Age of consent: UK minister says government may consider age-gap rules
A UK minister says age-gap rules may be considered. We examined how England and Wales already protect teenagers after they turn 16.
Living standards
Credit card debt: poorer areas face over twice the late-payment rate of richer areas
Borrowers in lower-income US areas still face much higher rates of serious credit card payment problems. New figures track balances becoming at least 90 days overdue. Our calculation finds the gap with richer areas remains about a third wider than in 2019, despite recent improvement.
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Trump asylum ban case could reshape how courts stop deportations
The Supreme Court will review the Trump asylum ban and group-wide court orders. Our research explains which protections remain and what the case could change.
Medicaid work requirements: states can delay coverage cuts while checks begin
States can delay Medicaid work-rule coverage losses while checks continue. Our research explains who the new protection covers and why it is not automatic.
Pension for life plans: an early yes could limit later cash withdrawals
Pension for life plans could let one agreement cover later limits on access to savings. Our research examines the choices and safeguards in guided retirement.
Indefinite leave to remain: new bid to stop longer waits for workers
A new parliamentary proposal would protect existing UK work visa holders. Our comparison explains why visa renewals and an earlier right to settle differ.
Military pay overhaul promises troops their wages during disputes
A new US military pay promise puts wages first during disputes. Our research examines earlier debt safeguards and the payroll reform already under way.
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Water & energy
Access to water and energy, water quality, costs and who is responsible.
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Migration & asylum
Immigration status, accommodation, rights and oversight of migration and asylum policy.
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Enforcement & rights
Government powers, oversight and the protection of rights during enforcement and detention.
More to explore
Measles cases pass 5,400, exposing gaps in childhood protection
New US measles figures put gaps in childhood protection in focus. Earlier CDC research found lower vaccination among children eligible for free vaccines.
FAA ground stop lifted, but a refund will not cover every cost
The FAA has lifted its nationwide departure stop. Refund rights remain important, but US meal and hotel promises and some international care duties follow different rules.
School integration grants could require proof of illegal discrimination
A new US legal opinion would narrow federal school integration funding. We examine the teaching support at stake and the unresolved position of existing awards.
Global Talent visa: false evidence can put your right to stay at risk
A BBC investigation exposes false arts credentials. UK rules show why applicants can face consequences even when an adviser supplied evidence without their knowledge.
Microsoft outage disrupts patient referrals while hospitals keep appointments
Patients are being asked to call care teams during the Microsoft outage. NHS notices show why open hospitals do not mean every referral or message is getting through.
Student loan freeze will take more from graduates as their pay rises
Plan 2 graduates will keep a frozen repayment threshold from April 2027. Our calculations show the cost compared with letting it rise, while Plan 5 borrowers get relief.
RFK Jr. faces a new inquiry over his Samoa vaccine claims
A new inquiry concerns RFK Jr.’s Samoa testimony. His original proposal linked medical-record technology with investigating possible vaccine harm.
Childhood criminal records could stop appearing in some job checks
England and Wales are consulting on childhood criminal records. Some lifelong job-check disclosures would end, but waiting periods and safety checks would remain.
EU border errors leave travelers proving they came home
Missing EU exit records have wrongly flagged British travelers as overstayers. Correction rights exist, but official guidance warns fixes may not be immediate.
PIP reform plans raise fears for young people already in work
Reported PIP reform plans raise concerns for young disabled people. The current payment can help with extra living costs even when someone works or studies.
National Weather Service says radar is working after outage claims
Old outage pages circulated during the FAA disruption. Current radar records and a newly issued storm warning show the weather service continued operating.
BMI can miss obesity. England’s NHS weight-loss drug rules still use it
New BMI research supports broader health assessment. England’s NHS weight-loss drug criteria still set separate limits on access.
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Decisions about public life are decisions about people. We examine who benefits, who carries the risk and whether those with power are held to account.
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