Generic versions of lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV-prevention drug, will be available in 120 low- and middle-income countries for $40 annually beginning in 2027. Unitaid and the Gates Foundation have partnered with Indian pharmaceutical companies to produce these affordable generic versions, which have shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by over 99.9 percent. This initiative expands access to the drug, currently priced at $28,000 per year in the United States, marking a significant step in global HIV prevention efforts. This will help with the efforts to end the HIV epidemic.
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The House-passed “clean” money bill, rejected by the Senate, contained a hidden cut of almost $491 billion in Medicare payments over the next decade, according to Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. This cut would be triggered by the “Pay As You Go” budget act, due to the bill’s impact on the national debt. This move, coupled with the expiration of an Affordable Care Act tax subsidy, could significantly raise healthcare costs for millions. The potential Medicare cuts, along with the threat of government shutdown, were not addressed in the House bill, as Congress and the Trump administration face political impasse.
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Speaker Mike Johnson faces a looming government shutdown with no active negotiations. While the official explanation for the House’s recess is that Republicans have completed their work, a different motive may be at play. Democratic Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva’s victory in Arizona brings the House to 214 Democrats, and she intends to sign a discharge petition to force a vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This could lead to the disclosure of information about the Epstein scandal, which the White House wants to avoid. Johnson’s decision to keep the House inactive may be a strategy to delay Grijalva’s swearing-in, allowing time to pressure Republicans to withdraw their support for the petition or to manufacture distractions from the issue.
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Russia has implemented an export ban on fuel until the end of the year due to growing shortages at gas stations across the country and in occupied territories. These shortages are the result of increased Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries and fuel infrastructure. Russian officials initially attributed the supply issues to logistical problems, but the situation has worsened, with rationing and price increases reported in multiple regions, including Crimea. The ban includes gasoline and certain diesel fuel exports, a significant step for a major diesel producer and a key source of government revenue.
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The federal government unexpectedly removed more counter-tariffs on American goods than originally stated, according to an order-in-council. This decision seemingly contradicts the prime minister’s earlier statements, which suggested counter-tariffs would be limited to goods not covered under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). However, the official notice indicates that, excluding steel, aluminum, and auto industries, all Canadian retaliatory tariffs have been eliminated, even for non-CUSMA compliant products. Experts suggest this shift may be a strategic move to facilitate trade talks with the United States and streamline bureaucratic processes, despite criticism of the approach from some political figures.
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Democrats in Congress are breaking with Israel like never before. It’s a striking shift, and it’s being met with a mixture of hope, skepticism, and outright fury. The sentiment seems to be that this move is long overdue, a response to what is perceived as Israel’s increasingly harsh actions against Palestinians. Many people are saying that politicians should prioritize human rights and justice, rather than aligning themselves with any particular government, especially one accused of human rights violations. The sheer amount of financial support that American politicians receive from groups like AIPAC is also being questioned, with many asserting that it leads to a compromised foreign policy.… Continue reading
The United Arab Emirates is currently negotiating a trade agreement with Canada, according to the UAE’s economy minister. This partnership, which is similar to agreements already established with over two dozen other countries, aims to double bilateral trade. The UAE hopes to boost trade with Canada from its current value of approximately C$3.5 billion to C$7 billion ($5 billion).
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In a startling display of priorities, Trump shifted focus from a question about conservative activist Charlie Kirk to the construction of a new White House ballroom. This diversion highlights Trump’s preference for projecting opulence and grandeur over addressing pressing issues. The addition of a lavish ballroom, inaccessible to most, mirrors Trump’s desire to transform the White House into a symbol of wealth and exclusivity, reminiscent of his Mar-a-Lago estate. This signals a shift away from the White House’s traditional role as “the people’s house.”
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South Korean investment projects in the US face significant delays due to unresolved visa issues, according to the nation’s Prime Minister. He emphasized that meaningful progress is unlikely until the US addresses concerns about Korean workers being detained. The Prime Minister urged Washington to take swift action to reassure investors. This interview with Bloomberg News also touched upon defense spending and North Korea.
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On September 24, the Ukrainian Armed Forces confirmed a successful strike on a Russian drone production site in Valuyki, Belgorod Oblast, as part of efforts to degrade the enemy’s military capabilities. The General Staff reported the attack aimed to disrupt UAV production, with hits and a fire being observed. Local reports and the regional governor confirmed the attack, with the governor noting 34 UAVs targeted the area. Further damage assessment is still underway.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood