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The announcement in March 2025 regarding international public health programs marks a setback for global childhood vaccinations. This action, coupled with previous cuts to U.S. AID programs providing essential nutrition, raises concerns about the U.S.'s commitment to children's well-being, both domestically and internationally. The administration's stance also affects the support for disease prevention within the U.S. A review of policies enacted over the past few years reveals a trend detrimental to children across various sectors. These policies seem to reflect the influence of fringe groups and politicians rather than established pediatric and educational principles, impacting areas like infection control, education, nutrition, healthcare, and environmental protection. The media now frequently reports on the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases. However, vaccinations have historically been considered a public health imperative, not merely a personal choice, to ensure national safety. Despite the majority of Americans (approximately 70%) supporting mandatory vaccinations, according to a January 2025 report by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC), measles outbreaks are occurring due to the influence of a well-funded movement advocating for vaccine exemptions and the relaxation of school vaccination requirements. The appointment of RFK Jr. to a high-ranking position at Health and Human Services (HHS) has dismayed many physicians. The consequences of fringe medical viewpoints are evident in the rising number of measles cases, hospitalizations, and reported cases of complications following measles infections. The lack of a strong federal response to the increasing measles cases raises concerns about the potential normalization of childhood deaths from the disease. The recent reduction in CDC funding will negatively affect health departments nationwide, impacting both COVID-19 relief efforts and state pediatric vaccine programs. Planned reductions in funding will also hinder vaccination programs and disease surveillance. Consequently, children in the U.S. face increased risks of preventable infections, leading to potential medical, educational, economic, and lifelong consequences. The nation may witness the resurgence of vaccine-preventable illnesses. Pediatric healthcare is facing unprecedented challenges. Many Americans may not realize that a significant portion of children are covered by Medicaid. Proposed cuts to Medicaid are purportedly aimed at reducing waste, fraud, and abuse, but reports suggest that these issues are not as widespread as claimed. The existing shortages in healthcare providers will likely worsen with provider payment cuts. The question arises: what alternatives are being proposed to ensure pediatric healthcare access if Medicaid is reduced? Furthermore, there is a concerning shortage of pediatric dentists, particularly affecting children on Medicaid. The scientifically unsound opposition to water fluoridation represents another example of an anti-pediatric initiative to dismantle a public health measure. There is ample evidence that fluoridation effectively reduces dental cavities. The anti-fluoridation movement has not proposed alternative cavity prevention strategies, such as fluoride supplements or varnishes, to promote pediatric dental health or improve access to pediatric dental care. It is also a harsh reality that many children rely on federally funded nutrition programs to avoid hunger. The National School Lunch Program, administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, provides billions of dollars in funding for school lunch programs, serving millions of children across the US. However, this program is facing budget cuts. Moreover, the elimination of the local farmer procurement program, despite RFK Jr.’s support for local agriculture, undermines efforts to provide nutritious, locally sourced options in school lunches. This analysis does not even address the significant impact of cuts to reproductive care on children. Emerging data highlights the correlation between limited access to reproductive care and adverse birth outcomes, including increased rates of premature births and infant mortality. Despite the need for increased education to prevent unintended pregnancies, there are attempts to restrict access to reproductive care in numerous states. Much attention has been given to the mental health challenges facing children. While the proliferation of social media is often blamed, mental health issues are multifaceted, influenced by societal stress, political and cultural divisions, and environmental degradation. Decades of climate change have impacted society. There is a valid need to regulate environmental toxins in air, water, and food, and to address the health consequences of climate change. Numerous studies indicate that environmental issues disproportionately affect children. Concerns have been raised as states roll back environmental protections, impacting children's health and future. At the state level, proposed laws threaten to weaken child labor laws in response to workforce shortages caused by immigration policies. The legislation could permit children as young as 14 to work overnight shifts during school days. While any single policy change impacting infection prevention, nutrition, education, healthcare, or the environment could have significant consequences, the combined effect of multiple policies implemented simultaneously could be devastating. In 1963, President Kennedy stated, "For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal.” Amidst the political turmoil, it is time to consider when America stopped cherishing its children. Are we prepared for the answer and the consequences?

