Morning Briefing: Today's News Summaries Tuesday, Dec 16 2025 8:48 AM +++ +++ +

Morning Briefing: Today's News Summaries Tuesday, Dec 16 2025 8:48 AM Trump Order Classifies Fentanyl As Weapon Of Mass Destruction The decree gives the administration additional tools to target countries, cartels, and organizations that are connected to the manufacturing and distribution of fentanyl, The Hill reported. Experts pushed back on the new designation, with one noting it “is about looking like you’re doing something rather than actually doing something.” https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/trump-order-classifies-fentanyl-as-weapon-of-mass-destruction/ VA Rolls Out Plan To Restructure Veterans Health Administration The department intends to reduce "duplicative management layers," and says VA medical centers and clinics will retain their staffing levels. Veterans Affairs also will eliminate 25,000 unfilled jobs. Other administration news looks at disability rights lawyers, dietary supplements, saturated fats, and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/va-rolls-out-plan-to-restructure-veterans-health-administration/ Senators Buoyed By Talks On ACA But Say Solution Not Likely By End Of 2025 The framework of a bipartisan deal could come about by the end of the week, The Hill reported. Even so, January was targeted as a realistic time frame, senators cautioned. The current enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies will expire Dec. 31. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/senators-buoyed-by-talks-on-aca-but-say-solution-not-likely-by-end-of-2025/ RFK Jr. Calls For Changes As Childhood Vaccine Injuries Group Preps To Meet Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expressed a desire to add autism to the program. More vaccine news covers covid, long covid, measles, and avian flu in cattle. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/rfk-jr-calls-for-changes-as-childhood-vaccine-injuries-group-preps-to-meet/ FDA Green-Lights Libido-Enhancing Drug For Postmenopausal Women The drug, Addyi, was first approved a decade ago for premenopausal women but comes with some unpleasant side effects. Also: a warning to retailers about tainted formula, a lawsuit over paraquat and Parkinson's, and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/fda-green-lights-libido-enhancing-drug-for-postmenopausal-women/ Ohio Pediatricians Claim They Were Fired After Raising Safety Concerns The two Cleveland pediatricians claim they were fired after alerting the hospital leaders to understaffing, vaccine shortages, and lab work delays. They have filed a lawsuit for wrongful termination and defamation. Also: Rural health care workers juggle multiple roles; and more https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/ohio-pediatricians-claim-they-were-fired-after-raising-safety-concerns/ Viewpoints: Both Parties Get Health Care Wrong; Dropping Hep B Birth Dose Has Dangerous Consequences https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-both-parties-get-health-care-wrong-dropping-hep-b-birth-dose-has-dangerous-consequences/