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Today’s headlines
President Biden sought to reassure NATO that it is as strong as ever as he addressed world leaders at the opening of NATO’s annual summit. His speech came as the president remains under pressure to prove he still has what it takes to be reelected.
- 🎧 The substance of Biden’s speech, in which he emphasized bipartisan commitment to the allianceIt’s ‘music to the ears of NATO leaders,’ says NPR’s Mara Liasson first up. The president also announced plans to provide Ukraine with new air defense systems. She reported that many European leaders are very nervous about the 2024 US elections, which “represent NATO’s existential moment”. The United States has “tremendous executive power” in foreign policy, and Liason said the contrast between Biden and Trump couldn’t be starker. Biden sees strengthening NATO as part of his legacy, while Trump has shown a consistent antipathy toward the alliance.
More and more tech companies are building artificial intelligence weapons They claim it will change the way the United States and its allies wage war. Is Palmer Luckey the head of one of these businesses? He became a billionaire in his early 20s after selling his Oculus VR headset to Facebook. Now, his company, Anduril, sells artificial intelligence weapons to the Pentagon, which keeps some for itself and sends some to Ukraine. Seven years after its founding, Anduril says its weapons are sold to about 10 countries around the world. Anduril’s drones can be programmed before takeoff to search for Russian targets and bypass Russian electronic jamming signals. But the technology raises questions about who is responsible if something goes wrong.
For people with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic and similar drugs have been in short supply Over the past 18 months, people have used it for off-label weight loss. For people with this condition, missing a dose may cause uncontrolled blood sugar, which can lead to other problems such as kidney and eye complications. Ro, a telemedicine company, has developed a free online tool to help patients report drug shortages. Every few seconds, the map lights up, showing that the prescription cannot be filled. .
- ➡️ Ozempic, Wegovy and similar drugs are injected once a week Helps the body produce insulin. Here’s how a diabetes drug turned into a best-selling weight-loss drug.
Listen today
one of the most important What to pack for a road trip makes a great playlist. morning edition Hosts Steve Inskeep and Leila Fadel talk about the music they like to listen to on long road trips, especially as Inskeep plans a family trip to the Midwest. From Arabic music to today’s hits and podcasts, the duo cover a wide variety of music that can be played in the car.
deep dive
In recent years, many states have opened primaries to make them nonpartisan. In these states, independent or unaffiliated voters can cast their ballots in primaries before the 2024 general election. But some Republican-led states are moving in the opposite direction. Here’s their reasoning and the potential impact of these changes:
- ➡️ Louisiana Republican Gov. Jeff Landry says primary will be closed — allowing only registered party members to vote — will produce “a stronger, more united team of elected leaders.”
- ➡️ Wyoming lawmakers say some voters are taking advantage of law This allows them to register to vote on Election Day by voting in the Republican primary and change party affiliation before the general election. Lawmakers passed legislation prohibiting voters from changing affiliations within three months of an election.
- ➡️ Some critics, such as Democratic Sen. Jay Luneau of Louisiana, There are concerns that closed primaries will drive away moderate candidates and make politics in the state more extreme.
- ➡️ Closed primaries could incur long-term electoral costs for Republicans, Nick Troiano, head of a venture fund that invests in nonpartisan election reform, said the company could expand its market share by welcoming independents. But in the short term, he said, it could lead to the outcome Republicans want: candidates who are more partisan and won’t do things like vote to impeach Trump.
before you go
- Group of 100 life-size Indian elephant sculptures to travel Across the United States this year. This moving art exhibition aims to spread awareness about conservation efforts. Check here to see if it’s coming to your city.
- The non-alcoholic beer, wine and mocktail industry is growing steadily Last few years. Now some health researchers are calling for clear and consistent age limits on who can buy these products, arguing they could serve as a gateway product to drinking.
- Actor Jay Johnston is best known for his role in ” Arrested Development, Bob’s Burgers and other comedies, pled guilty He was charged with a felony for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection.
This newsletter is sponsored by Majid Wahadi. Britney Melton Made a contribution.