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Tamales, Tacos, Cumbias Festival to celebrate Hispanic traditions in Temple, TX
A new Temple festival is giving families the chance to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with food, music and dancing for all. The Tacos, Tamales, Cumbias festival, will be held Saturday
Family near Checotah says lack of electricity is creating health and food-storage concerns
A family near Checotah says it has been without electricity for months while trying to get service connected to its property.
Family near Checotah says lack of electricity is creating health and food-storage concerns
A family near Checotah says it has been without electricity for months while trying to get service connected to its property.
Dermatologists Agree—This Common Food Is Fantastic for Healthy Skin
Learn why dermatologists recommend tomatoes for healthy skin, including how vitamin C and lycopene may support collagen and skin health.
NASA-backed scientists turn plastic waste into edible cookies
Scientists have engineered yeast to turn PET plastic and agricultural waste into ingredients for protein-rich, 3D-printed cookies called µBites. Developed partly for NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge, the system can produce proteins, fats, vitamins, and even vanilla flavoring from waste materials. Researchers hope the unusual technology could eventually help address both plastic pollution and food insecurity, while also supplying food in extreme environments such as deep-space missions.
Scientists asked machine learning what a “youthful” diet looks like — the answer comes with an important catch
Nutrition research has spent decades asking what people who live longer tend to eat. A new study tried a more computational approach: let machine learning sift through the diets of nearly 192,000 people and identify the food pattern most strongly associated with healthier aging. The researchers called the result the Machine-learning YouTHful, or MYTH, Diet. People with higher scores had lower aging-related mortality and more favorable patterns on several aging measures. It is a clever use of a h
Food-borne illnesses, funding cuts and layoffs: Maha movement’s glaring limitations are now showing
Policies enacted by RFK Jr have not delivered the expected results, but have instead hindered people’s ability to eat healthy
Are fish farms the future of Gulf seafood? The stakes are high for Louisiana.
Aquaculture experiments are emerging in the Gulf and prompting intense debate. For Louisiana and its seafood industry and culture, the stakes are enormous.
Atlanta Beltline expands small-business incubator with 13 businesses
The Atlanta Beltline has expanded its small-business incubator program to 13 businesses, adding entrepreneurs offering everything from vegan food and desserts to fashion, gifts, specialty foods and ha...
TENNESSEE LADY VOLS VOLLEYBALL: Sweep of Coastal Carolina rights ship
The No. 17 Tennessee volleyball team returned home after a pair of neutral site contests, sweeping Coastal Carolina (25-19, 25-19, 25-17) on Saturday afternoon at Food City Center.
Saturday Night Open Thread: Giving the dirty bird (Week 1)
Come and join this merry band of Steelers’ faithful for some lively debate about our Steelers, good food, music, and the merits of the odd cold beverage.
Texas business says record diesel prices are 'derailing' projects, and could raise food costs
"Every single thing we projected in January is no longer the case today."
Saranac Oktoberfest set for three weekends
Saranac Brewery will hold Oktoberfest over three weekends at its Utica biergarten, with food, games, competitions, keg taps and free admission.
Health Department releases food inspection reports for week of Aug. 30
Scores for the recent Health Department food inspection ranged from 78-100.
Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (Sept. 3-10)
There were 14 restaurants and food establishments ordered closed by Orange County inspectors from Sept. 3 to Sept. 10.
Yuka's French CEO's routine: Saying 'no,' long lunches, biking to work
Julie Chapon is the CEO and cofounder of Yuka, an app that scores food and cosmetics according to their ingredients. Here's a day in her life.
Erie Irish Festival celebrates halfway to St. Patrick's Day
The Erie Irish Festival returns to downtown Erie on Sept. 18-20 in front of St. Patrick's Parish at 130 E. Fourth St. Find authentic food, brews, entertainment, dancing and family fun.
Milwaukee alder says 'days are numbered' for Water Street entertainment district
Milwaukee alders voted to restore a 1 a.m. food truck curfew on Water Street after a lawsuit challenged the city's stricter 10 p.m. restriction
Chinatown 808's Mid-Autumn Festival returns
Also known as the Moon Festival, Chinatown 808’s Annual Mid-Autumn Festival includes a parade, lantern-making contest, and more than 30 food or craft…
Republicans push healthy eating as junk food dominates convention
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. used his Thursday evening speech to urge Americans to rethink their relationship with food and chronic diseases.
