Health
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under President Trump reportedly plans to announce a revised childhood vaccine schedule early next year. The proposed schedule would reduce the number of doses to align more closely with Denmark’s approach of 11 doses for 10 diseases, compared to the current U.S. schedule of around 70 doses for 18 diseases, while aiming to maintain public health standards. Public health experts, however, note that the U.S. schedule is already comparable to those in other high-income countries when adjusted for disease prevalence and population differences.
Additionally, CDC whistleblower Dr. William Thompson, who raised concerns about data handling in vaccine studies a decade ago, has been promoted to a top supervisory GS-15 role within the agency, where he could influence research on children’s health policies. Thompson’s 2014 allegations of data manipulation in an MMR vaccine study have been described as unsubstantiated by some mainstream media outlets.
Meanwhile, a Dutch court has ordered Bill Gates and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla to testify in person next year in a lawsuit filed by individuals claiming vaccine injuries. The ruling rejected motions to dismiss and involves allegations of misleading information about COVID-19 vaccines against multiple defendants, including former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and public health officials. Expert witnesses, such as former pharmaceutical executives and researchers, have submitted statements raising concerns about vaccine safety and regulatory processes. The lawsuit, initiated in 2023 by seven plaintiffs with one since deceased, alleges the vaccines may constitute bioweapons, though defendants including Gates and Bourla have denied misleading the public and affirmed the vaccine’s safety in court submissions.
In other health news, federal recognition for chronic Lyme disease has advanced through a roundtable convened by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which brought together patients, clinicians, and researchers to discuss diagnostic and treatment challenges. The event addressed persistent symptoms affecting about 10% of Lyme patients after antibiotic therapy, such as fatigue and joint pain, and highlighted the reported need for better early-detection tools. Participants reportedly agreed to prioritize improved diagnosis to support patient care, providing validation for those facing prolonged misdiagnoses.
A Swedish study tracking 27,670 adults over 25 years found that higher consumption of high-fat dairy products was associated with a reduced risk of dementia. Individuals consuming 50 grams or more of high-fat cheese daily had a 13% lower incidence of dementia, while those consuming 20 grams or more of high-fat cream had a 16% lower risk, after adjustments for factors like age and diet quality. No similar associations were observed with low-fat dairy or other products like butter and yogurt, pointing to potential brain health benefits from certain high-fat options. Critics state that the observational study emphasizes correlation rather than causation, with researchers calling for further trials to address limitations like self-reported diets.
US Politics
A federal judge in California ruled that state policies requiring teachers to withhold information from parents about students’ gender transitions violate the Constitution, issuing a class-wide permanent injunction against the Attorney General and Department of Education. The decision in Mirabelli v. Olson supports parents’ rights to information about their children’s well-being and teachers’ rights to communicate openly, potentially setting a precedent. Opponents, including the ACLU, argue the ruling could jeopardize the privacy and safety of transgender students by exposing them to potential family rejection.
Privacy & Surveillance
A Louisiana federal judge struck down the state’s social media age verification law, ruling it an unconstitutional First Amendment violation that burdens protected speech for minors and adults. In NetChoice v. Murrill, the decision cited the law’s requirement for digital ID checks as an overreach that could limit online expression and privacy, while noting existing parental controls as viable alternatives. The state plans to appeal. Louisiana’s Attorney General has expressed disappointment, contending the law provides necessary tools for parental oversight of children’s online activity.
Canadian Politics
Elections Alberta has approved a citizen initiative petition for a referendum on Alberta’s independence, allowing signature collection to begin on January 2, 2026. The Alberta Prosperity Project needs to collect approximately 177,000 valid signatures within 120 days to trigger the vote, enabling residents to participate in direct democracy on the province’s future. Even if signatures are gathered successfully, experts note that a referendum would face significant constitutional and legal hurdles before leading to separation.
Society
Angel Studios’ animated biblical film David grossed $22 million over its opening weekend in 3,118 theaters, placing second at the box office behind Avatar: Fire and Ash. This follows the studio’s prior success with The King of Kings and reflects growing interest in Christian media, including increased Bible sales and religious app downloads amid a resurgence of faith-based content. Analysts, however, suggest the performance may reflect a holiday-season spike in family viewings rather than a sustained broader religious revival.
Sources
Dutch Court Summons Bill Gates and Pfizer CEO to Testify in COVID Vaccine Injury Lawsuit
Bill Gates and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla will have to appear in person in the Netherlands to testify at a hearing in a COVID-19 vaccine injury lawsuit, a Dutch court ruled late last month.
Trump’s HHS Eyes Major Childhood Vaccine Overhaul: From 72 Doses to Denmark’s 11
This will reduce the amount of childhood vaccines from 72 doses all the way down to just 11
After Decades of Dismissal, Chronic Lyme Disease Gains Federal Recognition
“I want to announce that the gaslighting of Lyme patients is over.”
CDC Whistleblower Dr. William Thompson Elevated to Top Supervisory Role After Decade of Exile
Dr. William Thompson, the CDC whistleblower who briefed RFK Jr., has been elevated to a GS 15 supervisory role, the highest civilian level.
Alberta Independence Petition Approved: Path to Historic Referendum Unlocked
Historic Milestone: Alberta Independence Referendum Petition Application Approved!
Federal Judge Rules California’s Parental Exclusion Policies Unconstitutional in Landmark Case
Parents have a constitutional right to know and teachers have a constitutional right to share the truth.
Federal Judge Invalidates Louisiana’s Social Media Age Verification Law as First Amendment Violation
A federal judge ruling that the law violates the First Amendment and imposes unconstitutional burdens on lawful speech.
Holy Awakening Surges: Biblical ‘David’ Film Crushes Box Office Competition
New data from Box Office Mojo showing that independent faith-based studio Angel Studios’ new animated biblical movie David is a blockbuster hit.
High-Fat Cheese and Cream Linked to Lower Dementia Risk in Swedish Study of 27,000
Researchers in Sweden found a link between eating more high-fat cream and high-fat cheeses and a lower risk of developing dementia.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Children’s Health Defense, FactCheck.org, TIME, CDC, Neurology Journal, CBC News, ACLU of Southern California, Louisiana Illuminator, and ScreenRant.