🏥 Health

Justice Department Targets Clinics in Child Transgender Surgery Probe
July 10 @ 3:31pm ET  
The Department of Justice has issued over 20 subpoenas to doctors and clinics for child transgender procedures. The probe focuses on healthcare fraud and false statements amid a national debate.
North Carolina Faces Severe Medicaid Cuts Under Trump's New Policy
July 7 @ 4:30am ET  
North Carolina faces severe Medicaid cuts under President Trump's new policy, threatening coverage for thousands. Rural hospitals risk closure, deepening the state's healthcare crisis.
Wegmans Chocolate Recall in 8 States and DC Sparks Allergy Concerns
July 2 @ 4:09pm ET  
Wegmans Semi-Sweet Chocolate Nonpareils have been recalled in 8 states and DC due to an undeclared milk allergen. This poses a 'life-threatening allergic reaction' risk to those with milk allergies, per the FDA notice.
Federal Judge Blocks Mass Layoffs at Health and Human Services Department
July 1 @ 6:13pm ET  
A federal judge halted mass layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on July 1, ruling them likely unlawful. The decision impacts thousands of jobs and raises questions about executive power over federal agencies.
Israel Study Reveals Higher Fetal Losses Linked to Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine
July 1 @ 4:05pm ET  
A new Israel study links higher fetal losses to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in early pregnancy. Researchers report 13 losses per 100 women vaccinated in weeks 8-13, exceeding expected rates.
Moderna Seeks Approval for Dual COVID-Flu Vaccine After Trial Success
June 30 @ 8:07pm ET  
Moderna plans to seek clearance for a dual COVID-19 and flu vaccine after successful Phase 3 trials. The mRNA-1083 shot showed stronger immune responses than existing vaccines, promising easier vaccination options.
Justice Department Unveils Historic $14.6 Billion Health Care Fraud Crackdown
June 30 @ 5:31pm ET  
The Justice Department charged 324 defendants in a historic $14.6 billion health care fraud takedown on June 30. This largest-ever operation targeted scams affecting Medicare and Medicaid across 50 federal districts.
Nestlé USA Commits to Phasing Out Synthetic Colors by Mid-2026
June 26 @ 2:43pm ET  
Nestlé USA plans to eliminate synthetic colors from its U.S. food and beverage products by mid-2026. Over 90 percent of its current portfolio is already free of such dyes, aligning with consumer demand for natural ingredients.
RFK Jr. Overhauls CDC Vaccine Panel Amid Controversy and Resignation
June 25 @ 5:01pm ET  
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as Health Secretary, fired all 17 CDC vaccine panel members and appointed eight new ones, now down to seven after a resignation. This drastic overhaul raises concerns about the future of U.S. vaccine policy.
Baltimore's PHA Healthcare Closure: Patients Still Struggle in Same Conditions
June 24 @ 8:08pm ET  
Maryland closed PHA Healthcare in Baltimore due to overdoses in drug-ridden housing. Many patients still face the same dire conditions despite the shutdown.
Major US Insurers Commit to Simplifying Prior Authorization Process
June 23 @ 2:01pm ET  
Major US health insurers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield and AHIP members, vowed on June 23 to simplify prior authorization. This aims to speed up medical care approvals for over 257 million Americans by 2027.
Measles Outbreak Disrupts Lives in Texas and North Dakota
June 23 @ 9:30am ET  
A measles outbreak in Texas and North Dakota is disrupting daily life, with over 1,200 U.S. cases this year. It has exposed a deep crisis of trust in vaccination, straining communities and healthcare systems.
Starbucks Commits to Healthier Menu Under Make America Healthy Again Plan
June 20 @ 6:10pm ET  
Starbucks has pledged to align its menu with the 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative, as announced by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after meeting CEO Brian Niccol on June 18. This includes testing healthier options like sugar-free drinks.
Transgender Clinic Sparks National Debate After 2018 Opening
June 19 @ 6:30am ET  
The Vanderbilt transgender clinic, opened in 2018, became a focal point of controversy by 2022, sparking political backlash. Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care, upheld by the Supreme Court on June 18, reflects a national debate.
FDA Greenlights Gilead's Twice-Yearly HIV Prevention Shot with Near-Perfect Results
June 19 @ 6:03am ET  
The FDA has approved Gilead's lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention shot with 99.9% effectiveness in trials. This breakthrough offers a convenient alternative to daily pills, though accessibility concerns remain.
CDC's New Vaccine Panel to Decide on RSV and Flu Shots for Kids and Pregnant Women
June 19 @ 5:05am ET  
The CDC's new vaccine advisers will vote on RSV and flu shots for children and pregnant women on June 25 and 26. This first meeting under new leadership also includes a discussion on thimerosal in flu vaccines.
