Nation’s Public Health Agencies Experience Mass Layoffs: What’s Next?

By Nikki Reese | April 09, 2025
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Resilience & Mindset Mastery
How to Strengthen Your Career Resilience Amid Uncertainty

Marisol, a senior executive I worked with, faced an unexpected role elimination during a company restructuring, despite years of driving results. After the shock, instead of succumbing to uncertainty, she reached out to mentors, tapped into her network, and worked with an executive coach, ultimately pivoting into a broader HR role. Her story highlights the importance of career resilience in today's unpredictable job market, where layoffs, automation, and shifting work expectations make job security uncertain for even the most dedicated professionals. Building resilience involves developing a growth mindset, adapting to change, and staying grounded when faced with disruption, just like Marisol did.

Health
Nation’s Public Health Agencies Experience Mass Layoffs: What’s Next?

On Tuesday, employees within the U.S. Health and Human Services Department were notified that their positions were being cut as part of a major restructuring aimed at significantly downsizing the agencies responsible for safeguarding public health. The layoffs affect a wide range of personnel, including researchers, scientists, doctors, support staff, and senior leaders, leaving the federal government without many of the crucial experts who have historically shaped U.S. policies on medical research, drug approvals, and more.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. celebrated the changes on social media, marking the swearing-in of new hires, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya as the head of the National Institutes of Health and Martin Makary as the new FDA commissioner. His post came just hours after employees received layoff notices. Kennedy later expressed sympathy for those affected but stated that the department needed to be “recalibrated” to focus more on disease prevention.

Entertainment
Leighton Meester Stuns in a Blair Waldorf Favorite

Leighton Meester paid homage to her iconic Gossip Girl character, Blair Waldorf, with a chic nod to one of her favorite wardrobe staples. On the final day of Paris Fashion Week this Tuesday, the actress wore a casually preppy look featuring a houndstooth jacket, a key piece in Blair’s Upper East Side wardrobe. Meester’s jacket, from ME+EM, was a modern twist on Blair’s signature style, with a boxy cropped fit, midi sleeves, sharp collar, and pockets, crafted from a lime green and white Italian cotton-blend houndstooth. She layered it over a white wool, cashmere, and silk sweater tee from the same brand. To complete the look, Meester wore high-waisted blue jeans with wide legs and workwear-inspired pockets, paired with suede caramel shoes, black shades, and delicate gold jewelry, all complemented by her striking new fiery orange hair.