Morning Briefing: Today's News Summaries Thursday, Feb 26 2026 UPDATED 9:12 AM ++++++ ++

Morning Briefing: Today's News Summaries Thursday, Feb 26 2026 UPDATED 9:12 AM $259M In Medicaid Funds Is Withheld From Minn.; More States May Follow https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/259m-in-medicaid-funds-is-withheld-from-minn-more-states-may-follow/ The Trump administration announced the move Wednesday, warning that similar crackdowns may be coming for other states, including California. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, called the move "devastating for veterans, families with young kids, folks with disabilities, and working people across our state.” In Interview For Top Doc Post, Means Sidesteps Vaccine Recommendations https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/in-interview-for-top-doc-post-means-sidesteps-vaccine-recommendations/ Although surgeon general nominee Casey Means acknowledged vaccines are a key public health tool, she would not specifically say she endorses them. Separately, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has parted ways with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. With Little Notice, Trans Kansans Will Have Driver's Licenses Canceled Today https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/with-little-notice-trans-kansans-will-have-driver-licenses-invalidated-today/ A Senate bill was passed by a Republican supermajority in the Kansas Legislature last week and will go into effect today, despite the governor's veto. Other states making news: New Hampshire, Michigan, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and California. PFAS Chemicals May Be Making Men In Their 50s Age Faster, Study Suggests https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/pfas-chemicals-may-be-making-men-in-their-50s-age-faster-study-suggests/ The study indicates that men between 50 and 65 are most affected by "forever chemicals," exposure to which has been linked to accelerated epigenetic aging. Meanwhile, 5 out of 6 adults in the U.S. want the government to do more to protect them against toxic chemicals, according to a Pew survey. Sex, Abortion Are Taboo Topics For Meta Chatbots, Leaked Papers Show https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/sex-abortion-are-taboo-topics-for-meta-chatbots-leaked-papers-show/ According to leaked documents, company policy forbids AI chatbots from offering underage users “content that provides advice or opinion about sexual health” or information “that helps a user obtain or carry out an abortion," Mother Jones reports. A spokesperson for Meta disputes the claims. New Guidance On Psychotropic Meds Focuses On Deprescribing https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/new-guidance-on-psychotropic-meds-focuses-on-deprescribing/ The task force convened by the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology focused on recognizing situations and circumstances where deprescribing would be appropriate as opposed to the logistics of how to do it. Also in the news: radiation doses from heart scans; the FDA approves a drug for allergic fungal rhinosinusitis; and more. Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/research-roundup-the-latest-science-discoveries-and-breakthroughs-57/ Viewpoints: Why So Many Girls With Autism Don’t Get Diagnosed; Anti-Vax Rhetoric Endangers Seniors https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-why-so-many-girls-with-autism-dont-get-diagnosed-anti-vax-rhetoric-endangers-seniors/