
CDC faces backlash for cutting sickle cell, adult disability programs
CBSN
Nearly half of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's staff working on developmental disabilities and birth defects was laid off this month, multiple officials tell CBS News, wiping out teams working on research about adults with cognitive disabilities and sickle cell disease
Work likely to be halted by the cuts includes the collection of data for studying Americans with sickle cell, a painful blood disorder that predominantly affects Black families, as well as supporting testing for its more dangerous complications.
"If it is not restored, it will disrupt life-saving public health programs, halt critical research, and increase preventable hospitalizations, complications, and deaths. Its elimination runs counter to the Administration's stated commitment to addressing chronic disease," said Dr. Belinda Avalos, president of the American Society of Hematology, in a statement this week.

This story previously aired on July 3, 2021. It was updated on June 17, 2025. NEWS REPORTS: The brutal murder of the Pelley family … Shot to death in their home Sunday morning … It thrust a small town into the national spotlight ... DET. BOTICH [ interrogation]: So. do you know who killed your mother and father, or your father and stepmother? DET. BOTICH [interrogation]: Did you have anything to do with it? NEWS REPORT: Tuesday lawyers laid out their cases to the jury in opening statements. NEWS REPORT: After calling more than 50 witnesses, prosecutors say all the facts point to Jeff Pelley. NEWS REPORT: The prosecutor started his closing argument letting the jury know it was his burden to prove the case. NEWS REPORT: But now the burden of deciding Jeff Pelley's fate is theirs. NEWS REPORT: One of Pelley's lawyers says his client is under a lot of stress now that the jury has the case.

Former Texas Rep. Blake Farenthold, who left Congress amid sexual harassment allegations, dies at 63
Former Rep. Blake Farenthold, who left Congress amid sexual harassment allegations, has died. He was 63.