Congress looks to ease veterans' use of health care outside the VA It can be difficult for veterans to use their health benefits for care outside the federal system. A bill in Congress could ease that. Opponents are wary funds being "siphoned" away from the VA. Tony Leys
Trump cuts threaten access to birth control for millions of women Birth control is routine for many Americans and polls show it's popular across party lines. Now, the Trump administration is withholding funds that provide contraception for low income people. Katia Riddle
The NFL banned smelling salts. Here's why The NFL has banned the use of smelling salts during games, citing an FDA warning concerning the safety of the substance. Here's what experts say about the effects and the risks. Michal Ruprecht
An epidemiologist on Trump's decision to pull funding for mRNA vaccine research NPR's Steve Inskeep talks with epidemiologist Michael Osterholm about a Trump administration decision to end funding for research into vaccines that fight respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and the flu. Steve Inskeep
Public health experts dismayed by RFK Jr.'s defunding of mRNA vaccine research The Trump administration cancelled about $500 million for research into mRNA vaccines. The move slows progress in using the technology to prevent a future pandemic or treat disease, experts say. Rob Stein
The quest to create gene-edited babies gets a reboot There's a fresh push to edit the genes of human embryos to prevent diseases and enhance characteristics that parents value. Bioethicists say just because it's possible doesn't mean it should be done. Rob Stein
With $1K in cash aid, he built a life-changing barbershop. Now cash aid is under fire This man in Mozambique is one of many who've received a cash sum with no strings attached. The Trump administration has criticized and curtailed the practice. Advocates are pushing back with evidence. Jonathan Lambert
Mexican ranchers struggle to adapt as a parasite ravages cattle exports to the U.S. U.S. agriculture officials halted live cattle crossing the border in July due to concerns about the flesh-eating maggot which has been found in southern Mexico and is creeping north. The Associated Press
RFK Jr. pulls $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine contracts The Department of Health and Human Services will cancel contracts and pull funding for some vaccines that are being developed to fight respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and the flu. The Associated Press
CDC to disburse delayed funds for fighting fentanyl and more, staffers say Much of the public health agency's $9 billion budget had been in limbo but funds are finally flowing, according to CDC staffers, including for a key overdose prevention program. Brian Mann
