Bard College has launched an independent review, conducted by law firm WilmerHale, into President Leon Botstein’s connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Newly released emails reveal interactions between Botstein and Epstein, including exchanges about music, literature, and travel, with some communications dating back to 2013. The college's board stated it aims to transparently share the review results and will consider policy changes related to donor vetting, fundraising, and conflicts of interest.
The FDA removed a webpage warning about the dangers of unproven autism treatments, such as chelation and chlorine dioxide, citing routine content cleanup. Advocates for autistic individuals argued that the warnings remain necessary due to ongoing marketing of these harmful remedies. The removal is linked to broader political and regulatory shifts under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has promoted unconventional therapies and questioned mainstream scientific consensus on autism and vaccines. Experts criticized these changes, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based treatments and warning against dangerous pseudoscientific cures.
The FDA is reviewing the safety of SSRIs and RSV antibodies for infants due to concerns about current monitoring. The Supreme Court invalidated Trump's tariffs, potentially reducing supply chain costs. Novo Nordisk lowered its 2026 sales and profit forecasts amid rising competition in the GLP-1 market. Additionally, the CDC's vaccine advisory meeting was postponed as HHS Secretary Kennedy works to reshape vaccine policies, and an Alzheimer’s blood test shows promise but is not yet ready for widespread use.
Pharmaceutical lobbyists see opportunities to influence FDA decisions under the Trump administration, believing that approvals are more likely if they can be framed as wins for the administration. Despite promises from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reduce industry influence, the current political environment has increased industry efforts to engage with the FDA, changing the nature of these interactions.
The Department of Homeland Security reversed its decision to suspend TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs, which were initially halted due to funding issues amid the government shutdown. TSA PreCheck remained operational at many airports, with some experiencing temporary closures depending on staffing levels, while Global Entry was suspended at certain airports. The reversal followed criticism from elected officials and industry groups, and the programs' suspension was originally intended to prioritize broader security and emergency responses during ongoing funding negotiations.
The article reports that the use of anxiety medications, particularly SSRIs like Lexapro, has increased among Americans, especially during the COVID pandemic, with around 38 million adults now taking such drugs. Despite recognition of their benefits for treating anxiety and depression, critics including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have questioned their safety, citing concerns about addiction and behavioral effects, though health professionals emphasize their safety and effectiveness when used properly. The rise in medication use is linked to social factors such as increased social media influence, isolation, and economic stress, with higher adoption among young adults and women, while non-medication approaches like therapy and lifestyle changes are also encouraged.
The UK faces the risk of being the biggest loser from Trump's reimposition of higher tariffs, increasing from 10% to 15% for all nations, which may raise costs for UK exports and impact thousands of British companies. While the UK is actively seeking exemptions from the higher tariffs, uncertainty remains about whether the current preferential rates will be maintained. The tariffs could significantly affect trade, particularly for sectors exporting products like Scotch whisky and toys.
This podcast episode examines the influence of Russia on the 2016 U.S. presidential election, exploring allegations of Russian interference and its impact on Donald Trump's rise to the White House. The hosts also discuss the significance of the investigation into these interference efforts and their lasting consequences on global politics.
Following the US Supreme Court ruling against President Trump's IEEPA tariffs, Trump announced the implementation of a 15% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits tariffs for 150 days before congressional approval. The ruling led to modest market reactions, with US Treasury yields rising and the dollar weakening slightly. Meanwhile, key economic data included a mixed US January PMI and a slowdown in Q4 GDP growth, while euro area economic indicators showed signs of hawkish momentum supporting the ECB. Geopolitical tensions and upcoming speeches remain central market drivers.
EU top diplomats are scheduled to meet with Nikolay Mladenov, director of the Board of Peace, in Brussels to discuss the situation in Gaza, US-led efforts for reconstruction, and broader issues such as the war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russia. The meeting follows controversy over EU participation in the US-led Board of Peace, with some EU leaders criticizing the approach and the European Commission clarifying its limited role. The EU remains supportive of the UN’s mandate in Gaza and is a major donor to the Palestinian Authority.
Nebraska's all-Republican congressional delegation had mixed reactions to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that President Trump's tariffs, issued under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, are illegal, affirming that Congress holds the power to tax. Rep. Don Bacon called the ruling a victory for constitutional checks and balances, while others emphasized the importance of congressional authority and ongoing trade efforts. President Trump criticized the decision, indicating plans to impose new tariffs, though the ruling restricts the president's unilateral tariff authority.
The White House announced the launch of "Tech Corps," a new initiative within the Peace Corps aimed at promoting American AI technology abroad and aiding partner nations in adopting these systems. Volunteers with tech skills will be deployed to support the implementation of U.S. AI solutions in sectors such as agriculture, education, health, and economic development, as part of efforts to counter Chinese influence and expand U.S. AI dominance globally. The program is expected to begin on-ground deployments in fall 2026, with volunteers serving for 12 to 27 months, and is part of broader initiatives including the AI Exports Program and the Pax Silica supply chain effort.
