Good Morning. RFK Jr. just overhauled childhood vaccines from 18 to 11, copying Denmark. Some doctors says there’s no scientific data supports the change.
We also breakdown Trader Joe’s iconic totes, Stanley Tucci’s favorite pasta recipe, and how to better understand what you read (forwarded this email? Join 523k readers).
TOP STORY TODAY
Vaccine Schedule Revised
The CDC announced Monday an overhaul of childhood vaccine recommendations, reducing vaccines from 18 to 11 diseases. The changes, effective immediately, align U.S. guidelines with Denmark's schedule. Officials said changes aim to restore public health trust.
Vaccines for flu, Covid, RSV, hepatitis A, rotavirus, and meningitis moved to "high-risk" or "shared decision-making" categories. Insurance will continue covering all previously recommended vaccines for families who want them (FDA intends to put its most serious warning on Covid vaccines).
Infectious disease specialists expressed concern about the lack of scientific data supporting the changes. Some doctors warned the schedule change could cause confusion and potentially lower vaccination rates nationwide.
Hilton ICE Dispute
The Department of Homeland Security alleged Monday that Hilton launched a "coordinated campaign" to refuse service to ICE officers at Minneapolis hotels. DHS shared screenshots of correspondence with a Hampton Inn in Lakeville, Minnesota, showing reservation cancellations.
Hilton stated the hotel is independently owned and doesn't reflect company values. The hotel's management company, Everpeak Hospitality, apologized and confirmed it doesn't discriminate against individuals or agencies. Hilton emphasized its properties remain open to everyone.
Hilton shares fell 2.5% Monday. The incident reignited debates over when businesses can refuse service, demonstrating how individual employee actions can draw corporate scrutiny from the administration.
Trader Joe's Totes
Trader Joe's $2.99 canvas tote bags have become international status symbols, appearing in London, Seoul, Melbourne, and Tokyo. The bags list on resale platforms like eBay for up to $50,000, driven by scarcity since no Trader Joe's stores exist abroad.
The bags sell out quickly even at U.S. stores, where the chain operates 618 locations. Trader Joe's manufactures the totes in Vietnam and sells them exclusively through its stores, limiting availability.
Trader Joe's neither condones nor supports reselling its products. The company said it appreciates customers connecting with its products worldwide, though the bags join other geographically specific status items like Daunt Books totes (WSJ).
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TODAY’S LIFE ADVICE
Stanley Tucci’s Favorite Pasta
Actor Stanley Tucci, Italian on both sides of his family, called this dish "life-changing" and "one of the best things I've ever eaten" on his show Searching for Italy.
1 quart sunflower oil
6 medium green zucchini
4 ounces spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 basil leaves, torn
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano
3 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Salt to taste
The secret is deep-frying sliced zucchini in sunflower oil until golden brown, then refrigerating overnight.
Here is the full recipe. Watch this episode for free, right here (S01E01).
Teaching Girls to Lead Without Fear
Lean In Girls redefines leadership for ages 11-15, teaching that leading can be simple acts like helping classmates. The program addresses perfectionism—girls are twice as likely as boys to exhibit it—and reframes failure as learning. By teaching gender stereotypes explicitly, girls stop internalizing society's expectations and maintain confidence through middle school's critical years.
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Fun Links
Understand more of what you read [Blog]
Better way to weigh food [Video]
No Country for Old Men shots [Video]
Ice skating basic movements [Video]
Anthony Bourdain’s kitchen stable [Blog]