science
The latest battle in the indirect costs war
In February, the NIH announced a controversial plan to slash funding to academic institutions for overhead "indirect" research costs. Almost two dozen states as well as universities and academic groups allege that the "arbitrary and capricious" policy, currently blocked by a lower court ruling, violates federal law. The Trump administration has said that the lower court didn't have jurisdiction in the case. But at an appeals court hearing yesterday, federal judges seemed skeptical of the government's reasoning.
"I'm not quite following your argument," Judge Julie Rikelman said to the Department of Justice attorney at one point.
The ongoing legal feud is one of many ways the administration, academic groups, and legislators are looking to shape indirect cost policy. Read more from STAT's Jonathan Wosen about the questions the judges asked, what comes next, and what other proposals for reform are on the table.
policy
Where SNAP stands, six days into November
On Tuesday, President Trump threatened to defy court orders and withhold emergency funding for SNAP, or food stamps, until the end of the government shutdown. The White House press secretary quickly walked back that claim. But in many places, it's still unclear how much aid might be coming in, and when it will arrive.
On Wednesday, Nevada confirmed to the Current that $29 million in benefits was delivered to EBT cards for more than 196,000 households — about a third of what families in the state usually get from the federal government. On Tuesday, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek told Oregon Public Broadcasting that it could take weeks for families to receive any payments. People in Texas who rely on SNAP also hadn't seen any benefits as of yesterday, per the Texas Tribune.
Meanwhile, restaurants seemingly everywhere are advertising discount deals or free meals during the shutdown. "Can't believe I'm posting something about Carl's Jr., but props are deserved here," physical trainer and MAHA influencer Jillian Michaels posted on X about $1 meals at the fast food chain.
health tech
Today: An FDA committee on chatbots and regulation
An FDA advisory committee will meet today to discuss the potential regulation of therapy chatbots and other mental health devices that use generative AI. Developers of these technologies have expressed confusion about when FDA review is required, and what evidence might be necessary for approval. The agency has currently cleared fewer than 20 digital mental health devices, none of which use generative AI.
The meeting also comes amid mounting concern about general purpose tools like ChatGPT, including reports that they cause people to spiral into delusions and have allegedly been involved in cases of suicide. STAT's Mario Aguilar wrote about what you can expect from the meeting, how the Trump administration's approach differs from Biden's, and how the agency might delineate between support and treatment. Read more.
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