Senior CDC Officials Resign After Monarez’s Ouster, Citing Concerns Over Scientific Independence
By Céline Gounder
Four senior officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced their resignations in recent days, citing what they described as growing political interference in the agency’s scientific work, particularly regarding vaccines.
Daily Edition for Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Glenn Medical Center Closing Up Shop: Willows-based Glenn Medical Center plans to close its emergency department, with the hospital closing shortly after, following CMS’ plan to revoke its critical access hospital designation, effective Oct. 21. GMC still has a path forward to preserve its primary care and specialty clinics. Read more from Becker’s Hospital Review.
Blue States That Sued Kept Most CDC Grants, While Red States Feel Brunt of Trump Clawbacks
By Henry Larweh and Rachana Pradhan and Rae Ellen Bichell
The Trump administration’s cuts of public health funds to state and local health departments had vastly uneven effects depending on the political leanings of where someone lives, a new KFF Health News analysis shows.
An Insurer Agreed To Cover Her Surgery. A Politician’s Nudge Got the Bills Paid.
By Cara Anthony
A kindergartner in Missouri needed eye surgery. Her insurer granted approval for her to see a specialist nearby, yet her parents were confused when they still owed more than $13,000. Then her uncle, a former state senator, reached out to a colleague who contacted the hospital and the insurer.
Daily Edition for Monday, August 25, 2025
Vaccine Coverage Might Be Complicated: Health experts warn that access to vaccines this fall will be clouded by confusion. The FDA is expected to restrict eligibility for vaccines to adults 65 and older and those with underlying health conditions. People covered by private health insurance plans or through Covered California are likely to see significantly fewer impacts, but the situation is much less certain for Medi-Cal enrollees. Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle and The San Diego Union-Tribune.
FTC Has Long Said Products Must Back Up Health Claims. A MAHA Lawsuit Would Upend That.
By Arthur Allen
Xlear, a maker of xylitol gum, has sued the Federal Trade Commission, saying the onus should be on government to prove that ingredients don’t live up to advertised claims. RFK Jr.’s “medical freedom” allies have rallied to the cause.
As Measles Exploded, Officials in Texas Looked to CDC Scientists. Under Trump, No One Answered.
By Amy Maxmen
Trump officials sowed fear and confusion among CDC scientists, slowing their response to the measles outbreak in West Texas. Cases surged and sparked new outbreaks across the U.S. and Mexico. Together, these linked outbreaks have sickened more than 4,500 and killed at least 16 in the U.S. and Mexico.
Daily Edition for Friday, August 22, 2025
Homelessness Dips Across California: Signs of progress are emerging in the state’s fight against homelessness. Across 15 counties that conducted counts in 2024 and 2025, all but two reported declines in their overall homeless populations. Contra Costa, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma recorded decreases of more than 20%. Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle. Scroll down for more about the housing crisis.
Native Americans Want To Avoid Past Medicaid Enrollment Snafus as Work Requirements Loom
By Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez
As states prepare to implement changes to Medicaid required by President Donald Trump’s recent tax-and-spending law, tribal leaders say they are concerned Native American enrollees could lose their coverage, despite exemptions made by Congress.
The Price Increases That Should Cause Americans More Alarm
By Elisabeth Rosenthal
The cost of health insurance is rising faster than the price of eggs or gasoline.
