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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 📬 Please note: The Morning Briefing will not be published Monday in celebration of the federal holiday.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.
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.
Cops on Ketamine? Largely Unregulated Mental Health Treatment Faces Hurdles
By Katja Ridderbusch
October 10, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Ketamine, long used as an anesthetic or illegal party drug, is being combined with psychotherapy to treat severe depression and post-traumatic stress — a potential tool for those with high trauma rates, like firefighters and police officers. Yet the drug’s stigma and unregulated marketplace leave first responders in uncharted territory.
KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': Starting To Feel the Shutdown’s Bite
October 9, 2025
Podcast
The government shutdown continues with no end in sight, and while it theoretically should not affect entitlement programs, the lapse of some related authorizations — like for Medicare telehealth programs — is leaving some doctors and patients high and dry. Meanwhile, the FDA quietly approved a new generic abortion pill. Sarah Karlin-Smith of Pink Sheet, Tami Luhby of CNN, and Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss those stories and more. Also, Rovner interviews Sarah Grusin of the National Health Law Program.
A pesar de las protecciones al consumidor, embargan parte del sueldo a trabajadores para saldar deudas médicas
By Rae Ellen Bichell
October 9, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Detrás del cobro de esas deudas hay todo tipo de proveedores médicos: grandes cadenas de salud, hospitales rurales pequeños, grupos de médicos, servicios públicos de ambulancia, entre otros.
Fast-Growing HIV Epidemic Linked To Trend Of Injecting Drug-Laced Blood
October 9, 2025
Morning Briefing
The practice of “bluetoothing” or “flashblooding” has alarmed global public health experts who note that injecting a drug user’s blood for a quick high is risky on many levels. Plus, surgeons perform groundbreaking liver transplants, one in China and another in Atlanta.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
October 9, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, October 9, 2025
October 9, 2025
Morning Briefing
Enter if you dare! 👻 Thanks to everyone who has already submitted a haiku for our annual Halloween contest — we’re “goblin” up your entries! Still working on your fa-boo-lous haiku? Send it to us by 11:59 p.m. ET on Oct. 19. Click here for the rules and how to enter.
CDC Reverses RFK Jr.’s Restrictions On Covid Vaccine For Pregnant Women
October 9, 2025
Morning Briefing
The independent panel of vaccine advisers have softened the previous recommendation, allowing pharmacies to administer the shot to pregnant women and ensuring most insurers cover it. Also, the CDC has postponed this month’s meeting of the Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices.
In Possibly Capping ACA Subsidies, Lawmakers Find Some Wiggle Room
October 9, 2025
Morning Briefing
Some Democrats indicate they are willing to limit Obamacare tax credits, but Republicans remain unwilling to negotiate until the government reopens. Also: tense moments on the Hill between New York lawmakers.
California Is First State To Ban Ultra-Processed Food From School Menus
October 9, 2025
Morning Briefing
On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law AB1264, which calls for eliminating soda, energy drinks, low-nutrient foods, and items high in salt and sugar from school meals. The multistep plan will be complete by 2035.
Amazon To Launch ‘Pharmacy Kiosks’ For One Medical Patients In December
October 9, 2025
Morning Briefing
In other news on prescription drugs, the White House says it won’t put tariffs on generic drugs, and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz tries to reassure MAHA supporters in the wake of the Trump administration’s Pfizer deal.
