SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " impact " 4,094 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Trump-led convention could impact Kentucky politics
The Republican midterm convention in Dallas kept Trump at the center of the party’s political message, which could impact down-ballot races in Kentucky ahead of the fall election.
9/11 had a profound impact on the mental health of tens of thousands of first responders, doctors say
Rising diesel costs put pressure on western North Carolina businesses
The high cost of diesel fuel is impacting all kinds of local industries in the mountains, including trucking operators.
Los Angeles County probes Farmers Insurance Company's handling of wildfire claims
Los Angeles County launched a probe into Farmers Insurance Company's handling of claims by policyholders impacted by last year's devastating Eaton and Palisades wildfires, after a growing number of residents
The new Medicaid work requirement and how states are planning to implement it
In Part three of AHCJ's 2026 Rural Health Webinar Series, panelists discuss the expected impacts of the new Medicaid work requirement.
Former EPA officials warn of health risks from data center pollution
Former federal environmental officials are sounding an alarm in a new report about potential health impacts from data center pollution amidst what they see as a breakdown in oversight.
No. 46: Michael Dell, Amnon Shashua, Safra Catz, Jan Koum, Brandon Korff, Dmitry and Igor Bukhman
Titans of tech, finance, and entertainment turning vast wealth into lasting impact.
Platinum chemotherapy may cause decades' worth of DNA changes in children's healthy cells
The amount of DNA damage caused by certain chemotherapies used to effectively treat childhood cancer has been revealed, along with a hidden impact on the liver, paving the way for future research into ...
Study finds light exposure during sleep may affect heart health
A new study suggests that exposure to light during sleep, even at low levels, may negatively impact heart health.
Study finds light exposure during sleep may affect heart health
A new study suggests that exposure to light during sleep, even at low levels, may negatively impact heart health.
Opinion: What Chicago needs to understand about its climate resilience
No place on Planet Earth is immune from the impacts of a warming planet. And in an interconnected global economy, there is no “climate haven.”
New economic tool helps planners consider urban public health impacts
Senior urban development decision-makers have revealed there is currently little incentive to consider public health impacts when shaping towns and cities, according to a new study that highlights the potential of an innovative economic valuation tool to address the problem.
Trinity Health Michigan lays off 557 in IT and engineering
The health system sent notices that numerous roles will be impacted between October and November due to outsourcing and a need to keep pace with healthcare sector innovation.
The scale of 9/11's health impacts, visualized 25 years later
2,977 people were killed on 9/11. Twenty-five years later, the number affected is much higher. Here's what the impact looks like.
Kelvin Sheppard Reveals Devin White’s Immediate Impact on Lions’ Linebackers
Kelvin Sheppard says Devin White raised the level of Detroit's linebacker room and pushed Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez.
Diesel prices near $6 push timber industry to brink
American Loggers Council Executive Director Scott Dane discusses how soaring diesel prices are impacting the timber industry, raising operating costs to unsustainable levels.
Health care veteran Simers named VP of community impact at Fulfill
Fulfill has named Kim Simers as VP of community impact, strengthening the organization’s focus on food, health and community well-being.
Kentucky vs Alabama: Defensive X-Factors in week two
Kentucky hosts Alabama on Saturday for a big conference clash. We look at potential defensive X-factors and who can make an impact in this game.
How are data centers impacting health?
Data centers have become a contentious issue across the country.
How geopolitical rifts cut scientific collaboration
Researchers have measured how worsening geopolitical relations hobble scientific collaboration, at last quantifying the impact of rifts between governments on cooperation between labs. Over the last decade, a tenser world has thrown up new barriers to cross-border science. Collaboration between the US and China has dimmed as the two countries have sunk into an ever-deeper rivalry. Links between Russia and Europe have collapsed following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. But while a concern, the magnitude of the damage is less than might be expected. For all the geopolitical turmoil of the last decade, international scientific collaborations are near a record high. “Some part of the story is positive,” said Shreyas Gadgin Matha, a social scientist at Harvard University and an author of the new study. “Research collaborations are largely resilient.” Matha and colleagues looked at data on cross-border research papers and patents in the period 2000-23, and analysed how they were impacted by countries’ political relations, as measured by how often states voted together in the United Nations. They found that when states drift apart at the UN by the median difference in votes between all countries, joint scientific papers decline by 3.1% over the next three-year period. To put that in context, over the last decade, the US and China have diverged by around a third of that difference in votes every three years. In other words, on average, it takes quite a significant diplomatic rift even to trigger a small single-digit percentage drop in joint papers. “In the short term, even something like a 3% reduction [in joint papers] is, in some ways, not that big of a number,” said Matha. Research remains more international than ever, according to an analysis extending to 2023 released by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 2025. We’re still living in an era of unprecedented scientific globalisation, the analysis says, with 27% of papers in OECD countries written across borders. In 1970, just 2% of articles had authors from different countries. Longer-term damage?However, this trend towards increasing international collaboration “has lost momentum and might be partly breaking down,” the OECD analysis says, largely due to a fall in the intensity of US-China joint papers since 2018. Matha and his colleagues stressed they are not complacent about the global science system. For now, “it's pretty resilient,” said co-author Muhammed Yildirim, director of academic research at Harvard’s Growth Lab. But if links are weakened, through the denial of study visas, for example, then this could have a much longer-term effect, cascading through generations of scientists, he added. Related articlesChina becomes Russia’s biggest collaborator after war decimates science ties with the west US scientists prefer German to Chinese collaborators, study finds Horizon Europe is now truly global. But what comes next? Another finding of the study, Burning bridges or bridging divides: Geopolitics and collaboration in research and innovation, is that trust appears easier to destroy than create.The hit to scientific collaboration when countries drift apart is around three times as big as the growth in joint papers when they move closer, the paper finds. “It's far easier to break these ties than to mend them, and that that also perhaps has some larger policy lesson,” said Matha.PatentsThe results around patents were less clear cut. Some methods of analysis found a statistically significant link between a diplomatic rift and a drop in co-patenting, but others did not. According to Yildirim, patents with cross-border inventors are often developed by multinational companies, which may have invested heavily in global R&D facilities, so are less likely to change how they operate simply due to a change in the geopolitical weather. “That's why we might not be seeing the effect immediately in technology,” he said.By contrast, researchers might be more sensitive to geopolitics, because visa policies can quickly affect who meets who at academic conferences, he went on. International collaboration on patents is much lower than for academic articles, the study shows. It peaked at around 10% in 2010, and has since fallen back to around 8%. This could be because China dramatically ramped up domestic patents in the 2010s, said Yildirim, squeezing the international share.
