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Trump Pick to Lead NIH Bhattacharya Vows to Tackle Chronic Disease

Bhattacharya backs vaccines despite past COVID criticism; Senators question Bhattacharya on vaccines, funding cuts; Bhattacharya expected to be confirmed after Senate hearing. His views clash with mainstream public health leaders and pose challenges for the NIH's funding and research integrity. As a vocal critic of lockdowns, Bhattacharya may face skepticism from experts over his approach to tackling chronic diseases.

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Trump's FDA Nominee Makary Promises Role for Vaccine Expert Committee Δ1.78

Makary has promised to convene the agency's vaccine advisory committee, but does not commit to rescheduling a canceled meeting to discuss flu vaccine composition. The nomination of Martin Makary as the new FDA chief has raised concerns about his views on vaccines and reproductive rights. Makary, a physician at Johns Hopkins Hospital, would report to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The CDC Rolls Back Vaccination Guidance Amid Anti-Vaccine Sentiment Δ1.76

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reportedly planning to study a nonexistent link between measles vaccines and autism, despite decades of research that have consistently disproven this claim. This move follows a pattern of anti-vaccination sentiment in the country, fueled in part by celebrity endorsements like those from Senator Rand Paul and Senator Ted Cruz's father, Senator Rick Scott's, wife Marjorie Taylor Greene's vocal opposition to vaccines. As a result, vaccination rates are declining, putting vulnerable populations at risk.

US Judge Bars Trump Administration From Cutting NIH Research Funding Δ1.76

A U.S. District Judge has issued a nationwide injunction preventing the Trump administration from implementing significant cuts to federal grant funding for scientific research, which could have led to layoffs and halted critical clinical trials. The ruling came in response to lawsuits filed by 22 Democratic state attorneys general and medical associations, who argued that the proposed cuts were unlawful and detrimental to ongoing research efforts. The judge emphasized that the abrupt policy change posed an "imminent risk" to life-saving medical research and patient care.

RFK Jr. Shuts Americans Out of Health Decisions Despite Vow for Transparency Δ1.75

The advisory meetings that once allowed the public a window into vaccine decision-making have been canceled, removing transparency from the process. The committee's role is uncertain, leaving many to wonder if they will be able to provide input on future decisions, including the selection of COVID-19 strains. This move has sparked concerns about RFK Jr.'s commitment to radical transparency.

Exclusive: US CDC Plans Study Into Vaccines and Autism, Sources Say Δ1.73

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reportedly planning a study to explore potential connections between vaccines and autism, amidst rising public concern and declining vaccination rates linked to a recent measles outbreak. Despite extensive evidence debunking links between vaccines and autism, the study's existence has already raised doubts among the public regarding vaccine safety. The involvement of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his anti-vaccine stance, adds complexity and controversy to the CDC's intentions.

Trump’s FDA Cuts Are Putting Drug Development at Risk. Δ1.73

Budget and staffing cuts at the Food and Drug Administration orchestrated by President Donald Trump could prevent new drugs “from being developed, approved, or commercialized in a timely manner, or at all,” according to dozens of annual reports sent by pharmaceutical companies to the Securities and Exchange Commission in late February. The impact on clinical trials and regulatory approvals is likely to be significant, potentially slowing down the development of life-saving treatments for serious diseases. As a result, patients may face longer wait times for new medications, which could have devastating consequences for public health.

Vaccine Misinformation Spreads Amid Texas Measles Outbreak Δ1.72

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s equivocal response to the raging measles outbreak in West Texas, which has grown to 159 cases, with 22 hospitalizations and one child death, is sparking public health concerns about the misinformation being spread. The decision to vaccinate or not is "a personal one," Kennedy wrote, but his emphasis on nutrition and supplements as a way to combat the potentially deadly infection contradicts scientific evidence. While vaccines have been proven to be highly effective in preventing measles, some parents are instead turning to cod liver oil and vitamin A as an alternative treatment.

