September 25, 2026
WHO director-general candidates, from left: Hans Kluge, Hanan Mohammed Al-Kuwari, Hanan Balkhy, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, and Maria Neira.
Camille MacMillin/STAT

At least five candidates vie to become the next WHO leader, as questions over U.S. role loom

At least five candidates are vying to succeed Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in what's being called 'most consequential DG election in modern WHO history.'

By Helen Branswell


STAT+ | FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton keeps opinions to herself in Senate hearing

Senators grilled Overton on vapes, vaccines, and abortion. Trump's pick to lead the FDA frequently avoided direct answers.

By Margaret Manto


STAT+ | The head of Kennedy’s new autism project has roots in Iraq War, Sesame Street

Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health is planning a total-lifespan research project on autism: A Q&A with its leader, Russell Shilling.

By O. Rose Broderick



Adobe

Opinion: The ‘died with’ vs. ‘died of’ measles discussion misses something very important

Since every death is ultimately cardiac arrest, physicians have strict rules on how immediate and underlying causes are handled on death certificates.

By Jess Steier and Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph


How Big Tobacco flooded the FDA with public comments to kill a menthol cigarette ban

Rutgers study analyzes how Big Tobacco swamped the FDA with mass-produced public comments — helping to kill a ban on menthol cigarettes.

By Jason McLure — The Examination


Opinion: RFK Jr.’s use of the National Center for Health Statistics will add confusion to measles deaths count

To track measles deaths, the CDC is shifting away from the rapid notification approach and relying strictly on mortality statistics.

By Denys T. Lau and Jennifer D. Schoendorf


Heidi Overton speaks at her Senate confirmation hearing, where she was evasive on questions related to abortion.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Opinion: FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton is ignoring the science on abortion drug

Heidi Overton, nominee for commissioner of the FDA, was evasive on questions about mifepristone at her Senate hearing.

By Julie F. Kay


STAT+ | Licensing deals on generic versions of Roche flu drug aimed at preparing for pandemic

Under a pact brokered by the Medicines Patent Pool, 11 companies will be permitted to develop, manufacture, and supply Xofluza.

By Ed Silverman


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