RWJBarnabas Health opens sixth Food Farmacy in NJ
RWJBarnabas Health opened its sixth Food Farmacy at Monmouth Medical Center, providing healthy food and nutrition counseling to patients.
The 9 Best Snack Options to Support Your Gut Health
Experts break down the best food options for day’s smallest meal that won’t cause bloating or indigestion.
U.S. health officials declare an end to record-setting cyclospora outbreak
Health officials have declared the food poisoning outbreak over and said all recalled iceberg lettuce linked to it is off the market.
The Curry Queen in Old Saybrook closes after three years of business
Owner Nalini Srinivasan opened The Curry Queen not only because of a gap in the availability of Indian food in the area, but in its substance.
New traffic rules and food upgrades at The Vaught
OXFORD, Miss. (WJTV) – Ole Miss Athletics announced new adjustments and enhancements to The Grove and Vaught-Hemingway Stadium ahead of the football team’s first home game of 2026 on September 12, 2026. New Grove Traffic Flow With construction ongoing at Jones Hall, portions of Grove Loop will be closed to thru traffic on gamedays. Vehicles […]
Tribune’s fall 2026 arts, entertainment and food guides
The Tribune’s guides for fall arts and entertainment have everything you need to know about the best in theater, TV, movies, music, museums, art and dance.
Council repeals food truck curfew, alderman says ‘days are numbered’ for Water Street entertainment district
“I think the Water Street entertainment district is going to go away as we’ve known it, and frankly, maybe that’s a good thing.”
'Practical Magic 2,' Mad Rabbit closes and GLEAM opens
Editor's note: Below is the Sept. 10 edition of the Food & Culture newsletter. If you want to receive it in your email inbox every Thursday (it's free!), subscribe at
9 Foods With More Fiber Than a Pear
Pears aren’t the only food packed with fiber. Foods like chickpeas, raspberries, and chia seeds contain even more fiber than a pear.
Multnomah County health inspections: Ruth's Chris Steak House, Little Griddle, Xing Ding Dumpling House
An August health inspection found a string of food safety and cleanliness problems at restaurants in Multnomah County, including raw chicken stored above strawberries, cooked foods held above safe temperatures, […]
Suzanne Foley, 2026 Outstanding Women in Business Recipient
Suzanne is the founder and president of Port City Pretzels, a Portsmouth-based specialty snack food company she launched in 2015 after a long career in finance, business operations and healthcare administration.
Scientists Buried 2,000 Pairs of Underwear. What Happened Next Revealed a Hidden World
By burying thousands of pairs of cotton underwear across Switzerland, scientists uncovered striking differences in biological activity from one type of land to another. The results showed that gardens had especially active soils, while lawns were much quieter underground. Soil supports the global food system while also storing water, carbon, and essential nutrients. It is
Sept. 11 - Panda Fest to make its Savannah debut in October
September 11, 2026 - Panda Fest, one of the largest outdoor Asian food and culture festivals in the United States, will make its Savannah debut during the weekend of Oct.
The Food Connection report: UK Dining invested record $8 million in Kentucky farms, businesses
Over the life of the initiative, UK Dining’s Kentucky Farm and Food Business Impact purchases produced more than $48 million in direct investment in Kentucky farms and food businesses. The work also earned national recognition and helped inform nationally harmonized measures for institutional farm purchasing.
Adam P. Silvers
Ruskin Moscou Faltischek Managing Partner Adam P. Silvers also serves as a member of the firm’s corporate and securities department and the veterinary law, food and beverage, intellectual property and technology practice groups.
The science behind the 2026 Cyclospora Outbreak
This summer, a common salad ingredient became the center of a major foodborne illness outbreak across the United States. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)…
Pollstar names winners of 2026 Excellence in Concessions Awards
Pollstar published its 2026 Excellence in Concessions Awards on Sept. 2, recognizing venue food, beverage and hospitality programs across the U.S.
Salmonella outbreak linked to broccoli sprouts sickens 16 in Washington
The sprouts were purchased from grocery stores, food co-ops, and restaurants.
Wasps are disappearing this summer, and scientists are worried
Britain’s wasps have become mysteriously scarce this summer, and scientists suspect an unusual combination of temperature swings, heatwaves, and food shortages may be responsible. Even the wasps that remain appear unusually small, potentially offering a glimpse of how extreme heat could reshape insect populations.
