State of Alabama Executes Man Using Nitrogen Gas [Full News Memo]

January 22-26, 2024 | GetSmart Preview: Woodpecker Express

Newsbites

📈 U.S. stock markets reached all-time highs this week as investors shrug off concerns of higher interest rates, inflation, and global conflicts. After declining about 20% in 2022, the market has soared over the past 12 months, with investors optimistic about AI and the resilience of the economy. The overall performance of the market has largely been driven by a few companies. Seven companies, nicknamed the Magnificent 7 (consisting of Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, Google, Meta, Amazon, and Nvidia), collectively increased more than 100% in 2023. For context, the other 493 companies in the S&P 500 increased 10-15%.

Ohio Changes “Gender-Affirming” Care: The state of Ohio has banned gender-affirming healthcare that once allowed minors to undergo transition surgery to the other sex. The new legislation also makes it illegal for men who identify as women to compete in female sports. Now, people under the age of 21 must receive six months of therapy and be assessed by a multidisciplinary team of physicians and psychologists to assess the patient's care plan. The bill was initially vetoed by Republican Gov. Mike Dewine. On Wednesday, the Ohio senate voted 23-9 to override the veto. 

More: Ohio joins 12 other Republican-led states that have passed legislation against transgender surgery for minors.

NH Primary: Donald Trump easily won the New Hampshire Republican primary on Tuesday, with 54% of the vote. Nikki Haley, the only remaining serious Republican contender, received 43%. Trump holds 32 delegates to Haley’s 17. In total, 1,215 delegates are needed to secure the Republican nomination, although historically the leading candidate at this point in the race generally wins the Republican nomination.

More: Speech from Trump following the victory (video)

Applebee’s ‘Date Night’ Subscription: On Monday, the restaurant’s website crashed within one minute as people tried to sign up for a $200 year-long “date night pass”. The subscription provides a couple $30 worth of food and non-alcoholic beverages per week at Applebee’s (a total of $1,560 for the year). Applebee’s has not announced whether it will be sold in the future.

More: Some retail food chains now offer subscriptions for food or drink, including Panera, SweetGreen and Taco Bell.

Stanley Heist: A 23-year-old woman was arrested after police found 65 stolen Stanley products in her car totaling about $2,500. The Roseville CA police department’s post on Facebook recounts the bizarre theft, including pictures of the Stanley mugs packed into the suspect’s trunk and passenger seat. The suspect has been charged with grand theft.

More: Stanley, which was founded in 1913, launched its now-viral Quencher tumbler in 2016. 

Southern Border Standoff: In an effort to control illegal immigration, Texas immigration agents have been laying down miles of barbed wire fence along the Mexican border. On Monday, The Supreme Court ruled (5-4) that federal agents are allowed to cut down the barbed wire. In response, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared constitutional authority to control the border due to an invasion. 25 Republican governors are backing Abbott’s decision to ignore the Court’s decision and continue to enforce border protection. More than 225,000 migrants crossed the border in December alone, which is a record level.

More: Texas continues to bus thousands of illegal immigrants to Democratic cities. (more)

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