Trump Deals Trans Minors Another Hit, Ends LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Hotline
June 20, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Trevor Project hotline, which has specially trained counselors for high-risk groups, will end July 17. Counselors stressed that anyone can still get help by calling the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Plus: The fallout from this week’s Supreme Court ruling against transgender minors.
CDC Advisers To Discuss MMRV Shots, Thimerosal Preservative In Flu Shots
June 20, 2025
Morning Briefing
Next week’s meeting of the ACIP will offer the public a glimpse of the HHS secretary’s hand-picked panel’s approach to vaccines. Meanwhile, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, has requested an investigation into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s dismissal of all ACIP members.
FDA Green-Lights Gilead Sciences’ Groundbreaking HIV Prevention Drug
June 20, 2025
Morning Briefing
A twice-yearly injection of lenacapavir would offer near-complete protection against the virus, clinical date indicate. More pharmaceutical news is about Dupixent, GLP-1 results, and more.
First Edition: Friday, June 20, 2025
June 20, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Q&A: What Does the Budget Bill Mean for Your Health?
By Julie Rovner
June 20, 2025
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News chief Washington correspondent Julie Rovner answers listeners’ questions about how the “One Big Beautiful Bill” could affect health care in Washington, D.C., and beyond.
With Property Seized and Federal Funding Uncertain, Montana Asbestos Clinic Fights for Its Life
By Aaron Bolton, MTPR
June 20, 2025
KFF Health News Original
The Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby, Montana, closed in May after a court judgment allowing BNSF Railway to seize its assets. Now, the clinic’s federal funding is in jeopardy, too.
Trump Team’s Reworking Delays Billions in Broadband Build-Out
By Sarah Jane Tribble
Updated June 20, 2025
Originally Published June 20, 2025
KFF Health News Original
A Trump administration reworking of a $42 billion broadband expansion program will trigger delays as millions of rural Americans wait for promised connections and the telehealth services they bring.
About 5% Of People With Measles Had All Or Some Vaccine Protection
June 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
Although data from a recent case has not been disclosed, the CDC reports that of the nearly 3% of other infected people who were fully vaccinated, not one was hospitalized. A double dose of the measles vaccine is 97% effective at preventing the disease.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
June 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
FDA Unveils Voucher Program In Effort To Speed Up Drug Review Time
June 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
A new program will let drug developers who are “aligned with U.S. national priorities” submit a portion of their applications at least two months early, allowing the review process to be shaved from 12 months to possibly one or two. Plus, a push for psychedelics for mental health treatment.
‘Feeling A Pinch’: Tariff Uncertainty Wobbles Hospitals’ Purchasing Plans
June 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
Axios points out that the health care supply chain is already difficult to navigate, with some essentials regularly experiencing shortages. Other industry news is on Headspace, Hinge Health, Ascension, and more.
Intercontinental Robotic Telesurgery Treats First Patient In Clinical Trial
June 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
The groundbreaking, FDA-approved trial was undertaken by Dr. Vipul Patel, who performed a prostatectomy from Florida on the patient who was in Angola. In other news, a neurosurgical robot; Andembry approval; and more.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, June 18, 2025
June 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Morning Briefing will not be published Thursday in observance of Juneteenth. Look for it again in your inbox on Friday.
Under GOP Tax Plan, Health Sector Would Take $1 Trillion Hit, CBO Says
June 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
A comprehensive analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and Joint Committee on Taxation looked at the broader economic effects of the proposed tax cuts and concluded the cost would outweigh the benefits. More news is on the reaction to the GOP’s Medicaid cuts.
Fatal Overdoses Rise Nationwide After 17 Months Of Declines
June 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, a judge is asked to clear the way for the next steps in Purdue Pharma’s $7 billion opioid settlement. Also: A brain-dead woman at the center of a battle over Georgia’s abortion ban is set to be removed from life support.
First Edition: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
June 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: KFF Health News’ First Edition will not be published Thursday in observance of Juneteenth. Look for it again in your inbox on Friday.
An Arm and a Leg: The Prescription Drug Playbook, Part I
By Dan Weissmann
June 18, 2025
Podcast
In Part 1 of a two-part series on dealing with the high price of prescription drugs, a father explains the strategies he used to get his daughter the medicine she needs to treat her epilepsy.
Have Job-Based Health Coverage at 65? You May Still Want To Sign Up for Medicare
By Michelle Andrews
June 18, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Patient advocates say they frequently hear from people who thought they didn’t need to sign up for Medicare when they turned 65 because they had group health coverage. That delay sometimes forces people to cover medical expenses themselves.
Nurse Practitioners Critical in Treating Older Adults as Ranks of Geriatricians Shrink
By Jariel Arvin
June 18, 2025
KFF Health News Original
The number of nurse practitioners specializing in geriatrics has more than tripled since 2010.