Houston-area restaurant adds 3.5% card surcharge as rising costs squeeze business
Rising food prices and operating expenses continue to squeeze restaurants, forcing some businesses to find new ways to offset costs without passing all of those increases directly onto their menu prices.
Republicans are touting their 'big beautiful bill' to voters. Here's what the law has actually done
A year on, what's known as the One Big Beautiful Bill has produced mixed results. Millions of people have received enhanced tax breaks, while millions are also losing access to federal food aid and health care. More immigrants are being arrested, many deported, some dying during the process.
Millions Could Spend Half Their Income on Food by 2050, Scientists Warn
Welcome to the future.
These Manitowoc-area food and drink business made changes in 2026
Will Manitowoc get Chick-fil-A soon? Did Diablos Taqueria close? These are among Manitowoc area business changes during 2026.
Entertainment, Food & Artisans Announced for Saturday’s Hispanic Heritage Festival
Airdate: September 10th, 2026 George Lyons, Candidate for 12th District Court JudgeSeptember 10, 2026JATA Seeks Partners & Sponsors for Try Transit Week Next MonthSeptember 10, 2026Marnie Hade, Northwest Schools, Highlights Student Service ProjectsSeptember 10, 2026WellWise Fall Prevention Workshop Schedule AnnouncedSeptember 10, 2026Entertainment, Food & Artisans Announced for Saturday’s Hispanic Heritage FestivalSeptember 10, 2026Leslie vs Columbia…
Seattle’s Muz Fest celebrates Muslim culture and more
Muz Fest, a multicultural festival built around music, food, art and community, with a special focus on Muslim culture, takes place Sept. 12 at Victory Hall at The Boxyard.
Best of Santa Cruz County entertainment, arts & food events this weekend, Sept. 10-13
With the weekend nearly here, check out things to do around Santa Cruz County, with a recommendation from Lily Belli and a specially curated list from Lookout's BOLO events calendar.
Business tidbits: New partnership boosts Zullee Mediterranean Grill
A new financial partner could mean the expansion of Zullee Mediterranean Grill to new markets, but Yakima customers can still enjoy the same food and service they have come to
Science, Service and a Passion for Wheat: Simsek Helps Connect U.S. Wheat to the World
Understanding wheat, improving the foods made from it and sharing knowledge has defined Dr. Senay Simsek career as a cereal scientist and researcher. It has also made her a valued technical expert for U.S. Wheat Associates (USW), helping international customers better understand the quality, functionality and value of U.S. wheat. Today, Simsek serves as department […]
Cobb research initiative names 2026 grant recipients
Siloam Springs-based broiler breeder Cobb-Vantress LLC recently selected eight projects to receive funding through a program that supports research to advance poultry genetics and strengthen food production. The recipients of...
Grow wellness goals with health coaches at Nature's Garden Natural Foods & Shoes
September is Healthy Aging Month, and in this week's Art of Aging, we'll meet two longtime business owners in Berks County, PA offering up natural health advice if you're looking to set some new wellness goals.
Chattanooga food trucks, small businesses take center stage at free September celebration
Fewer bakers establish sustainability targets
In Baking & Snack’s latest study on sustainability, the lack of formal targets points to a shift in priorities when it comes to environmental reporting.
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.
Rich Products Recognized as a World's Top Disability Inclusive Business
/PRNewswire/ -- Global, family-owned food company Rich Products (Rich's) today announced it has been recognized as a "World's Top Disability Inclusive...
Take Charge of Your Health Today: Safe and affordable housing
JENNIFER THOMPKINS Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can affect any family, but access to diagnosis, treatment and support is not equal across communities. For many African Americans, the path to care is complicated by limited access to health services, transportation, healthy food, reliable information, and trusted organizations. Those barriers, according to Jennifer Thompkins, president of […]
Sauer Brands offloads spice business to Watkins
Watkins will secure the branding and distribution rights for spices and seasonings under the Kernel Season’s, Spice Hunter and Sauer’s brands.
RWJBarnabas Health and Monmouth Medical Center open the system's sixth Food Farmacy
RWJBarnabas Health and Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) on Sept. 8 marked the opening of the system’s sixth Food Farmacy.
Sauer Brands offloads spice business to Watkins
Sauer Brands has struck a deal to sell its spice and seasonings business to fellow US manufacturer Watkins.
Va. health dept. updates food allergen list, food establishment guidance
Businesses are not required to reprint existing menus and can offer a standalone handout or a QR code so customers can access the information. The protocols stem from the most recent food code update from the United States Food and Drug Administration — a mandate last revised in 2022.
