Streeting invites doctors for fresh talks next week

Congress just greenlit a move to pull back $7.9 billion in promised foreign aid, but the fallout isn’t entirely clear yet. The big question: Which programs or countries will take the hit? While the details are still hazy, this decision could leave vulnerable communities in the lurch—whether it’s food aid, health initiatives, or disaster relief.

Editor’s Note: Foreign aid isn’t just about money—it’s a lifeline for millions. Cutting it could mean real consequences, from stalled vaccines to empty food banks in crisis zones. Plus, it might strain diplomatic ties, especially if allies were counting on that support. This isn’t just a budget line item; it’s about who gets left behind.

Michigan is testing a simple but bold idea: giving new moms direct cash payments—no conditions, no paperwork—to help ease the financial strain of raising kids. The program, backed by both Democrats and Republicans, provides thousands of dollars upfront, recognizing that parents often know best how to spend money for their families. Early results suggest it could inspire similar efforts nationwide.

Editor’s Note: Parenting is expensive, and traditional aid programs often come with red tape. This experiment cuts through bureaucracy, putting money directly into the hands of those who need it. If it works, it could reshape how the U.S. supports families—proving sometimes the simplest solutions are the most powerful.

Nurse leaders are sounding the alarm—they’re demanding better pay and threatening strikes if their concerns aren’t addressed. The Royal College of Nursing is pushing for urgent talks to overhaul the NHS contract, arguing that nurses feel chronically undervalued.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about wages—it’s a symptom of deeper frustrations in the NHS. Nurses are exhausted and feel ignored, and if their demands aren’t met, it could lead to disruptive strikes at a time when healthcare systems are already stretched thin. For patients, this could mean longer waits and added strain on services. It’s a high-stakes standoff.

Comedian Sara Pascoe gets real about the messy, exhausting side of parenting—especially when you’re navigating it in your 40s. In a candid interview, she admits she’s baffled by how relationships survive the upheaval of raising kids, sharing her own struggles with identity, sleep deprivation, and the strain on partnerships. It’s not all doom and gloom, though—her trademark humor peeks through as she unpacks the chaos.

Editor’s Note: Pascoe’s honesty cuts through the glossy, curated version of parenthood we often see. Her take resonates with anyone who’s felt overwhelmed by the seismic shift kids bring—especially older parents or those in high-pressure careers. It’s a reminder that even the funniest people aren’t immune to the universal messiness of raising tiny humans.

CVS Health just posted better-than-expected earnings and raised its 2025 outlook, thanks in part to a rebound in its health insurance division. While some insurers are still struggling, CVS seems to be turning a corner—for now.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another earnings report—it’s a sign that CVS might be stabilizing after a rocky stretch. With healthcare costs still a hot-button issue, a stronger CVS could mean more stability for patients and investors alike. But the split in the insurance market shows not everyone’s out of the woods yet.