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President Trump Withdraws Casey Means' Surgeon General Nomination, Nominates Dr. Nicole Saphier

President Trump Withdraws Casey Means' Surgeon General Nomination, Nominates Dr. Nicole Saphier

President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of Dr. Casey Means' nomination for U.S. Surgeon General, citing stalled progress in the Senate due to concerns over her experience and vaccine stance. Dr. Nicole Saphier, a radiologist and former Fox News contributor, has been nominated as her replacement. Saphier is recognized for her work in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth. The decision follows contentious Senate hearings where Means faced scrutiny over her medical credentials and views on vaccines, particularly her skepticism about the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns. Trump's decision reflects ongoing challenges in securing Senate approval for his nominees.

President Trump Withdraws Casey Means' Surgeon General Nomination, Nominates Nicole Saphier

President Trump Withdraws Casey Means' Surgeon General Nomination, Nominates Nicole Saphier

President Trump has withdrawn the nomination of Dr. Casey Means for the position of U.S. Surgeon General, citing stalled progress in the Senate due to concerns over her experience and views on vaccines. Dr. Nicole Saphier, a radiologist and former Fox News contributor, has been nominated as the new candidate. Dr. Means, who was initially nominated in May, faced scrutiny for her lack of a completed surgical residency and inactive medical license. Her nomination was further complicated by her association with the Make America Healthy Again movement and controversial views on vaccine recommendations. Dr. Saphier, currently the director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth, is recognized for her work in guiding women through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Trump's new pick for surgeon general has both praised and cringed at his administration

Trump's new pick for surgeon general has both praised and cringed at his administration

President Donald Trump has chosen Dr. Nicole Saphier as his third pick for U.S. surgeon general

American Public Health Association CEO Discusses President Trump's Surgeon General Nominee's Mixed Stance on Health Policy

American Public Health Association CEO Discusses President Trump's Surgeon General Nominee's Mixed Stance on Health Policy

Dr. Georges Benjamin, CEO of the American Public Health Association, recently discussed President Trump's latest nominee for the position of Surgeon General. The nominee has shown a complex stance towards the MAHA health policy, expressing both support and criticism. This dual perspective has sparked discussions within the health community about the potential direction of U.S. health policy under this new leadership. Dr. Benjamin's insights were shared during an interview with NPR's Steve Inskeep, where he elaborated on the implications of the nominee's views and how they might influence future health initiatives.

US House Passes Farm Bill After Removing Controversial Pesticide Provision

US House Passes Farm Bill After Removing Controversial Pesticide Provision

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a new five-year farm bill, removing a controversial provision that would have protected pesticide manufacturers from certain lawsuits. This decision came after pressure from the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, which opposed the provision. The bill, which funds agricultural and food aid programs, passed with a vote of 224 to 200 and now awaits Senate approval. The legislation maintains cuts to the food stamp program and extends much of the previous bill's framework. The bill's passage is seen as progress for the long-stalled legislation, which has faced challenges since the expiration of the prior bill in 2023.

President Trump Nominates Dr. Nicole Saphier as Surgeon General Amidst Health Policy Debates

President Trump Nominates Dr. Nicole Saphier as Surgeon General Amidst Health Policy Debates

President Trump has nominated Dr. Nicole Saphier, a radiologist and former Fox News contributor, as the new U.S. Surgeon General. This nomination follows the withdrawal of Dr. Casey Means, who lacked sufficient support in the Senate. Dr. Saphier is known for her advocacy of the 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda, which includes promoting exercise and reducing processed foods. Despite her alignment with some of the administration's health policies, she has been critical of certain aspects, particularly the handling of vaccination issues. If confirmed, Dr. Saphier would have the authority to issue public health advisories, although the role does not involve setting vaccine policy.