` tags. Immigration debates often circle back to the idea of "doing things the right way." As a lawyer who has sued every President since George W. Bush for perceived failures, I successfully challenged President Donald Trump’s attempts to end DACA. However, the current situation is unprecedented. Trump claims his immigration policies target undocumented migrants—those he believes didn't come here "the right way." However, his administration is rapidly closing existing legal pathways for migrants. This could result in a more dysfunctional and cruel system where no "right way" to enter the U.S. exists. Trump's campaign promised "mass deportation," theoretically targeting only those without documentation. But even those who entered legally face , , or even . He even mentioned being in “” sending American citizens to foreign prisons. The false idea that mass deportation would only affect undocumented individuals has facilitated sweeping abductions of individuals and families living and working peacefully across the country. It has also for attacking immigrants who are trying to follow U.S. immigration laws in the hope of securing legal protections. Despite their "law and order" rhetoric, the Trump Administration rarely acts "the right way." The concept of immigrants doing things "the right way" has been twisted into a hateful narrative, a mythical "illegal criminal migrant" infiltrating white communities, as Trump and his allies often warn. Consider the Trump administration’s view of people applying for legal status as "criminal migrants." This process typically takes years, even decades. These individuals have lived in the U.S. and diligently pursued legal status for years. They attend , pay attorney and application fees, and wait for the chance to find peace in their home. They are also asylum seekers following legal processes and awaiting their day in court to prove they are fleeing based on a “.” Many asylum seekers are years on end in dangerous conditions on the other side of the border until their case is heard. They are also children who are often forced to defend themselves in those very courts if not for groups like our plaintiffs in that provide them with lawyers. Since Trump's second inauguration, the lives of those seeking lawful status have been disrupted. Their applications are often paused, and they are demonized as criminals for lacking legal status. Sweeping generalizations that label entire populations as inherently "criminal" hinder the development of practical policies. The Trump Administration has been carefully dismantling legal immigration pathways, further damaging an already broken system. The Trump Administration is also making moves against against tremendous odds while, you guessed it, also falsely referring to them as “criminal migrants.” This includes hundreds of thousands of people with , a legal protection for people from countries facing significant violence or instability. It also includes over a million participants in , which provides a legal pathway for people from select countries if they find a U.S. sponsor or meet other requirements. These parole processes, based on a legal authority used by both Republicans and Democrats for over 70 years, include Uniting for Ukraine (U4U), Operation Allies Welcome for Afghans who assisted U.S. troops, and the process for people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. It also includes here on visas who have been and jailed in facilities thousands of miles from their universities for minimal infractions or even for engaging in . These attacks affect tax-paying immigrants, who have contributed to a system from which they can't benefit, and who have long been demonized for false claims that “.” Our President quickly switched from repeating this myth to immigrants' IRS records to target them for deportation. This bait and switch is appalling and causes immense heartbreak and chaos in families, classrooms, workplaces, and neighborhoods nationwide. "Follow the law," they say, as the laws change. "Follow the law," they say, when they can't seem to follow it themselves. According to issued from the White House back in November 2018, under the first Trump Administration, so-called legal migrants, on the other hand, are supposed to be safe. "Mass, uncontrolled immigration is especially unfair to the many wonderful, law-abiding immigrants already living here who followed the rules and waited their turn," Trump stated in the Roosevelt Room. But his current actions contradict his past words. The Trump Administration is manipulating who is considered lawful in the U.S., resulting in people being delegitimized, disenfranchised, and potentially deported—even after complying with federal requirements. The law is currently hindering this manipulation. Organizations like mine have intervened to stop their illegal attempts to , to , and to ICE into our . But there aren't enough lawyers to prevent all the harm, and the current administration has This disregard should concern everyone, regardless of immigration status. Immigrants may be the first victims of their effort to silence the courts, but we are all vulnerable if the Trump Administration succeeds. But I still have hope. Daily, my organization hears from people—including Trump voters—who are fed up. In these frightening times, as the nation veers toward lawlessness, this will soon affect nearly everyone, directly or indirectly. The White House hopes we freeze in fear, making it the perfect time to, in John Lewis's words, create "good trouble." The Trump Administration’s agenda is not what we need. Now is the time to speak up.