Morning Briefing: Today's News Summaries Thursday, Jan 8 2026 UPDATED 9:32 AM ++++++ + +

Morning Briefing: Today's News Summaries Thursday, Jan 8 2026 UPDATED 9:32 AM Bipartisan Coalition Pushes The House Forward On ACA Subsidies Extension Nine House Republicans joined Democrats in forcing a vote on a three-year extension of the tax credits, bucking GOP leadership. A vote is slated to take place Thursday. Meanwhile, zero-dollar premiums appear to be a sticking point in discussions on the Senate side. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/bipartisan-coalition-pushes-the-house-forward-on-aca-subsidies-extension/ Red Meat, Full-Fat Dairy Get Top Billing In Updated Dietary Guidelines Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s guidance still encourages people to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as limit sugar intake. Americans also are advised to consume less alcohol, but unlike previous guidance, no clear limits are indicated. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/red-meat-full-fat-dairy-get-top-billing-in-updated-dietary-guidelines/ Trump And Policymakers Should Work To Ensure Big Families, Group Says The conservative Heritage Foundation calls for policies that implement tax credits for bigger families and that "commit to protecting life from fertilization.” The group's report also discusses alimony, online dating, and climate change. Plus, the president's take on the ICE shooting in Minneapolis. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/trump-and-policymakers-should-work-to-ensure-big-families-group-says/ RFK Jr. Suggests Fewer Kids Should Get Flu Vaccine; Boston Sees First Pediatric Flu Deaths In More Than A Decade In an interview with CBS News, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said it might be a "better thing" if fewer youths received that shot. He also said insurance would still cover the vaccine, but the decision to vaccinate a child must be made in consultation with a doctor. Plus: Two young children have died from flu complications in Boston. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/rfk-jr-suggests-fewer-kids-should-get-flu-vaccine-boston-sees-first-pediatric-flu-deaths-in-more-than-a-decade/ 'ChatGPT Health' Soon Will Connect To Your Electronic Medical Records The new feature from OpenAI allows users to analyze medical test results and seek guidance on diets and workout routines, but the company stressed that it will supplement, not replace, the judgment of doctors. Initially, OpenAI will let users sign up for a waitlist to try it out, Bloomberg reported, but the program will expand in the coming weeks. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/chatgpt-health-soon-will-connect-to-your-electronic-medical-records/ Chicago Area Records 40% Drop In Fatal Drug Overdoses For 2025 The Cook County medical examiner’s office confirmed that 683 people died of opioid overdoses last year, though that number might increase as more toxicology test results roll in. At its most recent peak, the county reported 2,001 fatal opioid overdoses just three years earlier in 2022. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/chicago-area-records-40-drop-in-fatal-drug-overdoses-for-2025/ Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/research-roundup-the-latest-science-discoveries-and-breakthroughs-50/ Viewpoints: RFK Jr.’s War On SSRIs Could Cost Lives; Changing The Food Pyramid Won’t Stop The Health Crisis https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-rfk-jr-s-war-on-ssris-could-cost-lives-changing-the-food-pyramid-wont-stop-the-health-crisis/