“The Shards’ ”Igby Rigney speculates how ‘big bomb’ in season 1 finale can impact the show’s future
The actor pitches an “insane twist” to EW for a potential second season.
How geopolitical rifts cut scientific collaboration
Researchers have measured how worsening geopolitical relations hobble scientific collaboration, at last quantifying the impact of rifts between governments on cooperation between labs. Over the last decade, a tenser world has thrown up new barriers to cross-border science. Collaboration between the US and China has dimmed as the two countries have sunk into an ever-deeper rivalry. Links between Russia and Europe have collapsed following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. But while a concern, the magnitude of the damage is less than might be expected. For all the geopolitical turmoil of the last decade, international scientific collaborations are near a record high. “Some part of the story is positive,” said Shreyas Gadgin Matha, a social scientist at Harvard University and an author of the new study. “Research collaborations are largely resilient.” Matha and colleagues looked at data on cross-border research papers and patents in the period 2000-23, and analysed how they were impacted by countries’ political relations, as measured by how often states voted together in the United Nations. They found that when states drift apart at the UN by the median difference in votes between all countries, joint scientific papers decline by 3.1% over the next three-year period. To put that in context, over the last decade, the US and China have diverged by around a third of that difference in votes every three years. In other words, on average, it takes quite a significant diplomatic rift even to trigger a small single-digit percentage drop in joint papers. “In the short term, even something like a 3% reduction [in joint papers] is, in some ways, not that big of a number,” said Matha. Research remains more international than ever, according to an analysis extending to 2023 released by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 2025. We’re still living in an era of unprecedented scientific globalisation, the analysis says, with 27% of papers in OECD countries written across borders. In 1970, just 2% of articles had authors from different countries. Longer-term damage?However, this trend towards increasing international collaboration “has lost momentum and might be partly breaking down,” the OECD analysis says, largely due to a fall in the intensity of US-China joint papers since 2018. Matha and his colleagues stressed they are not complacent about the global science system. For now, “it's pretty resilient,” said co-author Muhammed Yildirim, director of academic research at Harvard’s Growth Lab. But if links are weakened, through the denial of study visas, for example, then this could have a much longer-term effect, cascading through generations of scientists, he added. Related articlesChina becomes Russia’s biggest collaborator after war decimates science ties with the west US scientists prefer German to Chinese collaborators, study finds Horizon Europe is now truly global. But what comes next? Another finding of the study, Burning bridges or bridging divides: Geopolitics and collaboration in research and innovation, is that trust appears easier to destroy than create.The hit to scientific collaboration when countries drift apart is around three times as big as the growth in joint papers when they move closer, the paper finds. “It's far easier to break these ties than to mend them, and that that also perhaps has some larger policy lesson,” said Matha.PatentsThe results around patents were less clear cut. Some methods of analysis found a statistically significant link between a diplomatic rift and a drop in co-patenting, but others did not. According to Yildirim, patents with cross-border inventors are often developed by multinational companies, which may have invested heavily in global R&D facilities, so are less likely to change how they operate simply due to a change in the geopolitical weather. “That's why we might not be seeing the effect immediately in technology,” he said.By contrast, researchers might be more sensitive to geopolitics, because visa policies can quickly affect who meets who at academic conferences, he went on. International collaboration on patents is much lower than for academic articles, the study shows. It peaked at around 10% in 2010, and has since fallen back to around 8%. This could be because China dramatically ramped up domestic patents in the 2010s, said Yildirim, squeezing the international share.
How Are Data Centers Impacting Health?
Shinsuke Tanaka, assistant professor of agricultural and resource economics, weighs in on the environmental and health implications of data center construct ...
Packers Take Notice As Harrison Smith Returns For Vikings
Christian Watson, Tucker Kraft and Matt LaFleur all acknowledged the impact Smith has on the Vikings’ defense ahead of Minnesota’s season opener against Green Bay.
The Legal and Political Impact of Iran’s UN Nuclear Referral
For the first time in 20 years, Iran’s nuclear file has been officially referred back to the United Nations Security Council.On Wednesd ...
Many INW companies dodged impacts of food recalls
Some Spokane-area health officials and food distributors are saying the region has largely avoided direct impacts of the national foodborne illness outbreaks and recalls impacting Americans this summer.
Willy Street businesses warn recovery far from over after Madison council rejects relief
Williamson Street business leaders say reopening the street has not meant a return to normal, one day after the Madison Common Council rejected $75,000 in proposed relief for businesses impacted by this summer’s two-week encampment.
Willy Street businesses warn recovery far from over after Madison council rejects relief
The proposed Williamson Street Business Stabilization Support Program would have made money available to as many as 30 businesses directly impacted by the encampment near Williamson and Baldwin streets.
