Trump On TikTok Ban, N. Korean Soldiers in Ukraine, Obesity Drug Shortage Ends
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Why has President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court to delay the TikTok ban?
President-elect Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to delay the implementation of the TikTok ban law, which is set to take effect on January 19th, 2025. He claims to possess the dealmaking expertise to broker a sale of the app, potentially making the Supreme Court's intervention unnecessary. Trump has not taken a position on the constitutionality of the ban but suggests he can resolve the issue once he assumes office.
What is the current status of North Korean soldiers fighting in Ukraine?
Approximately 10,000 North Korean soldiers are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. They are reportedly being assigned to high-casualty missions with little chance of success. U.S. officials estimate that around 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded, while some analysts suggest the number could be as high as 3,000. These soldiers are described as highly indoctrinated, often engaging in suicide missions and even taking their own lives to avoid capture.
Why has the FDA declared the end of the Zepbound obesity drug shortage?
The FDA has declared the end of the Zepbound obesity drug shortage after reviewing factors such as the drug manufacturer's inventory data, projected demand, and consultations with patients, healthcare providers, and compounding pharmacies. The agency concluded that Eli Lilly, the manufacturer, can now produce enough of the drug to meet demand. This decision means compounding pharmacies must stop producing cheaper, compounded versions of the drug by February or March 2025.
How has the TikTok ban law evolved since its introduction?
The TikTok ban law, passed by Congress in April 2024, requires TikTok to be sold or shut down due to concerns over its ties to China. TikTok has been fighting the law, losing in a lower court before appealing to the Supreme Court, which agreed to hear the case on an expedited schedule. President-elect Donald Trump, who initially supported the ban during his first term, now seeks to delay its implementation, citing his ability to broker a deal for the app's sale.
What are the implications of the FDA's decision on compounded obesity drugs?
The FDA's decision to end the Zepbound shortage means compounding pharmacies must stop producing cheaper, compounded versions of the drug by February or March 2025. This will force many patients to switch to the more expensive brand-name drug, which can cost over $1,000 per month. Many patients, especially those without insurance coverage for weight loss drugs, have relied on the compounded versions as a more affordable option. Some are now stockpiling the compounded drugs before they become unavailable.
- Trump asked the Supreme Court to delay the TikTok ban until after his inauguration.
- He claims to have the expertise to broker a sale of the app.
- Legal scholars say Trump is acting as if he is president before being sworn in and cites no legal authority for this request.
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