U.S. House Passes Farm Bill, Awaiting Senate Approval Amid Agricultural Policy Updates

U.S. House Passes Farm Bill, Awaiting Senate Approval Amid Agricultural Policy Updates

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 with a vote of 224-200. This legislation marks a significant update for the agricultural sector, which has been operating without new federal farm policies for eight years. The bill, crafted with input from over 150 listening sessions held by the House Agriculture Committee, reflects a broad range of agricultural needs. It received bipartisan support, including votes from 14 Democrats and a historic level of Republican backing. Key amendments were made to the bill, such as removing a provision that would have protected pesticide manufacturers from state-level lawsuits and another that would have allowed year-round E15 sales. The bill includes updates to crop insurance, disaster assistance, and rural infrastructure investments, among other areas.

FDA Proposes Exclusion of Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Liraglutide from 503B Bulks List, Citing No Clinical Need

FDA Proposes Exclusion of Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Liraglutide from 503B Bulks List, Citing No Clinical Need

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a proposal to exclude semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide from the 503B bulks list, which identifies bulk drug substances that outsourcing facilities may use in compounding. This decision follows a review process where the FDA found no clinical need for these drugs to be compounded from bulk substances. The 503B bulks list is part of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which regulates the compounding of drugs by outsourcing facilities. The FDA's proposal is based on the availability of FDA-approved drugs and the lack of sufficient evidence to justify the inclusion of these substances on the list. The agency is inviting public comments on this proposal until June 29, 2026, before making a final determination.

Senator Whitehouse Criticizes Proposed EPA Budget Cuts for Undermining Environmental Protection

Senator Whitehouse Criticizes Proposed EPA Budget Cuts for Undermining Environmental Protection

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island has voiced strong opposition to the Trump administration's proposed budget cuts for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The proposed $4.2 billion budget would significantly reduce funding for state environmental programs and loans for water projects, while halting certain climate research initiatives. During Senate hearings, Whitehouse accused EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin of prioritizing fossil fuel industry interests over environmental protection. Zeldin defended the budget as a means to make the EPA more efficient, but faced criticism from Senate Democrats who argued that the cuts would undermine the agency's mission to protect human health and the environment.

Nurses and Faith Leaders Rally for HCMC Funding in Minneapolis

Nurses and Faith Leaders Rally for HCMC Funding in Minneapolis

In Minneapolis, nurses and faith leaders have organized two demonstrations to highlight funding issues faced by Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC). These events aim to draw public and governmental attention to the financial challenges impacting the hospital's operations and services. The rallies underscore the critical need for adequate funding to ensure the hospital can continue providing essential healthcare services to the community. Participants are advocating for increased financial support to address these challenges and maintain the hospital's capacity to serve patients effectively.

House Approves IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act to Enhance Tax Compliance

House Approves IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act to Enhance Tax Compliance

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act, a bipartisan effort to enhance the IRS's Whistleblower Awards Program. Co-sponsored by Rep. Mike Kelly and Rep. Mike Thompson, the bill aims to improve the appeals process for whistleblowers, protect their anonymity, and ensure timely award payments. The legislation also seeks to align the tax treatment of attorney's fees for whistleblowers with other federal programs. The bill passed with overwhelming support and will now proceed to the Senate for consideration. The program has been instrumental in recovering billions in unpaid taxes and serves as a deterrent against tax evasion.

New Orleans Program Provides Postpartum Support Through Home Visits for New Mothers

New Orleans Program Provides Postpartum Support Through Home Visits for New Mothers

Family Connects New Orleans (FCNO) is a program offering postpartum support to new mothers through home visits. The initiative, available to residents of Orleans Parish who give birth at Ochsner Baptist or Touro hospital, provides up to three in-home visits for parents of newborns up to 12 weeks old. These visits are free and aim to bridge the gap between birth and the first postnatal appointment. The program includes clinical evaluations, mental health screenings, breastfeeding support, and connections to community resources. It also offers maternal support groups to help mothers build relationships and combat isolation. FCNO is part of a national program initially launched in Durham, North Carolina, and has been adapted in various states.