May we all borrow this girl’s confidence and go rogue this holiday season — just like she did at her Christmas concert. That same festive ambition has me eyeing these adorable treats for my puffin-loving son. To pull it off, I’ll lean on one of these perfect baking tips (no spoilers, but yes, it involves butter) to finally fix something I have never nailed. Hosting? One woman swears you can get your home guest-ready in under an hour, and I am all ears. Traveling instead? We’ve got you covered there, too: 25 easy ways (yes, we need that many) to make flying a little less miserable — I swear by number six. Before we dive in, thank you for spending your mornings with us. We’re excited to keep you informed — and smiling — in the new year and beyond. Now, let’s get to the news...
— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY
What's Happening
Health
Would Denmark's Vaccine Policy Work in the US?
What's going on: Looks like Health Secretary RFK Jr. could kick off the new year by shaking up the childhood vaccine schedule yet again. The New York Times reports he plans to announce that American kids should follow Denmark’s vaccine schedule instead of the one we use now. US officials currently recommend vaccines for 18 diseases; Denmark recommends them for 10. But as one epidemiologist put it, comparing the two countries is “not apples to oranges; it’s apples to steaks.” Denmark’s population roughly matches Wisconsin’s and lacks the racial, geographic, and socioeconomic diversity of the US. Its health-care system, public-health infrastructure, and access points also look nothing like America’s.
What it means: No official decision has been made — and the government scrapped a planned announcement last week, according to Politico. Still, if you’re a parent, this should give you pause. Health experts warn this new vaccine schedule would sidestep the science-driven, committee-led process that typically guides vaccine recommendations in the US. It could also upend insurance coverage, raising questions about whether private plans and government programs would still pay for all currently recommended shots. There’s more. The shift could weaken legal protections for vaccine makers, opening the door to “frivolous” lawsuits and supply disruptions, per health experts. Taken together, analysts say this could raise costs, create confusion, fuel skepticism, and increase the risk of disease outbreaks.
