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Republicans are publicly distancing themselves from Donald Trump as polling shows weakening support for the party and its candidates. Lawmakers in competitive races are reportedly avoiding campaign appearances with Trump and playing down his influence, reflecting concern within the party that his low approval numbers could drag down their own prospects in upcoming elections.

Researchers working in an $80 motel room report a discovery that could shed light on the origins of life, according to a New York Times science story. The unusual setting, using an ordinary budget room rather than a laboratory, has drawn attention and is prompting discussion about how low-cost, improvised setups can still produce significant scientific findings.

Eli Lilly has announced the Lilly Change the Course Commitment, a new initiative aimed at narrowing treatment gaps in diabetes and obesity care in low- and middle-income countries. The pharmaceutical company says the programme will focus on expanding access to treatment where need is greatest. Details on funding and specific country plans have not yet been widely reported.

A new rule in Missouri puts roughly 140,000 Medicaid enrollees at risk of losing their health coverage, and one beneficiary has filed a lawsuit challenging the change. The suit is drawing attention to how the state is administering eligibility requirements and the potential scale of coverage losses for low-income residents.

Massachusetts created a program aimed at stopping bullying in school sports, but relatively few schools across the state have signed up to use it. The gap between the program's availability and its adoption is raising questions among educators and officials about awareness, resources, and whether schools see the initiative as a priority for protecting student athletes.

Federal proposals to change the Head Start program could have consequences for children's nutrition in Colorado, according to reporting from Kiowa County Press. Head Start provides early childhood education along with meals and health services to low-income families, so adjustments to program requirements or funding could affect what and how young children in the state are fed. The item offers no further details on the scope of the proposed changes or reactions from families and officials.

Forecasters and local outlets are warning that waves from deep ocean swells could increase coastal hazards along the Westside this winter. Larger swell activity raises the risk of beach erosion, dangerous rip currents and flooding in low-lying shoreline areas. Residents are being urged to stay alert to surf advisories as the winter storm season approaches.

A flood watch is in effect for the next three days across the Four Corners region, most of New Mexico, and northeast Arizona. Moisture from the remnants of Hurricane Polo is moving in overnight, while an Aleutian Low spinning off the Southern California coast is pumping additional moisture into the area, raising the risk of significant flooding across the desert Southwest.