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney assumed office just over a week ago amidst the controversy surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about the country. However, Canada's stability is now being challenged from within. Alberta's Premier, Danielle Smith, announced on Monday that she would conduct a referendum on the province's secession next year if a petition garners sufficient support. "Albertans have consistently demonstrated loyalty, pride, and generosity as Canadians—we deeply cherish Canada," Smith stated, before criticizing successive Canadian national governments for enacting "detrimental legislation and policies." Smith clarified that the Alberta government would not advocate for a separation vote and that she, personally, does not support secession. However, she affirmed, "If a citizen-led referendum petition successfully gathers the necessary signatures to request such a question on a referendum, our government will honor the democratic process and include that question on the 2026 provincial referendum ballot." Here's what you should know. What is Alberta's political landscape? Alberta, a Canadian province with roughly 5 million residents, shares a border with Montana in the U.S. The province is famous for its extensive oil and natural gas reserves. Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction are the dominant sectors of Alberta's economy, according to a report. Alberta is a vital contributor to the Canadian economy, leading the nation in fossil fuel production with 84% of total crude oil production and 61% of total natural gas production. In 2024, Alberta ranked first in terms of GDP growth contribution. Alberta also boasts the highest average weekly earnings among Canadian provinces. The province is also considered a conservative stronghold. Smith is a member of the United Conservative Party, which has governed the province since 2019, advocating for lower taxes and opposing a carbon tax. Under Smith's leadership, Alberta has contested federal net-zero emissions timelines and clean energy regulations. Generally, many Albertans disapprove of the national Liberal government, which has led Canada since 2015 and has implemented environmental policies that locals believe will hinder the province's economic progress. Smith stated that under Liberal leadership, Ottawa has obstructed pipelines, canceled numerous oil and gas projects, and introduced a carbon tax—policies she characterized as "anti-energy, anti-agriculture, and anti-resource development." "We aren't seeking preferential treatment or handouts," Smith said in her statement on Monday. "We simply desire the freedom to develop and export our abundant resources for the benefit of our families and future generations." How could Alberta separate? Following Carney's election, Albertans protested at their provincial legislature, opposing the Liberals' continued governance and rallying for separation. According to reports, some protesters even carried U.S. flags. According to a May 1 survey by Ottawa-based Nanos Research, most Albertans believe that remaining in Canada would be more beneficial for the economy. Only 1 in 10 respondents indicated that the province would be better off as part of the U.S. However, this isn't the first instance of separatist sentiments emerging from Alberta. The Western region of Canada has harbored grievances against central Canada and the federal government for decades. Calls for Alberta's separation due to various domestic issues date back to the 1970s, according to reports. Only one province, Quebec, has held referendums on separating from Canada in 1980 and 1995. Both votes showed a majority of Québécois favored remaining in Canada. However, secession is not as simple as a referendum vote. The Canadian constitution does not permit unilateral separation. Following the unsuccessful referendums on separation in Quebec, the federal government enacted legislation outlining the approach to future referendums on provinces seeking independence. The act stipulates that the national parliament's House of Commons must determine whether the referendum on a province's independence demonstrates "a clear expression of a will by a clear majority" of the provincial population. Once determined, the provincial government can negotiate with the federal government to amend the Canadian constitution to potentially allow secession. How has Mark Carney responded? Shortly after Carney's election, the Prime Minister met with Smith, who stated in a post on May 2 that they discussed measures regarding Alberta's economy "and specific proposals for projects and legislative reforms that will significantly increase market access for Alberta oil and gas, agricultural products and other goods.” Smith described the conversation with Carney as "a positive first step." Carney responded to Smith's post: “We’re both focused on bringing down the cost of living and increasing opportunities in the energy sector for hard working Albertans. I look forward to working together—to break down interprovincial trade barriers and to build one strong Canadian economy.” In her recent statement, Smith said that her provincial government will appoint a negotiating team to address those policies. She also said she will chair an “Alberta Next” panel, which will hold a series of town halls, to hear from Albertans about what they want for the future of the province.

