Experts worldwide are warning of a new flu outbreak ahead of winter.
The big picture: The new flu strain, a version of H3N2, emerged over the summer, raising fears that the current flu vaccine might struggle to fight it.
Rep. Adelita Grijalva's (D-Ariz.) swearing-in to her late father's seat Wednesday highlights a defining paradox of the populist era: American politics largely remains a family business.
Why it matters: The 2026 and 2028 ballots are already filling up with political scions. In a polarized, low-trust environment, these campaigns are testing whether voters will seek stability in a familiar, dynastic name.
Rising health costs and nearly $1 trillion of cuts to federal Medicaid spending are forcing states to scramble in order to keep their Medicaid programs from slipping into the red, an annual survey of state officials finds.
Why it matters: Some are responding by imposing new limits on how they pay health providers and could face pressure to cut or limit optional benefits like dental or vision care.
The Trump administration portrays its deals with drug manufacturers as major victories against rising drug prices — but they won't have a huge impact on most consumers' wallets.
Why it matters: Tying U.S. prices to what's paid abroad doesn't guarantee Americans will pay less — especially in Medicaid, where out-of-pocket costs already are capped.
The latest AI models powering ChatGPT just learned to be friendlier, improving the experience for people who use chatbots responsibly.
It could be a problem for those who don't or can't.
Why it matters: As chatbots become more humanlike in their behavior, it could increase the risks of unhealthy attachments, or a kind of trust that goes beyond what the products are built to handle.
Catch up quick: Co-founders Guinevere de la Mare and Laura Gluhanich launched the Silent Book Club in San Francisco more than a decade ago.
What began as two friends reading at a bar has grown into more than 2,000 chapters in 62 countries. (Find your local chapter here.)
By the numbers: Eventbrite says silent book club events in the U.S. are up 44% from last year.
What they're saying: "It became this really lovely little escape pod where you could put down your devices, and you could focus on books and human interaction," de la Mare tells Axios.
A nonprofit linked to a Chuck Schumer-affiliated super PAC is spending $1 million on ads targeting 2026 Senate Republican candidates over looming health insurance premium increases.
Why it matters: Senate Democrats' government shutdown fight over health care costs is over. Now the party is trying to move that fight to the campaign trail.
Private equity once again has prevailed over U.S. antitrust regulators, as a federal judge ruled that GTCR can proceed with its $627 million takeover of medical coatings company Surmodics.
Eighty percent of Americans say they make better financial decisions when they're actively investing in their health and wellness, according to new data from MassMutual's 2025 Health & Wealth Habits Report.
The Senate deal to reopen the government would extend Medicare telehealth coverage through Jan. 30 and pay retroactively for virtual care services delivered during the government shutdown.
Why it matters: If passed by Congress, thegovernment funding dealwould provide relief for seniors and providers who've come to rely on Medicare paying for virtual visits since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Democrats have already laid the groundwork to not only rebound from their failure to win Affordable Care Act concessions in the government shutdown but hammer Republicans on health care costs far beyond the ACA markets.
Why it matters: In a political climate where pocketbook issues are front-and-center, Democrats think the more health care cost issues they can pin on Republicans, the better.
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman in his new memoir criticizes his state's governor, Josh Shapiro, as too focused on "political ambition," arguing that Shapiro has taken a particularly harsh approach to criminal justice because of his aspirations.
Why it matters: Shapiro, a popular first-term Democrat, is facing reelection next year and is widely seen as a likely candidate for president in 2028.
Jack Schlossberg, President John F. Kennedy's only grandson, is running for Congress in New York — launching a campaign to replace retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), he announced Tuesday.
The big picture: The writer and high-profile Democrat is set to join a crowded primary race after forming an exploratory committee in September on running for the New York U.S. congressional seat, with nonprofit CEO Liam Elkind and state Assemblyman Micah Lasher already announcing bids.
