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%.
In Blow To Medical Research, Supreme Court Says Trump Can Halt NIH Grants
August 22, 2025
Morning Briefing
The 5-4 ruling lifts a lower court ruling that forced the National Institutes of Health to restore funding for more than 1,700 health research grants. In a searing rebuttal, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson accused her colleagues of making it so that “this administration always wins,” Politico wrote.
Public Health Leaders From 8 States Meet To Discuss Regional Collaboration
August 22, 2025
Morning Briefing
Every New England state except New Hampshire was represented, as well as New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The Boston Globe reported that the meeting was unusual and marked a step toward independence from federal health agencies. Plus: New details about the CDC shooting.
First Edition: Friday, Aug. 22, 2025
August 22, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Native Americans Want To Avoid Past Medicaid Enrollment Snafus as Work Requirements Loom
By Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez
August 22, 2025
KFF Health News Original
As states prepare to implement changes to Medicaid required by President Donald Trump’s recent tax-and-spending law, tribal leaders say they are concerned Native American enrollees could lose their coverage, despite exemptions made by Congress.
The Price Increases That Should Cause Americans More Alarm
By Elisabeth Rosenthal
August 22, 2025
KFF Health News Original
The cost of health insurance is rising faster than the price of eggs or gasoline.
What the Health? From KFF Health News: Happy 60th, Medicare and Medicaid!
August 21, 2025
Podcast
This summer marks the 60th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, the twin government programs that have shaped the health care system into what it is today. In this special episode, KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner interviews two experts on the history, significance, and future of these programs: Medicare historian and University of North Carolina professor Jonathan Oberlander and George Washington University professor emerita Sara Rosenbaum, who has studied Medicaid since nearly its beginning and has helped shape Medicaid policy over the past four decades.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
August 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
