Vaccinations rise when states button up religious loopholes

A Utah plastic surgeon who was accused of trashing $28,000 worth of Covid vaccines, giving kids fake saline shots instead of real vaccinations, and selling bogus vaccine cards is off the hook—federal charges against him were dropped over the weekend. No explanation was given for the dismissal.

Editor’s Note: This case had raised serious concerns about medical ethics and public health during the pandemic, especially with fake vaccine cards floating around. The sudden dismissal leaves unanswered questions—was it a lack of evidence, a procedural issue, or something else? Either way, it’s a weird footnote in the messy saga of Covid-era misconduct.

Donald Trump’s push to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) programs isn’t just affecting marginalized groups—it’s also hitting rural, white Americans harder than expected. Many of these communities rely on federal grants and initiatives tied to D.E.I. for things like job training, healthcare access, and small-business support. Without those resources, they’re feeling the pinch, too.

An Arizona resident has died from the plague, according to health officials. While cases are rare in the U.S., this serves as a sobering reminder that the disease—often associated with medieval history—still exists today. Authorities are investigating how the person contracted it, but there’s no immediate sign of broader risk to the public.

Scientists might have found a smarter way to protect both animals and people from rabies—by vaccinating vampire bats. These bats often spread the disease to livestock (and sometimes humans), but a new method involving edible vaccines could help stop outbreaks before they start. Epidemiologist Tonie Rocke breaks down how it works in a chat with NPR.

A fresh art exhibition called "Roots of Cool" at Descanso Gardens is turning heads by spotlighting how trees—and their precious shade—help combat climate inequities in Los Angeles. Created entirely by women artists, the show uses creative visuals to drive home how green spaces aren’t just nice to have but are vital for healthier, fairer city living.