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Good morning and happy Monday. I hope your weekend was enjoyable. Let’s dive into today’s headlines.
Challenges Loom for Next CDC Director
Assuming the Trump administration can find someone to fill the role, taking on the position of CDC director is described by public health experts as a daunting task. According to STAT’s Helen Branswell, the challenges facing the new director are substantial and immediate.
The incoming director will face an agency with disgruntled staff and must decide on taking a stance regarding vaccines. Additionally, they need to prove they are in charge of the CDC. Branswell provides further insight into the situation and what it might take to restore the agency’s credibility.
Updates from Recent Meetings
On Friday, STAT’s Daniel Payne reported on meetings involving federal officials, lawmakers, and the White House:
During a briefing with U.S. senators, FDA officials outlined their priorities for the year, which include infant formula safety, updating food labels, and defining ultra-processed foods. Learn more about the potential implications for the midterms.
Meanwhile, at the White House, officials have drafted legislation on drug pricing, which is being shared with major pharmaceutical companies. This is part of Trump’s focus on affordability during the election year.
Raw Dairy Company Denies E. coli Link
Regarding FDA and food regulation, nine cases of E. coli infection have been reported recently. The FDA interviewed eight affected individuals, all of whom reported consuming raw milk or raw cheddar cheese. Seven identified the brand as Raw Farm. Three people required hospitalization, with over half of the cases involving children under five.
The FDA update last week indicated an inspection at Raw Farm, although no positive E. coli results have been found. On Instagram, Raw Farm’s president, Aaron McAfee, stated, “It’s official: 100% of the results are negative.” The company continues to sell its products and disputes the FDA’s possible link to the outbreak.
Job Cuts in Health Care Sector
Although the U.S. workforce has expanded largely due to health care, a STAT analysis by Bob Herman reveals that large, for-profit health companies are not driving this growth. For instance, the eight largest publicly traded health insurers, many owning medical clinics and pharmacies, reduced their workforce by 20,000 jobs in 2025.
Herman examined employment figures from 50 top health care companies, finding varied growth across sectors. Economist Dean Baker commented, “Health insurance is just designed for AI,” predicting significant job losses in the coming years.
The Lancet Retracts Key Article on Talc
Talc, a mineral used in cosmetics and medications, is safe itself but can be contaminated by asbestos, a carcinogen. FDA regulations on asbestos in talc products have faced delays due to industry influence since the 1970s.
Recently, The Lancet retracted a 1977 article, revealed to be authored by a Johnson & Johnson consultant, which opposed regulation. It falsely claimed no cancer risk from cosmetic talc. J&J has since been found to have hidden asbestos presence in its baby powder.
Researchers noted this article was used in lawsuits defending the safety of talc. Lancet editors acknowledged the conflict of interest, thanking researchers for highlighting the issue.
What We’re Reading
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The ghosts of Al-Shifa Hospital, Wired
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Research points to how companies could make social media less addictive for teens, NPR
- First Opinion: Remembering public health pioneer Barry Bloom: a scientist, a mentor, a mensch, STAT
- Bring me bimagrumab, London Review of Books
- First Opinion: Washington is on the verge of true PBM reform, STAT
