Science & Health Summary

Millions of Americans may soon face significant healthcare costs as the GOP plays a high-stakes game with health care policies. The political maneuvering surrounding healthcare funding is becoming increasingly critical, especially as Congress has left for the holidays without reaching an agreement to extend health care subsidies, leaving many vulnerable.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has introduced regulatory actions aimed at cutting off gender-affirming care for transgender youth, further complicating the landscape of healthcare access and rights in the U.S.

These developments underscore an ongoing crisis in the healthcare system, with public health experts and lawmakers calling for urgent reforms to address the underlying issues and protect vulnerable populations.

In a different realm of science, research suggests that Earth may have been more severely impacted by cosmic events than previously recognized, with airbursts from comets and asteroids posing greater risks than crater-forming impacts, highlighting the need for continued investigation into planetary defense and environmental safety.

Lastly, a study by the AARP indicates that Medicare enrollees could see a reduction of about 50 percent in their drug costs next year, potentially offering some relief amidst the growing healthcare challenges facing many Americans.