The Latest Breaking News from Richard Besser

CDC dilemma: Nominee may need both MAHA and science chops

As a deadline arrives this week to nominate a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director, some Republicans are skeptical the administration will find someone who can check all the boxes necessary for confirmation. The candidate will need the “Make America Healthy Again” mindset of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s…

Roll Call · Mar 24

CDC purge hits 600 workers in key offices despite reversals

The casualties include employees working on health statistics, injury and violence prevention, congressional outreach and human resources.

Axios · Oct 13, 2025

Kennedy’s vaccine advisory panel upends shot recommendations - Roll Call

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory panel greenlighted a more limited COVID-19 vaccine recommendation Friday.

Roll Call · Sep 19, 2025

Agency firings prompt worries about preparedness, FDA inspectors - Roll Call

Days after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was sworn in as HHS secretary, health agencies including the FDA, NIH and CDC saw sweeping workforce cuts.

Roll Call · Feb 19, 2025

Senate confirms RFK Jr. for HHS secretary - Roll Call

Vaccine critic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. now has authority over a sweeping health agency that includes the CDC, FDA, NIH and CMS.

Roll Call · Feb 13, 2025

How backlash to the pandemic helped shape Trump’s health picks - Roll Call

Cabinet health picks include vaccine skeptics, supporters of herd immunity and promoters of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19.

Roll Call · Dec 5, 2024

CDC director looks to future of public health with worry - Roll Call

With two months left in her tenure, CDC Director Mandy Cohen is trying to make the case for her agency and for public health in America.

Roll Call · Nov 20, 2024

Ex-CDC acting director calls RFK Jr’s false vaccine theories ‘cruel’

Richard Besser criticizes Trump’s health secretary pick, and says falsely linking vaccines to autism is a ‘cruel thing to do’

The Guardian - US · Nov 17, 2024

What to know about new COVID boosters

Experts answer some top questions about Omicron-specific COVID boosters.

Axios · Sep 1, 2022

MPX? Mpox? The struggle to replace 'monkeypox' with a name that isn't racist

Some people argue that the name is racist and disparages an entire continent. Others view it as offensive to gay men. And then there are those who fear it could lead to indiscriminate killing of monkeys, as happened in Brazil.

Los Angeles Times · Aug 26, 2022