I figured we could use some positive USA news lately, so here's three good stories: 1)
Medpage Today: Autism Scientists Form Independent Committee to Counter RFK. Former NIH institute directors, autism researchers, and advocacy leaders established an independent board today to coordinate work among nongovernment autism research funders and create a scientific agenda for the autism community. 2)
The Washington Post: RFK Jr.'s Vaccine Advisers Drop Proposal To Revisit Covid-19 Shot A key federal vaccine advisory panel has abandoned an attack on the covid-19 mRNA vaccines — a shift that comes as some Republicans warn that any more changes to vaccine policy could damage the party in the midterms. 3)
Paul Offit: The "V" Word. In early 2025, a child died from measles—the first measles death in more than 20 years. Thirteen months later, a public health official finally said the "V" word.
The "V" word is, of course, "vaccine". From Dr. Jay Bhattacharya's first public service announcement about the measles outbreaks, on March 5th, 2026:
"State partners are also engaging faith-based leaders to support education and vaccination outreach within their communities. There is no cure for measles, which is why prevention is so critical.
The MMR vaccine remains the most reliable and effective way to prevent it. Two doses are 97 percent effective at providing lifelong protection against measles and its complications. Vaccination protects not only individuals but entire communities."
Paul Offit says: Finally, a public health recommendation by a public health leader. A headline in the New York Times read, "CDC's New Acting Director Draws Unexpected Praise From Agency Staff." We are now joyous that a public health official actually recommended the measles vaccine during a measles outbreak greater than anything we've seen in more than 30 years—ecstatic that a public health official finally stated the obvious. It's hard to know whether we should praise Bhattacharya's public service announcement or lament how low our expectations have fallen for public health officials.
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Don't give them too much credit, though. This admin is like a bunch of drug addicts, pretending to get clean so you'll give them some money (vote for them in midterms) fully planning to go back to their old ways they instant they get what they want from you.
Still, "good" news is good news. Hope you guys are having a good Wednesday.
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