News Briefs.

Pete Hegseth, a potential nominee for Secretary of the Army, faced scrutiny from the Senate Appropriations Committee over an $87.6 billion funding request for the Pentagon. The additional funds are intended to support ongoing military operations, including the US effort…

John Healey's surprise appointment as Chancellor has raised questions about his approach to fiscal policy. Healey, known for his diligence and popularity, will be tasked with funding the Prime Minister's policy promises. His background suggests a cautious approach to spending,…

US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has stated that a recent cyclospora outbreak is "under control" following the reversal of an FDA recall. Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause intestinal illness. The outbreak has been linked to contaminated…

Labour leader Keir Starmer has reshuffled his frontbench team, removing or demoting over half of his shadow cabinet. The move has sparked concerns among supporters of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and other party factions. They see the changes as…

Houthi rebels have issued a warning to shipping companies, threatening to attack tankers that use Saudi Arabian ports on the Red Sea. This move escalates tensions in the region and may severely impact Saudi oil exports. The warning comes as…

Thames Water's bondholders have signaled a willingness to restructure the company's debt, following 18 months of stagnation. This shift comes after increased pressure from Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, who has been vocal about the need for reform…

A man convicted of killing two friends has denied murdering them, despite their remains being found near his Cornwall cabin. James Desborough is on trial for the murders of Claudio Aquilino and Daniel Coleman. The bodies of the two men…

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has issued a stark warning about the state of child health in the UK. Child poverty, poor diet, and lack of exercise are major contributors to declining health outcomes. The college describes…

Newborn screening programmes have been expanded to include spinal muscular atrophy, a significant step forward in early detection and treatment. Dr Janet Hoskin welcomes this development but notes that other serious genetic conditions, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, remain excluded.…

Scoliosis, a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine, affects millions worldwide. Chronic pain is a common symptom, significantly impacting quality of life. Louise Zamparutti, who lives with scoliosis, has found ashtanga yoga to be a life-changing practice…

Concerns about oversized cars dominating urban roads have been raised by readers. Large vehicles, such as SUVs, are becoming increasingly common in cities. These cars often occupy more space on the road and in parking areas, contributing to congestion and…

Delaware judge dismisses UnitedHealth Group lawsuit against the Guardian. The lawsuit stemmed from the Guardian's 2025 investigative reporting on the healthcare conglomerate. UnitedHealth Group had pursued a defamation claim, alleging the reporting damaged its reputation. The judge's decision marks a…

A marmoset monkey was discovered abandoned in a laundry bag on a London bus. The animal, a small primate native to South America, was found by a passenger and taken to a local animal shelter. This incident comes after a…