` tags. Even after being out of office for over three months, Donald Trump continues to frequently mention his predecessor, Joe Biden. He often references Biden when discussing various topics, including blaming him or making negative comments. Recently, Trump has invoked Biden's name when questioned about the stock market, the conflict in Gaza, efforts to stop Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and his choice to send Venezuelan individuals to a prison in El Salvador. When asked by NBC's Kristen Welker on Friday when he would take responsibility for the state of the U.S. economy, Trump responded that the positive aspects were due to the "Trump economy," while the negative aspects were due to the "Biden economy." According to , this was one of approximately 20 mentions of "Biden" during the interview. The previous week, Trump referenced Biden a dozen times in an interview with TIME. According to a TIME analysis of transcripts from Trump's public statements and those of his key spokespeople, "Biden" was the fifth most commonly used word during the Trump White House's first 100 days. The former President's surname was used more often than "border" and slightly less often than "deal." The most frequent word was "great," followed by "American" and "tariff." TIME employed an AI algorithm to analyze 92 events featuring on-camera remarks by Trump, as well as press briefings conducted by his top aides at the White House, to arrive at these figures. Andrew Bates, Biden's former senior deputy White House press secretary, believes Trump's consistent blaming of his predecessor is "counterproductive." Bates argues that the economy was stronger when Biden left office and that Trump's actions damaged it. Therefore, every time Trump mentions Biden's name, it reminds people of a time when the economy was doing better. However, Trump seems content to keep blaming Biden for unfavorable economic news. After the Commerce Department revealed data last week indicating a slight decrease in the gross domestic product during the first quarter, Trump attributed it to "Biden" and suggested a similar response might be forthcoming in July, implying that the next quarter could also be attributed to Biden. Polls indicate that the public tends to attribute any future economic difficulties to Trump's trade war. A poll from late April revealed that 70% of Americans anticipate Trump's new tariffs will be more costly than beneficial to the U.S. in the short term, and 89% of American adults believe the tariffs will likely lead to increased prices. Recently, Biden has been increasingly visible. In mid-April, he delivered a speech criticizing Trump's hasty firings and budget cuts within the federal government, asserting that Trump's administration is "shooting first and aiming later." He characterized Trump's initial months in office as marked by "damage" and "destruction" to programs assisting veterans and seniors. On Thursday, Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden are scheduled to appear on ABC's The View. Biden's return to the public eye coincides with the upcoming release of several books examining how his staff dealt with concerns about his mental sharpness during his time in office. CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios's Alex Thompson are set to release "Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again" at the end of May. Additionally, The Wall Street Journal's Josh Dawsey, The New York Times' Tyler Pager, and the Washington Post's Isaac Arnsdorf have collaborated on "2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America," scheduled for release in early July.

The 2025 Met Gala, celebrating the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s new exhibit on Black Dandyism—which focuses on menswear—saw several attendees paying tribute to Josephine Baker. Baker was a Black fashion icon, dancer, civil rights activist, and the first Black woman to star in a major motion picture. Like the theme of the exhibit, Baker was known for her daring and experimental fashion choices. A photograph of Baker in a tuxedo and top hat is archived at Yale University’s Beinecke Library. Quinta Brunson, the creator of Abbott Elementary, told Vogue that Baker's style inspired her to wear a suit to the Met Gala. Brunson's hairstyle also nodded to Baker's signature look: a short cut featuring a prominent curl on the forehead. A$AP Rocky, a Met Gala co-chair, and tennis star Venus Williams, among others, sported variations of this hairstyle. Williams, on the red carpet, stated that she was aiming to embody Baker's "elegance," referencing Baker's nickname "the Black Venus." Megan Thee Stallion directly referenced Baker, styling her hair in a long, cone-shaped ponytail reminiscent of Baker's Havana look. Gigi Hadid's custom gold Miu Miu gown had a notable resemblance to a Balmain dress Baker wore in a 1951 photoshoot for the Balmain fashion house. Baker's ability to fluidly transition between menswear and womenswear cemented her status as a queer style icon, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Her enduring influence was widely apparent at the 2025 Met Gala.