Ground Zero first responder shares lasting health impact decades after 9/11
Volunteer EMT Mordechai Shedrowitzky and an NYU doctor share how exposure to World Trade Center dust can have serious health consequences decades later.
600,000 Oregonians may be impacted by Medicaid work requirement changes
More than half a million Oregonians who are currently enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan could be impacted by new work requirements.
Economic tool could help cities prioritize public health in urban development
Senior urban development decision-makers have revealed there is currently little incentive to consider public health impacts when shaping towns and cities, according to a new study published in Evidence ...
Pearland ISD partners with UTHealth for mental health program
The Pearland ISD board of trustees approved an agreement with UTHealth Houston to bring the Youth Aware of Mental Health program to students.
Viral storm video at Milford Farmers' Market prompts community support for impacted businesses
N.C. businesses brace for Canadian tariffs, feel sting of other world events
Businesses in the automotive industry will likely feel a direct impact of the Canadian counter-tariffs.
Mental health professionals highlight errors in Nebraska tool for aiding developmentally disabled
LINCOLN — Just over a year after Nebraska launched a new system to assess Nebraskans with intellectual and developmental disabilities seeking Medicaid assistance, a group of parents gathered to inform state officials about the negative impacts the change has had on their families. Mental health professionals Carol Salber and Tori Sorensen, who are both parents […]
Hy-Vee to host supplier summit featuring more than 80 small businesses
Hy-Vee Inc. is hosting its Opportunity Supplier Impact Summit today and Thursday at its headquarters in West Des Moines, bringing together entrepreneurs and small businesses with the grocer’s category managers and retail leaders for networking and product showcases. On Thursday, more than 80 small businesses from across the U.S. will present their products and services…
Most Americans Have Stopped Believing the Government
A pair of new polls offer a sobering snapshot of the impact of President Trump’s second term in office thus far.
12-inch water main break impacts several fire hydrants and businesses in Cockeysville
A 12-inch water main break has impacted five fire hydrants and services at several businesses in Cockeysville, Maryland.
Biology Professor Earns Prestigious Fulbright Appointment
College of Charleston professor, Andrew Shedlock, will deliver high-impact STEM and AI education to faculty and students in Vietnam through the prestigious Fulbright Specialist Program.
Should the Miami Heat Sign Former National Champion?
As Memphis prepares to waive Walter Clayton Jr., the Miami Heat could leverage their proven developmental system to transform the former Florida star into the next high-impact guard.
Apple is raising iPhone prices by $100 on all of its old models
The price increase impacts the iPhone 16, the full iPhone 17 lineup, as well as the iPhone Air.
UT San Antonio prepares biomedical researchers for entrepreneurial innovation
UT San Antonio is preparing biomedical researchers to think beyond scientific discovery, equipping them to consider how promising research can move from the laboratory toward real-world impact.
How one org taps into neighborhood power to address climate change and health equity in Memphis
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Q&A with Center for Transforming Communities For the Center for Transforming Communities, climate change and health equity are not abstract concepts. They show up in the soil, in the quality of drinking water, in neighborhood walkability and in access to food. The organization works closely with residents and institutions to minimize negative impacts of … Continue reading
Veterans' mental health challenges
For many veterans, coming home does not mean leaving the impact of military service behind. As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, it is important to recognize the mental health struggles many veterans face—often without treatment. Rawle Andrews jr., executive director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, discusses this with Good Day Austin.
Trump Administration Cuts 16 Minority Health Grants—Here’s What That Means For Public Health
A public health expert explains how the Trump administration cancelling 16 minority health grants could adversely impact public health.
25 years later, 9/11 health crisis continues on Long Island
The 9/11 health crisis on Long Island persists with rising cancer cases and ongoing mental health impacts among responders and families; an online oral history project preserves their stories
N.C. population growth slowing but political impact still significant
While North Carolina’s population rose by 180,000 residents from 2023 to 2024, its growth rate diminished to 146,000 residents between 2024 and 2025.
2 New York Giants named to CBS Sports' preseason All-Rookie team
CBS Sports is bullish on the New York Giants rookie duo making a massive impact in Year 1.
Congressional Report on Potential TBIs, Mental Health Risks in Naval Aviation
The following is “Unseen Impacts: An Investigation into the Navy’s Response to Potential Traumatic Brain Injury and Mental Health Risks in Naval Aviation” published on Sept. 8, 2026, by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs. From the Report Executive Summary Following reporting by The New York Times about an epidemic of potential brain injuries in naval aviators contributing to suicide, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform launched an investigation to assess the Navy’s knowledge of and actions taken regarding this issue. The findings reveal a disconnect between growing concern and
The moon may have formed in just 5 hours, new simulations suggest
Novel simulations, which reassessed the ancient collision between Earth and the protoplanet Theia, suggest that the moon could have emerged from the aftermath of this impact much more quickly than scientists previously thought.