Government Shutdown Looms: Republicans' Last-Minute Demands Raise Risk Δ1.72

Two Democrats in Congress said on Friday that Republicans have raised the risk of a government shutdown by insisting on including cuts made by President Donald Trump's administration in legislation to keep the government operating past a mid-March deadline. Senator Patty Murray of Washington and Representative Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the top Democrats on the committees that oversee spending, stated that the Republican proposal would give Trump too much power to spend as he pleased, even though Congress oversees federal funding. Lawmakers face a March 14 deadline to pass a bill to fund the government, or risk a government shutdown.

Us House Democrats Press Kennedy over Health Agency Firings Δ1.72

Democrats in the House of Representatives demanded answers from US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on the exact number of employees fired from health agencies he oversees, citing concerns that the dismissals could undermine public health. Hundreds of workers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institutes of Health have been forced out as President Donald Trump overhauls government agencies. The House Democrats warned that failing to restore these positions could put Americans at greater risk from foodborne illnesses, infectious disease outbreaks, and delays in medical research.

Us Health Secretary Kennedy Calls for End to Deadly Texas Measles Outbreak Δ1.72

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s call for an end to the deadly measles outbreak in Texas comes as a child's death from the highly contagious disease is reported, and despite his own past skepticism about vaccines, he has pledged to provide resources to combat the outbreak. The government is sending 2,000 doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine through its immunization program, but concerns remain about Kennedy's views on vaccination. The department's efforts aim to protect vulnerable populations, including children who are not yet eligible for vaccinations.

Slotkin Steers Center, Criticizes Trump's Ukraine Policy Δ1.72

Democratic U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan has made a case for bipartisan values and invoked former Republican president Ronald Reagan in her party's rebuttal to President Donald Trump's address to Congress, stressing shared values like bolstering national security and fighting for democracy. Slotkin steered clear of inflammatory rhetoric and sought to relate to Americans on both sides of the political aisle by claiming "shared values". Her criticism of Trump's handling of Russia's war in Ukraine echoed a Democratic talking point since the start of Trump's second term.

Trump Administration Cuts May Threaten AI Research Efforts. Δ1.72

The Trump Administration has dismissed several National Science Foundation employees with expertise in artificial intelligence, jeopardizing crucial AI research support provided by the agency. This upheaval, particularly affecting the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships, has led to the postponement and cancellation of critical funding review panels, thereby stalling important AI projects. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from AI experts, including Nobel Laureate Geoffrey Hinton, who voiced concerns over the detrimental impact on scientific institutions.

Trump to Meet with Hardline Republicans as Shutdown Looms, Report Says Δ1.71

The White House has announced a meeting between President Donald Trump and the ultraconservative Freedom Caucus, sparking concerns that the lawmakers are pushing for drastic spending cuts. As the government edges closer to a March 14 deadline without a deal, Trump's stance on funding is expected to be put to the test. The uncertainty surrounding the meeting has left many questioning whether Trump can find common ground with the hardline Republicans.

House Leadership at Stake in Us Government Shutdown Threat Δ1.71

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson hopes to pass a "clean" stopgap federal funding bill that would freeze funding at current levels to avert a partial government shutdown, which could otherwise go into effect on March 15. The bill aims to restore stability and avoid the negative economic impacts of a government shutdown. However, disagreements between lawmakers remain unresolved, with Democrats resisting a spending bill that does not address their policy priorities.

Trump Officials Propose New Measure to Gauge Economy's Health Amid DOGE Cuts Δ1.71

Trump administration officials are considering a new approach to measuring the economy's health, which may downplay the negative effects of downsizing federal agencies under Elon Musk's leadership. The proposed measure, based on Value Added by Private Industries (VAPI), aims to exclude government spending from the traditional GDP calculation. This change could be seen as an attempt to minimize the impact of DOGE cuts, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in economic reporting.

Universities Face Big Cuts to Research Funding. At Duke, It's a Time for 'Damage Control' Δ1.71

Duke University is bracing for substantial losses in federal funding, particularly from the National Institutes of Health, which could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars. The university's research operations are already showing signs of strain, with hiring freezes and halted expansion projects as a response to the impending budget cuts. The Trump administration's decision to reduce indirect cost reimbursements has raised alarms about the sustainability of research programs, particularly in the School of Medicine, which relies heavily on NIH funding.

