HHS Puts Kibosh On Minority Biomedical Research Support Program
August 26, 2025
Morning Briefing
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says the program, which provided mentorship and lab salaries to up-and-coming scientists, doesn’t align with President Trump’s ban on DEI efforts.
Panning MAHA Plan, Farm Action Says It’s ‘A Far Cry From The Bold Promises’
August 26, 2025
Morning Briefing
The watchdog organization supported HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in his plan to make the nation’s food supply healthier but now says his strategy is severely lacking. Plus, the movement’s influence on food makers, MAHA boxes, supplements, birth control, and IVF.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, August 26, 2025
August 26, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Morning Briefing will be on hiatus starting tomorrow, Aug. 27, and will return Tuesday, Sept. 2. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend!
First Edition: Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025
August 26, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Blue States That Sued Kept Most CDC Grants, While Red States Feel Brunt of Trump Clawbacks
By Henry Larweh Rachana Pradhan Rae Ellen Bichell
August 26, 2025
KFF Health News Original
The Trump administration’s cuts of public health funds to state and local health departments had vastly uneven effects depending on the political leanings of where someone lives, a new KFF Health News analysis shows.
An Insurer Agreed To Cover Her Surgery. A Politician’s Nudge Got the Bills Paid.
By Cara Anthony
August 26, 2025
KFF Health News Original
A kindergartner in Missouri needed eye surgery. Her insurer granted approval for her to see a specialist nearby, yet her parents were confused when they still owed more than $13,000. Then her uncle, a former state senator, reached out to a colleague who contacted the hospital and the insurer.
Estos son los aumentos de precios que también deberían preocuparte
By Elisabeth Rosenthal
August 25, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Para muchas personas que tienen planes médicos creados por la Ley de Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio (ACA) —porque trabajan para pequeñas empresas o pagan su propia cobertura— es probable que las tarifas hayan aumentado de forma aún más drástica.
FDA Shift In Drug Approvals Halts Trial Of Second Skin Cancer Drug
August 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
Krystal Biotech has suspended a study of a skin cancer therapy called KB707, citing a shift in the approach toward drug approvals by the regulatory agency.
Alaskan Doctors Could Be Punished For Giving Kids Gender-Affirming Care
August 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
On Friday, Alaska’s medical board approved draft language for changes to state regulations that would consider any medical or surgical intervention to “treat gender dysphoria or facilitate gender transition” as unprofessional conduct. Other news from across the nation is about mifepristone restrictions, infant mortality rates, and more.
Federal Court Blocks Rule That Would Cause 1.8M To Lose ACA Coverage
August 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
On Friday, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland paused several parts of a health insurance exchange enrollment and eligibility rule that was set to take effect today. The court agreed that the plaintiffs, who claim the rule violates the Administrative Procedures Act, had grounds for a preliminary injunction while the case is argued.
Defying CDC Guidance, OB-GYNs Advise Vaccines During Pregnancy
August 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends shots for covid, flu, and RSV. “Vaccines continue to be the best tool available for pregnant patients to protect themselves and their infants from these viruses,” said Steven Fleischman, the group’s president. The HHS chief warned of liability risks if doctors don’t follow official CDC advice.
HHS Aims To Take Union Rights From Thousands Of Federal Health Workers
August 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, 10,000 VA employees are resigning in September. Also, a Wall Street Journal analysis finds that scientists are scrubbing words like “diverse” and “disparities” from federal grant renewals.
Flesh-Eating Screwworm Found In Md. Patient Is First Case Linked To Travel
August 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
The person had traveled to El Salvador. Other outbreak news is on West Nile virus, measles, and covid. Also: air pollution, the impact of heat, and more.
Morning Briefing for Monday, August 25, 2025
August 25, 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: Monday, Aug. 25, 2025
August 25, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
FTC Has Long Said Products Must Back Up Health Claims. A MAHA Lawsuit Would Upend That.
By Arthur Allen
August 25, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Xlear, a maker of xylitol gum, has sued the Federal Trade Commission, saying the onus should be on government to prove that ingredients don’t live up to advertised claims. RFK Jr.’s “medical freedom” allies have rallied to the cause.
As Measles Exploded, Officials in Texas Looked to CDC Scientists. Under Trump, No One Answered.
By Amy Maxmen
August 25, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Trump officials sowed fear and confusion among CDC scientists, slowing their response to the measles outbreak in West Texas. Cases surged and sparked new outbreaks across the U.S. and Mexico. Together, these linked outbreaks have sickened more than 4,500 and killed at least 16 in the U.S. and Mexico.
