The MAHA influencer narrative vs. Cassidy's actual words during the Sept. 17 hearing.

Kennedy appeared before the Senate earlier this month. He's been invited back to answer to allegations from former CDC leaders that he is exerting undue political influence.

A glimpse at how Kennedy's MAHA media machine is working to dominate the "narrative" on social media: blasting out select clips and quotes to fans + influencers and asking them to share.

The one on CDC autism data is called the "most important video on X today."

This project was a big team effort. Thanks to @jaspar.bsky.social, Laura Chang, Rick Berke, Alissa Ambrose, Crystal Milner, Mike Reddy, Karen Pennar, Sarah Mupo, Gary Marshall, Ben Lokshin and Julia Bujalski.

Or it could be you want to first tackle key health problems in red states. Trump Country — especially in rural parts of the Southeast — is plagued by high rates of chronic disease.

Why? Get into it: statnews.com/2025/05/20/k...

Or maybe you're singularly focused on the future: Children's wellbeing. Then take a look at the major causes illness & disability in those under 18.

While some conditions, like diabetes, may appear minor, they have been rapidly increasing in children.

(chart by @jaspar.bsky.social)

In the age of DOGE, you might be most worried about the diseases driving healthcare costs. Big-ticket items like diabetes and cancer should be a major concern, in that case. But a breakdown by age reveals future issues, too:

chart by @jaspar.bsky.social

How do you solve a chronic disease crisis? It depends on what you care about most. That's what RFK Jr. will have to decide soon.

Our new project splits the nation's health into 9 "priorities." Choose your adventure based on your top concerns.

Dive in: www.statnews.com/2025/05/20/k...

In Trump's first 100-ish days, federal research grants awarded by the NIH plummeted $2.3B vs. previous years — sign of a crumbling partnership between the government and academia, a team of STAT reporters found.

www.statnews.com/2025/04/24/t...