Virginia Expands Marijuana Access, Allowing Stores To Sell It For Recreational Use

Virginia Expands Marijuana Access, Allowing Stores To Sell It For Recreational Use Retail license applications can be submitted starting Feb. 1, and adults 21 and older may legally purchase marijuana — up to 2 ounces — starting July 1, 2027. The state's coffers expect to see a $51 million tax boost during the first year of legal sales, according to legislative budget documents. Plus, Arkansas still plans to ban SNAP benefits from being used for sugary items. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-briefing/tuesday-june-30-2026/

25 States Challenge Medicaid Work Requirements

25 States Challenge Medicaid Work Requirements A CMS rule issued this month goes beyond what the law defines as medically frail, the states argue in their lawsuit. Democratic attorneys general and governors from half the nation's states and the District of Columbia contend the strict Medicaid work rules will prevent eligible Americans from getting the healthcare they need, the AP reports. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/healthcare-costs-063026/

Supreme Court Ruling May Alter FTC's Ability To Be Nonpartisan Watchdog For Healthcare Industry

Supreme Court Ruling May Alter FTC's Ability To Be Nonpartisan Watchdog For Healthcare Industry In a 6-3 vote, justices ruled that presidents can remove members of independent agencies at will. The agency at issue in the ruling, the Federal Trade Commission, is tasked with enforcing consumer protection laws in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, among other responsibilities. The ruling effectively ends the requirement that the FTC be bipartisan, NPR reported. Plus, rural health grant applications are now open. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/administration-news-063026/

Viewpoints: Dr. Oz Is The Face Of America's Healthcare Cuts; What We Get Wrong About Men's Mental Health

https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-dr-oz-is-the-face-of-americas-healthcare-cuts-what-we-get-wrong-about-mens-mental-health/

Possible Marburg Disease Outbreak Detected In Uganda Near Ebola-Afflicted Area

Possible Marburg Disease Outbreak Detected In Uganda Near Ebola-Afflicted Area The new development could make it even more difficult to contain the Ebola outbreak, Stat reported. Both diseases are viral hemorrhagic fevers. Also: Concern rises over possible disease outbreaks in the wake of the Venezuelan earthquakes. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/global-watch-070126/

Congressman Tom Kean Jr. Reveals He Stepped Away To Tend To Mental Health Needs

Congressman Tom Kean Jr. Reveals He Stepped Away To Tend To Mental Health Needs The New Jersey Republican told his fellow House members that he was being treated for depression. His four-month absence did not go unnoticed and, given that he's voted against paid sick leave for his constituents, is a bitter pill for some to swallow. “He’s been able to rely on things he directly voted against,” said Yarrow Willman-Cole of the nonprofit New Jersey Citizen Action. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-briefing/wednesday-july-1-2026/

Anthropic Launches Claude Science To Begin Developing Drugs Using AI

Anthropic Launches Claude Science To Begin Developing Drugs Using AI The AI giant has launched Claude Science, an application to be used in scientific laboratories, Stat reported. Anthropic will focus on creating drugs for diseases that are not being targeted by its pharma customers. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/pharma-and-tech-070126/