US top doctor wants cancer warning on alcohol: What does the science say?

US top doctor wants cancer warning on alcohol: What does the science say?

United States Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy has reignited a public health debate by proposing cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages. Murthy’s proposal accompanied a new advisory (PDF) highlighting growing evidence linking alcohol consumption to several types of cancer. Why is this call for warning labels significant, and what does the science say about the…

US Steel, Nippon sue Biden administration over decision to block merger

US Steel, Nippon sue Biden administration over decision to block merger

Nippon Steel and US Steel have filed a federal lawsuit in the United States challenging the Biden administration’s decision to block Nippon’s proposed $15bn acquisition of the Pittsburgh company. The companies say the head of the United Steelworkers union and a rival steelmaker worked together to scuttle the buyout. The lawsuit, filed on Monday, alleges…

Why has Justin Trudeau resigned – and what’s next for Canada?

Why has Justin Trudeau resigned – and what’s next for Canada?

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said he plans to resign as Liberal Party leader, amid mounting internal dissent. His announcement on Monday follows a swirl of speculation over his political future following public spats with former allies, a no-confidence motion that was called for later in January and falling poll numbers. “ Every morning I…

What is a polar vortex, the weather event causing winter storms in the US?

What is a polar vortex, the weather event causing winter storms in the US?

The United States has been experiencing severe winter storms, which is likely to affect more than 60 million people in the country’s east. The ongoing cold spell, which may bring down the mercury to as low as -50C (-60F), is caused by the expansion of the polar vortex – an area of extremely cold, rotating…

What is behind US strategy of keeping troops in post-Assad Syria?

What is behind US strategy of keeping troops in post-Assad Syria?

Washington, DC – The administration of United States President Joe Biden has said it is taking a wait-and-see approach to the fledgling government in Syria, with diplomats in recent weeks holding initial meetings with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) head, and the country’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, as well as the newly appointed Foreign…