In this episode, Ariel breaks down the WIC program (Women, Infants, and Children) as Congress moves to cut its benefits. She covers what WIC provides — cash benefits for healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other services — plus eligibility and its history dating back to the early 1970s. She shares the data on WIC's impact, including major health care savings and improved birth and child health outcomes, then unpacks a House-passed bill that would strip $141 million in produce benefits from over 5.4 million participants, even as the administration's own MAHA report praises the program. The bill now heads to the Senate, and Ariel shares how to make your voice heard before the vote.

This episode's good news is the reinstated flu vaccine mandate for U.S. service members after a major base outbreak. Also, stick around to hear Mattie talk about World Cup hospitality and what it says about public health.

Recalls:
Find all recent recalls at: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts

Clipped News & Media:

• Forbes Breaking News: Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-CT) criticized cuts to WIC.
• 4 News Now: "WIC prepares for, pushes back against potential funding cuts".

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We are available by email at publichealthgroupchat@gmail.com and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat.

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In this episode, Mattie walks us through Ebola as it returns to the headlines for the first time in years. She covers what the virus is, its history dating back to the 1976 outbreak near the Ebola River, how it spreads, and the treatments and vaccines in development. Then she gets into the current Bundibugyo outbreak in the DRC's Ituri province (now spilled into Uganda and declared a public health emergency), and why the response is not ideal, thanks to the dismantling of USAID, the US withdrawal from the WHO, and CDC cuts. She also unpacks the Trump administration's plan to build an Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya, a country that has never recorded a case.

This episode's good news revolves around 1) a judge overturning the cancellation of $82.1 million in clean energy grants, and 2) major health insurers committing to cover all vaccines at no cost through 2027. Also, stick around to hear Ariel discuss Ladies First on Netflix and how she connects it to public health.

Recalls:

Find all recent recalls at: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts

• 6/13/2026: Nara Organics, Whole Milk Powdered Infant Formula, Botulism Risk.
• 6/12/26: Azuma Foods, Seasoned Octopus with Wasabi, may contain undeclared fish.
• 06/12/26: Beekeeper's Naturals, Saline Nasal Spray, may contain Aspergillus spp.
• 06/11/26: TNVitamins (VITA-MINS) and Doctor's Pride, possible Salmonella contamination
• 06/09/26: Clover Hill Dairy, Soft Ricotta/Requeson Cheese, potentially contaminated with Listeria
• 06/08/26: BD, ChloraPrep Clear, possible fungal contamination
• 06/08/26: Freeze Dried Chicken Recipe Cat & Dog Food, may contain low levels of thiamine (vitamin B1)
• 06/05/26: Requeson 1lb Clamshell packages, possible listeria contamination
• 06/05/26: Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes AND Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Baby Wipes, may be contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia and Burholderia gladioli
• 06/05/26: Pearl Milling Company, Mezcla Para Panqueques Y Waffles, Debido a la presencia no declarada de leche y soya
• 06/04/26: No brand, Dried Herring Fish, may harbor botulinum
• 06/04/26: Gas-X Extra Strength (softgels 120 & 72ct), potential chemical contamination
• 06/03/26: TNVita Ultra Potent Complete Green Superfood Capsules and Doctor's Pride, Salmonella
• 06/01/26: Motor City Pizza Cheese Bread Single, Salmonella

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Want to support PHGC?

Subscribe for special episodes or donate as a supporter.

Want some PHGC merch? We now have a store on TeePublic! Check it out here.

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---

The views expressed on this episode are our own.

We are available by email at publichealthgroupchat@gmail.com and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat.

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In this episode, Ariel walks us through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). She traces its history from the Food Stamp Program of 1939 to its most recent changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (spoiler alert: changes made due to OBBBA aren’t good). In addition to reviewing major changes to SNAP through the years, she discusses what SNAP is and the eligibility criteria, why food assistance is important, the hypocrisy of the MAHA movement’s actions (they’re not making meaningful impacts to public health in the USA), and what is happening now in the SNAP landscape.

Today’s good news revolves around 1) decreased gun sales in CO, and 2) increased inclusivity in birdwatching. Also, stick around to hear Mattie discuss Summer House and how she connects it to public health.

Recalls:

• 05/23/2026 Angel Specialty Products, Royal Gold, Boba Time, Fanale, Denda specialty beverages - contamination of Salmonella
• 05/23/2026 Boner Bears chocolate - contains sildenafil
• 05/22/2026 Raaw Energy dog food - possible Listeria contamination
• 05/18/2026 Kroger Cheese and Garlic Croutons - potential for Salmonella contamination
• 05/18/2026 Malazi Tahina - contamination of Salmonella
• 05/18/2026 Best Supplements Best Prices dietary supplement for sexual enhancement - undeclared Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Flibanserin
• 05/15/2026 Straus Family Creamery various ice cream - presence of metal fragments
• 05/15/2026 Blackstone Parmesan Ranch seasoning - Potential Foodborne Illness - Salmonella

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

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The views expressed on this episode are our own.

We are available by email at publichealthgroupchat@gmail.com and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat.

Theme music generated in Soundful.