Can Your Business Afford a Cyberattack? - Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
By Rieva Lesonsky – Most small business owners know a cyberattack could disrupt their operations. But they may not realize just how expensive that disruption could be. Verizon Business’s 2026 Breach Impact Study (BIS) looked at about 70,000 cyber insurance claims, of which more than half (38,000) were paid to policyholders to cover insurable cyber incidents from January […]
The Cost of Cutting American Science: How Federal Cuts Diminish Public Health Capacity
Among the federal government’s many responsibilities is the work it does to protect public health. Federal agencies monitor our food supply to ensure safety, conduct research to better understand emerging health threats, provide funding for public health programs in communities and work to detect and respond to disease outbreaks. Americans rely on these efforts every day—in a 2024 online survey, 74% of respondents said that “if the federal government issued safety guidance about food you eat regularly,” they would follow it. Changes to Federal Public Health Capacity The Trump administration’s efforts to reshape the federal government have resulted in significant impacts on our nation’s public health capacity over the past 20 months, affecting the response to health concerns such as measles, Ebola and cyclosporiasis. Agencies with core public health, food safety and disease prevention responsibilities experienced large workforce decreases during the first year of the administration. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for instance, the workforce in February 2026 was 26.7% smaller than in September 2024 before the start of the Trump administration. The Food and Drug Administration saw a similarly steep decline of 21.6%. Agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Food Safety and Inspection Service also experienced large workforce decreases. (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); Changes can also be seen in crucial public health occupations. The number of federal food inspectors, for example, decreased by more than half between September 2024 and February 2026, going from 1,035 to 473. This is the lowest number of food inspectors employed by the federal government since at least 2005. By February 2026, there were also 33.3% fewer federal public health program specialists, whose work includes advising federal funding recipients on public health activities and analyzing the effectiveness of public health programs. Government’s capacity is diminished as employees with specialized knowledge and experience in protecting the public and responding to health risks depart, leaving agencies less prepared to carry out their public health missions. There also have been vacancies in critical high-level leadership positions at public health agencies, most notably at the CDC, which had a permanent Senate-confirmed director for less than a month between January 2025 and early August 2026. Although the CDC has previously been led by acting directors at the start of an administration, the nearly yearlong gap since the departure of the administration’s first permanent director in August 2025 is without precedent. As of August 2026, the FDA is also currently without a Senate-confirmed commissioner following the previous commissioner’s resignation in May 2026. Additionally, public health agencies are experiencing increased politicization of their leadership ranks. In agencies such as the CDC and Food Safety and Inspection Service, the number of individuals in the Senior Executive Service—the most senior career leaders in government—has declined significantly, while at the same time the number of political appointees has reached record levels. (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); At the CDC, for example, the number of career SES decreased 42.9% between December 2024 and February 2026, while the number of non-Senate confirmed political appointees at the agency was six times larger than the agency’s historical average from 2009 and 2024. Knowledgeable career leaders are integral to the ability of public health agencies to carry out their work with scientific integrity and professional judgment, and rapid leadership turnover and increased politicization threaten agencies’ ability to make evidence-based decisions to protect our health. The upheaval and politicization in public health agencies have also negatively affected employee engagement. Strong employee engagement is crucial to the ability of agencies to carry out their mission and successfully provide essential services to the public. In the 2025 Public Service Viewpoint Survey conducted by the Partnership for Public Service, the Department of Health and Human Services—which encompasses major public health agencies such as the CDC and FDA—had an employee engagement and satisfaction score of 20.4 out of 100, one of the lowest among large agencies. Only 2.8% of HHS employees indicated trust in their political leaders and only 8.7% reported confidence that they could report a suspected violation of law or regulation without retaliation. Employees at HHS also reported that the agency’s ability to provide services to the public had suffered. Nearly half of employees at HHS, 47.5%, said their work unit was worse at delivering quality services compared to its performance in 2024. In addition, 57.8% said their work unit was performing worse at fulfilling stakeholder needs. In addition to the work done within federal agencies, the federal government also distributes significant funding for public health and disease prevention work to state and local governments, nonprofits and small businesses—funding which has been significantly disrupted. At the CDC, for example, there was a 71.9% decrease in the amount of project grant funding issued in fiscal year 2025 compared to fiscal year 2024. The FDA also issued far less funding in fiscal year 2025—a 21.3% decrease from its fiscal year 2024 funding. Changes in federal funding include the ending of grants to community organizations that worked on HIV prevention and the cancellation of funding for research into improvements to patient safety and healthcare quality. These changes go beyond federal agencies to impact the broader public health ecosystem, including the state and local health departments responsible for much of the on-the-ground public health work in their communities. About 80% of the CDC’s domestic funding is directed towards state and local partners—meaning that cuts to CDC funding can ultimately result in cuts to state and local public health capacity. Federal agencies also provide expertise and assistance to state and local health agencies as they deal with particular health challenges, but workforce cuts have resulted in fewer federal employees available to help. The Impact of Changes to Public Health Capacity These changes to federal public health capacity are not abstract concerns. Disrupted programs, reduced funding and lost expertise at public health agencies across all levels of government threaten the public’s physical well-being and safety. In some cases, this has already led to harm. The most immediate impacts of federal cuts were seen in interruptions to ongoing public health programs and crisis responses. In one instance, when CDC grants were canceled during the 2025 Texas measles outbreak—the most severe measles outbreak in 25 years—public health officials in Lubbock, Texas were forced to pause parts of their measles response work supported by the frozen funding. Lubbock’s director of public health further said that a lack of available CDC experts to reach out to for advice “definitely” impacted the department’s response to the measles crisis. Cuts to federal funding also forced Dallas County Health and Human Services to cut staff and cancel 50 community vaccination clinics during the outbreak. Public health work outside of major outbreak responses was also disrupted. For example, in April 2025, the Milwaukee Public Health Department was unexpectedly unable to reach experts on lead