Nov 25, 2025

1. Email 1 Summary:

   Subject: The hemp loophole & one case worker’s ‘quiet magic’

This STAT newsletter discusses recent FDA voting procedures bypassing reviewers for a priority voucher drug approval, revealing political involvement at the agency’s leadership level. It highlights a concerning study finding that nearly 70% of Medicaid enrollees diagnosed with opioid use disorder do not receive treatment within six months. New legislation may criminalize THC products beyond specific hemp limits, potentially impacting Americans’ access to marijuana-based products. The newsletter also profiles the Healthy Start case management program’s vital but endangered work supporting families, emphasizing the personal impact of case managers like Malaika Gardner. Additionally, it memorializes CDC leader Walter Dowdle and features reflections on the neurodiversity movement’s challenges.

1. Email 2 Summary:

   Subject: 🏛️ Trump’s new ACA plays

Axios Vitals reports that President Trump plans to propose a new Affordable Care Act subsidy initiative extending enhanced tax credits for two years with new eligibility and premium payment requirements aimed at addressing premium spikes and fraud concerns. The plan would involve income limits, minimum premium payments, and encourage lower-premium plan uptake, with health savings accounts offsetting cost differences, while abortion funding restrictions remain debated. The newsletter also covers a rare human death from the novel H5N5 bird flu strain in Washington state, noting rising avian flu outbreaks nationwide. Additionally, a federal judge blocked DOJ attempts to obtain personal data on transgender youth receiving gender-affirming care from a Philadelphia hospital, emphasizing patient privacy. The rise of elective IVF using genetic screening prompts ethical concerns. Other news notes include Eli Lilly’s market value milestone and internal White House-FDA tensions.

1. Email 3 Summary:

   Subject: Final STAT@ASH agenda announced — Last call to join us next weeks

This STAT invitation announces the finalized agenda for STAT@ASH, an event coinciding with the 67th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology in Orlando. Attendees will have opportunities to connect with peers and hear live interviews with leaders from major pharmaceutical and biotech companies including Johnson & Johnson, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Kite Pharma. Featured speakers include hematology experts and executives discussing emerging discoveries in blood science, CAR-T therapies, evolving research priorities, and the importance of investment in hematology for medical progress. The event is scheduled for Friday, December 5, and RSVPs are encouraged.

1. Email 4 Summary:

   Subject: What happened at COP30: climate action fights for survival

Nature Briefing covers key outcomes from the COP30 climate conference, describing the struggle for consensus amid geopolitical tensions. While ambitious proposals to establish clear roadmaps to phase out fossil fuels and protect forests fell short due to resistance from petrostates, incremental progress includes Brazil’s launch of a major tropical forest fund and commitments to triple climate adaptation funding to vulnerable nations. The conference acknowledged the importance of a ‘just transition’ to protect rights amid energy system transformations. The absence of the U.S. delegation and China’s limited leadership role highlighted multilateral challenges, though some value in continued global cooperation remains. Other features include new research on an artificial gel ‘tongue’ rating spiciness, rising cyberattacks on universities, and insights into Indigenous ocean navigation techniques.

1. Email 5 Summary:

   Subject: 🩺 RSVP 12.10 | Future of health care event feat. Rep. David Schweikert, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse & more

Axios invites subscribers to register for a December 10th Washington, D.C. event focused on the future of health care, exploring innovations in care delivery aimed at prioritizing holistic, long-term health outcomes rather than transactional services. The morning event will include newsworthy interviews with prominent policymakers including Representative David Schweikert and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, expert health care leaders, and moderated discussions. Attendees will gain exclusive insights and have networking opportunities. RSVP is required due to limited space.

Stay Well!