Cities with soda taxes saw sales of sugary drinks fall as prices rose, study finds Soda taxes are meant to discourage people from drinking too much sugar, which is linked to a host of bad health outcomes. Cities that imposed the taxes saw a 33% decrease in the sale of sugary drinks. Maria Godoy
Patients of former UW doctor accused of fertility fraud grapple with uncertainty, tough choices While some Seattle patients are relieved that their pregnancy attempts failed under their former doctor's care, others are confronting the risks and reality of confirming their children's parentage in light of his alleged fertility fraud. Diana Opong
Supreme Court allows Idaho abortion ban to be enacted, first such ruling since Dobbs Idaho's "Defense of Life Act" would would make it a crime for "every person who performs or attempts to perform an abortion," even when the woman's health is greatly endangered. Nina Totenberg
Trans families are migrating to Colorado so their kids can get gender-affirming care Last year, 16 states banned some form of gender-affirming healthcare. That's prompting families of kids who need it to move to states where it remains legal, including Colorado. Matt Bloom
FDA approves Florida's plan to import cheaper drugs from Canada The Food and Drug Administration's authorization of Florida's plan to import prescription medicines from Canada is a first. But the state still has hurdles to clear before imports could begin. Sydney Lupkin
Researchers team up with mental health influencers to reach young people online Harvard professors wanted to flood social media with evidence-based information about conditions like anxiety and depression. So they turned to the people who already know how to go viral. Andrea Muraskin
Respiratory illnesses are on the rise after the holidays Cases of COVID-19 and the flu are high and increasing nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. RSV cases are elevated but have started to fall in some places. Pien Huang
'The viruses are returning to normal' in Washington for winter 2024 The winter season in the Northwest brings rain, dark skies, and the sniffles. For winter 2024, health officials expect that a lot more sniffles are coming, with three viruses circulating through the region. Dyer Oxley
Navigating the respiratory illnesses — including COVID — going around post-holidays Respiratory illnesses are rising after the holidays. CDC Director Mandy Cohen and other health experts share data and advice on how to navigate what is typically the peak respiratory virus season. Pien Huang
Global wishes for 2024: Pay for family leave. Empower Black men. Respect rural voices We asked leaders in global health and development to share their wishes for the new year. Here's what they hope will happen in the year ahead. NPR Staff
