-
The Biden administration proposes new rules to cut federal funding for hospitals providing gender-affirming care to minors, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries. The move aims to restrict access nationwide, facing legal challenges and opposition from medical groups. The rules are not yet final and will undergo a public comment period.
-
The US pledges $2 billion for UN humanitarian efforts in 2026, a significant reduction from previous years, amid reforms aimed at consolidating aid functions and reducing bureaucracy. The move impacts global aid programs, with many countries facing funding shortfalls and increased humanitarian needs.
-
Starting January 1, 2026, 18 US states will implement new restrictions on SNAP benefits, limiting purchases of sugary drinks, candy, and certain prepared foods. The move aims to promote healthier eating but faces logistical challenges and mixed evidence on health outcomes.
-
President Trump has highlighted alleged public services fraud in Minnesota, claiming it could help balance the federal budget. Investigations reveal hundreds of millions lost to fraud in Minnesota, with broader estimates suggesting federal losses could reach up to $521 billion annually. Similar issues are emerging in California and Mississippi, fueling political debates on government waste.
-
Recent protests in Iran against the regime have garnered limited international support, contrasting with the strong backing from US political figures and media. Critics argue this reveals a bias aligned with pro-Israel interests, with implications for Iran's future and regional stability.
-
As of February 2026, two Nipah virus cases were confirmed in West Bengal, India, involving healthcare workers. Authorities traced 196 contacts, all testing negative. Bangladesh reported a fatal case linked to raw date palm sap. The virus, carried by fruit bats, has a high fatality rate (40-75%) and spreads via animal contact, contaminated food, or close human contact. Neighboring Asian countries have increased airport screenings. No vaccine or approved treatment exists yet.
-
Major US medical organizations now recommend delaying gender-related surgeries for minors until age 19, citing insufficient evidence and potential risks. This marks a significant shift from previous support, amid ongoing legal and political debates over pediatric gender care.
-
Lawmakers will review unredacted files related to Jeffrey Epstein, with over 3 million documents now available at the Justice Department. The files, heavily redacted, are part of ongoing transparency efforts following Epstein's death in 2019 amid allegations of sexual abuse and trafficking.
-
As of February 2026, measles outbreaks are intensifying in England, the US, and Australia due to declining vaccination rates and rising vaccine hesitancy. London boroughs report under 80% MMR coverage, far below the 95% WHO target, leading to hospitalizations and confirmed cases. US states like South Carolina face their largest outbreaks in decades, while Australia sees rising cases linked to international travel and vaccine skepticism.
-
Federal authorities have withheld roughly $243 million in Medicaid funds from Minnesota over fraud concerns, prompting a lawsuit by the state. The move follows federal claims of misuse of funds, with Minnesota arguing the withholding is politically motivated and violates due process. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over Medicaid oversight and fraud enforcement.
-
As of March 2026, the US faces sustained measles outbreaks across 30 states due to declining vaccination rates, with over 1,300 cases confirmed this year. Botswana intensifies polio surveillance amid vaccine-derived virus detection in neighboring countries. Nigeria reports rising teenage pregnancy and Lassa fever cases, while Thailand investigates tiger deaths from canine distemper virus amid bird flu concerns.