poisoning due to firings at the CDC when responding to concerns about lead contamination in Milwaukee public schools. Due to federal workforce cuts, several programs at the CDC, including Alzheimer’s and epilepsy programs, have also become trapped in limbo—existing on paper, but without the staff necessary to operate. More recent crises reveal how federal cuts have weakened the public health infrastructure needed to prevent and respond to dangerous new outbreaks. Internationally, cuts at the U.S. Agency for International Development eliminated funding for disease testing and contact tracing abroad, which delayed detection of and responses to the 2026 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While international outbreaks may seem far removed, the unchecked spread of disease in any country can quickly pose a danger to economic well-being, security and health around the world. Within the United States, public health cuts inhibited responses to the summer 2026 outbreak of the food-borne parasite cyclospora. At the federal level, cuts to funding for lab equipment and for CDC staff with expertise in parasitic infections—including 9 out of 11 staff members at the lab responsible for identifying parasitic outbreaks in 2025— contributed to the largest reporting delay in outbreak cases at the CDC in 15 years. Conflicting communications from the FDA about the source of the outbreak, which followed cuts to the agency’s communications department, additionally led to confusion among the public about how to best avoid infection. At the same time, cuts to HHS funding and support for local and state public health slowed some health departments’ responses to the crisis. The exact costs of these delays, constraints and confusion in public health responses are difficult to estimate. However, their message is clear: federal cuts have already made containing threats to public health even more of a challenge. Conclusion Protecting public health—from food safety to disease prevention—is one of the federal government’s most important missions. Dramatic and haphazard cuts to federal agencies and funding have already disrupted the public health system, impacting the response to challenges such as measles, lead poisoning and cyclosporiasis. The U.S. public health system needed improvement before these disruptions. Since 2022, federal leadership and coordination in response to public health outbreaks has been on the Government Accountability Office’s High-Risk List of areas in need of attention to improve government effectiveness and efficiency. Recent cuts only compound these concerns. The chaotic dismantling of government and resulting disruptions to crucial functions like public health and disease prevention highlight the need for meaningful reform and concrete policy proposals to reimagine how government can better serve the public and be more effective, responsive and accountable. To learn more about the impact of federal cuts to public health and science more broadly, visit The Cost of Cutting American Science. Learn more For more information on the Partnership for Public Service’s government reform initiative, visit Government for a New Era. View here In line with The Cost of Cutting American Science, federal workforce data in this brief is as of February 2026
The Cost of Cutting American Science: How Federal Cuts Diminish Public Health Capacity
Among the federal government’s many responsibilities is the work it does to protect public health. Federal agencies monitor our food supply to ensure safety, conduct research to better understand emerging health threats, provide funding for public health programs in communities and work to detect and respond to disease outbreaks. Americans rely on these efforts every day—in a 2024 online survey, 74% of respondents said that “if the federal government issued safety guidance about food you eat regularly,” they would follow it. Changes to Federal Public Health Capacity The Trump administration’s efforts to reshape the federal government have resulted in significant impacts on our nation’s public health capacity over the past 20 months, affecting the response to health concerns such as measles, Ebola and cyclosporiasis. Agencies with core public health, food safety and disease prevention responsibilities experienced large workforce decreases during the first year of the administration. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for instance, the workforce in February 2026 was 26.7% smaller than in September 2024 before the start of the Trump administration. The Food and Drug Administration saw a similarly steep decline of 21.6%. Agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Food Safety and Inspection Service also experienced large workforce decreases. (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); Changes can also be seen in crucial public health occupations. The number of federal food inspectors, for example, decreased by more than half between September 2024 and February 2026, going from 1,035 to 473. This is the lowest number of food inspectors employed by the federal government since at least 2005. By February 2026, there were also 33.3% fewer federal public health program specialists, whose work includes advising federal funding recipients on public health activities and analyzing the effectiveness of public health programs. Government’s capacity is diminished as employees with specialized knowledge and experience in protecting the public and responding to health risks depart, leaving agencies less prepared to carry out their public health missions. There also have been vacancies in critical high-level leadership positions at public health agencies, most notably at the CDC, which had a permanent Senate-confirmed director for less than a month between January 2025 and early August 2026. Although the CDC has previously been led by acting directors at the start of an administration, the nearly yearlong gap since the departure of the administration’s first permanent director in August 2025 is without precedent. As of August 2026, the FDA is also currently without a Senate-confirmed commissioner following the previous commissioner’s resignation in May 2026. Additionally, public health agencies are experiencing increased politicization of their leadership ranks. In agencies such as the CDC and Food Safety and Inspection Service, the number of individuals in the Senior Executive Service—the most senior career leaders in government—has declined significantly, while at the same time the number of political appointees has reached record levels. (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); At the CDC, for example, the number of career SES decreased 42.9% between December 2024 and February 2026, while the number of non-Senate confirmed political appointees at the agency was six times larger than the agency’s historical average from 2009 and 2024. Knowledgeable career leaders are integral to the ability of public health agencies to carry out their work with scientific integrity and professional judgment, and rapid leadership turnover and increased politicization threaten agencies’ ability to make evidence-based decisions to protect our health. The upheaval and politicization in public health agencies have also negatively affected employee engagement. Strong employee engagement is crucial to the ability of agencies to carry out their mission and successfully provide essential services to the public. In the 2025 Public Service Viewpoint Survey conducted by the Partnership for Public Service, the Department of Health and Human Services—which encompasses major public health agencies such as the CDC and FDA—had an employee engagement and satisfaction score of 20.4 out of 100, one of the lowest among large agencies. Only 2.8% of HHS employees indicated trust in their political leaders and only 8.7% reported confidence that they could report a suspected violation of law or regulation without retaliation. Employees at HHS also reported that the agency’s ability to provide services to the public had suffered. Nearly half of employees