Axios

Americans are beginning to regain confidence in the Supreme Court after hitting an all-time low when the court effectively ruled to overturn Roe v Wade, according to an AP-NORC poll released Friday.

The big picture: The confidence boost is notable because Americans increasingly think that the Supreme Court has too much power, a trend likely to grow as the justices continue to take on cases that Americans are deeply divided on.

The average total in-network cost of giving birth in the U.S. is about $15,200 for vaginal deliveries and $19,300 for C-sections, per data from FAIR Health, a national independent nonprofit.

By the numbers: For vaginal deliveries, Alaska has the highest average cost (about $29,200), followed by New York and New Jersey (both about $21,800).

The Trump administration plans to incinerate $9.7 million worth of contraceptives intended for poor nations, after declining offers from the United Nations and reproductive organizations to buy or ship the supplies instead, the State Department confirmed to Axios on Thursday.

Why it matters: The move continues the administration's shift away from providing foreign assistance through the United States Agency for International Development, and its stated opposition to abortion-related family planning methods.

Retirees are facing the prospect of substantial Social Security cuts in just seven years, sooner than projected, due to the "big, beautiful bill," per an analysis out Thursday from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

Why it matters: If policymakers don't stop this from happening, it would at least double the poverty rate of America's seniors, per several estimates.

Harvard is folding staff from its former offices for minority students, women and LGBTQ+ students into its new Office of Culture and Community, according to a Wednesday message from college officials.

The big picture: Harvard University has been locked in an ongoing battle with the Trump administration, as the government squeezes the Ivy League institution from all sides.

Rip currents are the leading cause of lifeguard rescues, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Why it matters: These powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water also known as "drowning machines" can pull you out to sea before you even realize what's happening.

Depending on whom you ask, a full-body MRI is either an early-detection breakthrough or an unnecessary procedure that harms more than helps.

Why it matters: Scans from companies like Prenuvo and Ezra have become a popular health splurge for adults focused on longevity.

Hospitals found an unpleasant surprise buried in a proposed 913-page Medicare payment rule last week: a Trump administration plan to speed up — by a decade — the recovery of $7.8 billion in improper cuts to facilities' discount drug reimbursement.

Why it matters: The change comes out to over $1 billion less than expected in Medicare payment next year, with more reductions going forward.