Parents with newborns in intensive care units have long faced a difficult but overlooked plight: Any parental leave they might have does not take into account the days or even months their newborns spend in intensive care. Many choose to return to work immediately rather than use up leave they will need when their baby comes home. Colorado and Illinois became the first states this year to adopt dedicated neonatal leave programs, galvanizing a grassroots movement for more state programs and a federal policy.

Taiwan’s president says arms purchases from the United States are crucial for regional stability, after President Donald Trump questioned continued U.S. support for Taiwan following his visit to China. President Lai Ching-te said Sunday that U.S. arms sales and security cooperation are essential for peace. Trump previously approved an $11 billion arms package to Taiwan in December. However, he recently indicated that a new $14 billion package depends on China. Taiwan reassures that U.S. policy remains unchanged, despite concerns raised by Trump’s comments. China views Taiwan as a critical issue in U.S.-China relations.

China has intensified its stance on Taiwan, warning the U.S. of potential clashes if the issue isn’t handled properly. During a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, China’s President Xi Jinping emphasized that Taiwan is the most crucial issue in U.S.-China relations. Beijing has increased military pressure on Taiwan, which it views as a breakaway province. Analysts suggest Xi’s rhetoric reflects China’s concerns over the growing defense ties between Taiwan and the U.S., especially after a recent $11 billion weapons package.

King Charles III has outlined the British government's legislative plans as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces pressure to stay in power. In a ceremonial speech to Parliament, the king emphasized the U.K.'s focus on energy policy, defense, and national security amid the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. He also pledged action against antisemitism, highlighting British values of decency and tolerance. Starmer's leadership is under scrutiny after significant losses in local elections. Some Labour Party members have urged him to set a departure timetable, and Health Secretary Wes Streeting might challenge him. The King's Speech aims to address economic and security challenges.

Republicans want voters to think of working-class tax cuts when they weigh the economy and the 2025 law that President Donald Trump calls his “big beautiful bill.” But Democrats point to inflation on everything from groceries and gas to health care and housing. They want voters to blame Trump's policies, including his war in Iran. Those dividing lines are at the center of North Carolina's U.S. Senate contest that has become a microcosm of the national fight. Democrat Roy Cooper, a former governor, is battling Republican Michael Whatley, a Trump ally and former Republican national chairman. The state has leaned Republican in Senate contests, but Democrats think they have a shot here and to win control of Congress in November.

President Donald Trump has demonstrated greater ambivalence toward Taiwan in his second term. That's raising questions about the Republican president's commitment to maintaining American support for the self-ruled island ahead of this week's summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In December, Trump authorized an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan but delayed its delivery and discussed the sale with Xi. Trump said Monday he expects Xi will ask him to hold back on arming Taiwan. Trump has accused Taiwan of “stealing” America's semiconductor business and pressured it to invest in U.S. tech sectors. Analysts say Xi might urge Trump to loosen ties with Taiwan, which Beijing views as its breakaway province.

President Donald Trump's trip to China may not come with the same fanfare that accompanied his first-term visit. In 2017, China went all out to welcome the new American president. For this week's get-together between Trump and China's Xi Jinping, the Iran war is raising the stakes for both sides. For one, China is the biggest buyer of Iran's oil. Trump, meanwhile, had hoped China would do more to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. But Trump has predicted a warm welcome from Xi, even expecting to be offered a “big, fat hug.”