President Trump signed a $1.2 trillion economic agreement with Qatar, including a $96 billion deal for Boeing aircraft and GE Aerospace engines. The deal is expected to support thousands of American jobs and also involves contracts with companies like McDermott International, Parsons Corporation, Raytheon, Quantinuum, and General Atomics. (UPI)
Over 1,000 Starbucks baristas went on strike against new dress code limits requiring solid black shirts and specific bottoms, aiming to create a more cohesive look. Starbucks Workers United seeks collective bargaining over the issue. Starbucks claims the strike has limited impact and urges union to return to negotiations for a contract agreement. (AP)
The EPA plans to weaken guidelines on “forever chemicals” in drinking water. The change allows more time for water utility companies to filter out PFAS chemicals, known for their harmful effects on human health. While water providers welcomed the change, it has faced opposition for going against current law, which prohibits the EPA from weakening water quality standards. (UPI)
United States drug overdose deaths dropped to a 5-year low in 2024, with a 26.9% decrease from 2023. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl saw the biggest decline. Most states reported lower deaths. While experts are cautiously optimistic, Alaska faces rising overdose rates due to fentanyl, as its potency and prevalence pose significant risks to users. (ABC News)
Democratic governors are opposing a Republican plan to cut Medicaid funding, which would lead to 8.6 million losing health coverage by 2034 due to stricter eligibility and work requirements. Democratic governors warn of disastrous impacts on families, hospitals, and state finances, arguing against the feasibility of states covering the cuts with their own resources. (NPR)
