US aid cuts halt HIV vaccine research in South Africa, with global impact

The White House has confirmed that $140 million in grants for U.S. fentanyl overdose programs will be rolled out gradually, but officials haven’t provided a clear timeline. While the administration insists the funding will eventually reach state and local initiatives, CDC staffers are concerned about delays, fearing it could hinder efforts to combat the overdose crisis.

Editor’s Note: Fentanyl overdoses are a growing emergency, and these grants are meant to help local communities fight back. But if the money trickles in too slowly—or worse, gets stuck in bureaucratic limbo—it could leave underfunded programs scrambling. This isn’t just about budgets; it’s about lives on the line.

A fresh telehealth startup is tackling a tough issue many antidepressant users face: withdrawal symptoms. The program aims to guide patients through tapering off medication more smoothly, while NBC’s Dr. Akshay Syal breaks down the broader conversation—weighing the benefits of antidepressants against their potential side effects.

Editor’s Note: Coming off antidepressants can be brutal—brain zaps, mood swings, you name it. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about filling a gap in care for people who’ve been left to navigate withdrawal alone. With mental health in the spotlight, solutions like this could make a real difference for millions stuck between staying medicated and facing a rocky exit.

President Trump claimed that Coca-Cola in the U.S. would switch back to using cane sugar, but when pressed for details, the company didn’t confirm the change—leaving everyone wondering whether this was a real shift or just another offhand remark.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about soda—it’s about how companies navigate public statements from influential figures, especially when those statements aren’t entirely accurate. Coca-Cola’s vague response keeps them out of hot water for now, but it also highlights the tricky dance between business and politics. If the switch were real, it could’ve been a big deal for consumers who care about ingredients, but for now, it’s just another "wait and see" moment.

The Senate is gearing up to vote on a bill that would take back $40 billion in previously promised foreign aid, with supporters claiming it’s necessary to cut down on waste and misuse. But opponents argue there’s no solid evidence backing these claims—no comprehensive review of the programs in question was actually done. It’s a classic clash between fiscal hawks and aid advocates, with billions (and reputations) on the line.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about money—it’s about trust. If lawmakers slash aid without clear proof of mismanagement, it could hurt diplomatic relationships and leave vulnerable populations in the lurch. At the same time, taxpayers deserve to know their dollars aren’t being squandered. The real question: Is this a principled stand or a political stunt?

President Trump claims Coca-Cola has agreed to switch to cane sugar in its flagship soda after his health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., publicly criticized sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup. Coca-Cola responded vaguely, saying "more details are to come," leaving room for speculation about whether this is a done deal or just political posturing.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about soda—it’s a collision of politics, health debates, and corporate PR. High-fructose corn syrup has long been a target of health advocates, and if Coca-Cola actually makes this change, it could signal a shift in how big food brands respond to political pressure. But until Coke confirms specifics, it’s unclear whether this is real policy or just headline-grabbing. Either way, it keeps the conversation about sugar and health in the spotlight.