Baby Formula, A Tax Hike, & The Late Show 2/18/26

Amazon stock has snapped a nine day losing streak, oil prices have responded to U.S.-Iran talks in Geneva, and “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert is calling out CBS for allegedly blocking the broadcast of his interview with Texas state Rep. James Talarico. The FDA is looking into the safety and supply of baby formula in America with Operation Stork Speed. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb explains the way formula manufacturing and safety protocols work in the U.S., including why reformulation is often a complicated, expensive process. Dr. Gottlieb also weighs in on the impact that Vinay Prasad’s leadership is having on investment in health, both for vaccine research and for cell and gene therapies. Plus, NYC Mayor Mamdani has proposed a property tax hike if Governor Hochul does not pass a wealth tax in the state. Partnership for NYC CEO Steven Fulop discusses the proposal and the impact it may have on business leaders based in New York. Steven Fulop 23:29 Dr. Scott Gottlieb 33:50 In this episode: Steven Fulop, @StevenFulop Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY