Senate Dems expect seamless leadership elections. That’s by design.
In today’s edition … Supreme Court to hear case about gender-affirming care for minors ... Musk and Ramaswamy suggest DOGE may go after time changes.
By Leigh Ann Caldwell, Patrick Svitek and Alec Dent
How a Supreme Court case on vaping could affect the FDA
A ruling against the FDA could upend how the agency considers applications for new tobacco products.
By David Ovalle and McKenzie Beard
The final lame duck sprint
In today’s edition … Trump’s nominee for Israeli ambassador highlights evangelical Christian support … Dr. Oz’s past Ozempic partnership presents conflict of interest for potential Medicare head.
By Leigh Ann Caldwell, Patrick Svitek and Alec Dent
Musk admits X throttles links as ‘news influencers’ take over
Hard times for the humble hyperlink and those who depend on it.
By Will Oremus and Andrea Jiménez
Your next hospital stay could involve fewer IV fluid bags. Here’s why.
Today’s newsletter: Hospitals find lasting workarounds on IV fluid shortages. Pandemic response critic named to lead NIH, and more.
By Jackie Fortiér and McKenzie Beard
Trump’s surgeon general pick called for banning social media for teens
The Washington Post’s essential guide to tech policy news.
By Cristiano Lima-Strong and Andrea Jiménez
Efforts to curb ACA enrollment fraud face real-world test
Unauthorized ACA enrollments and switches triggered over 274,000 complaints this year through August. Regulators have taken steps, but their impact is unclear.
By Julie Appleby and McKenzie Beard
Lifting the curtain on the Trump health picks
The would-be leaders of the CDC and FDA have scant infectious-disease expertise and a history of questioning vaccine policies.
By McKenzie Beard
Federal watchdog urges crackdown on Medicare Advantage home visits
HHS IG says private Medicare plans pocketed $7.5 billion last year for health conditions diagnosed but not treated.
By Fred Schulte and McKenzie Beard
A pollster’s top reasons Harris lost: Inflation, inflation, inflation
In today’s edition … Former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi replaces Gaetz as Trump’s AG pick ... Biden administration tries to distribute funds ahead of Trump’s inauguration.
By Theodoric Meyer, Leigh Ann Caldwell and Alec Dent
Meta gains steam in its push to make Apple, Google verify users’ ages
The Washington Post’s essential guide to tech policy news.
By Cristiano Lima-Strong, Cat Zakrzewski and Andrea Jiménez
An up-close look at the charged debate over fluoride
Fluoride skeptics say they shouldn’t be forced to drink the substance when there are unresolved scientific questions about it.
By Fenit Nirappil and McKenzie Beard
How Democrats won in districts Trump carried
In today’s edition … Trump once lambasted Project 2025 – now he’s hiring its authors ... Musk and Ramaswamy promise spending and staffing cuts to government.
By Theodoric Meyer, Leigh Ann Caldwell and Alec Dent
Flawed AI denies benefits to low-income Americans, report warns
As Trump prepares to slash spending, a new nonprofit emerges to fight automation in government benefit programs
By Will Oremus and Andrea Jiménez
Nearly all Vermonters have health insurance, but care is tough to find
Policymakers have long focused on increasing the number of people insured, thinking it would help hospital finances and patient care. It hasn’t always worked.
By Phil Galewitz and McKenzie Beard
JD Vance’s first tough task
In today’s edition … Trump picks Linda McMahon for Education Department … RFK Jr. revives fluoride debate.
By Leigh Ann Caldwell, Theodoric Meyer and Alec Dent
Trump is empowering conservatives critical of Big Tech
The Washington Post’s essential guide to tech policy news.
By Cristiano Lima-Strong and Andrea Jiménez
Trump’s return means Medicaid battles might resume, too
Medicaid has emerged as one potential target for GOP leaders hunting for ways to offset the cost of tax cuts.
By Dan Diamond and McKenzie Beard
Recess appointments complicate Republican honeymoon
In today’s edition … Trump has yet to make moves to divest ahead of new term … Expected Trump housing policy could increase mortgage rates.
By Leigh Ann Caldwell, Theodoric Meyer and Alec Dent
RFK Jr. vs. Big Pharma vs. Big Food
Some drugmakers are trying to game out what’s next and are reaching out to their lobbyists about the impact of Kennedy’s selection.
By Rachel Roubein and McKenzie Beard