High Food Costs Challenge Americans’ Healthy Eating Goals, Survey Shows
June 18 @ 4:00pm ET  
A Pew Research survey reveals that high food costs are preventing 7 in 10 Americans from eating healthily. Many are turning to ultra-processed foods, raising concerns about long-term public health impacts.
Federal Judge Rules Trump's NIH Grant Cuts Discriminatory and Illegal
June 17 @ 12:31pm ET  
A federal judge ruled Trump's cuts to NIH grants illegal, citing discrimination against minorities and LGBTQ groups. The court ordered funding restoration for affected research.
Kraft Heinz Commits to Removing Artificial Dyes from US Products by 2027
June 17 @ 12:00pm ET  
Kraft Heinz announced it will remove all artificial dyes from US products by 2027 and halt new launches with such colors immediately. This move, impacting brands like Kool-Aid and Jell-O, responds to health concerns over synthetic additives.
Tragic Loss: Second Death Linked to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Gene Therapy
June 17 @ 10:04am ET  
Sarepta Therapeutics reports a second death linked to its Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy, Elevidys. The company has paused treatment for non-ambulatory patients due to acute liver failure concerns.
Faith-Based Health Cost Sharing Gains Popularity Amid Coverage Gaps
June 17 @ 6:04am ET  
Faith-based health cost sharing is gaining traction as an alternative to pricey insurance. However, these unregulated programs come with risks like limited coverage.
RFK Jr. Urges State Leaders to Ban Sugary Drinks in SNAP Benefits
June 11 @ 2:34pm ET  
RFK Jr., U.S. Health Secretary, urges governors to ban sugary drinks from SNAP, citing health crises. States like Arkansas are implementing waivers to curb taxpayer-funded junk food purchases.
NIH Director Bhattacharya Seeks Resolution on Suspended University Grants
June 11 @ 1:03pm ET  
NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya is hopeful for a settlement with universities over suspended grants amid a proposed 40% budget cut. The crisis has sparked criticism from senators and scientists, threatening biomedical research.
RFK Jr. to Reveal New Vaccine Advisory Panel Members Amid Controversy
June 11 @ 7:00am ET  
Health Secretary RFK Jr. has removed all 17 members of the CDC's vaccine advisory committee to restore public trust. The announcement of new members is awaited amid concerns over future vaccine policies.
Merck's ENFLONSIA Gains FDA Approval for Infant RSV Protection
June 10 @ 10:05am ET  
Merck's ENFLONSIA, a monoclonal antibody for infant RSV protection, has gained FDA approval on June 9. This single-dose treatment offers new hope against a leading cause of infant pneumonia.
NIH Scientists Demand Restoration of Grants and Employee Reinstatement
June 9 @ 5:30pm ET  
Over 90 NIH scientists have signed a letter demanding the restoration of $1.8 billion in grants and reinstatement of employees. The cuts threaten critical research, including cancer studies, and risk losing a generation of talent.
Understanding Ketamine: Effects and Controversies Surrounding Elon Musk
June 9 @ 8:15am ET  
Ketamine, an anesthetic, is used off-label for depression but poses risks of misuse. Elon Musk's past use and recent denials of frequent intake spark debate on its regulation.
Massive Recall of 1.7 Million Air Conditioners Sold at Major Retailers Over Health Risks
June 6 @ 8:09pm ET  
Over 1.7 million Midea air conditioners sold at Costco, Walmart, and Amazon have been recalled due to mold risks causing respiratory issues. Consumers are urged to contact Midea for repairs or refunds.
Trump Administration Revokes Emergency Abortion Hospital Guidance
June 4 @ 3:00am ET  
The Trump administration has revoked guidance requiring hospitals to provide emergency abortions under EMTALA. This move has sparked criticism from groups like the ACLU over access to critical care.
Nationwide Recall of 256,185 Pounds of Beef Stew Over Wood Contamination
June 2 @ 6:01am ET  
Hormel Foods has recalled 256,185 pounds of Dinty Moore Beef Stew nationwide due to wood fragment contamination. Consumers are urged to check their cans and return or discard affected products for safety.
House Megabill Aims to Broaden Health Savings Account Access
June 2 @ 5:30am ET  
The House megabill seeks to expand Health Savings Account eligibility by including more health plans. However, income thresholds may limit who benefits from these new rules.
Mars Inc. Drops Titanium Dioxide in Skittles Amid Health Concerns
May 30 @ 8:06pm ET  
Mars Inc. has removed titanium dioxide from Skittles in the US amid health concerns raised by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and others. This follows Europe's ban on the additive, linked to potential cellular damage.