at HHS, 47.5%, said their work unit was worse at delivering quality services compared to its performance in 2024. In addition, 57.8% said their work unit was performing worse at fulfilling stakeholder needs. In addition to the work done within federal agencies, the federal government also distributes significant funding for public health and disease prevention work to state and local governments, nonprofits and small businesses—funding which has been significantly disrupted. At the CDC, for example, there was a 71.9% decrease in the amount of project grant funding issued in fiscal year 2025 compared to fiscal year 2024. The FDA also issued far less funding in fiscal year 2025—a 21.3% decrease from its fiscal year 2024 funding. Changes in federal funding include the ending of grants to community organizations that worked on HIV prevention and the cancellation of funding for research into improvements to patient safety and healthcare quality. These changes go beyond federal agencies to impact the broader public health ecosystem, including the state and local health departments responsible for much of the on-the-ground public health work in their communities. About 80% of the CDC’s domestic funding is directed towards state and local partners—meaning that cuts to CDC funding can ultimately result in cuts to state and local public health capacity. Federal agencies also provide expertise and assistance to state and local health agencies as they deal with particular health challenges, but workforce cuts have resulted in fewer federal employees available to help. The Impact of Changes to Public Health Capacity These changes to federal public health capacity are not abstract concerns. Disrupted programs, reduced funding and lost expertise at public health agencies across all levels of government threaten the public’s physical well-being and safety. In some cases, this has already led to harm. The most immediate impacts of federal cuts were seen in interruptions to ongoing public health programs and crisis responses. In one instance, when CDC grants were canceled during the 2025 Texas measles outbreak—the most severe measles outbreak in 25 years—public health officials in Lubbock, Texas were forced to pause parts of their measles response work supported by the frozen funding. Lubbock’s director of public health further said that a lack of available CDC experts to reach out to for advice “definitely” impacted the department’s response to the measles crisis. Cuts to federal funding also forced Dallas County Health and Human Services to cut staff and cancel 50 community vaccination clinics during the outbreak. Public health work outside of major outbreak responses was also disrupted. For example, in April 2025, the Milwaukee Public Health Department was unexpectedly unable to reach experts on lead poisoning due to firings at the CDC when responding to concerns about lead contamination in Milwaukee public schools. Due to federal workforce cuts, several programs at the CDC, including Alzheimer’s and epilepsy programs, have also become trapped in limbo—existing on paper, but without the staff necessary to operate. More recent crises reveal how federal cuts have weakened the public health infrastructure needed to prevent and respond to dangerous new outbreaks. Internationally, cuts at the U.S. Agency for International Development eliminated funding for disease testing and contact tracing abroad, which delayed detection of and responses to the 2026 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While international outbreaks may seem far removed, the unchecked spread of disease in any country can quickly pose a danger to economic well-being, security and health around the world. Within the United States, public health cuts inhibited responses to the summer 2026 outbreak of the food-borne parasite cyclospora. At the federal level, cuts to funding for lab equipment and for CDC staff with expertise in parasitic infections—including 9 out of 11 staff members at the lab responsible for identifying parasitic outbreaks in 2025— contributed to the largest reporting delay in outbreak cases at the CDC in 15 years. Conflicting communications from the FDA about the source of the outbreak, which followed cuts to the agency’s communications department, additionally led to confusion among the public about how to best avoid infection. At the same time, cuts to HHS funding and support for local and state public health slowed some health departments’ responses to the crisis. The exact costs of these delays, constraints and confusion in public health responses are difficult to estimate. However, their message is clear: federal cuts have already made containing threats to public health even more of a challenge. Conclusion Protecting public health—from food safety to disease prevention—is one of the federal government’s most important missions. Dramatic and haphazard cuts to federal agencies and funding have already disrupted the public health system, impacting the response to challenges such as measles, lead poisoning and cyclosporiasis. The U.S. public health system needed improvement before these disruptions. Since 2022, federal leadership and coordination in response to public health outbreaks has been on the Government Accountability Office’s High-Risk List of areas in need of attention to improve government effectiveness and efficiency. Recent cuts only compound these concerns. The chaotic dismantling of government and resulting disruptions to crucial functions like public health and disease prevention highlight the need for meaningful reform and concrete policy proposals to reimagine how government can better serve the public and be more effective, responsive and accountable. To learn more about the impact of federal cuts to public health and science more broadly, visit The Cost of Cutting American Science. Learn more For more information on the Partnership for Public Service’s government reform initiative, visit Government for a New Era. View here In line with The Cost of Cutting American Science, federal workforce data in this brief is as of February 2026
What impact will UK’s West Bank sanctions have?
‘Biggest reset in UK relations with Israel for decades’ is not without ‘political risks’
The Catalytic Opportunity Fund: A financing model to accelerate introduction of new and underused SRH products
New evidence from the Catalytic Opportunity Fund on pooled, rapid financing for reproductive health product introduction in low- and middle-income countries.
East Side businesses say roadwork has slowed recovery after Metro Surge
As a two-year road construction project in St. Paul’s East Side enters its final stretch, immigrant-owned businesses say the impact is slowing their ability to recover from Operation Metro Surge.
Estes Construction announces Q3 Community Impact Grant Award recipients
Estes Construction has announced grants to 12 organizations for the third quarter through its Community Impact Grant Awards program. According to a news release, the recipients reflect the company’s four giving pillars: Underserved youth, partnering with purpose, talent and workforce, and regional vitality. Through its community impact grants, Estes works to expand opportunities, strengthen communities,…
Top Three Commanders to Target in Fantasy Football This Season
The Commanders have plenty of questions heading into Week 1, but there’s still fantasy value to be found in Washington. From Jayden Daniels to Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs, these three players could make a major impact for fantasy managers in 2026.
China-Nepal floods; ‘Asian water tower’ wobbling: 7 science highlights
From Beijing’s bid to stop US AI dominance to impact of China-Nepal floods, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting.
How the Latest CFP Expansion News Impacts North Dakota State
North Dakota State and fellow top Group of Six teams are awaiting what happens with the potential College Football Playoff expansion. The post How the Latest CFP Expansion News Impacts North Dakota State appeared first on HEAVY.
