Axios

Vice President Kamala Harris says former President Trump has the "desire to be a dictator" Tuesday in response to journalist Bob Woodward's book detailing the former president's reported communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Why it matters: Harris said during her radio interview with Howard Stern the GOP nominee was easily manipulated "by flattery and with favor" by people like Putin.

WeightWatchers will begin selling compounded alternatives to certain weight-loss drugs that are experiencing shortages.

Why it matters: Federal law allows companies to sell compounded versions of drugs that are on the FDA's shortages list — which has led to a surge of copycats to the newly popular class of GLP-1 injections.

Vice President Kamala Harris laid out a new proposal to help families care for seniors during a Tuesday appearance on ABC's "The View."

Why it matters: The policy is aimed at alleviating some of the financial burden on "sandwich generation" Americans who are caring for both young children and aging parents.

Former President Trump has stayed in touch with Russian President Vladimir Putin since leaving the White House, according to journalist Bob Woodward's forthcoming book "War."

Why it matters: The book sheds new light on the personal relationship between Trump and Putin, the leader of a U.S. adversary, less than a month before the presidential election.

Climate change could drive up demand for drugs to treat asthma, kidney disease and Alzheimer's and add to supply chain disruptions that can jeopardize patient care, according to new RAND estimates.

Why it matters: While a growing body of research has established a link between extreme weather and poor health, there's a knowledge gap around how climate change could affect supplies of common medicines.

A new, long-acting shot to prevent HIV could represent a turning point in efforts to reduce cases around the world — if enough people can access it.

Why it matters: The twice-a-year injection to prevent sexually transmitted infections is seen as more viable than a daily pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, pill, which patients frequently stop taking.

Georgia's Supreme Court on Monday reinstated the state's ban on abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy.

The big picture: The ruling, which goes into effect Monday, comes one week after a lower court struck down the ban and allowed abortions to legally take place until about 22 weeks of pregnancy.

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to take on a case regarding emergency room abortions in Texas, notching a legal victory for conservatives in the state.

Why it matters: The court's decision leaves in place a lower court's ruling that hospitals can't be required to perform emergency abortions in violation of the state's abortion ban.

American scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine on Monday for their discovery of microRNA, which plays a critical role in gene regulation.

Why it matters: Understanding gene regulation has been a key goal for scientists for decades. When the process goes wrong, it can lead to diseases like cancer or diabetes, the Nobel committee said in a press release.

Hospitals are starting to run short of critical IV fluids and devising workarounds after a North Carolina manufacturing plant that furnished more than half of the domestic supply was taken down by Hurricane Helene.

Why it matters: Health systems worry the fragile supply chain could bring disruptions in patient care and a squeeze reminiscent of 2017, when Hurricane Maria tore through key drug manufacturing plants in Puerto Rico.

A routine checkup in some parts of the country may now come with a side of Botox, a weight-loss drug or a comprehensive blood screening to suss out medical conditions, all usually offered on a cash-only basis.

Why it matters: Primary care and the quest for longevity are converging into a multibillion-dollar business fueled by lifestyle influencers, do-it-yourself wellness enthusiasts and millennials seeking biohacks.

Vice President Kamala Harris criticized former President Trump for calling himself a "protector" of women as she slammed his stance on abortion rights during her "Call Her Daddy" podcast interview, which aired Sunday.

Why it matters: Polls show that Harris has a clear lead over the Republican presidential nominee among women voters, particularly on abortion rights.