Discuss Full coverage · 13 →
P PBS· 18h

Understanding pneumonic plague after Russian lab worker's death

The U.S. is closely monitoring a potential case of pneumonic plague in Russia after a laboratory worker who studied the disease fell ill and died. Russian authorities insist there is no cause for alarm, but officials have imposed quarantines and other measures at several medical facilities in Siberia. Geoff Bennett dis

+2 more sources

Analysis

Public health concerns are intensifying as a significant measles outbreak in Pennsylvania surpasses 1,000 cases and a potential pneumonic plague case in Russia prompts international monitoring. These developments, alongside a WHO report linking 12% of global cancer cases to preventable infections, highlight the ongoing challenges in managing both localized outbreaks and long-term disease prevention. Observers are now watching for further updates from Russian authorities regarding the plague investigation and the effectiveness of containment measures in the U.S. measles crisis.

12 stories 14 outlets

5 stories say getting worse, 1 story says getting better

Reported by several outlets

Forecast

Will the World Health Organization declare the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo over by January 15, 2027?
Outbreak remains active 65%
Outbreak declared over 35%

Poll

Should countries share outbreak data with the WHO even when it's politically awkward?

Poll

If a new outbreak spread widely, which measures would you support?

Discuss Full coverage · 6 →
P PBS· 7h

WATCH: Trump administration issues final rule on transparency in healthcare coverage

At a news conference, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the new rule provides a "clear view of what healthcare actually costs."

Analysis

Recent reports highlight rising healthcare barriers, ranging from surging insurance premiums for Starbucks employees in the U.S. to the strain on medical systems in Africa following the withdrawal of U.S. aid programs. These developments underscore how both domestic cost increases and international policy shifts directly impact the affordability and availability of essential care for individuals. Moving forward, observers are monitoring the long-term effects of these funding gaps on patient access and the stability of healthcare infrastructure in affected regions.

6 stories 6 outlets

1 story says getting better, 1 story says getting worse

Reported by several outlets

Forecast

Will the total number of individuals enrolled in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace be lower than 18 million on January 31, 2027?
18 million or above 61%
Below 18 million 39%

Poll

Should the government negotiate prices for more prescription drugs?

Poll

What is the biggest problem with healthcare where you live?

Discuss Full coverage · 5 →
C CNBC· 7h

Little room for ‘giving and taking’: India’s finance minister confirms trade impasse with the U.S.

In the latest sign of growing skepticism around the closure of the trade deal between New Delhi and Washington, an Indian minister said there is little room for ‘giving and taking.’

Analysis

Recent trade tensions are intensifying as the Trump administration faces political pressure over beef imports and struggles to leverage negotiations with China, while the UK reports its largest food and drink trade deficit since 2000. These developments highlight how shifting tariff policies and international trade imbalances are impacting domestic industries, from Canadian apparel manufacturers to European automotive markets. Observers are now watching for potential rollbacks on specific import plans and further diplomatic developments between the U.S., China, and Canada.

5 stories 5 outlets

3 stories say getting worse

Reported by several outlets

Forecast

Will the Trump administration formally implement new tariffs on Chinese hybrid vehicle imports by March 1, 2027?
New tariffs implemented 56%
No new tariffs implemented 44%

Poll

Would you pay more for goods made in your own country?

Poll

Do tariffs on imports help or hurt your country overall?

Discuss Full coverage · 7 →
C CNBC· 18h

10-year Treasury yield rises to fresh 2002 high to start the week

U.S. Treasury yields are bouncing after a sharp decline. Investors are looking ahead now to the release of the minutes of the Federal Reserve's last meeting.

Analysis

Bond yields have surged to multi-year highs as investors anticipate further interest rate increases from the Federal Reserve to combat persistent inflation. This trend is directly impacting consumers by pushing mortgage rates above 7% and threatening to increase costs for other loans like auto financing. Market observers are now closely watching upcoming Federal Reserve economic projections and policy statements to gauge the duration and severity of these higher borrowing costs.

7 stories 8 outlets

1 story says getting better, 1 story says getting worse

Reported by several outlets

Forecast

Will the Federal Reserve raise the federal funds target rate at or before the December 2026 FOMC meeting?
Target rate increases 58%
Target rate remains same or decreases 42%

Poll

Should central banks be more worried about inflation or jobs right now?

Poll

What should the central bank do at its next meeting?

Discuss Full coverage · 5 →
C CNBC· 18h

Why airfares could rise even more, but airline profits won't

Airlines are trimming capacity as jet fuel prices keep climbing and travelers keep booking.

Analysis

Rising mortgage rates have surpassed 7% for the first time in 20 months, further straining housing affordability for Americans already grappling with stagnant wages and high prices. While shoppers are increasingly turning to bulk retailers like Costco to manage expenses, reports of price discrepancies at major convenience chains and limited grocery access in some areas highlight ongoing challenges for household budgets. Moving forward, observers are monitoring potential policy shifts regarding energy exports and legislative efforts to increase grocery store competition.

5 stories 5 outlets

1 story says getting worse

Reported by several outlets

Forecast

What will be the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in the United States on January 15, 2027?
Between 6.0% and 7.0% 43%
Above 7.0% 37%
Below 6.0% 21%

Poll

What should be the main tool to bring prices down?

Poll

Which rising cost hits your budget hardest right now?