What the Health? From KFF Health News: Can Congress Reconcile Trump’s Wishes With Medicaid’s Needs?
April 24, 2025
Podcast
When Congress returns next week, it will be writing a budget reconciliation bill that’s expected to cut taxes but also make deep cuts to Medicaid. But at least some Republicans are concerned about cutting a program that aids so many of their constituents. Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet, Tami Luhby of CNN, and Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss this story and more. Also, Rovner interviews KFF Health News’ Rae Ellen Bichell about her story on how care for transgender minors is changing in Colorado.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
April 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
A Road Map For Other Hospitals: UPMC Shares Xylazine Treatment Playbook
April 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer also referred to as the “zombie drug,” is sometimes found mixed with illegal opioid drugs and has “gruesome” side effects. Other pharma news is on quitting vaping, legal battles over weight loss drugs, and more.
Crozer Health Diverts Patients As Owner’s Closure Plans Get Approved
April 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
A day after a federal bankruptcy judge approved Prospect Medical Holdings’ plans, Crozer Health hospitals began sending emergency patients to other hospitals. Crozer has provided EMS support for 50% of the calls in Delaware County, and now longer wait times and greater distances are expected.
Prominent Abortion Doctor Retires, Shutters Colorado Clinic After 50 Years
April 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
Dr. Warren Hern, who provided late-term abortions for women “in the worst moments of their lives” and who faced constant threats, opened his private clinic in 1975. More news comes from Texas, Florida, New York, and California.
Measles Case Near Dallas Is First In An Urban Area During Current Outbreak
April 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
A middle school student north of Dallas has tested positive. Meanwhile, Illinois has confirmed its first case in the state. Plus: A study in mice shows that covid is still contagious a week or more after the mouse has died; a single dose of Xofluza cuts down on household transmission of flu; and more.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, April 24, 2025
April 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
Behind on your reading? Catch up on this week's KFF Health News stories with The Week in Brief, delivered every Friday to your inbox. Sign up here !
988 Suicide Hotline For LGBTQ+ Youth Is Vulnerable To Trump Budget Cuts
April 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
The proposed plan to defund the crisis line, which has received more than 1.2 million contacts since 2022, is among the programs threatened for elimination under the government’s budget proposal. Also in the news: milk testing, food safety labs, drug data, addiction research, and more.
Gut Toxin Might Be Tied To Steep Increase In Early-Onset Colon Cancer
April 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
Researchers found that the toxin’s negative effects begin in childhood. In other news, contrary to what has been said, the food industry says no agreement is in place with the HHS to remove artificial food dyes.
First Edition: Thursday, April 24, 2025
April 24, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
An Arm and a Leg: Winning a Two-Year Fight Over a Bogus Bill
By Dan Weissmann
April 24, 2025
Podcast
How one “Arm and a Leg” listener stayed encouraged during a two-year fight over a bill she didn’t owe.
A Chicago Hospital Bows to Federal Pressure on Trans Care for Teens
By Kristen Schorsch, WBEZ Chicago
April 24, 2025
KFF Health News Original
In the wake of an executive order by President Donald Trump opposing gender-affirming surgeries for minors, hospitals are pausing procedures — even those already scheduled. Families fear the eventual loss of all gender-affirming care for their transgender kids.
Hospital de Chicago cede a presión federal sobre atención médica para adolescentes trans
By Kristen Schorsch, WBEZ Chicago
April 24, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Adolescentes en transición y sus familias cuentan la incertidumbre que sienten ante la decisión de algunos hospitales de pausar cirugías.
FSU Students Urge Lawmakers Against Lowering Gun-Buying Age
April 23, 2025
Morning Briefing
After last week’s shooting at Florida State University, students also want to ensure classrooms have locks on the doors, funding for mental health resources, and active-shooter training, AP reports. Other states making news are Texas, Nebraska, Minnesota, and North Carolina.
Study: Almost Half Of US Exposed To Unhealthy Levels Of Air Pollution
April 23, 2025
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, the EPA has informed over 450 employees that they will be either fired or reassigned. In other news, North Carolina residents recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene are left in the lurch after CDC cuts.
Glimmer Of Hope For Medicaid: MAGA Supporters Oppose Cuts, Poll Shows
April 23, 2025
Morning Briefing
A top Trump campaign polling firm found strong support for Medicaid in battleground congressional districts, with 78% of Trump supporters wanting the program to continue.
US Birth Rate Nudges Up 1% In 2024, Continuing A Worrisome Trend
April 23, 2025
Morning Briefing
Demographers and cultural critics fear a sustaining slump could hurt the U.S. economy. In an effort to prop up the population, some have proposed bonuses for women who give birth, an idea President Donald Trump says “sounds like a good idea.” Separately, the family planning funding freeze is hurting clinics across the country.
Texas Measles Outbreak Hits 624 Cases, Amid Rise In Misinformation
April 23, 2025
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, whooping cough cases are surging across the U.S., with CDC data showing 8,077 cases in 2025, compared with 3,847 cases in the same period last year.
