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
We’d like to speak with personnel from the Department of Health and Human Services or its component agencies about what’s happening within the federal health bureaucracy. Please message us on Signal at (415) 519-8778 or get in touch here.
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.
First Edition: Monday, July 28, 2025
July 28, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Cosmetic Surgeries Led to Disfiguring Injuries, Patients Allege
By Fred Schulte
July 28, 2025
KFF Health News Original
A joint investigation by KFF Health News and NBC News found that cosmetic surgery chains have been the target of scores of medical malpractice and negligence lawsuits, including 12 wrongful death cases.
California Looked to Them To Close Health Disparities, Then It Backpedaled
By Vanessa G. Sánchez
July 28, 2025
KFF Health News Original
A statewide initiative to formalize the role of community health workers and expand their ranks was meant to improve the health of underserved communities, particularly Hispanic populations, who often experience higher rates of chronic illnesses. But years in, California has abandoned a certification program and rescinded public support.
California contrató a trabajadores de salud comunitarios para zanjar desigualdades, ahora da marcha atrás
By Vanessa G. Sánchez
July 28, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Estudios demuestran que el trabajo de las promotoras puede reducir las hospitalizaciones, y las visitas a las salas de emergencias y a las clínicas de urgencias.
Journalists Drill Down How Federal Cuts Will Affect Medicaid, Cancer Research, and Uninsured Rates
July 26, 2025
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News journalists made the rounds on national or local media recently to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Share Your Cosmetic Surgery Story With Us
July 25, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Have you had cosmetic surgery, such as liposuction, a “Mommy Makeover,” a tummy tuck, a Brazilian butt lift, or another type of cosmetic surgery? We’d like to hear about your experience. Tell us here.
Public Health Officials Move To Protect Native Americans Against Measles Outbreak
By Arielle Zionts
July 25, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Get our weekly newsletter, The Week in Brief, featuring a roundup of our original coverage, Fridays at 2 p.m. ET.
Uptick in Human Tularemia Infections Detected In Minnesota
July 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
Five people have been sickened by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which can spread by touching animals that have the disease. More news is on measles, covid, and avian flu.