SMARTIES Philippines 2026 Finalists Revealed: Celebrating Hyper-Local Innovation and Business Impact
Marketing + Media Alliance (MMA) has officially announced the SMARTIES Philippines 2026 Finalists. This year's shortlist recognizes campaigns blending cultural insights with emerging technologies to navigate evolving consumer behaviors and deliver measurable business impact.
New York braces for impact of retaliatory tariffs
As the issue becomes a flashpoint in the November midterm elections on one hand, the real day-to-day economic impact is playing out on the other.
Project Fibonacci to celebrate 10 years with charity gala
The Project Fibonacci Foundation will celebrate a decade of curiosity, innovation, opportunity, and community impact with Tap Into STEAM: The Golden 10 on Sunday, September 13, at the Irish Cultural Center in Utica, according to organizers.
Oklahoma business feels impacts of Canadian tariffs
Failed trade negotiations in August led to the U.S. putting a 50% tariff on $20 million of Canadian products.
‘Tsunami’ of Behavioral Health Challenges Amid OIG’s Anti-Psychotics Work Plan Seen Impacting QMs and Reimbursement in Nursing Homes
Nursing homes have only reached the tip of the iceberg when it comes to mental health challenges in the sector, with such challenges affecting quality
Democratic socialist candidates stirred the primary election pot. But can they win in November?
An MSU Denver political expert discusses what’s behind their emergence, what they stand for and whether they can achieve lasting impact.
Is Davion Mitchell the Miami Heat's Biggest X-Factor?
Gabe Vincent highlights Davion Mitchell’s offensive impact, but Pelle Larsson could prove even more vital to the Miami Heat's championship aspirations.
Gymnastics, fitness and range of motion: See 4 health-focused business updates in Spring-Klein
There are several health-focused businesses that recently opened or plan to open in the Spring area.
Realistic Detroit Pistons Expectations For 2026-27 Season
The Detroit Pistons made a lot of changes during the offseason, but how will that impact their quest to retain the top seed in the Eastern Conference?
Dripping Springs business owners advocate for wayfinding signs
New wayfinding signs and gateway monuments may soon be installed along Hwy. 290 following a 3-2 vote by the Dripping Springs City Council at a Sep. 1 meeting.
Target, tacos and other Liberty-Hill area business trends to know this September
Several new businesses, including Target and a Mexican restaurant, are coming to Liberty Hill.
Supporting small business across North Dakota
ND SBDC State Director Tiffany Ford joins ‘North Dakota Today’ to discuss the organization’s statewide impact
B2B Marketing Leaders Struggle to Prove Business Impact: 10Fold
10Fold research finds B2B leaders measure more than ever but struggle to connect metrics to revenue. See the communications ROI reset.
Superior Health Foundation awards $271K to 11 UP health initiatives
Among the recipients are the U.P. Health Impact Grant to Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center’s Sawyer Dental Project, four additional U.P. Health Impact Grants and six Equipment Grants addressing behavioral health/SUD, healthy food and wellness, maternal/infant health, accessibility, EMS/first aid and hospice.
Mamdani to release documents related to 9/11 health impacts
Mamdani to release documents related to 9/11 health impacts
Scientists Are Still Trying To Understand How the Moon Formed
The Earth and the Moon have nearly identical isotopic compositions, and the Giant Impact Hypothesis strives to explain this. New research into the ancient impact shows how the temperature of both worlds, and how it affects the strength of the materials involved in the collision, shaped the outcome, including the isotopic compositions.
How 9/11 Shaped Public Health Preparedness
Hear from Meredith Allen, vice president of Health Security, as she reflects on the tragic event of 9/11, response efforts, and the impact on public health preparedness.
Celebrating 19 Years of Impact from One Iconic Desk
For nearly two decades, Administrative Assistant Carolina Rodriguez has been one of the first faces people see and one they remember at South Texas College’s (STC) Mid-Valley Campus. Long before titles or job descriptions, she became something harder to define but easy to feel: a constant presence, a listening ear and the heart of the campus.
MedStar Washington Hospital Center nurses host community forum on maternal health care cuts, the future of health care in DC
Union registered nurses at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. will hold a community forum on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, to discuss the closure of postpartum unit 5F at Washington Hospital Center, the devastating impact of Medicaid cuts in DC, and building a health care system that works for us all.
Penn State Dairy Barns Made Animal Science Student ‘Feel at Home'
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Three years of working in Penn State’s Dairy Barns have been impactful for Hannah Mansfield, a spring 2026 College of Agricultural Sciences graduate who is...
Are Irving, LaVine, Holiday realistic for Heat? And surprising Richards info
The Heat’s challenges in landing one more impactful player. And some notable data on new backup center Nick Richards.
Legal complaint against FIFA to cover impact on women’s schedule
A legal complaint against FIFA has been extended to cover its “abusive conduct” towards the women’s game in Europe. The complaint by the European Leagues umbrella group, which includes the Premier League and Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) as members, was first lodged with the European Commission in October 2024.
