WISCONSIN (MacIver Institute) -- We are back for another week of the MacIver Monday Newsletter. First up this week -- the new food pyramid. RFK Jr. and the Department of Health and Human Services want people eating only real food. We think you should consume only real news. That's why we're here. Have a great week.
Spotlight
Wisconsin Dairy Group Happy With Food Pyramid Milk, Cheese Changes
The new food pyramid unveiled by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. places a heavy emphasis on whole and unprocessed foods -- changes that could end up benefitting Wisconsin's dairy industry.
The new pyramid suggests more meat, milk, cheese, and butter, along with recommendations that people eat vegetables, fruit, healthy fats and whole grains.
One of the largest dairy producers in the country, Wisconsin-based Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, likes the changes.
“We’re encouraged to see fuller fat dairy products prioritized in these new guidelines, and as farmers, we’re eager to be part of the solution in making America healthy again through the consumption of real food,” Edge President Heidi Fischer said in a statement. Read more here.
Deep Dive
The Federal Government Finally Says No
The federal Department of Health and Human Services is putting the brakes on the transgender movement by ending funding for hospitals that participate in gender transitions of minors. In doing so, the federal government has formally declared that those interventions do not meet professionally recognized standards of care for children.
As Richard Moore argues, for years we were told to “trust the experts” on scientific matters. Now, HHS is holding liberal physicians to their own standard.
We asked for your support a lot over the last few weeks. This time, we just want to thank you for all you do to support the MacIver Institute and conservative causes in whatever way you are able to help.
Thanks for reading our articles, sharing our newsletter and staying engaged! Happy 2026.
Coming Soon
Plan to Expand Wisconsin PTSD Coverage Clears Statehouse Committee
The Assembly Committee on Workforce Development, Labor and Integrated Employment on Wednesday unanimously approved an expansion to the state law that offers PTSD coverage to full-time police officers and first responders. The legislation put forward by State Sen. Andre Jacque expands on a law approved in 2021 to offer PTSD workers comp pay to police officers and full-time firefighters.
You Should Know
Sen. Bradley Hopeful After Medical Price Transparency Hearing
One of the lawmakers behind the plan to improve health care price transparency is hopeful about the progress his plan is making. Sen. Julian Bradley’s legislation would require hospitals in Wisconsin to post the prices for non-emergency treatments on their websites. He said that would allow patients to shop for services like labs, x-rays, and other types of services that almost all hospitals offer.
Read more about his plan here.
Quick Click
Liberal Group Spends Seven Figures in Western Wisconsin Congressional Race
The liberal group Opportunity Wisconsin on Tuesday announced a seven-figure ad buy to try and unseat Republican Congressman Derrick Van Orden. Rep. Van Orden is one of the most vulnerable Republicans on Capitol Hill, and is the Democrats’ top target in Wisconsin in 2026.
For Your Commute
Throughout the year we will be focusing on the many ways that under Tony Evers and the Democrats, It's Not Working in Madison. The last MacIver News Minute set the table for just that. Give it a listen.
About MacIver Institute: The MacIver Institute is a Wisconsin-based think tank that promotes free markets, individual freedom, personal responsibility, and limited government. Through research, analysis, and community engagement, we work to advance these principles and positively impact the lives of all Wisconsinites.
Last Update: Jan 12, 2026 2:23 pm CST
