New NHS England policy for trans people could have ‘a number of adverse impacts’, report finds 18. October 2026 (14:00) Exclusive: rules on same-sex wards could lead to delays in care, discrimination and animosity between groups, finds internal assessmentTrans people could face delays and a greater risk of “corridor care” under new NHS England guidance that means they will no longer be able to use same-sex wards, according to an internal report.An NHS England impact assessment, seen by the Guardian, stated that trans people may also potentially experience discrimination and this could lead to them “avoiding accessing healthcare at all”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
EPA quietly backtracks on claims US has phased out toxic Pfas compounds 18. October 2026 (14:00) Agency changes wording on website as Texas-based chemical firm continues manufacture of plastic containersThe Environmental Protection Agency has quietly backtracked on a claim that the US has phased out two of the most dangerous Pfas compounds – Pfoa and Pfos.The EPA has found that virtually no level of exposure to either in drinking water is safe, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies Pfoa as “carcinogenic to humans” and Pfos as “possibly carcinogenic”. Still, the EPA is allowing Houston-based Inhance to produce containers from which Pfoa has been found to leach at high levels into the containers’ contents. The company makes up to 200m plastic containers annually used across the US economy. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Some conservative states aren’t using Medicaid hardship exemption – for political reasons 18. October 2026 (14:00) States like Missouri and Iowa are choosing to not take up exemption designed to help low-income people keep coverage during hardshipSome conservative states that have rejected hardship exemptions for the new Medicaid requirements may be choosing not to due to political reasons, experts say.New federal work requirements for Medicaid, slated to come into effect on 1 January, mean that adults enrolled through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion will have to work, attend school, volunteer, or take part in another qualifying activity at least 80 hours a month to maintain their coverage. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
The New Science of Stuttering 18. October 2026 (13:41) Experts are reaching consensus on what the condition is. Now they’re debating how best to treat it.(New York Times)
A schoolgirl, 14, found in undergrowth, a rugby player slain with a zombie knife and a grandfather, 74, beaten to death - the brutal killings turning rural county into murder capital of Wales
Pope Leo is cheered by thousands of people in St Peter's Square as he leads prayer service after lung cancer surgery
Pair of Chinese imperial 'soldier' vases worth £150,000 that have stood in country home for decades go on auction
Home Office begins recruiting staff for detention centre that could make town Britain's new migrant processing capital