State Department Plans To End PEPFAR As We Know It, Documents Show
July 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
The New York Times says it has obtained planning documents detailing major changes for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. The program would morph from one that provides medicines to prevent the global spread of HIV to one that focuses on the detection of outbreaks such as Ebola and the creation of new markets for American drugs, the documents say. A State Department spokeswoman said the report had not been finalized.
EPA Aims To Bring Back Herbicide That Was Twice Banned By Federal Courts
July 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Environmental Protection Agency announced on Wednesday its plans to reregister the herbicide dicamba. Other environmental news is on the “boiling frog effect” of extreme climate events, FEMA flood aid in Maryland and Texas, and more.
Some GOP Senators Hope To Extend ACA Subsidies In Next Health Bill
July 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
The broader Republican caucus isn’t focused on the subsidies, however, with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., saying simply that “it’s on the radar.” Other legislation in the news is about private health care for veterans and foreign aid.
Researchers Are One Step Closer To A Universal Cancer Vaccine
July 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
University of Florida’s Dr. Elias Sayour says the vaccine would work by “waking the immune system up against something that looks dangerous, and then that response spills over to recognize and reject the tumor.” Plus: a breakthrough in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
First Edition: Thursday, July 24, 2025
July 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Tribal Health Officials Work To Fill Vaccination Gaps as Measles Outbreak Spreads
By Arielle Zionts
July 24, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Native American tribes and health organizations are hosting clinics and calling patients to counteract low measles vaccination rates and limited access to health care as the disease spreads across the country.
Watch: What Are Medicaid Work Requirements?
By Renuka Rayasam
July 24, 2025
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News’ Renuka Rayasam breaks down what you need to know about Medicaid work requirements.
Humana Plans Outpatient Prior Authorization Requirement Cuts
July 23, 2025
Morning Briefing
In line with its aim to provide decisions within one business day on at least 95% of prior authorizations by next year, Humana will cut a third of its prior authorization requirements. It will also launch a gold card, rewarding prescribers with a strong approval track record by waiving requirements for select items and procedures.
Investigators Say Deadly Massachusetts Assisted-Living Fire Was Accidental
July 23, 2025
Morning Briefing
The fire killed 10 people at Gabriel House in Fall River. Investigators say the fire was caused by either someone smoking or an electrical issue. Other states making news: Florida, Missouri, New York, Texas, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, and more.
Republicans Eye Medicare Advantage Rule Changes, But Maybe Not Just Yet
July 23, 2025
Morning Briefing
At a subcommittee hearing, lawmakers expressed a willingness to legislate prior authorization and “upcoding” practices used by insurers. It’s not clear when they might take action in light of a packed health policy agenda in the wake of passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Popular Reusable Period Products Found To Contain ‘Forever Chemicals’
July 23, 2025
Morning Briefing
A study of 59 reusable hygiene products — including period underwear, menstrual cups, and reusable incontinence items — detected toxic PFAS, researchers report. Separately, a Tennessee judge ruled the state’s ban on advising minors about out-of-state abortions violates First Amendment rights.
Trans Women Must Now Compete In US Men’s Olympic Competitions
July 23, 2025
Morning Briefing
On Monday, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee changed eligibility rules to bar transgender women from women’s competitions, falling in line with President Donald Trump’s executive order. Also: an effort to erase NCAA trans athlete records.
Study: Your Brain Likely Shrank During Pandemic, Even If You Didn’t Get Sick
July 23, 2025
Morning Briefing
A study showed brain shrinkage consistent with up to 5.5 months of accelerated aging. It is not yet clear whether the structural changes will lead to cognitive deficits. Also in the news: a link between alcohol withdrawal syndrome and surgery complications; digital tools to help asthma; and more.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, July 23, 2025
July 23, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each month, KFF Health News’ Rural Dispatch newsletter covers health issues in places where accessing care can be more challenging. Check out our Montana, Colorado, and Georgia newsletters, too. Sign up here!
Labor Department Aims To Do Away With Over 60 Workplace Regulations
July 23, 2025
Morning Briefing
These regulations — such as minimum wage requirements, limiting exposure to harmful substances, and lighting at construction sites and mines — will impact workplace safety.
First Edition: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
July 23, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Republicans Call Medicaid Rife With Fraudsters. This Man Sees No Choice but To Break the Rules.
By Katheryn Houghton
Illustration by Oona Zenda
July 23, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Congressional Republicans successfully pushed to add hurdles to qualify for Medicaid by saying they would eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse. This is the story of a Montana man who explains why he said he is breaking the rules to keep his health insurance and his job.
States Pass Privacy Laws To Protect Brain Data Collected by Devices
By Kate Ruder
July 23, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Colorado, California, and Montana have passed neural data privacy laws meant to prevent the exploitation of brain information collected by consumer products.
