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As of December 2025, the WHO has issued its first guidelines recommending long-term use of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro for obesity treatment, recognizing obesity as a chronic disease. The US government has negotiated significant price cuts for these drugs, expanding Medicare and Medicaid coverage to more patients. However, concerns remain about drug accessibility, side effects, and weight regain after stopping treatment.
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West Midlands police issued an apology after allegations that they falsely claimed Maccabi Tel Aviv fans threw members of the public into a canal and targeted Muslim communities in Amsterdam to justify banning Israeli supporters from a Birmingham match. Dutch authorities challenged these claims, raising questions about the police assessment and political influence.
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As of late November 2025, the US, UK, Canada, and Japan face an early, severe flu season driven by the H3N2 subclade K variant, which has mutated beyond current vaccine strains. Hospital admissions and flu cases, especially among children and vulnerable groups, are rising. Concurrently, norovirus infections are doubling nationwide, with health officials urging hygiene and vaccination to mitigate risks.
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The UK and US have agreed to a trade deal that maintains 0% import taxes on medicines for three years, while increasing the NHS's drug spending threshold by 25%. The deal aims to boost investment, protect jobs, and facilitate access to innovative medicines, amid ongoing industry concerns over investment and pricing practices.
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San Francisco has filed a lawsuit against 10 food and beverage companies, accusing them of marketing ultra-processed foods linked to health issues like obesity and diabetes. The city seeks penalties, consumer education, and restrictions on marketing, especially to children, citing scientific evidence of harm. The lawsuit marks a first for a U.S. municipality targeting such companies.
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The CDC advisory committee is set to reconsider the recommendation for universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth, amid political pressure and vaccine skepticism. The decision could impact childhood immunization rates and public health efforts to prevent lifelong liver disease.
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A measles outbreak in South Carolina has grown to 111 cases, with ongoing transmission linked to low vaccination rates and holiday gatherings. Similar outbreaks are ongoing in Arizona and Utah, threatening US measles elimination status. Experts warn that declining vaccination and increased travel are fueling the resurgence of the disease.
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The Pentagon escalated its review of Senator Mark Kelly to a formal investigation over allegations of misconduct after he publicly urged troops to refuse unlawful orders. The move follows Kelly's video message supporting soldiers' right to disobey illegal commands, prompting political and legal controversy amid ongoing military and domestic deployments.
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U.S. health officials, under the influence of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have reversed decades of vaccination policy by ending universal hepatitis B vaccination for newborns. The move, driven by a panel with controversial appointees, faces widespread criticism from medical groups and public health experts, raising concerns over increased hepatitis B risks.
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President Trump has directed health officials to consider aligning the US childhood vaccination schedule with European countries like Denmark, which recommend fewer vaccines. This move, supported by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., raises concerns among health experts about potential impacts on disease control amid rising outbreaks of preventable illnesses.
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On January 5, 2026, the US CDC, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and acting director Jim O’Neill, reduced the number of vaccines routinely recommended for all children from 18 diseases to 11. Vaccines for hepatitis A, B, influenza, meningitis, RSV, and rotavirus are now recommended only for high-risk groups or via shared clinical decision-making. The move, aligned with President Trump’s directive to match European schedules, bypassed usual expert review and drew widespread criticism from medical groups and public health experts.
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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.
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On December 19, 2025, the Trump-appointed board of the Kennedy Center voted unanimously to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts." The move, citing Trump's role in revitalizing the center, faces legal challenges as only Congress can officially change the name. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers, Kennedy family members, and historians.
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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.
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Recent advances include new autism screening tests, a blood-based Alzheimer’s detection method, seizure prediction wearables, and exercise-related cancer insights. These innovations aim to improve early diagnosis, accessibility, and management of neurological and neurodegenerative conditions, though many are still in experimental stages.
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As of January 2026, weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro deliver significant initial weight loss, with new approvals expanding dosing options. However, research shows most patients regain lost weight within 20 months after stopping treatment. High costs, side effects, and misconceptions about long-term use contribute to discontinuation. Experts emphasize the need for ongoing lifestyle support and gradual dose reduction to sustain benefits.
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Research on ultraprocessed foods highlights potential health risks linked to their high sodium, sugar, and fat content. Experts call for policy changes amid ongoing debates about their impact, with recent studies showing increased calorie intake and weight gain associated with these foods.
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The US government has enacted a law allowing schools to serve full-fat and 2% milk, reversing a policy from 2012 that mandated only low-fat options. This aligns with new dietary guidelines promoting whole dairy products, sparking debate over childhood nutrition and health impacts.
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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.
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President Trump publicly endorsed Rep. Julia Letlow's bid for the U.S. Senate in Louisiana, signaling a challenge to incumbent Senator Cassidy. Letlow announced her candidacy at a Baton Rouge event, with Trump praising her as a 'total winner.' Cassidy, already running for re-election, faces a primary challenge amid Trump's backing of Letlow.
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On January 29, 2026, the United States formally withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO), ending its membership since 1948. The Trump administration cited WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and political influence concerns. The US owes over $130 million to WHO and faces challenges including loss of access to global health data, raising fears of weakened pandemic response and vaccine development.
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Following a decline in vaccination rates, the UK has lost its WHO measles elimination status. Experts warn of major outbreaks, with projections of nearly 400,000 cases and 480 deaths over 20 years. Vaccination coverage remains below the 95% herd immunity threshold, risking further spread.
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A documentary about Melania Trump, covering her final days as first lady, premiered at the Kennedy Center and in theaters nationwide. It offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at her transition into the role, with mixed reviews and high-profile attendees, amid questions over its political neutrality and funding.
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A San Diego court has ordered Rady Children’s Hospital to continue providing gender-affirming treatments to minors until at least March 10, amid a legal dispute with California’s Attorney General. The hospital had announced it would cease such care, citing federal threats, but the judge emphasized the immediate harm to patients and the lack of an imminent funding threat.
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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.
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New Mexico officials warn against unpasteurized dairy after a baby's death, likely linked to raw milk. The rise in raw milk sales, supported by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., raises health concerns due to bacteria like listeria and E. coli. Pasteurization remains the safest option.
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The FDA has approved new natural food color options, including a reddish dye and expanded use of spirulina extract, aiming to reduce reliance on synthetic dyes linked to behavioral issues in children. The move encourages food companies to adopt safer, naturally derived colors, with industry efforts ongoing since last year.
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On February 10, 2026, the FDA refused to file Moderna's application for its new mRNA flu vaccine, citing inadequate trial design and comparator choice. The decision, led by FDA vaccine director Dr. Vinay Prasad under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., reflects increased scrutiny of mRNA vaccines. Moderna plans to meet with regulators to clarify next steps while continuing approval efforts abroad.
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J.P. Cooney, a former federal prosecutor, announced his run for Congress, citing concerns over Trump-era lawlessness and recent events like the killing of Alex Pretti. He aims to challenge perceived weaknesses in Congress's oversight of presidential power.
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Mike Tyson appears in a Super Bowl ad promoting healthy eating, highlighting the dangers of processed foods and advocating for dietary changes aligned with recent government guidelines. The ad is part of a campaign by the Make America Healthy Again movement, led by allies of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
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As of mid-February 2026, measles outbreaks are intensifying globally, notably in north-east London, South Carolina, and Australia. Declining vaccination rates and rising vaccine hesitancy have led to increased infections, hospitalizations, and risks to vulnerable populations. Health officials urge immediate vaccination to curb spread and protect children, especially those too young for immunization.