Elizabeth Holmes’ Blood-Testing Fraud Conviction Upheld By Appeals Court
February 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
She claimed that her company, Theranos, could run accurate and fast tests from blood drawn from a finger prick. She was convicted of fraud in 2022, and the ruling was upheld Monday by a federal appeals court. Also in the news: hospital security, UnitedHealth, Pfizer, BGR Group, and more.
Missourians With Disabilities Receive Inadequate Care, State Records Show
February 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
From 2017 through 2023, 2,682 people with developmental disabilities died in Missouri state care, the River City Journalism Fund reported. Also in state news: a cancer cluster is found in Texas; North Carolina will get four more mental health crisis centers; and more.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, February 25, 2025
February 25, 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.
Many Laid-Off FDA Workers Brought Back, While VA Fires 1,400 More
February 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
The FDA has reportedly reinstated dozens of staffers who were let go and are involved with food and medical device safety. The VA has let go of 2,400 employees this month. Also in the news: FDA’s “healthy” label rule, NIH grant funding, and more.
Supreme Court Rejects Challenges To Abortion Clinic Buffer Zones
February 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
The decision not to hear an appeal from abortion opponents lets a law stand that allows local governments to create demonstration-free areas around health care facilities. More abortion news comes from Washington, Wyoming, and Oklahoma.
High Court To Hear ACA Case In April; House Votes Today On Medicaid Cuts
February 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
In a surprising twist, the Trump administration said it will continue the Biden White House’s defense of the requirement that insurers cover certain preventive services, The Hill reported. Meanwhile, the House will vote today on a budget blueprint that proposes $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid.
First Edition: Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025
February 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
With RFK Jr. in Charge, Supplement Makers See Chance To Cash In
By Arthur Allen
February 25, 2025
KFF Health News Original
The FDA is already limited in policing claims of health benefits by makers of supplements and herbal remedies — a $70 billion industry. Get ready for even less regulation.
Opioid Cash Grab: As Federal Funding Dries Up, States Turn to Settlement Money
By Aneri Pattani
February 25, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Nevada’s budget debate highlights how uncertainty over funding for federal safety net programs may lead some officials to turn to opioid settlement dollars to make up the difference.
Hospital Staff Injured, Police Officer Killed In Pennsylvania Shooting
February 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
The attack happened Saturday when an armed man entered UPMC Memorial Hospital and took several staffers hostage in the ICU unit. The incident ended in a shootout that resulted in the death of a police officer and the alleged assailant. Also in the news: A.I. legislation; rural health care accessibility woes; and more.
As Texas Measles Outbreak Spreads, Warnings Issued At Tourist Hot Spot
February 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
Nearly 100 people have been sickened in outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. Texas officials report that someone with measles traveled to the busy San Antonio River Walk, among other places. Plus: The Mennonite community at the center of the outbreak.
FDA: Ozempic, Wegovy Shortage Is Over
February 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
The shortages were declared in August 2022. Meanwhile, Axios reports on how makers of copycat weight loss drugs are preparing for a crackdown. In medical tech and pharma news: a pacemaker recall, the world’s smallest pacemaker, a ban on “forever chemicals” in France, and more.
Some FDA Inspectors, Other Workers Reinstated With Far Less Ballyhoo
February 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Trump administration is bringing back employees let go in mass firings. Those workers reviewed medical and infection-control devices, among others. Meanwhile, USAID and other agencies experience terminations, and the White House has reversed cuts to the 9/11 health program.
Concerns Grow Over New Bat Coronavirus Identified In China
February 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
Although much less powerful than SARS-CoV-2, the HKU5-CoV-2 virus’s ability to infect humans has raised alarm over the potential of another pandemic, Fox News reports. Other outbreaks in the news include bird flu, seasonal flu, listeria, and more.
New Hampshire Medicaid Recipients May Be Required To Pay Premiums
February 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte proposed the changes last week in her budget address. Also in the news: Montana, Iowa, Texas, Maryland, and South Carolina.
First Edition: Monday, Feb. 24, 2025
February 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Qué es el Proyecto 2025, una hoja de ruta para las medidas de salud de Trump
By Stephanie Armour
February 24, 2025
KFF Health News Original
La rápida adopción de muchos de los objetivos del Proyecto 2025 indica que los seguidores de Trump han planeado durante años acciones sobre el sistema nacional de salud.
Trump Froze Out Project 2025 in His Campaign. Now Its Blueprint Is His Health Care Playbook.
By Stephanie Armour
February 24, 2025
KFF Health News Original
During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump distanced himself from the conservative governing plan after Democratic attacks. But now it’s increasingly viewed as a blueprint for his administration’s plans for federal health programs.
