Selena Simmons-Duffin

So some worry that these developments are a sign that political appointees intend to exert a new kind of control on the federal health and research agencies.

So some worry that these developments are a sign that political appointees intend to exert a new kind of control on the federal health and research agencies.

Well, his confirmation hearing was just scheduled for next Wednesday. There has been a big lobbying effort to block his confirmation. It's not clear if he does have the support in the Senate to be confirmed, particularly because of his positions in favor of abortion access and against vaccine requirements.

Well, his confirmation hearing was just scheduled for next Wednesday. There has been a big lobbying effort to block his confirmation. It's not clear if he does have the support in the Senate to be confirmed, particularly because of his positions in favor of abortion access and against vaccine requirements.

Well, his confirmation hearing was just scheduled for next Wednesday. There has been a big lobbying effort to block his confirmation. It's not clear if he does have the support in the Senate to be confirmed, particularly because of his positions in favor of abortion access and against vaccine requirements.

And adding to that uncertainty is an ethics document posted online yesterday that appears to show Kennedy can still financially benefit from lawsuits against Merck's vaccine that prevents cervical cancer. So definitely it's going to be an interesting hearing next week, and I'll be here to cover it.

And adding to that uncertainty is an ethics document posted online yesterday that appears to show Kennedy can still financially benefit from lawsuits against Merck's vaccine that prevents cervical cancer. So definitely it's going to be an interesting hearing next week, and I'll be here to cover it.

And adding to that uncertainty is an ethics document posted online yesterday that appears to show Kennedy can still financially benefit from lawsuits against Merck's vaccine that prevents cervical cancer. So definitely it's going to be an interesting hearing next week, and I'll be here to cover it.

You're welcome.

You're welcome.

You're welcome.

Residents of small towns and rural areas are more likely to rely on Medicaid than people living in cities. That's the key takeaway of a new report from the Georgetown Center for Children and Families. The center presented its findings Wednesday. Here's Benjamin Anderson, president of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System in rural Kansas.

Residents of small towns and rural areas are more likely to rely on Medicaid than people living in cities. That's the key takeaway of a new report from the Georgetown Center for Children and Families. The center presented its findings Wednesday. Here's Benjamin Anderson, president of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System in rural Kansas.

He said drastic Medicaid cuts from the federal government would be devastating for middle America. Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR News.

He said drastic Medicaid cuts from the federal government would be devastating for middle America. Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR News.

Director Christopher Wray is resigning. President-elect Trump appointed him in 2017, but now he wants a nominee who promised retribution for Trump's critics.

Director Christopher Wray is resigning. President-elect Trump appointed him in 2017, but now he wants a nominee who promised retribution for Trump's critics.

Director Christopher Wray is resigning. President-elect Trump appointed him in 2017, but now he wants a nominee who promised retribution for Trump's critics.

And what do Democrats want from their next party chair? The Democratic National Committee is meeting in Washington over the next two days to reflect on the election results and hear pitches from candidates. Stay with us. We've got all the news you need to start your day.

And what do Democrats want from their next party chair? The Democratic National Committee is meeting in Washington over the next two days to reflect on the election results and hear pitches from candidates. Stay with us. We've got all the news you need to start your day.