How low can you go? Congressional Democrats' approval rating sinks to cellar

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced a series of regulatory actions aimed at effectively banning gender-affirming care for minors, which includes prohibiting Medicaid funding for puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and surgical procedures. This proposal has been met with significant backlash from advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare professionals.

The Powerball jackpot has surged to an estimated $1.5 billion for the upcoming drawing, marking it as the fifth largest in the game's history and the seventh highest among all U.S. lottery jackpots. This increase follows a series of drawings without a winner, contributing to the growing prize amount.

U.S. inflation unexpectedly slowed last month, with consumer prices rising by 2.7%, according to a government report that was delayed due to the recent government shutdown. This situation has led to concerns about the reliability of economic data during periods of government disruption.

In a recent primetime address, President Trump asserted that the U.S. is on the verge of an economic boom, claiming a rapid decline in prices despite ongoing concerns about affordability among voters. He emphasized the strength of his economic policies, which he believes are beginning to take effect.

U.S. President Donald Trump is poised to sign an executive order that will reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III substance, facilitating medical research and easing federal restrictions on cannabis. This significant change is expected to allow for the exploration of marijuana's potential medical benefits more freely.