Amid Tariff Threats, Lilly Vows To Make New Weight Loss Pill In US
April 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, Stat reports that in Ireland — a global pharmaceutical hub — potential U.S. tariffs are raising concerns. Also in the news: Novo Nordisk, PBM legislation in statehouses, same-day prescription deliveries, and more.
Medical Journals Accused Of Left Tilt, Told To Verify Publication Standards
April 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
Interim U.S. attorney Edward Martin Jr. sent letters to three journals demanding details about how research articles are selected and the role the NIH plays “in the development of submitted articles.” Meanwhile, as Harvard researchers and others grapple with lost funding, France woos U.S. scientists.
Federal Websites Amplify Lab Leak Theory Of How Covid-19 Started
April 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
Two sites — Covid.gov, which offered information about the virus, and Covidtests.gov, where people could order tests — now promote the Trump administration’s view on the “true origins” of the virus.
Trump Administration Asks For Ideas To Boost Birth Rate
April 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
The administration is trying to incentivize women to have more children through scholarships, “baby bonuses,” or a “National Medal of Motherhood,” The New York Times reports. In other news, recent CDC cuts may exacerbate reproductive disparities; expectant and new mothers are struggling to access their military insurance Tricare; and more.
NIH Research Funding Cuts Could Negatively Impact Physician Shortage
April 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
Clinicians have not yet been affected by hiring freezes, but layoffs may lead to limits on physician training and fewer doctors in the long term. Other news is on strategies to curb nursing shortages; clinical documentation AI tools; and more.
Colorado Sees 90% Rise In Unhoused Population Since 2020
April 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
A report calls into question whether a “housing first” or “work first” approach is better, as Colorado becomes the state with the fourth-largest increase in unhoused individuals since 2020. Meanwhile, Vermont — the state that saw the greatest rise in unhoused population — introduces a bill to end motel shelter vouchers.
Supreme Court Hears ‘Crucial’ Case Today On Free Preventive Health Care
April 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
The lawsuit, Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, could have far-reaching consequences for the health coverage of tens of millions of Americans. A ruling is expected in June.
First Edition: Monday, April 21, 2025
April 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
California Halts Medical Parole, Sends Several Critically Ill Patients Back to Prison
By Don Thompson
April 21, 2025
KFF Health News Original
California has unilaterally halted a court-ordered medical parole program. Instead, it’s sending its most incapacitated prisoners back to state lockups or releasing them early. The change is drawing protests from attorneys representing prisoners and the author of the medical parole law, who argue prisoners’ health may be compromised.
Why Cameras Are Popping Up in Eldercare Facilities
By Paula Span
April 21, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Roughly 20 states now have laws permitting families to place cameras in the rooms of loved ones. Facility operators are often opposed.
On Autism, Kennedy Turns Against Science and Reality
By Tarena Lofton
April 18, 2025
KFF Health News Original
During his first news conference as Health and Human Services secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on April 16 ticked off things he thinks kids with autism will never do, including paying taxes, holding a job, and going on a date. Kennedy’s comments go against science and reality.
‘MAHA’ Faithful Impatient With RFK Jr. as He Leads Trump’s HHS
By Stephanie Armour
April 18, 2025
KFF Health News Original
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Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
April 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on surgical items left in patients, Alzheimer’s, polio, meth, and more.
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Doesn’t Cover Catholic Employers, Judge Rules
April 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
Specifically, faith-based employers don’t have to comply with the portion of the EEOC rule that says accommodations must be made for workers seeking abortion and fertility care, U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor ruled. Separately, a study has found that Google’s AI churns out anti-abortion summaries in three states.
Potential Link Between Seed Oils And Breast Cancer, Study Shows
April 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
The study, conducted by Weill Cornell Medicine, showed the linoleic acid found in seed oils promoted growth of triple-negative breast cancer tumors in mice, Fortune Well reported. Also: hearing loss may impact dementia more than was previously thought; scientists don’t know how to treat the increase in eating disorders; and more.
CDC Layoffs Quash Plans To Help Curb Measles Spread in Texas Schools
April 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
The CDC’s National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was mostly eliminated earlier this month. They help assess hospitals’ air systems in the case of outbreaks and would have expanded to do the same in schools. Plus: Measles has spread to Montana.
House Committee Investigates Health Care Union’s Funds Management
April 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
A recent Politico investigation alleged that 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East President George Gresham for years used the organization’s funds to benefit himself, his family, and political allies. Gresham has “refuted” the claims. Others in the news include: Semler Scientific, Morgan Stanley, UnitedHealth, and more.
Morning Briefing for Friday, April 18, 2025
April 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
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