‘Plastic pollution hotspots’ spawn a public health crisis across Latin America
Since China banned the import of plastic waste in 2018, plastic pollution has been having a growing impact on the people and ecosystems of Latin America. As the region imports an increasing amount of the world’s used and discarded plastic, new research shows that waste infrastructure in many countries is already buckling under the strain […]
MDI Health to Honor Mount Desert Nursing Association with 2026 Impact Award
BAR HARBOR—MDI Health will honor Mount Desert Nursing Association (MDNA) as its 2026 Community Partner of the Year during the organization’s Annual Meeting and Community Celebration on Tuesday, September 15. MDNA will receive the 2026 Impact Award in recognition of its longstanding commitment to providing in-home nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and medical equipment to the Island region. By caring for people where they live, MDNA helps patients remain safely and independently at home, providing reassurance and support to their families. “Mount Desert Nursing Association exemplifies the power of community partnership,” said Chrissi Maguire, President and CEO of MDI Health. “Its nurses bring skilled, compassionate care directly into people’s homes, helping patients navigate illness, recovery, and some of life’s most difficult moments. We are deeply grateful for MDNA’s service and the important role it plays in the health of our community.” MDNA works closely with MDI Health providers and care teams to support continuity of care following hospitalization, surgery, illness, or changes in health. Its personalized services extend care beyond the hospital and help ensure patients receive the support they need close to home. “For 77 years, MDNA has been here for our community, helping our neighbors recover and remain safely at home. Our long-standing partnership with MDI Health is an important part of making that possible. Together, we help ensure a seamless transition from hospital to home and provide patients with the continued care they need. We are incredibly grateful for this recognition and especially proud of our talented and hardworking team,” said Amy McVety, Executive Director of Mount Desert Nursing Association. The Impact Award will be presented during MDI Health’s Community Celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bar Harbor Club. The event will also recognize outstanding employees, volunteers, and trustees; celebrate MDI Health’s achievements over the past year; and mark a transition in Board leadership as Madeleine Braun, PhD, MBA, prepares to succeed Martha Wagner, PhD, as chair. The celebration will feature music, refreshments, the MDI Health Auxiliary Raffle, and a cash bar. MDI Health’s Annual Business Meeting will take place from 3:30 to 4 p.m. via Zoom. These events are free and open to the public, but space is limited. To reserve your spot, contact Patrianna Anderson at 207-288-5082, ext. 1432, or visit mdihospital.org/communitycelebration. Subscribe Share Leave a comment
Does Klay Thompson Move Impact Mavs' Updated NBA Power Rankings?
Bleacher Report kept the Dallas Mavericks 19th in its latest NBA power rankings after the Klay Thompson buyout, with a play-in berth viewed as realistic.
6 Impact Training Exercises to Boost Bone Strength, From an Orthopedic Surgeon
In TODAY.com’s Expert Tip of the Day, an orthopedic surgeon describes how this kind of training can help ward off hip fractures.
'I'm ready to try and establish myself'
Bournemouth forward Daniel Jebbison says he is "ready" to make an impact whenever he is given the nod by Marco Rose this season. Jebbison has completed two loan spells at Championship outfits Watford and Preston North End in recent seasons and is hopeful those experiences will now help him "establish" himself with the Cherries. "I'm ready and I'm patient," Jebbison said.
A new development map of north St. Louis identifies $337 million worth of housing, business projects
Officials say a new development map will help the city as it plots development efforts in north St. Louis areas impacted by last year’s tornado.
Politics we can agree on: Small wins show the positive impact of government
This week I’d like to shine a light on some of the under-the-radar happenings in DC that we should all agree are positive steps forward.
9/11 impacts on physical health
Tens of thousands of first responders live daily with the health effects of the exposure they suffered during the recovery and clean up at the World Trade Center site.
Tom Brady refuses to apologize for conflict of interest
Ever since seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady stepped into a role as a broadcaster with Fox while also becoming a part owner of the Las Vegas Raiders franchise, he has faced criticism over potential conflicts of interest and how the limitations placed on him might impact his career as a broadcaster. Brady, however, doesn’t…
Asteroid Detected Before Impact Explodes Over Australia In Rare Space Event
The asteroid was estimated at about 0.8 meters, and it posed zero threat to people or infrastructure on the ground.
Phillies Handed Major Injury Update on Impact Left-Handed Pitcher
The Philadelphia Phillies could soon get Tanner Banks back into the fold as they got a positive injury update during the Braves series. The post Phillies Handed Major Injury Update on Impact Left-Handed Pitcher appeared first on HEAVY.
Grand Canyon businesses face post-flood cancellations
Grand Canyon businesses face financial strain after severe flash flooding. FOX 10's Megan Spector hears from a local owner feeling the impacts.
The war on Iran’s energy infrastructure creates rising political risk
When Israel targeted Tehran’s oil storage facilities in the initial days of the war launched on Feb. 28, black smoke blanketed the capital and plunged parts of the city into darkness. Roughly ten days later, strikes hit natural gas facilities at the giant South Pars field, key oil refineries, major steel plants, and petrochemical complexes, impacting thousands of workers. These attacks on vital energy and industrial assets revealed a critical dimension of the conflict: compounding an already acute domestic energy...
Is investing in mental health an overlooked opportunity?
EXPERT INSIGHT: If you’re an impact investor, what’s your first reaction to mental health? Do you immediately think of founders’ wellbeing, of highly scalable, AI-enabled therapy apps, or do you believe it’s a personal topic that isn’t investable at all?
‘Collectively it’s been terrible’: Gonzales businesses report major losses amid construction
Construction along LA-30 in Gonzales has slowed traffic to a business district, and owners say the impact on sales has been significant.
Cowboys Announce Injury Update That Could Impact Eagles Game
The Dallas Cowboys have suffered a major injury ahead of Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. The Philadelphia Eagles are certainly taking notice of the situation. According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, the All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith suffered a thumb injury this offseason. As a result, the star lineman will undergo surgery. […] The post Cowboys Announce Injury Update That Could Impact Eagles Game appeared first on HEAVY.
Small businesses across Pittsburgh area still feeling effects of recent severe weather
Many small businesses are still feeling the impact of last week's severe weather.