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Market Futures Slip as Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment

  U.S. stock futures edged lower early Thursday as investors attempted to extend Wednesday’s rebound but remained cautious amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell about 0.4%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures slipped roughly 0.2% each. The pullback followed a strong regular session in which all three major indexes posted gains, with the Dow snapping a three‑day losing streak.  The overnight weakness reflects persistent market sensitivity to geopolitical developments. Escalating tensions involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran continue to drive volatility across asset classes, with traders closely watching oil prices and inflation implications. Recent sessions have seen markets swing sharply as headlines shift, underscoring the fragile balance between economic fundamentals and geopolitical risk.  Despite the cautious tone, Wednesday’s rally showed that investors are still willing to buy into dips—particularl...

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Sweeping Layoffs Reshape the US Department of Health and Human Services

In a significant restructuring move, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has initiated mass layoffs, with up to 10,000 employees expected to be affected. Notices of dismissal began circulating on Tuesday, marking the start of a major overhaul aimed at streamlining the department's operations. This reduction follows a series of executive actions, including the revocation of collective bargaining rights for federal health agency workers.

The layoffs span multiple agencies under HHS, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Critics warn that these cuts could undermine the nation's ability to respond to health emergencies and ongoing disease threats. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the move, describing it as a necessary step to improve efficiency and reduce bureaucracy.

The restructuring also includes the creation of a new office, the Administration for a Healthy America, which will consolidate several programs. While the administration argues that these changes will lead to better outcomes with fewer resources, concerns about the potential impact on public health services remain high.

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