Save For A Few Brief Moments, Trump Avoided Health Care In Lengthy Speech
February 25, 2026
Morning Briefing
In his State of the Union address, the president touched on his efforts to lower prescription drug costs and touted his “Great American Health Plan” that would shift health care payments to people. But he noticeably did not mention changes his administration has made regarding vaccine recommendations, Medicaid and research funding cuts, or the hot-button issue of abortion.
Casey Means Faces Senate Today Over Qualifications To Be Surgeon General
February 25, 2026
Morning Briefing
The wellness influencer and MAHA architect — who does not hold an active medical license — will sit for the confirmation hearing after a monthslong maternity delay. Plus, 15 Democratic-led states are suing to reverse the government’s decision to pull back on the number of recommended immunizations children receive.
Ozempic, Wegovy Maker Announces List Price Cut By Up To 50% For 2027
February 25, 2026
Morning Briefing
This is the latest move in the ongoing war between weight loss drug rivals Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. Lowering the list price makes GLP-1 drugs more accessible for patients, including those who have high deductibles and those who pay coinsurance for medications.
Texas Medical Supplier At Center Of Global Medicare Billing Scam, Feds Say
February 25, 2026
Morning Briefing
Investigators allege that two companies reportedly linked to a Russian citizen living in Texas billed Medicare and other health programs for urinary catheters that patients did not need or receive. CBS News reported that millions of dollars were allegedly funneled overseas, according to a federal criminal complaint.
First Edition: Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026
February 25, 2026
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Democrats Decry Meager Medical Care for Detainees in Funding Fight
By Stephanie Armour
February 25, 2026
KFF Health News Original
A growing body of evidence indicates that immigrants in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement face medical consequences because of serious gaps in basic health care services. It’s adding to the political backlash against the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation policies.
En batalla por fondos, demócratas denuncian falta de atención médica para detenidos por el ICE
By Stephanie Armour
February 25, 2026
KFF Health News Original
El esfuerzo de deportación masiva del presidente Donald Trump ha llevado a un número récord de inmigrantes detenidos en centros federales, cárceles locales y prisiones privadas. La situación pone en riesgo la salud de los detenidos.
On Trump’s Request, High Court Agrees To Hear Case On Fossil Fuel Lawsuits
February 24, 2026
Morning Briefing
In an unusual move, the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to take up the case of whether or not states and cities can sue large oil and gas companies for climate change damages driven by greenhouse gas emissions and pollution from the industry.
Florida, Trump Administration At Odds Over Medicaid Program Application
February 24, 2026
Morning Briefing
Florida’s Republican congressional delegation is getting involved in an effort to get approval for the program, which boosts payments to state hospitals. Also: AbbVie is planning two manufacturing facilities in North Chicago; Camp Mystic parents sue the state of Texas; and more.
CDC’s Second-In-Command Resigns After Less Than 2 Months On The Job
February 24, 2026
Morning Briefing
Ralph Abraham said “unforeseen family obligations” are pulling him away from his role as the agency’s deputy secretary general. Plus, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force might be in HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s crosshairs, former members warn.
FDA Unveils Framework To Fast-Track Rare Disease Gene Therapy Approvals
February 24, 2026
Morning Briefing
The proposed system would create a standardized process for authorizing cutting-edge treatments where there is a plausible reason to think they might work, the AP reported.
Kaiser Mental Health Therapists Vote To Strike Just As Nurses Are Returning
February 24, 2026
Morning Briefing
A day after the union representing more than 31,000 Kaiser Permanente health care professionals noted productive labor negotiations and agreed to end the four-week walkout, KP mental health therapists in California voted to authorize a one-day unfair labor practice strike.
Dentists Keep Prescribing Clindamycin Despite ‘Black Box’ Label, C Diff Risk
February 24, 2026
Morning Briefing
CIDRAP takes a deeper look at the antibiotic’s health effects. Also in the news: The FDA has approved milsaperidone to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; Bayer sues Johnson & Johnson; Mounjaro may reduce alcohol intake; and more.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, February 24, 2026
February 24, 2026
Morning Briefing
Each month, KFF Health News’ Rural Dispatch newsletter covers health issues in places where accessing care can be more challenging. Check out our Montana, Colorado, Georgia, and California newsletters, too. Sign up here!
Hospitals Fighting Measles Confront a Challenge: Few Doctors Have Seen It Before
By Andrew Jones
February 24, 2026
KFF Health News Original
As the number of cases grows to about 1,000 in the Carolinas, health care workers who’ve never seen the vaccine-preventable disease can get caught by surprise.
First Edition: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026
February 24, 2026
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
New Mexico Will Investigate History Of Forced Sterilization Of Native Women
February 23, 2026
Morning Briefing
Last week, legislators in New Mexico approved a measure to investigate the history and impact of forced and coerced sterilization of women of color in the state. Also in the news: abortion in Wyoming, elderly health care in California, and more.
