First Edition: Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026
Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news.
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Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
The New York Times reported that immunization against six illnesses — hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal disease, rotavirus, influenza, and RSV — will be recommended only for some high-risk groups or after consultation with a health care provider. The update, made without expert input, was derided by Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who is a doctor from Louisiana, and epidemiologists.
AP points out that the decision limits that data, though, to basic biographical information. Other news is on the 340B drug discount program, expanded cervical cancer screenings, new nutrition guidelines, and more.
The weight loss pill is now available at pharmacies and via telehealth, and drugmaker Novo Nordisk has pledged to keep up with demand. Meanwhile, some lots of injectable Wegovy have been recalled due to contaminants in the prefilled syringe.
The centuries-old forensic lung float test, in which a baby's lungs are placed in a jar of water to see if they float (indicating that the baby had taken its first breaths), has long been criticized as junk science. Experts warn the test could be "more dangerous than useful."
“California public schools ... are not First Amendment-free zones,” U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez wrote in his ruling. “Religious teachers face an unlawful choice between sacrificing their faith and sacrificing their teaching position.” The state appealed the decision the day it was issued. Other news from around the nation comes from Pennsylvania, Michigan, Maryland, and Connecticut.
The artificial sweetener is commonly used in diet drinks, low-calorie popsicles, and keto-friendly protein bars, The Baltimore Sun reports. Plus, news about eyelid lifts, digital detox efforts, and more.
Opinion writers examine these public health issues.
Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Researchers from the University of Toronto say the potential biomarker could also help identify the most beneficial medications. Plus: There might soon be medications to help lower levels of lipoprotein(a), a genetic disorder that greatly raises a person's risk for heart attacks or stroke.
The hospital confirmed the suspension of gender-affirming care for people younger than 18 on Friday, in the wake of a new federal investigation. The previous suspension was in early 2025, when the Trump administration threatened to pull federal funding. More news comes out of Texas, Minnesota, Illinois, North Carolina, and Iowa.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Texas received the most ($2.8 million for fiscal year 2026), while New Jersey received the least ($1.5 million for 2026). Even so, the funds can be clawed back if states don't implement changes according to Trump administration priorities. And some states, such as Vermont, worry that the funds won't make up for what they're losing in Medicaid funding cuts from the Big Beautiful Bill.
Republican lawmakers are still split over whether to extend the subsidies as the Senate returns from the holiday break, while some Democrats are calling for another shutdown if no compromise can be settled on the Affordable Care Act issue. More news looks at issues central to the congressional midterm elections.
A Dec. 30 letter from CMS says states are no longer required to report the percentage of patients on Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Plan who are immunized. Also: Canadian officials warn that American health and science institutions may no longer be dependable for accurate information, especially regarding vaccinations.
Although the Trump administration will comply with directives to fund DEI-related grants that had already been awarded, NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya says the U.S. does not intend to renew grants that "no longer meet NIH priorities." Plus, news about drug smuggling, mifepristone, and more.
Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
U.S. District Judge Haywood Gilliam, Jr. approved the agreement. Aetna will now cover IVF treatment for same-sex couples in the same way as heterosexual couples. This policy change will be applied nationally, and will benefit an estimated 2.8 million members.
The lawsuit has been brought against the infant formula maker on behalf of families whose babies were hospitalized with botulism. The plan to add the grocery store chains where the formula was sold to the lawsuits was announced on Sunday.
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