Live updates: Iran says Strait of Hormuz open; RFK Jr. back in hot seat
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HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will testify on healthcare, while President Trump courts young voters.
AI Summary
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is scheduled to testify before a House panel on Friday regarding the Trump administration’s health care agenda. This appearance follows his questioning by lawmakers the previous day concerning vaccine changes and his "Make America Healthy Again" initiative. Meanwhile, President Trump is set to address young voters on Friday, aiming to bolster support amid growing Republican concerns about the upcoming midterm elections. The events highlight key policy areas and political strategies for the Trump administration as it navigates legislative scrutiny and prepares for electoral challenges.
What's Being Done
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is scheduled to testify before a House panel regarding the Trump administration’s health care agenda.
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Watch: Congresswoman tells RFK Jr. he "should be ashamed" and resign as HHS secretary

RFK Jr. tells congresswoman "those are crocodile tears" during tense moment at House hearing
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Health Policy
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is actively engaged in policy discussions, testifying before Congress and advocating for changes in FDA regulations. His focus includes easing limits on unproven peptides, a stance that aligns with his 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative.
RFK Jr.'s Health Agenda and Diminished Clout
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is defending his health agenda on Capitol Hill, facing questioning from Congress. His return to the Hill comes amidst reports of diminished political influence and scrutiny over his policies.
Iran & Middle East Conflict
Tracking the evolving military and diplomatic situation across the Middle East, including US-Iran tensions, Israeli operations, proxy conflicts, and the broader geopolitical implications for the region.
Government Spending & Oversight
Tracking how taxpayer dollars are spent, where oversight gaps exist, and what watchdogs are uncovering. From federal budget battles and earmark controversies to inspector general reports and GAO audits, this deep dive follows the money trail through every level of government. We examine defense spending, entitlement programs, infrastructure investments, and the growing national debt — focusing on accountability, waste, and the policies that shape how America allocates its resources.
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<p>Prime minister cuts fuel security visit to Malaysia short. Follow updates live</p><ul><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>An extra 250,000 tonnes of agricultural-grade urea for fertiliser will come to Australia from Indonesia, under a new deal supported by the federal government.</p><p>That’s around 20% of the fertiliser needed for the current planting season for Australian farmers, according to the Albanese government.</p><p>This deal also shows why it’s critically important that we have strong relationships with our regional partners.</p><p>While this is a commercial deal, the Australian and Indonesian Governments have been working to support this positive outcome … This will mean Australia can continue to play an important role ...
Iran reverses course on reopening Strait of Hormuz, signals warning to US - Fox News
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US-Iran negotiations show limited progress but remain tense, with disputes over enriched uranium and the Strait of Hormuz still unresolved. Donald Trump warns the conflict could resume if no deal is reached, while mediators say compromises may still be possible on nuclear restrictions.
PoliticsNewsom demands answers from RFK Jr. over past comments about Black children on ADHD meds being ‘re-parented’
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Friday said he demands answers from Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding comments the secretary made in an interview in 2024 about Black children on certain Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medications being “re-parented.” “We’ve known RFK Jr. has been unfit to serve as Secretary, but…
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<p>Health secretary and chef Robert Irvine claim Americans could eat healthier and more cheaply if they shopped better</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&utm_campaign=BN22326&utm_content=signup&utm_term=standfirst&utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox</a></p></li></ul><p>The first episode of the new Secretary Kennedy Podcast, produced by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), opens with this quote from guest Robert Irvine, who creates meal plans for the US military: “We talk about food being expensive. If you’re buying expensive food, it’s expensive. But if you’re buying food and you know what to do with it, it’s not expensive.”</p><p>The episode is titled Fixing America’s Food System – Robert Irvine, and features a 45-minute conversation...
GlobalMacron and Starmer welcome Hormuz reopening and push for permanent navigation security - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipAFBVV95cUxPSFRBQzdqY3ZKaU05dHZnNEx4aGJvUlZhcVBMQ1lOXzN2Nk1GLWtsM3drbHhJRERLY2ZqYnhjVnFMX1B4WXUtTDAzYzNaQzlRcURpa1JWQTJ2SG5tRUQ3ZmJqOVNYWWRhampnSlFrc05heTJWUmNkWmRJOG5yQ2doaHhCS3YyUjBlalplZWt5SGdOMWdYcDFyNzZ5cWhsNEZXQlZWeA?oc=5" target="_blank">Macron and Starmer welcome Hormuz reopening and push for permanent navigation security</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

Trump, IRS in talks to settle US president's $10 billion lawsuit - Reuters
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