RFK Jr. Expected To Tie Tylenol Use During Pregnancy With Autism
September 8, 2025
Morning Briefing
A Department of Health and Human Services report, due out this month, will look at other potential causes of autism. It also will explore leucovorin as a means to lessen symptoms, people familiar with the report indicate. Plus, the Autism Science Foundation issues a response.
Trump Defends Covid And Polio Vaccines While Also Defending RFK Jr.
September 8, 2025
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, among some GOP lawmakers, doubts linger over HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Also: the difficulties in getting a covid shot; Florida’s plan to drop school vaccine rules; the nation’s current covid levels; and more.
Walgreens Private Equity Deal May Mean Closures, Threaten Patient Access
September 8, 2025
Morning Briefing
As part of the deal, Walgreens will be split into five privately owned companies, but experts warn that private equity takeovers often mean store closures, reduced staffing, and prescription errors. Sycamore Partners has no background in health care or retail pharmacy. Also, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) warns the buyout may run the company into the ground.
First Edition: Monday, Sept. 8, 2025
September 8, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Researchers Shift Tactics To Tackle Extremism as Public Health Threat
By Taylor Sisk
September 8, 2025
KFF Health News Original
As extremism and radicalization worsen in the United States, a group of researchers is trying out a new approach that addresses the issue as a public health problem.
When I Go, I’m Going Green
By Paula Span
September 8, 2025
KFF Health News Original
In a survey by the National Funeral Directors Association, more than 60% of respondents said they would be interested in exploring green and natural burial alternatives.
Investigadores proponen tratar al extremismo como una amenaza para la salud pública
By Taylor Sisk
September 8, 2025
KFF Health News Original
El año pasado, el Southern Poverty Law Center registró 1.371 grupos extremistas y de odio que están activos en todo el país y que fomentan disturbios.
Cuando deje este mundo, que sea de forma ecológica
By Paula Span
September 8, 2025
KFF Health News Original
En una encuesta, el 60% de las personas dijeron que estarían interesadas en explorar alternativas ecológicas y naturales, para cuando murieran.
Journalists Discuss Fallout of CDC Turmoil and Recap Bitter RFK Senate Hearing
September 6, 2025
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News journalists made the rounds on national and local media recently to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Public Health Experts See More Trouble at CDC as Kennedy Looks To Exert Control
By Stephanie Armour
September 5, 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.
What the Health? From KFF Health News: On Capitol Hill, RFK Defends Firings at CDC
September 5, 2025
Podcast
A combative Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the U.S. secretary of health and human services, appeared before a Senate committee Thursday, defending his firing of the newly confirmed director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as other changes that could limit the availability of vaccines. Meanwhile, Congress has only a few weeks to complete work on annual spending bills to avoid a possible government shutdown and to ward off potentially large increases in premiums for Affordable Care Act health plans. Jessie Hellmann of CQ Roll Call, Sarah Karlin-Smith of Pink Sheet, and Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews KFF Health News’ Tony Leys, who discusses his “Bill of the Month” report about a woman’s unfortunate interaction with a bat — and her even more unfortunate interaction with the bill for her rabies prevention treatment.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
September 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on cancer, birth control, PFAS, heat waves, rats, and more.
Federal Appeals Court Rules Alligator Alcatraz May Stay Open
September 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
The ruling came Thursday, halting a Miami judge’s ruling to break down the Everglades immigration center. Also: U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) is fighting to release a woman with cancer from immigration detention; fear of deportation is putting health and hunger at risk; and more.
Minnesota Judge Dismisses Lawsuit, Keeps Abortion Protections In Place
September 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
The lawsuit, brought by anti-abortion organizations and crisis pregnancy centers, sought to limit abortion access, claiming that the state’s abortion laws are too permissive. Other states in the news: North Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, Wyoming, New Hampshire, and more.
Trump Administration To Distribute Gilead’s New HIV Meds To Millions
September 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
As plans for PEPFAR’s future move forward, up to 2 million people in lower-income countries will receive Gilead Sciences’ HIV prevention drugs. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports how reinstated CDC staff were tasked with dismantling their own departments, including the Division of HIV Prevention.
After Minneapolis Shooting, Feds May Ban Gun Ownership For Trans People
September 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
The discussions focus on whether to classify being transgender as a mental illness, which would disqualify individuals from the right to own guns under existing rules. More mental health news looks at LSD to reduce anxiety, a pill to heal the brain post-stroke, and more.
Morning Briefing for Friday, September 5, 2025
September 5, 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 !
Massachusetts, New York Break With FDA On Covid Vaccine Limitations
September 5, 2025
Morning Briefing
While Massachusetts will mandate insurance coverage for state-recommended shots, New York plans to give pharmacists the authority to offer vaccines to anyone over 3 without a prescription. Plus: Hawaii joins the West Coast Health Alliance; Georgia pumps the breaks on covid shots; and more.