Judge Rebuffs Maine Family Planning’s Plea To Restore Medicaid Funding
August 26, 2025
Morning Briefing
In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Lance Walker says he does not hold sway over “Congress’s power of the purse.” The provider sued after the One Big Beautiful Bill law stripped funding from health care entities that provide abortions.
Survey: Shortage Of Qualified Doctors Expected To Worsen Over Next Decade
August 26, 2025
Morning Briefing
Two-thirds of participants surveyed say there are not enough qualified doctors to fill available positions, in part due to medical school enrollment not keeping up with demand. Qualified applicants for nurse and physician assistant positions are up from the prior three years.
Bipartisan Legislation Aims To Help US Sunscreen Market Catch Up
August 26, 2025
Morning Briefing
Lawmakers from both parties are trying to lower market barriers and catch up with other nations, who have more recently introduced new sunscreen ingredients. In related news, the Independent reports on how sunscreen became the subject of troubling conspiracy theories. Also: the first pig-to-human lung transplant, benefits of the Mediterranean diet, and more.
Higher THC Concentrations Linked To Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Addiction
August 26, 2025
Morning Briefing
Studies looking at therapeutic use linked to cancer showed mixed results in treating anxiety and depression, but over half the nontherapeutic studies showed links to unfavorable outcomes among healthy people. Plus: college students’ mental health; mental health and cellphone use; and more.
Panning MAHA Plan, Farm Action Says It’s ‘A Far Cry From The Bold Promises’
August 26, 2025
Morning Briefing
The watchdog organization supported HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in his plan to make the nation’s food supply healthier but now says his strategy is severely lacking. Plus, the movement’s influence on food makers, MAHA boxes, supplements, birth control, and IVF.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, August 26, 2025
August 26, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Morning Briefing will be on hiatus starting tomorrow, Aug. 27, and will return Tuesday, Sept. 2. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend!
HHS Puts Kibosh On Minority Biomedical Research Support Program
August 26, 2025
Morning Briefing
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says the program, which provided mentorship and lab salaries to up-and-coming scientists, doesn’t align with President Trump’s ban on DEI efforts.
First Edition: Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025
August 26, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Blue States That Sued Kept Most CDC Grants, While Red States Feel Brunt of Trump Clawbacks
By Henry Larweh Rachana Pradhan Rae Ellen Bichell
August 26, 2025
KFF Health News Original
The Trump administration’s cuts of public health funds to state and local health departments had vastly uneven effects depending on the political leanings of where someone lives, a new KFF Health News analysis shows.
An Insurer Agreed To Cover Her Surgery. A Politician’s Nudge Got the Bills Paid.
By Cara Anthony
August 26, 2025
KFF Health News Original
A kindergartner in Missouri needed eye surgery. Her insurer granted approval for her to see a specialist nearby, yet her parents were confused when they still owed more than $13,000. Then her uncle, a former state senator, reached out to a colleague who contacted the hospital and the insurer.
Estos son los aumentos de precios que también deberían preocuparte
By Elisabeth Rosenthal
August 25, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Para muchas personas que tienen planes médicos creados por la Ley de Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio (ACA) —porque trabajan para pequeñas empresas o pagan su propia cobertura— es probable que las tarifas hayan aumentado de forma aún más drástica.
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
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.
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.