The intense feeling he stirs up transcends geographical boundaries and time. His captivating gaze, signature hair flip, and iconic dance moves have charmed audiences for over three decades. From defining Bollywood romantic comedies like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge in the 1990s, which propelled him to global stardom, to starring in blockbuster action thrillers in the 2020s. Khan's influence soared in the '90s, especially among Indians and South Asians who had emigrated. This created a deep emotional connection between him and audiences worldwide, which still resonates with him today. He understands that his characters evoke powerful emotions, recalling a German fan who described him as "a button for emotions." "It's more than just entertainment. I represent a connection to home, even though I'm not a memory," Khan told TIME. "The diaspora is responsible for my stardom." This week, Khan marked a milestone on the global stage at the , becoming the first Indian male actor to attend. He wore a black silk sherwani-style jacket over black pants, adorned with several necklaces, including a large diamond "K" for King Khan. He was styled by Indian fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, who also designed the floral couture sari worn by Alia Bhatt to . Other notable attendees included Bad Bunny, Priyanka Chopra, Lisa from BLACKPINK, and cast members from The White Lotus. This year's event carries a political charge. As the Trump Administration continues its mission to , including on Sunday, stars are celebrating the rich and revolutionary and its influence on fashion as they arrive on the blue carpet. "It's important to represent my country and its people. India is taking a stand on many issues, and it's crucial to have our presence felt," Khan stated, expressing his admiration for this year's . "I appreciated its message – revolution and resolution achieved through artistic expression and exuberance, rather than anger or conflict. Making a statement through fashion." At 59, and with a long career in a constantly evolving industry, Khan is now focused on his generational legacy. His upcoming film, King, will feature him alongside his daughter Suhana Khan. His son, Aryan Khan, is directing a Netflix series under Khan's company, Red Chillies Entertainment, slated for release later this year. Khan started as an outsider in Mumbai, having moved from New Delhi. "I just acted, and I had nothing to lose. Perhaps that's why I was so cocky, overconfident, and sometimes foolish." The landscape is different for his children, who have privilege, which also invites scrutiny. Khan acknowledges that his presence as their father helps: "The privilege should humble them. There will always be a shadow," he says. "But this path is very difficult. Liking or disliking them shouldn't depend on the shadow someone casts." Having shaped Indian cinema for decades, Khan is now looking ahead to the future of film beyond King and his own career. He is excited about using advanced technology to make movies more realistic and embracing grand storytelling with the tools available. "Everything is now cleaner, louder, and better. The lights are better. The watches are cooler. Why not films? They have to get bigger," he says. "Stories need to be authentic, but their presentation must become more engaging. I watch most things on my phone. Why should I go to the theater? It has to be an experience. It has to be Disney World." No one understands the multifaceted nature of stardom better than Khan. Whether he's in an epic movie, attending a global fashion event, or performing in a world tour, he's driven by the same passion that brought him to Mumbai years ago. "I need to feel like I was at 26 and act like I feel at 60." ```

tags. Rihanna made a stunning announcement before arriving on the red carpet at Monday night's Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit: she is expecting her third child with A$AP Rocky. The singer and beauty entrepreneur showcased her pregnant figure in a custom two-piece Miu Miu ensemble hours before the evening's main event. Rocky, a co-chair for this year’s gala centered around the theme "", had previously appeared on the carpet in a custom AWGE design, which featured a jacket inspired by Marmot outerwear he recalled from his youth in Harlem. He then remarked in an interview, joking that he only knew Rihanna’s forthcoming look would "just don’t really cover her baby hump.” The couple, who have been together since 2020, are already parents to two sons, RZA, age 2, and Riot, age 1. They have not yet revealed the sex of their newest baby. Known for her signature late arrival, Rihanna ultimately concluded the red carpet appearances in a Marc Jacobs suit that, in fact, concealed her baby bump.

