Colorado Gun-Control Bill Would Curb AR-15s, More In Effort To ‘Save Lives’
February 14, 2025
Morning Briefing
The bill — which would ban the manufacture and sale of semiautomatic rifles, shotguns, and pistols — hit a snag overnight, with state senators adding a major concession for people who complete a training course, The Colorado Sun reported. The lead sponsor of the bill, Democratic state Sen. Tom Sullivan, lost his son, Alex, in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting.
Morning Briefing for Friday, February 14, 2025
February 14, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Morning Briefing will not be published Monday, Feb. 17, in celebration of Presidents Day. Look for it again in your inbox Tuesday.
On Same Day RFK Jr. Is Confirmed, La. Says It Will Stop Promoting Vaccines
February 14, 2025
Morning Briefing
Louisiana’s surgeon general said in a memo Thursday that the state would “encourage each patient to discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with their provider” but would “no longer promote mass vaccination” through the news media or at health fairs, The New York Times reported.
RFK Jr. Is Sworn In To Lead HHS Amid A Backdrop Of Budget, Staff Cuts
February 14, 2025
Morning Briefing
Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was also tapped to lead President Donald Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again Commission.” Kennedy plans to focus on the “diseases of isolation” driving chronic diseases, suicide, and depression but may face challenges from cuts and constraints that DOGE has imposed on the agency.
Bulwark Of Courts Blocks Trump’s Health Care Policy Agenda
February 14, 2025
Morning Briefing
Federal judges on Thursday blocked executive orders regarding transgender care, USAID, and birthright citizenship. Also, news outlets examine the fallout of funding cuts, medical research freezes, webpage deletions, and more.
First Edition: Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 ♥
February 14, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: The First Edition will not be published Monday, Feb. 17, in celebration of Presidents Day. Look for it again in your inbox Tuesday.
A Dose of Love: The Winning Health Policy Valentines
Cartooning by Oona Zenda
February 14, 2025
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News shares our favorite reader-submitted health policy valentines. One struck us in the heart and inspired an original cartoon.
As States Mull Medicaid Work Requirements, Two With Experience Scale Back
By Renuka Rayasam Sam Whitehead
February 14, 2025
KFF Health News Original
As Republicans consider adding work requirements to Medicaid, Georgia and Arkansas — two states with experience running such programs — want to scale back the key parts supporters have argued encourage employment and personal responsibility.
What the Health? From KFF Health News: Courts Try To Curb Health Cuts
February 13, 2025
Podcast
Some of the Trump administration’s dramatic funding and policy shifts are facing major pushback for the first time — not from Congress, but from the courts. Federal judges around the country are attempting to pump the brakes on efforts to freeze government spending, shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development, eliminate access to health-related webpages and datasets, and limit grant funding provided by the National Institutes of Health. Meanwhile, Congress is off to a slow start in trying to turn President Donald Trump’s agenda into legislation, although Medicaid is clearly high on the list for potential funding cuts. Shefali Luthra of The 19th, Jessie Hellmann of CQ Roll Call, and Maya Goldman of Axios News join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these topics and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews Mark McClellan, director of the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy and a former health official during the George W. Bush administration, about the impact of cutting funding to research universities.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
Nearly 300 Gun Seekers Blocked Since Michigan Passed Red Flag Law
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
It has been one year since Michigan’s law took effect. It is aimed at preventing mass shootings and domestic violence, among other incidents. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in Alabama has backed a ban on devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns. Other news includes: prison health care, mobile pharmacies, and more.
Vaccine Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Confirmed As Next HHS Secretary
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Senate voted 52-48 along party lines Thursday to appoint him to lead the Health and Human Services Department. Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was the only Republican to vote no. Kennedy, 71, will oversee billions of dollars in health care spending and will have free rein to implement his Make America Healthy Again program.
No. 2 NIH Official Suddenly Resigns As Institutes Face Staff, Funding Cuts
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
Dr. Lawrence A. Tabak did not state why he is abruptly leaving his post. Additional administration news is about the deferred-resignation program, the firing of civil servants, planned protests, an alternate CDC site, and more.
Louisiana Seeks Extradition Of NY Doc Accused Of Shipping Abortion Pills
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill noted that even though New York won’t turn over Dr. Margaret Carpenter to her state, other states to which the doctor travels could comply with the extradition order. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has revised its reproductive health care travel policy.
Flu Season Still To Peak; Experts Say Expect More Illnesses, Deaths To Come
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
California hospitals are struggling to keep up with the influx of flu cases. Meanwhile, it is unclear whether the United States will take part in an international flu vaccine meeting later this month. Other outbreak news is on measles, mpox, and Oropouche virus.
Health Insurance Customers Who Appeal Their Claims Often Win
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Wall Street Journal reports that of the 850 million claims denied annually, less than 1% are appealed. Of that 1%, nearly three-quarters of appeals are approved. Also in the news: Washington Hospital workers avoid a strike; Walgreens explores its options for its health care clinic; and more.
San Francisco Declares Fentanyl State Of Emergency, Plans Crisis Center
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
Mayor Daniel Lurie said the “stabilization center” will open in the Tenderloin neighborhood in April and will offer 24/7 assistance for those with urgent mental health and substance use needs. Other news is on Canada’s newly appointed fentanyl czar and an industrial chemical showing up in the illicit fentanyl supply.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, February 13, 2025
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
The podcast “An Arm and a Leg ” is collecting stories from listeners about what they’ve done to get the prescription drugs they need when facing sticker shock. If you’re interested in contributing, you can learn more and submit your stories here .
Medicaid And SNAP Might Suffer Deep Budget Cuts If GOP Plan Proceeds
February 13, 2025
Morning Briefing
The House Republicans’ plan announced Wednesday outlined $4.5 trillion in cuts over 10 years. It doesn’t specify which programs would be cut, Huffpost reported, but analysts suggested it was clear the cuts would come from social programs that help lower-income populations.
