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.
Morning Briefing for Friday, April 18, 2025
April 18, 2025
Morning Briefing
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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
April 17, 2025
Page
Featured articles 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
KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': 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.
Trump Administration May Cut A Third Of HHS’ Discretionary Budget
April 17, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Washington Post reports on the release of a preliminary document for the 2026 fiscal year budget, which outlines the plan to reshape federal health agencies. Other news is on NIH staff purges’ effect on minorities; accusations of censorship in the NIH; and more.
Facing Tariffs, Abbott To Invest $500 Million In US Manufacturing Facilities
April 17, 2025
Morning Briefing
The facilities will be in Illinois and Texas. The threat of tariffs is affecting nonprofit hospitals, as well, Fierce Healthcare reports. Also in the news: Medicare data on immigrants; President Donald Trump’s trans health care policies; and more.
RFK Jr. Leans Into ‘Environmental Toxins’ As Source Of Increased Autism
April 17, 2025
Morning Briefing
The HHS chief, who has long argued that vaccines cause autism, dismissed the notion that “better diagnoses, better recognition, or changing diagnostic criteria” are driving up figures. Also, the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel has recommended that the RSV shot be available to adults 50 and older.
ACA Case At Supreme Court Next Week Likely To Profoundly Affect Health Care
April 17, 2025
Morning Briefing
Justices on Monday will hear arguments in the case of Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, which questions whether the structure of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force — which makes recommendations for preventive services that nearly all private insurances must cover without cost-sharing — violates the U.S. Constitution’s Appointments Clause.
FDA Directs Knockoff Weight Loss Drugmakers To Halt Operations
April 17, 2025
Morning Briefing
Patients will lose access to cheaper versions of the blockbuster drugs after the agency shuts down the multibillion-dollar industry now that the drug shortage has ended. Also in the news: Eli Lilly’s weight loss pill, a Semler Scientific settlement, breast cancer AI, and more.
Arkansas Companies Now Must Choose Between PBMs And Pharmacies
April 17, 2025
Morning Briefing
In an attempt to eliminate conflicts of interest and drug price hikes, the first-in-the-nation law will prohibit pharmacy benefit managers from operating pharmacies. More news comes out of California, Missouri, Michigan, and Texas.
First Edition: Thursday, April 17, 2025
April 17, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
RFK Jr. Struggles To Navigate Frustrated Supporters and a Demanding Boss
By Stephanie Armour
April 17, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Leaders of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement cheered the ascent of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Health and Human Services secretary, but their wish list is far from being realized.
