NIH To Cut The Number Of Research Grants It Awards Due To Trump Policy
July 29, 2025
Morning Briefing
Stat reports that the cutback plan applies to the remaining two months of the fiscal year, but unless Congress acts, it will continue into the new fiscal year beginning in October. News also covers the impact of federal budget cuts on mental health resources.
Police Find Note From NYC Gunman About CTE: ‘Study My Brain Please’
July 29, 2025
Morning Briefing
The 27-year-old man fatally shot himself in the chest after opening fire in a Midtown Manhattan office tower Monday, killing four people. The National Football League has offices in the tower.
HHS Chief Intends To Restructure Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
July 29, 2025
Morning Briefing
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote on X that the program is not “quickly and fairly compensating vaccine-injured individuals.” He said he is working with Attorney General Pam Bondi to make changes.
FDA Set To Unveil Next Steps Against Dangerous Synthetic Kratom
July 29, 2025
Morning Briefing
HHS stated that the target is a synthetic substance called 7-OH, which is different from the all-natural kratom powder. These synthetic products create an opioid-like effect in the user and can be easily purchased in gas stations, convenience stores, and online.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, July 29, 2025
July 29, 2025
Morning Briefing
No matter which app you’re into, KFF Health News has you covered: Follow along on Instagram , TikTok , Bluesky , X , Facebook , and LinkedIn as we break down health care headlines and policy.
Premiums For Medicare Part D Will Increase ‘A Lot’ After Trump Cuts
July 29, 2025
Morning Briefing
The administration, which is set to cut the subsidy for the drug benefit program by 40%, says it will negotiate with insurers to ease the financial strain to the millions of seniors on the plan. Plus, U.S. drugmakers are looking at billions of dollars in expenses with President Donald Trump’s tariff deal with the EU.
Medicaid Funding Restored To Planned Parenthood Clinics Nationwide
July 29, 2025
Morning Briefing
A federal judge ruled that the GOP budget reconciliation law that made Planned Parenthood ineligible for Medicaid reimbursements is discriminatory. Plus, the story of the world’s most premature baby.
First Edition: Tuesday, July 29, 2025
July 29, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A Brain-Dead Pregnant Woman Was Kept Alive in Georgia. It’s Unclear if State Law Required It.
By Jess Mador, WABE
July 29, 2025
KFF Health News Original
The anti-abortion movement is rallying around new laws that establish fetal “personhood.” Doctors are scrambling to adjust, but even conservatives don’t always agree on how such laws should be applied.
Lawfully Present Immigrants Help Stabilize ACA Plans. Why Does the GOP Want Them Out?
By Bernard J. Wolfson
July 29, 2025
KFF Health News Original
The GOP’s tax and spending law and a new rule by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will make it harder to enroll in Affordable Care Act health plans, will raise consumers’ out-of-pocket costs, and could prompt younger, healthier people, including lawfully present immigrants who will lose financial aid, to drop coverage.
Mission Hospital Looks To NC Supreme Court In 3-Year Expansion Fight
July 28, 2025
Morning Briefing
In 2022, Florida-based nonprofit AdventHealth won out over HCA Healthcare-owned Mission Hospital in a battle for 67 acute-care hospital beds to serve western North Carolina, but the fight continues. Other health industry news is on unregulated care homes, ED wait times, and more.
Study Links Leaded Gas Pollution To Cognitive Decline 50 Years Later
July 28, 2025
Morning Briefing
Exposure to places with high atmospheric lead levels is tied to an approximately 20% increase in memory problems. More news is on liver disease, Alzheimer’s, a salmonella outbreak, and more.
Scientists Find Alternative To Amniocentesis For Stem Cell Collection
July 28, 2025
Morning Briefing
Researchers have discovered a new way to successfully collect amniotic fluid and stem cells directly during vaginal deliveries. Plus, Rush University System for Health is offering an innovative blood test to patients in hopes of detecting cancer early.
Morning Briefing for Monday, July 28, 2025
July 28, 2025
Morning Briefing
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RFK Jr.’s Plan To Remove Preventive Health Panelists Rebuked By AMA
July 28, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Health and Human Services chief reportedly considers all seasoned volunteers on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force too “woke.” The panel issues recommendations for preventive services that insurers must cover at no cost to patients. The American Medical Association contends the nonpartisan panel’s work must continue uninterrupted.
Medicaid Cuts And Work Rules Will Be Catastrophic, Hospital Group CEO Says
July 28, 2025
Morning Briefing
Dr. Bruce Siegel, CEO and president of America’s Essential Hospitals, says the cuts will upend safety-net hospitals. Also: Medicaid cuts will hurt family caregivers; Medicare savings programs are now under threat; and more.
Tennessee School District Won’t Accept Doctor’s Notes For Absences
July 28, 2025
Morning Briefing
Lawrence County Director of Schools Michael Adkins stated that the change in policy is due to chronic absenteeism, and that a doctor’s note will no longer suffice. Other states making news: Oklahoma, Kansas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Oregon, Maryland, and California.
Pediatrics Academy Stands Firm In Opposing Nonmedical Vax Exemptions
July 28, 2025
Morning Briefing
The American Academy of Pediatrics maintains that schools and day cares must require proof of vaccinations for children to attend. Just five states have laws that accept only medical exemptions. Meanwhile, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. repeats false vaccine claims at a meeting with governors.
