Alaskan Doctors Could Be Punished For Giving Kids Gender-Affirming Care
August 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
On Friday, Alaska’s medical board approved draft language for changes to state regulations that would consider any medical or surgical intervention to “treat gender dysphoria or facilitate gender transition” as unprofessional conduct. Other news from across the nation is about mifepristone restrictions, infant mortality rates, and more.
FDA Shift In Drug Approvals Halts Trial Of Second Skin Cancer Drug
August 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
Krystal Biotech has suspended a study of a skin cancer therapy called KB707, citing a shift in the approach toward drug approvals by the regulatory agency.
Morning Briefing for Monday, August 25, 2025
August 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
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Defying CDC Guidance, OB-GYNs Advise Vaccines During Pregnancy
August 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends shots for covid, flu, and RSV. “Vaccines continue to be the best tool available for pregnant patients to protect themselves and their infants from these viruses,” said Steven Fleischman, the group’s president. The HHS chief warned of liability risks if doctors don’t follow official CDC advice.
HHS Aims To Take Union Rights From Thousands Of Federal Health Workers
August 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, 10,000 VA employees are resigning in September. Also, a Wall Street Journal analysis finds that scientists are scrubbing words like “diverse” and “disparities” from federal grant renewals.
Federal Court Blocks Rule That Would Cause 1.8M To Lose ACA Coverage
August 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
On Friday, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland paused several parts of a health insurance exchange enrollment and eligibility rule that was set to take effect today. The court agreed that the plaintiffs, who claim the rule violates the Administrative Procedures Act, had grounds for a preliminary injunction while the case is argued.
Flesh-Eating Screwworm Found In Md. Patient Is First Case Linked To Travel
August 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
The person had traveled to El Salvador. Other outbreak news is on West Nile virus, measles, and covid. Also: air pollution, the impact of heat, and more.
First Edition: Monday, Aug. 25, 2025
August 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
FTC Has Long Said Products Must Back Up Health Claims. A MAHA Lawsuit Would Upend That.
By Arthur Allen
August 25, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Xlear, a maker of xylitol gum, has sued the Federal Trade Commission, saying the onus should be on government to prove that ingredients don’t live up to advertised claims. RFK Jr.’s “medical freedom” allies have rallied to the cause.
As Measles Exploded, Officials in Texas Looked to CDC Scientists. Under Trump, No One Answered.
By Amy Maxmen
August 25, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Trump officials sowed fear and confusion among CDC scientists, slowing their response to the measles outbreak in West Texas. Cases surged and sparked new outbreaks across the U.S. and Mexico. Together, these linked outbreaks have sickened more than 4,500 and killed at least 16 in the U.S. and Mexico.
Kennedy Takes Aim at Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
By Stephanie Armour
August 22, 2025
KFF Health News Original
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Cómo las personas mayores estimulan su cerebro gracias a las nuevas tecnologías
By Paula Span
August 22, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Estudios han comprobado que quienes utilizaban computadoras, teléfonos inteligentes, o Internet presentaban menores índices de deterioro cognitivo o diagnósticos de demencia.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
August 22, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on water cremation, terminal cancer, gender-affirming care, measles, and more.
Planned Parenthood Sues To Retain Medicaid Pay For Non-Abortion Care
August 22, 2025
Morning Briefing
The health care provider is challenging South Carolina Republican Gov. Henry McMaster’s executive order that prohibits Medicaid reimbursements for groups that provide abortions. Meanwhile, Iowa is struggling to find and keep OB-GYNs.
Inspection Finds Contamination At Major Pharmaceutical Plant In Indiana
August 22, 2025
Morning Briefing
The plant — which was acquired last year by Novo Nordisk and has a history of troubled inspections — was cited for having cat hair, pests, and bacteria, a recent FDA inspection showed.
Colorado Funeral Home Accused Of Hiding Decomposing Bodies
August 22, 2025
Morning Briefing
State inspectors said Thursday they had discovered about 20 bodies stashed behind a hidden door at Davis Mortuary in Pueblo. Some of the bodies may have been awaiting cremation for about 15 years, authorities said. In other news, a sixth person has died from Legionnaires’ disease in New York.
Morning Briefing for Friday, August 22, 2025
August 22, 2025
Morning Briefing
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Name-Brand Pharmaceuticals From EU Will Carry 15% Tariff, Per Trade Deal
August 22, 2025
Morning Briefing
The agreement struck between the Trump administration and the European Union, which goes into effect Sept. 1, holds tariffs for generic pharmaceuticals at roughly 2.5%.
