Telltale Signs Of Bird Flu Infection Aren’t Always Evident, Review Finds
October 31, 2025
Morning Briefing
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.
Kennedy Softens Warning On Tylenol; Study Ties Covid In Pregnancy, Autism
October 31, 2025
Morning Briefing
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.
Many States — But Not All — Step Up To Help SNAP Beneficiaries Amid Deadline
October 31, 2025
Morning Briefing
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.
HHS Drafts Plan To Effectively End Trans Care For Youths Nationwide
October 31, 2025
Morning Briefing
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
October 31, 2025
Morning Briefing
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.
First Edition: Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 🎃
October 31, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A Bite, a Bill, and a Bureaucratic Chill in Winning Halloween Haikus
By KFF Health News Staff
Illustrations by Oona Zenda
October 31, 2025
KFF Health News Original
This year’s most spirited Halloween haikus were inspired by tick migration, Medicaid work requirements, and rising copays.
At The Hollow in Florida, the ‘Medical Freedom’ Movement Finds Its Base Camp
By Arthur Allen
October 31, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Florida’s surgeon general, spiritual healers, and Trump allies push their cures in a swampy outpost of anti-government absolutism and mystical belief.
Better Treatments Buoy Multiple-Myeloma Patients, Bound by Research Cuts and Racial Disparities
By Melba Newsome
October 31, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Although racial disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma remain, Black survivors of multiple myeloma say the latest developments in treatment give them hope even as federal research cuts create a grim forecast for cancer research.
What the Health? From KFF Health News: Happy Open Enrollment Eve!
October 30, 2025
Podcast
A standoff in Congress is keeping much of the government shut down as open enrollment begins in most states for Affordable Care Act plans. Democrats are demanding Republicans agree to extend ACA tax credits, but there has been little negotiating — even as customers are learning what they’ll pay for coverage next year. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is telling states they can’t pass their own laws to keep medical debt off consumers’ credit reports. Paige Winfield Cunningham of The Washington Post, Maya Goldman of Axios, and Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss those stories and more.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
October 30, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Judge Quashes DOJ Effort To Acquire Private Patient Information
October 30, 2025
Morning Briefing
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.
Alaska Supreme Court Rethinks Rules On Who Can Perform Abortions
October 30, 2025
Morning Briefing
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.
Viral Infections Drastically Raise Risk Of Heart Disease And Stroke: Study
October 30, 2025
Morning Briefing
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.
Study Links Health Issues Later In Life With Using Cannabis Before Age 15
October 30, 2025
Morning Briefing
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.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, October 30, 2025
October 30, 2025
Morning Briefing
Stay tuned tomorrow as we reveal the big winners of our Halloween health care haiku contest! 🎃 Also tomorrow: Behind on the news? Catch up with our Friday newsletter, The Week in Brief. Sign up here !
Healthcare.gov Unveils Updated Prices; Customers Could Pay Double Next Year
October 30, 2025
Morning Briefing
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.
To Cut Drug Costs, FDA Paves Way For Easier Approval Of Copycat Biologics
October 30, 2025
Morning Briefing
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.
