Stories from United States

The CDC reports a rise in rotavirus cases across the country, with notable increases observed in New Jersey. A Stanford University wastewater analysis confirms the upward trend in infections over the last few months. The virus poses a significant health risk, particularly to infants and young children.

US business bankruptcies have increased by 12 percent. This rise indicates growing financial distress among American companies. The increase suggests potential economic headwinds and challenges for various sectors.

FEMA has approved disaster relief funding for individual homeowners and businesses impacted by storms in Washington state. While a statewide hazard mitigation grant request for $182 million was denied, funds will be allocated for recovery efforts. This follows Governor Ferguson's request for a major disaster declaration.

A majority of California residents support implementing voter ID laws, according to a recent poll. The measure is now a Republican-backed initiative that will appear on the state's November ballot. Legal experts note there is currently no evidence of widespread fraudulent voting in the state.

Tennessee has signed SB 2031 / HB 1872 into law, establishing liability regulations for gender-affirming healthcare provided to minors. The law was signed on April 23, 2026, and is effective immediately.

The Biden administration conducted a raid on the Soho apartment of Shane Copeland, the billionaire CEO of prediction market platform Polymarket. The move follows intense scrutiny and pressure regarding the platform's operations during the previous administration. This development signals increased regulatory or legal oversight targeting high-profile prediction market entities.

The CDC is monitoring a screwworm outbreak due to the flies' ability to infest wounds in warm-blooded animals, including humans. The insects lay eggs in wounds as small as a few millimeters, posing a health risk to both wildlife and livestock. Incident managers are currently coordinating the response to the infestation.

US futures markets, including Kalshi, ban bets on war, assassination, and terrorism, aligning with US law. This policy was highlighted when users on Polymarket could bet on the death of Iran's supreme leader, while Kalshi users could not, due to these prohibitions.

An undocumented immigrant who arrived in Los Angeles at 19 and is now 54 has successfully built a construction business over 34 years. Despite being convicted of misdemeanor battery 15 years ago, he has fought deportation for over a decade. He has five daughters who are university graduates.

The USDA has begun setting up screw worm traps along the US-Mexico border to protect livestock. Agents on horseback, known as tick riders, are patrolling the area to monitor for infestations. This measure aims to prevent potential losses that could cost the cattle and livestock industries billions of dollars annually in Texas. Funding is being directed toward screwworm research and the rebuilding of Nipoling's Fly Factory. Failure to control the pest could impact the cattle and livestock industries in Texas.