The actress arrived at Monday evening’s Met Gala in a shimmering black Miu Miu dress, an homage to Kim Novak of Vertigo fame. Sweeney’s choice of gown echoes a similar dress, complete with a round neckline and decorative brooch, that Novak wore in the 1967 Robert Aldrich film, The Legend of Lylah Clare. Novak’s dress itself was a nod to the glittering gown and brooch worn by in The Bride Wore Red (1937). Sweeney hinted at her inspiration beforehand, posting a photo of Novak on her Instagram stories. She is slated to portray Novak in the forthcoming drama, Scandalous. This film marks the directorial debut of , a Met Gala co-chair, and centers on the 1950s affair between Novak and singer , set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow era. This year’s Met Gala celebrates the debut of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s 2025 costume exhibition focusing on , and Essence Davis, described as “the embodiment of Black dandyism.” Davis and Novak’s meeting occurred on The Steve Allen Show, where they were both guests. Captivated by Novak, Davis visited the set of Vertigo, offering to take her photograph. According to Laurence Leamer’s recent Hitchcock’s Blondes, Novak playfully questioned Davis while he was taking close-up shots, asking, “‘Did you ever think of taking off the lens cover?’” As TIME reported, Harry Cohn, the head of Columbia Pictures, ended “the romance of Sammy Davis Jr. and Kim Novak by having a thug threaten to work Sammy over.” Cohn feared that movie theaters would refuse to screen a film featuring a white actress romantically involved with a Black man. Davis ultimately wed chorus girl in 1958, while Novak married actor Richard Johnson in 1965. ```

This article is part of The D.C. Brief, TIME’s politics newsletter. Sign up to receive similar articles in your inbox. Donald Trump, a performer at heart, has navigated a life filled with contradictions, from bankruptcies to the presidency. However, this carefree approach, while beneficial in the short term, overlooks the future. Immediate gains and long-term consequences often clash, and lasting legacies take time to build. Moreover, negative outcomes tend to have a more lasting impact on public perception than positive ones. Therefore, Trump's association with the current economic climate poses a significant threat to his legacy. Upon the week's opening, the Dow was down approximately 6% from Trump's initial day in office, even after a slight recovery the month prior. The markets have been destabilized by the uncertainty stemming from the White House, including threats of widespread tariffs, increased import taxes on China (which may soon be reversed), and potential trade deals with other nations. This turbulence has disrupted the economy, and Americans are taking notice. This explains why Trump continues to blame Joe Biden for the country's economic woes, despite the increasing absurdity of attributing fault to his predecessor. Last week, following the release of a Commerce Department report indicating a U.S. economic contraction in the first three months of the year—before Trump's tariff threats—Trump disclaimed responsibility. He stated during a Cabinet meeting, "This is Biden, and you can even say the next quarter is sort of Biden." At times, he seems to place blame on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, though this hasn't moved the needle. Recession anxieties are rising, and Trump's attempts to deflect responsibility appear ineffective. “I think the good parts are the Trump economy and the bad parts are the Biden economy,” he on “Meet the Press” on Friday. When moderator Kristen Welker questioned whether he would risk a recession for a long-term fix, he avoided a direct answer. “Look, yeah, it’s—everything’s OK,” he said. “What we are—I said, this is a transition period. I think we’re going to do fantastically.” When asked about a potential recession, Trump seemed unconcerned: “anything can happen.” Recessions don't materialize suddenly. They often result from declining consumer confidence and heightened anxieties, whether justified or not. Currently, consumer confidence is lower than during the Great Recession, leading consumers to be cautious. Their spending accounts for roughly 70% of the economy, and they are currently holding back. Voters are increasingly blaming Trump, a shift from the past. A recent NPR-PBS-Marist poll revealed that 60% of Americans attribute the current economic situation to Trump's policies. In contrast, a similar poll during Barack Obama's first term, amid a recession, found only 14% of voters blaming him. Trump portrays himself as an all-powerful figure capable of shaping reality. Through his salesmanship, he has convinced many Americans of this notion. However, those same Americans are now observing grim realities such as falling stocks, disrupted supply chains, and rising prices. They are worried and seeking someone to hold accountable. If Trump wants to be seen as all-powerful, he must also accept responsibility when Americans seek a target for their anxieties. Trump wanted to regain power, and now he must bear the burden. Understand the important issues in Washington. . ```