On Autism, Kennedy Turns Against Science and Reality
By Tarena Lofton
April 18, 2025
KFF Health News Original
During his first news conference as Health and Human Services secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on April 16 ticked off things he thinks kids with autism will never do, including paying taxes, holding a job, and going on a date. Kennedy’s comments go against science and reality.
‘MAHA’ Faithful Impatient With RFK Jr. as He Leads Trump’s HHS
By Stephanie Armour
April 18, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Get our weekly newsletter, The Week in Brief, featuring a roundup of our original coverage, Fridays at 2 p.m. ET.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
April 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on surgical items left in patients, Alzheimer’s, polio, meth, and more.
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Doesn’t Cover Catholic Employers, Judge Rules
April 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
Specifically, faith-based employers don’t have to comply with the portion of the EEOC rule that says accommodations must be made for workers seeking abortion and fertility care, U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor ruled. Separately, a study has found that Google’s AI churns out anti-abortion summaries in three states.
Potential Link Between Seed Oils And Breast Cancer, Study Shows
April 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
The study, conducted by Weill Cornell Medicine, showed the linoleic acid found in seed oils promoted growth of triple-negative breast cancer tumors in mice, Fortune Well reported. Also: hearing loss may impact dementia more than was previously thought; scientists don’t know how to treat the increase in eating disorders; and more.
CDC Layoffs Quash Plans To Help Curb Measles Spread in Texas Schools
April 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
The CDC’s National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was mostly eliminated earlier this month. They help assess hospitals’ air systems in the case of outbreaks and would have expanded to do the same in schools. Plus: Measles has spread to Montana.
House Committee Investigates Health Care Union’s Funds Management
April 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
A recent Politico investigation alleged that 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East President George Gresham for years used the organization’s funds to benefit himself, his family, and political allies. Gresham has “refuted” the claims. Others in the news include: Semler Scientific, Morgan Stanley, UnitedHealth, and more.
Morning Briefing for Friday, April 18, 2025
April 18, 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 !
FSU Shooting Suspect Said To Have Mental Health History, Access To Guns
April 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
Phoenix Ikner, 20, is accused in Thursday’s mass shooting at Florida State University in Tallahassee that left two dead and six hurt. Authorities allege he used his stepmother’s handgun during the attack. According to court documents, Ikner was involved in a custody battle in 2015 during which his father stated the need for his son to continue getting medical care for his “special needs” and ADHD.
DOGE’s ‘Defend The Spend’ Initiative Puts Health Care Grantees In A Pinch
April 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
Tens of thousands of organizations that rely on federal funding must now justify each transaction they make before spending is approved. That longer process is leading to a backlog of requests, such as payments to doctors and nurses who treat the poor, The Washington Post reports.
After Uproar Over Autism Comments, RFK Jr. Backpedals, Blames Media
April 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. went on Fox News to clarify that when he was talking about alleged limitations that people with autism encounter, he was referring only to those who are nonverbal. Autistic people, their loved ones, and lawmakers have denounced his comments.
First Edition: Friday, April 18, 2025
April 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Watch: Why Insurance Companies Are Denying Coverage for Prosthetic Limbs
By Michelle Andrews
April 18, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Although knee replacements are usually covered by health insurance, amputees face roadblocks to coverage and often must prove their prosthetics are medically necessary.
Covid Worsened Shortages of Doctors and Nurses. Five Years On, Rural Hospitals Still Struggle.
By Natalie Krebs, Iowa Public Radio
April 18, 2025
KFF Health News Original
The U.S. faces a crucial shortage of medical providers, especially in rural areas. The problem has been building for a while, experts say, but the pandemic accelerated it by pushing many doctors over the edge into early retirement or other fields.
Dead Zone
By Lydia Zuraw
April 17, 2025
Page
Featured articles More from the Series Credits Reporters Sarah Jane TribbleHolly K. HackerCaresse Jackman, InvestigateTV Producers Lydia ZurawLynne ShallcrossEric Harkleroad Editors Nathan PayneEmily Featherston, InvestigateTVBrandon Wissbaum, InvestigateTVTerry ByrneGabe Brison-Trezise Photographers Andi RiceOwen Hornstein, InvestigateTV
What the Health? From KFF Health News: On Autism, It’s the Secretary’s Word vs. the CDC’s
April 17, 2025
Podcast
Tensions between Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his employees at the Department of Health and Human Services are mounting, as he made a series of claims about autism this week — contradicting his agency’s findings. Plus, President Donald Trump unveiled an executive order to lower drug prices as his administration explores tariffs that could raise them. Shefali Luthra of The 19th, Jessie Hellmann of CQ Roll Call, and Anna Edney of Bloomberg News join KFF Health News’ Emmarie Huetteman to discuss these stories and more. Plus, KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner interviews two University of California-San Francisco researchers about an upcoming Supreme Court case that could have major ramifications for preventive care.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
April 17, 2025
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of the latest health research and news.
