MicroWave

Summary

The incoming Trump administration plans to intensify ICE operations in major U.S. cities, particularly targeting "sanctuary" jurisdictions, to arrest unauthorized immigrants after Trump’s inauguration.

Sources indicate large-scale raids, including in areas like Chicago, as part of a promised immigration crackdown.

Biden-era enforcement guidelines, which focused on serious criminals and recent border-crossers, are expected to be rescinded, making nearly all undocumented immigrants subject to arrest.

Incoming "border czar" Tom Homan also aims to revive workplace raids and expand collateral arrests during operations, signaling a significant shift in immigration policy.

Summary

Wedam Minyila, 19, is among the first to undergo a newly approved gene therapy for sickle cell disease, a condition affecting over 100,000 people in the U.S.

The $2.3M-$3.1M treatment, using CRISPR technology, offers a potential cure but involves intensive chemotherapy and significant risks.

Few patients have accessed it due to high costs, limited hospital capacity, and insurance hurdles.

The therapy represents a groundbreaking shift, promising relief from severe pain and improved quality of life for patients.

Summary

Dr. Derrick Todd, a former Boston rheumatologist accused of sexually abusing over 200 patients since 2010, was indicted by a Massachusetts grand jury on two counts of rape involving incidents from 2022 and 2023.

Todd pleaded not guilty, was held on $10,000 bail, and is prohibited from practicing medicine.

Civil lawsuits allege Todd performed unnecessary medical exams for personal gratification.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where Todd worked, fired him in 2023 after anonymous complaints and an internal investigation.

Victims’ attorneys expect the criminal case to expand as investigations continue.

Summary

Organizers of the 2017 Women’s March are planning the "People's March" on January 18, 2025, ahead of Donald Trump’s second inauguration.

Unlike the record-breaking 2017 protest with 500,000 people, this multi-issue demonstration, addressing abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, climate change, and more, expects a smaller turnout of 50,000.

Organizers acknowledge shifting political dynamics and aim to build a sustainable movement by connecting participants with advocacy organizations.

Summary

The Biden administration announced that Medicare will negotiate lower prices for 15 drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, under the Inflation Reduction Act, with changes set to take effect in 2027.

These drugs, which treat diabetes, weight loss, and other conditions, cost Medicare $41 billion from late 2023 to 2024.

This effort builds on prior negotiations for 10 drugs, saving money for seniors and taxpayers.

Other provisions include $35 insulin caps, free vaccines, and a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket limit for Medicare Part D enrollees.

Summary

Homelessness among U.S. seniors is rising sharply, with housing costs and health issues creating dire conditions.

Kim Hilton, a 68-year-old Montanan, became homeless in 2022 after losing his home due to unaffordable rent. Living in his truck, his health deteriorated, leading to the loss of both legs.

Researchers predict senior homelessness will triple by 2030, overwhelming shelters.

Programs like Medicaid-funded housing and specialized shelters offer some relief, but experts stress the need for more accessible affordable housing to prevent crises like Hilton’s.

Summary

Mark Zuckerberg is courting Donald Trump’s incoming administration, aligning Meta with MAGA politics, to secure a potential TikTok ban, which would significantly benefit his company.

Meta has lobbied aggressively against TikTok, portraying it as a Chinese threat to U.S. values and privacy.

While Meta denies direct involvement, it has a history of pushing anti-TikTok narratives.

Trump, who once threatened Zuckerberg with jail, holds leverage over the ban decision.

Critics argue Zuckerberg's pivot reflects opportunism, leveraging China’s dominance to deflect attention from Meta’s own controversies.

Summary

In his farewell speech, President Joe Biden warned of a growing "oligarchy" in the U.S., where extreme wealth and power threaten democracy.

Comparing modern elites to 19th-century robber barons, he called for reforms to hold the wealthy accountable, as done in the past.

Biden also criticized a "tech-industrial complex" concentrating power and spreading disinformation, weakening democracy.

His remarks sparked a surge in Google searches for "oligarchy."

The speech comes amid rising concerns about policies favoring billionaires, like Trump’s tax cuts and potential cuts to social safety programs.

Summary

Americans are posting videos about 3D-printed guns on the Chinese video app RedNote, despite the content being illegal in China.

While some users are uncomfortable with the topic, others see it as an opportunity for cultural exchange.

The future of TikTok remains uncertain as the Supreme Court is expected to rule on the ban.

Summary

The FDA authorized the sale of 10 Zyn nicotine pouch flavors, marking the first approval of nicotine pouches as a smoking alternative.

Regulators cited evidence that Zyn helps adult smokers reduce or quit cigarettes and contains fewer harmful ingredients than traditional tobacco products.

Critics warn flavored pouches could attract youth, but FDA data shows low teen usage.

Zyn, which does not contain tobacco, competes with similar products like Altria’s On.

The decision adds to debates over flavored nicotine products and their public health impacts.

Summary

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey issued executive orders eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in state-run institutions and introducing religious exemptions to school vaccination requirements.

Morrisey claimed DEI initiatives foster “preferential treatment” and referenced the 2023 Supreme Court decision ending affirmative action.

The vaccine exemption policy overturns one of the nation’s strictest vaccination rules, which had historically maintained high rates.

Public health experts warn the change could threaten immunity levels and worsen health outcomes in a state already struggling with poor health metrics.

Summary

Stanford law professor Mark Lemley dropped Meta as a client, citing CEO Mark Zuckerberg's "descent into toxic masculinity and Neo-Nazi madness."

Lemley, who represented Meta in a 2023 AI copyright case, also deactivated his Threads account and vowed to avoid Facebook/Instagram ads.

Lemley criticized Zuckerberg’s recent changes, including reducing DEI initiatives and endorsing "masculine energy," moves echoing Elon Musk’s management style.

Zuckerberg has also shifted politically, restoring Trump’s Facebook account and building ties with him, contrasting with Meta’s earlier stance against Trump's rhetoric.