Morning Briefing: Today's News Summaries Thursday, Feb 5 2026 UPDATED 9:30 AM ++++++ + +

Morning Briefing: Today's News Summaries Thursday, Feb 5 2026 UPDATED 9:30 AM Senate Efforts To Revive ACA Subsidies 'Effectively Over,' Snubbing Millions The roughly 20 million Americans who lost the enhanced Obamacare tax credits at the end of 2025 are contending with higher health insurance premiums. Negotiators couldn't find common ground on how to handle abortion coverage. Plus, how insurers are hoping to cash in on the premium spike. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/senate-efforts-to-revive-aca-subsidies-effectively-over-snubbing-millions/ Study Dispels Long-Held Notion That Autism Afflicts More Boys Than Girls A study based on data from millions of people found that it's not that fewer girls and women have autism but instead that they aren't diagnosed until later in life. Also: A study on leucovorin as a treatment for autism has been retracted; the FDA has withdrawn a webpage that warned about dangerous autism treatments; and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/study-dispels-long-held-notion-that-autism-afflicts-more-boys-than-girls/ Blaze Destroys Part Of Pa. Hospital; 77 Patients Flee To Safety In Frigid Temps Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City appeared to sustain major damage Wednesday night as firefighters worked into Thursday in single-digit temperatures to put out hot spots. The orthopedic section of the building appeared to be "a total loss," an emergency official said. The Times-Tribune of nearby Scranton reported that any closure of the hospital would only worsen the strained local health care landscape. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/blaze-destroys-part-of-pa-hospital-77-patients-flee-to-safety-in-frigid-temps/ Several Fall Ill In Las Vegas Airbnb, An Alleged Bio Lab Linked To Federal Case Police found a “possible biological laboratory,” including “refrigerators with vials containing unknown liquids.” Two people became very ill after being exposed to the area. The federal case involves the alleged manufacturing and distributing of misbranded medical devices at a warehouse in California. More news is from Idaho, Utah, Texas, Louisiana, and New York. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/several-fall-ill-in-las-vegas-airbnb-an-alleged-bio-lab-linked-to-federal-case/ Just Weeks After Launch, Wegovy Pill Sees High US Demand Novo Nordisk says that more than 170,000 Americans are taking its new GLP-1 pill. Related news is on GLP-1 drugs' impact on heart failure events in diabetes patients; the intersection between obesity drugs and eating disorders; and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/just-weeks-after-launch-new-wegovy-pill-sees-high-us-demand/ Wildfire Pollution Linked To 24,100 Deaths A Year In The US, Study Shows The researchers looked at the deaths linked to chronic exposure to fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, which is the main concern from wildfire smoke. Also: A global study suggests nearly 40% of cancer cases are linked to preventable risk factors; pregnancy and breastfeeding may be connected to stronger long-term cognitive health; and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/wildfire-pollution-linked-to-24100-us-deaths-a-year-study-shows/ Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/research-roundup-the-latest-science-discoveries-and-breakthroughs-54/ Viewpoints: Medically Assisted Suicide Needs More Barriers; What Does The Pro-Life Future Look Like Now? https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-medically-assisted-suicide-needs-more-barriers-what-does-the-pro-life-future-look-like-now/