Tate & Lyle Strengthens Climate Ambition with Updated Science-Based Targets to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Updated targets reflect Tate & Lyle’s commitment to building a more sustainable and resilient food system.
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.
Aramark Sports + Entertainment Kicks Off 2026 NFL Season Across Eight NFL Stadiums with New Menu Items, Enhanced Premium Experiences, and Local Partnerships
With the 2026 NFL season just days away, Aramark Sports + Entertainment (NYSE: ARMK) announced a slate of new premium hospitality experiences, innovative food and beverage concepts, expanded local partnerships, and exclusive retail offerings across its eight NFL partner venues.
Aramark Sports + Entertainment Kicks Off 2026 NFL Season Across Eight NFL Stadiums with New Menu Items, Enhanced Premium Experiences, and Local Partnerships
With the 2026 NFL season just days away, Aramark Sports + Entertainment (NYSE: ARMK) announced a slate of new premium hospitality experiences, innovative food and beverage concepts, expanded local partnerships, and exclusive retail offerings across its eight NFL partner venues.
What New Jersey families should know about measles, food recalls
Immunity is dropping as vaccine rates fall, epidemiologist says, and while a wave of illness from produce has waned, risks linger
EU poised for political battle over who controls foreign policy
Read the Franco-German 'food for thought' paper on reforming the EU's foreign service
Murphysboro celebrates 75th apple festival
MURPHYSBORO— Murphysboro kicks off 75th apple festival with live music and remembering previous years. Rides, food trucks and of course apples. These are only a few of the sights at
Director of Philanthropy for Maui Health Foundation to speak at Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset
The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset welcomes Leana Taylor, Director of Philanthropy for Maui Health Foundation on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. The topic of her presentation will be “Food Is Medicine: Locally Grown, Physician Prescribed.”
Alonso 'takes responsibility' as Chelsea subs rescue cup hopes
Chelsea get the better of Leeds in a cup thriller, but Blues boss Xabi Alonso has food for thought after needing rescue act from his star substitutes.
Vendor applications open for Downtown Winter Farmers' Market
Vendor applications are open for the Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market, which will return to Capital Square in downtown Des Moines Nov. 20-22. Farmers, producers, makers and small businesses can apply to participate through Sept. 25. The three-day market, produced by the Downtown Farmers’ Market, will feature local food and gifts, live entertainment and food trucks…
I flew business class on a budget flight—and it was better than some legacy airlines
A firsthand look at JetBlue's new Boston-to-Barcelona flight, from lie-flat seats to food, service, and what's actually worth it.
NM US Sen. Heinrich tours Albuquerque Food Farmacy to tout fruits and vegetables as medicine
A bill Heinrich co-sponsored aims to study whether Medicare and Medicaid paying for food aid to patients staves off chronic disease.
Hollywood’s ‘new business model’ comes into view as Gen Z shows a moviegoing taste that combines ‘fast food and fine dining’
Theaters sold nearly 249 million fewer tickets than in 2019 but still set a $4.7 billion summer record. It’s not 2019 anymore.
General Duffy's Waterhole goes up for sale in downtown Redmond
Owners of a downtown Redmond community gathering place, taphouse, food truck lot and live music and event space have listed it for sale after eight years in business. General Duffy’s […]
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
With these easy changes in the kitchen, you can boost long-term health while also celebrating Latin American culinary traditions
To help you create healthy and balanced meals, we spoke with two Colorado chefs about the significance of food in Hispanic culture and their recommendations for elevating flavors while also cooking healthy dishes.
RWJBarnabas Health Opens New Food Farmacy at Monmouth Medical Center
RWJBarnabas Health and Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) today celebrated the grand opening of the system’s sixth Food Farmacy to provide patients with nutritious foods and individualized nutrition counseling from registered dietitians to support long-term health and well-being.
How 'parachute science' is failing the world's tropical insects
Monash University scientists have developed a global framework to tackle a major blind spot in biodiversity conservation: Insects underpin ecosystems and food production but remain largely invisible to ...
Is David Beasley the most interesting second act in politics?
Former South Carolina Gov. David Beasley, known for his principled stance on removing the Confederate flag and his leadership as UN World Food Programme head, launched the Breaking Bread Together m…
The 20 colleges with the best food, campus dining
Niche identified the top US colleges for campus food options, based on student reviews and meal plan costs.
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
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