Proposed PFAS Reclassification Isn’t Backed By Science, Experts Warn
June 11, 2025
Morning Briefing
A group of 20 scientists has warned that narrowing the definition of what constitutes “forever chemicals” could be detrimental, lead to more lax laws, and is entirely politically and economically motivated. Also in the news: climate mandate reversals, “dirty dozen” list, and more.
All Of USAID’s International Workforce Will Be Eliminated By Sept. 30: Report
June 11, 2025
Morning Briefing
In a cable sent Tuesday and obtained by The Guardian, the State Department said it will “assume responsibility for foreign assistance programming previously undertaken by USAID” starting June 15. Plus: What NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya told a Senate panel Tuesday about recent budget cuts.
Anti-Vaxxers Won’t Have A Place On CDC’s Advisory Panel, RFK Jr. Says
June 11, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Health and Human Services secretary will announce on X the “highly credentialed physicians” who will replace the 17 committee members he just fired. More are calling for Kennedy’s resignation as frustration grows.
After Staff Layoffs, FDA Says It Will Use AI To Improve Drug Approval Efficiency
June 11, 2025
Morning Briefing
Officials at the FDA say they want to speed up approvals for new drugs and devices using tech like the new “Elsa” AI system. More news is on other uses of AI in health care, Eli Lilly refusing to work with telehealth firms over copycat drug sales, and more.
Congressional Report Alleges Organ Procurement Numbers Are Miscounted
June 11, 2025
Morning Briefing
The bipartisan report alleges that organ procurement organizations use a loophole to boost ratings and stay certified. In other news: UnitedHealth faces whistleblower claims; CVS and Cigna settle lawsuit; many physicians would consider assisted suicide for themselves; and more.
LAPD’s ‘Less Lethal’ Methods Used At Protests Still Cause Harm, Cost State
June 11, 2025
Morning Briefing
News outlets break down the health effects rubber bullets and tear gas have on people, and how the use of such methods could open up governments to civil liability claims. Other states making news: Texas, Louisiana, Oregon, Alabama, Florida and South Carolina.
House GOP Alters Portions of Megabill That Jeopardized Quick Senate Passage
June 11, 2025
Morning Briefing
SNAP is among the provisions being revised after Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) complained about it. Meanwhile, states are working to cushion the blow the GOP tax bill will have on their budgets.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, June 11, 2025
June 11, 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.
First Edition: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
June 11, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
What Are ‘Improper’ Medicaid Payments, and Are They as High as a Trump Official Said?
By Louis Jacobson, PolitiFact
June 11, 2025
KFF Health News Original
The vast majority of improper payments stem from documentation mistakes and do not fit the definition of waste, fraud, or abuse. They also typically stem from health care providers’ actions, not beneficiaries’ abuse.
Four Ways Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Would Undermine Access to Obamacare
By Julie Appleby
June 11, 2025
KFF Health News Original
The combination of the House-passed spending and tax bill and the Trump administration’s regulatory action could change Affordable Care Act enrollment and the cost of insurance. The result, according to the Congressional Budget Office, is that millions of people may become uninsured.
Watch: RFK Jr. Dismisses All 17 Members of Vaccine Advisory Committee
June 10, 2025
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News’ Céline Gounder joined CBS Evening News to discuss the unprecedented move by the Health and Human Services secretary.
Echoing 2020, Police Use Rubber Bullets Against Protesters in Los Angeles
June 10, 2025
KFF Health News Original
“Less lethal” weapons are once again being used in Los Angeles — against people protesting the Trump administration’s immigration raids. With terms like “foam,” “sponge,” and “bean bag,” the projectiles may sound harmless. They’re not.
NIH Halts Anti-DEI Policy That Was Required To Get New Research Grants
June 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
It’s unclear what prompted the change, which is effective immediately, Stat reported. In related news, a federal judge on Monday blocked the Trump administration from enforcing anti-DEI and anti-trans policies against groups that provide help for the LGBTQ+ community.
Doctor Shortage Could Grow More Dire With Bill’s Limits On Med School Loans
June 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
If a $150,000 cap on direct federal unsubsidized loans stands, some fear fewer students will be able to afford medical school. Graduates carry an average debt of $212,341, the Association of American Medical Colleges found. Plus, Republicans take a swing at changes to the One Big Beautiful Bill.
Montana Supreme Court Declares Abortion Restrictions Unconstitutional
June 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
Monday’s ruling concluded a multiyear legal challenge over three reproductive rights restrictions. Also in reproductive health news: Wisconsin now has five abortion clinics; Ohio Republicans want to bring back a 24-hour waiting period for abortions; Texas isn’t budging on abortion bans; and more.
New York Lawmakers Pass Bill Opening Door For Medically Assisted Suicide
June 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
The bill will allow terminally ill New Yorkers to end their life on their own terms, and it now heads to Gov. Kathy Hochul. “It’s not about hastening death, but ending suffering,” Democratic state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal said. Plus: 27 states and the District of Columbia have sued to block their citizens’ 23andMe data from being sold.
Policy Change Could Allow Abusers To Have Gun Rights Restored More Easily
June 10, 2025
Morning Briefing
Lawmakers and gun violence experts voice concern over the Trump administration’s proposed change and what it could mean for domestic violence survivors. Also in the news: forced reset triggers; a rise in firearm deaths of children and teenagers in states that loosened gun laws; and more.
