filing rules. The question now is what to do when state laws conflict with federal rules. Also in the news: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Humana, Aetna, and more.
First Edition: Friday, Oct. 10, 2025
October 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: KFF Health News’ First Edition will not be published Monday in observance of the federal holiday. Look for it again in your inbox Tuesday.
Trump Called Digital Equity Act ‘Racist.’ Now Internet Money for Rural Americans Is Gone.
By Sarah Jane Tribble
October 10, 2025
KFF Health News Original
President Donald Trump called the Digital Equity Act unconstitutional, racist, and illegal. Then the $2.75 billion program for rural and underserved communities to gain internet access disappeared.
