In less surprising political news, President Trump expects to sign the Republican tax bill this week. He has called it a Christmas present for the entire nation, but the fine print reveals some will get nicer gifts than others.

His administration sought to play down a report that officials at a top U.S. health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, were told to avoid using seven words, including “fetus” and “transgender.”

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• A promising vaccine for dengue fever is in jeopardy after the Philippines suspended it, amid widespread fears about its safety and growing public anger over its use in 830,000 schoolchildren.

The French drugmaker, Sanofi, has come under fire for discounting early warnings that its vaccine could put some people at heightened risk of a severe form of the disease.

Researchers fear the stumble could stoke mistrust in vaccines around the globe.

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