Summary‍

A study published Wednesday found that people taking Ozempic and Wegovy may be at risk of developing a rare and irreversible form of blindness called NAION, which blocks blood flow to the optic nerve. The study indicated that people with diabetes were four times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION if they were prescribed semaglutide, the main ingredient in both drugs, though more research is needed to confirm this link. President Biden met with Democratic governors to bolster support for his campaign following a shaky debate performance, with VP Kamala Harris named as the top candidate to replace him if necessary. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency due to the massive Thompson fire near Oroville, which has burned over 3,500 acres, amid heat warnings affecting over 110 million people across more than 20 states. Israel and Hamas may be nearing a ceasefire agreement, while a US judge blocked a Biden administration rule aimed at preventing discrimination against transgender individuals in healthcare, challenged by 15 GOP-led states. Former NBA player Jontay Porter was charged with a felony for a sports betting scandal, and a Delta flight from Detroit to Amsterdam was diverted due to passengers falling ill from spoiled food.

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Sources & More

Happy 4th Current2 crew! My name is Gabe, today is Thursday, July 4th, and you’re listening to Current2, brought to you by Just Bagels!

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In Must Know News…

• A study published Wednesday found that people taking Ozempic and Wegovy may be at risk of developing a rare and irreversible form of blindness. NAION, or non-arteritic anterior isch– oh, forget it—is a condition that blocks blood flow to the optic nerve. Wednesday’s study found that people with diabetes were 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION if they were prescribed semaglutide, the main ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy. Now, doctors stress that more research is necessary before they can find a link between the drugs and vision loss, but who’d want to gamble sight to be light?
• President Biden met with Democratic governors in the White House Wednesday in an effort to revitalize support for his campaign and quell concerns over his shaky performance in last week’s presidential debate. Furthermore, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is adamant that the president will “absolutely not” be dropping out of the race. Meanwhile, VP Kamala Harris is the top candidate to replace Biden if he does step away from the race, according to sources in the Biden campaign.   
• Cal. governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency after an enormous wildfire in n. Cal. prompted evacuation orders near the city of Oroville. The Thompson fire, as it’s now known, has burned more than 3,500 acres of land as numbers continue to rise, and its origins remain unknown. This comes as heat warnings have been set in place for 110 million people across 20+ states as independence day approaches. They say some like it hot, but when the NATIONAL Weather Service announces that heat is the number one weather-related cause of death in the US, I’m over it!  

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In Other Notable News…

• According to an Israeli source, Israel and Hamas appear to be on the brink of collaborating on the conditions for a ceasefire. A deal is not certain, however, but negotiators will meet with Netanyahu in the coming days to figure out their next move.
• A US judge blocked a rule that would have outlawed discrimination against transgender people in health care. The rule, put forward by the Biden administration, was challenged by 15 GOP-led states, arguing that it went beyond the reach of the federal government.
• Former NBA player Jontay Porter was charged with a felony after being involved in a sports betting scandal. In April, Porter feigned illness to exit a game after betting that he would underperform. I’d call that an alley-oopsies.
• Spoiled food on a delta airlines flight caused it to come to an unsavory end. Flight 136 from Detroit to Amsterdam was diverted to JFK after passengers were served the ill-inducing dishes. In the immortal words of Jerry Seinfeld: “what’s the deal with airline food?” 

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Happy 4th to all who celebrate, and thanks for listening to Current2, the easy way to stay informed!

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Sources:

Going blind by getting skinny (NBC, CNN)

Biden meets with Dem Govs; Kamala potential top replacement choice (AP, Reuters, Reuters)

Cali State of Emergency (CBS, NBC)

A potential ceasefire (CNN)

US Judge blocks anti-discrimination rule (NBC)

Jontay Porter charged with a felony (AP)

What’s the deal with airline food? (CNN)