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.
Study Sheds Light On Why Women Are More Prone To Chronic Pain Than Men
February 23, 2026
Morning Briefing
The study, published Friday in Science Immunology, suggests that men’s immune systems have higher levels of cells with a mechanism that switches off pain signals to the brain. Plus: autism, heart disease in women, SUIDS in recalled sleepers, and more.
High Court’s Tariff Ruling Likely Won’t Affect Deals Struck With Drugmakers
February 23, 2026
Morning Briefing
The Trump administration may impose sector-specific tariffs if pharmaceutical companies stray from most-favored-nation pricing for prescriptions, Managed Healthcare Executive reported. The administration is also looking at other statutes that would allow the use of tariffs to further its policy priorities.
Trump’s EPA Supports Biden Admin’s 10-Year Deadline To Replace Lead Pipes
February 23, 2026
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump says he’ll deploy a hospital ship to Greenland, but Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen says, “It’s a no thank you from here.” Also in the news: Jay Bhattacharya, glyphosate, ICE, and more.
With Nearly 1,000 Infections, Measles Tally Is Outpacing 2025’s Case Count
February 23, 2026
Morning Briefing
More than half of the states have confirmed measles cases, with South Carolina, Utah, and Arizona experiencing widespread outbreaks. Meanwhile, five more children have died from the flu, which is still circulating at high levels across much of the country.
Ransomware Attack Forces Closure Of All University Of Mississippi Clinics
February 23, 2026
Morning Briefing
The extent of the attack is still being evaluated at one of the state’s largest health care providers. Roughly three dozen clinics around the state were forced to close, and elective procedures have been canceled. Officials are warning the shutdown could continue for days.
First Edition: Monday, Feb. 23, 2026
February 23, 2026
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
New Orleans Brings Back the House Call, Sending Nurses To Visit Newborns and Moms
By Rosemary Westwood, WWNO
February 23, 2026
KFF Health News Original
Louisiana is one of the worst-performing states when it comes to health outcomes of mothers and infants. New Orleans is trying to catch health issues early and get families off to an easier start by adding health visits during the crucial first months of life.
As More Americans Embrace Anxiety Treatment, MAHA Derides Medications
By Phillip Reese
February 23, 2026
KFF Health News Original
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has criticized the broadening use of anxiety medications, claiming they’re harmful. Doctors and researchers say the MAHA movement is misrepresenting drugs that have been proved to safely treat chronic anxiety and point to broader social changes to explain their increased use.
Más personas toman medicamentos para tratar la ansiedad, aunque el gobierno critica su uso
By Phillip Reese
February 23, 2026
KFF Health News Original
La proporción de adultos en el país que tomaron medicamentos para la ansiedad aumentó de 11,7% en 2019 a 14,3% en 2024, y la mayor parte del incremento se registró durante la pandemia de covid.
Estados rojos y azules buscan limitar el uso de la inteligencia artificial en seguros de salud. Trump quiere lo opuesto
By Darius Tahir Lauren Sausser
February 23, 2026
KFF Health News Original
Arizona, Maryland, Nebraska y Texas aprobaron el año pasado leyes que limitan el uso de la IA en los seguros de salud. Otros dos, Illinois y California, habían aprobado leyes similares el año anterior.
