U.S. program to combat HIV/AIDS survives Trump's latest round of cuts

This piece rounds up the latest chatter in the healthcare sector, spotlighting big players like GSK and Novartis, as well as niche firms like Sarepta Therapeutics. It’s a snapshot of what’s moving the needle—whether it’s drug trials, earnings, or market shifts—without diving too deep into any one topic. Think of it as a quick coffee-break update for investors or industry watchers.

Editor’s Note: If you’re tracking pharma stocks or just curious about where healthcare giants are headed, this gives you the highlights without the fluff. It’s not groundbreaking news, but it’s a handy pulse check on an industry that’s always buzzing with something—whether it’s a breakthrough or a hiccup.

NPR spoke with Dr. Thomas Maldonado, a vascular surgeon, to break down President Trump’s recent diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency—a condition where leg veins struggle to pump blood back to the heart. The piece explains common symptoms (like swelling or skin changes), risk factors (age, obesity, long periods of standing), and treatments (compression stockings, lifestyle tweaks). While the condition isn’t life-threatening, it can worsen without care, and the article frames it as a chance to spotlight a surprisingly common but under-discussed issue.

Editor’s Note: Even if you’re not following Trump’s medical updates, this story matters because venous insufficiency affects millions—especially people with sedentary jobs or family history. It’s a reminder that minor leg discomfort might signal a bigger issue, and early intervention helps. Plus, seeing public figures discuss routine health struggles can make the rest of us pay attention to our own.

A group of Conservative MPs and a health organization are demanding an investigation into a federal vaccine support program, accusing the Liberal government of funneling millions to expensive consultants while failing to adequately assist the Canadians the program was meant to serve.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just political finger-pointing—it taps into broader frustrations about how taxpayer money is spent during crises. If a program designed to help people during the pandemic is seen as mismanaged, it could erode trust in future public health initiatives. Plus, it gives the opposition fresh ammunition to challenge the government’s priorities.

A startup called Truemed, led by a former aide to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is offering tax breaks for unconventional purchases like meat and mattresses—claiming they qualify as medical expenses. The company argues these items are "health investments," but critics question whether this stretches IRS rules too far.

Editor’s Note: This story sits at the weird intersection of wellness trends, tax loopholes, and political connections. If Truemed’s model catches on, it could spark debates about what counts as a legitimate medical expense—and whether the IRS needs to tighten the rules. For now, it’s a quirky example of how startups are testing the boundaries of healthcare and finance.

New data reveals that health insurance companies are increasingly rejecting claims for prescription medications, leaving more patients to shoulder the full cost. The trend appears to be accelerating, with denials spanning everything from routine drugs to life-saving treatments. Experts suggest insurers are tightening approval processes to cut costs, but critics argue it’s putting patients in impossible financial and medical binds.

Editor’s Note: If you’ve ever been shocked by a denied insurance claim for a medication you rely on, you’re not alone—this is becoming a widespread issue. It’s not just an inconvenience; for many, it’s a barrier to essential care. The story highlights a growing tension between insurers’ bottom lines and patients’ health, raising questions about who really wins when coverage gets stingier.