House Unveils Trump-Backed Bill to Avert Government Shutdown Δ1.71

The House Republicans' spending bill aims to keep government agencies open through September 30, despite opposition from Democrats who fear it will allow billionaire Elon Musk's cuts to continue unchecked. The move sets up a dramatic confrontation on Capitol Hill next week, with Speaker Mike Johnson attempting to pass the 99-page bill without Democratic support. If the bill fails, Congress is likely to pass a temporary stopgap measure, buying more time for lawmakers to forge a compromise.

Tariffs Take a Toll on Tech Stocks Δ1.71

Nvidia's shares fell on Monday as concerns mounted over AI-related spending and the impact of new tariffs set to take effect. Shares of Palantir were up on Monday as Wedbush analyst said the company's unique software value proposition means it actually stands to benefit from initiatives by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. The chip manufacturer seems cautious about limitations on the export of AI chips.

How Officials Are Reacting to Trump Pausing Military Aid to Ukraine. Δ1.71

U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to pause military aid to Ukraine has sparked a wave of criticism from various officials, highlighting growing concerns over Russia's potential aggressions. Prominent voices, including U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Ukrainian officials, warn that this move undermines Ukraine's defense and emboldens Russian aggression. International reactions emphasize the need for continued support for Ukraine, stressing that halting aid could jeopardize peace efforts and regional security.

Some Malaria, HIV, TB Programme Cuts Reversed by US, Groups Say Δ1.71

Several lifesaving health projects that recently faced abrupt termination of U.S. funding contracts have received reversal letters, although actual funding has yet to resume. Aid organizations express cautious optimism regarding the reversals, yet the lack of financial clarity hampers their ability to effectively resume critical services. The ongoing confusion stems from the Trump administration's review process, which has halted operations and jeopardized vital health programs across the globe.

Trump Says Government Shutdown Is Possible, but Expects to Avert It Δ1.71

Trump optimistic about passing temporary funding billRepublican support for stopgap measure boosts chances of passage.Trump urged his fellow Republicans to vote in favor of the six-month stopgap spending bill, which would fund the government at current levels until September 2025. The House is expected to vote on the measure on Tuesday, with some hardline Republicans showing signs of wavering in their opposition. Trump's support for the funding plan has encouraged many lawmakers to back the measure.

US Health Agency Offers Early Retirement Amid Downsizing Efforts Δ1.70

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has informed employees that they can apply for early retirement over the next 10 days as part of a broader effort to downsize the federal bureaucracy. This move is led by President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, who oversee the so-called Department of Government Efficiency. The agency's restructuring aims to reduce its workforce and improve operational efficiency.

Trump Will Not Ease up on Fentanyl-Related Tariffs, US Commerce Secretary Lutnick Says Δ1.70

U.S. President Donald Trump's stance on fentanyl-related tariffs remains unwavering despite growing concerns about their economic impact, with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stating that the president will not relent unless progress is made in combating the opioid crisis. The tariffs, which target steel and aluminum imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, are set to take effect as scheduled on Wednesday. Lutnick's comments come amidst fears of a recession in the United States, but he insists that the tariffs will lead to lower prices for American consumers.

TRUMP May Restore Ukraine Aid PENDING Confidence-Building Measures Δ1.70

President Donald Trump will consider restoring aid to Ukraine if peace talks are arranged and confidence-building measures are taken, White House national security adviser Mike Waltz said on Wednesday. Trump halted military aid to Ukraine on Monday, his latest move to reconfigure U.S. policy and adopt a more conciliatory stance toward Russia. The letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that expressed willingness to come to the negotiating table was seen as a positive first step.

Trump Adviser Hopes Canada Fentanyl Dispute Will Be Solved by End of March Δ1.70

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett expressed optimism that a dispute with Canada regarding the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. could be resolved by the end of March, potentially averting the reimposition of tariffs. While Hassett emphasized the administration's focus on combating drug smuggling rather than initiating a trade war, the actual contribution of Canada to this issue appears minimal. The complexity of the situation is compounded by the conflicting narratives surrounding economic policies and drug enforcement strategies.