In ACA Preventive Care Case, Supreme Court Debates The Word ‘Independent’
April 22, 2025
Morning Briefing
At issue is whether the Affordable Care Act can require insurance companies to offer free preventive services for care that is recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The New York Times reported that Monday’s hearing focused little on the practical implications for millions of patients, with the justices instead questioning what it meant for the task force to be “independent.”
RFK Jr. Ready To Roll Out Plan To Rid US Food Supply Of Artificial Dyes
April 22, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Health and Human Services secretary today will announce plans for a ban on additives that give food and drinks their pretty colors. Also in the news: autism, federal funding cuts, and more.
Walgreens To Pay $300 Million To Settle Opioid Script-Filling Case
April 22, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Justice Department had accused Walgreens of filling prescriptions of controlled substances, despite clear signs of their illegitimacy, for more than a decade. Walgreens denied wrongdoing and said in an email Monday, “We strongly disagree with the government’s legal theory and admit no liability.” Also in the news: New Hampshire might divert opioid funds elsewhere.
First Edition: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
April 22, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Fate of Black Maternal Health Programs Is Unclear Amid Federal Cuts
By Ronnie Cohen
April 22, 2025
KFF Health News Original
In California, Black women are at least three times as likely as white women to die from pregnancy-related causes. Santa Clara County initiatives aimed at reducing racial disparities work but depend on federal dollars — money that might not flow amid budget cuts and a push to end diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
The Ranks of Obamacare ‘Fixers’ Axed in Trump’s Reduction of Health Agency Workforce
By Julie Appleby
April 22, 2025
KFF Health News Original
These fixers, officially known as caseworkers, unraveled complex and arcane health insurance rules to solve people’s coverage issues. They worked in a little-known federal department with which most consumers never interact — until they need help.
A Dose Of Upbeat And Inspiring News
April 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s stories are on Parkinson’s disease, racing wheelchairs, aging, and more.
Medical Journals Accused Of Left Tilt, Told To Verify Publication Standards
April 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
Interim U.S. attorney Edward Martin Jr. sent letters to three journals demanding details about how research articles are selected and the role the NIH plays “in the development of submitted articles.” Meanwhile, as Harvard researchers and others grapple with lost funding, France woos U.S. scientists.
Federal Websites Amplify Lab Leak Theory Of How Covid-19 Started
April 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
Two sites — Covid.gov, which offered information about the virus, and Covidtests.gov, where people could order tests — now promote the Trump administration’s view on the “true origins” of the virus.
Amid Tariff Threats, Lilly Vows To Make New Weight Loss Pill In US
April 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, Stat reports that in Ireland — a global pharmaceutical hub — potential U.S. tariffs are raising concerns. Also in the news: Novo Nordisk, PBM legislation in statehouses, same-day prescription deliveries, and more.
Trump Administration Asks For Ideas To Boost Birth Rate
April 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
The administration is trying to incentivize women to have more children through scholarships, “baby bonuses,” or a “National Medal of Motherhood,” The New York Times reports. In other news, recent CDC cuts may exacerbate reproductive disparities; expectant and new mothers are struggling to access their military insurance Tricare; and more.
Heavy Drinking Associated With Brain Damage, Linked To Alzheimer’s
April 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
Having more than eight drinks a week is considered “heavy drinking,” and a new study suggests there may be links between it and cognitive decline. Separately, a new study shows a link between regular use of marijuana and dementia.
NIH Research Funding Cuts Could Negatively Impact Physician Shortage
April 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
Clinicians have not yet been affected by hiring freezes, but layoffs may lead to limits on physician training and fewer doctors in the long term. Other news is on strategies to curb nursing shortages; clinical documentation AI tools; and more.
Colorado Sees 90% Rise In Unhoused Population Since 2020
April 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
A report calls into question whether a “housing first” or “work first” approach is better, as Colorado becomes the state with the fourth-largest increase in unhoused individuals since 2020. Meanwhile, Vermont — the state that saw the greatest rise in unhoused population — introduces a bill to end motel shelter vouchers.
Supreme Court Hears ‘Crucial’ Case Today On Free Preventive Health Care
April 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
The lawsuit, Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, could have far-reaching consequences for the health coverage of tens of millions of Americans. A ruling is expected in June.
First Edition: Monday, April 21, 2025
April 21, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
