Buyout Deadline, Spine Stimulation, and Cupid's Favorite Cities

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Federal Buyout Deadline

Nearly 2 million federal workers have until tonight to either return to the office or accept a buyout offer from the Trump administration. At least 20,000 federal employees have already accepted the package, which provides eight months of salary through Sept. 30. The figure is below the White House's target of 5% to 10% acceptance—though it may rise by the end of the day—and critics have raised questions about its feasibility. 

The offer is part of President Donald Trump's plans to reshape the government and slash federal spending. Spearheading the effort is the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency, which Trump formally established with the broad task of auditing various agency systems. Recent efforts have led to the curtailment of the US Agency for International Development and an examination of Medicare and Medicaid systems.

DOGE staff have also been given "read-only" access to more than $6T of payments made annually by the federal government to purportedly review the system's efficiency, though Musk's tweets suggest DOGE may be rejecting certain payments. See an overview of DOGE here.

Separately, the White House yesterday clarified Trump's prior proposal for the Gaza Strip, saying he meant Palestinians would be only temporarily relocated to allow for reconstruction. 

Degenerated Muscles Restored

A trio of patients suffering from spinal muscular atrophy saw significant improvements in their muscle function while receiving electrical stimulation in their lower spines, according to research released yesterday. The process is the first neurotechnology to reverse the decay of nerve circuitry and revive cell function in patients with a neurodegenerative disease. 

Spinal muscular atrophy is a rare, inherited disease that gradually kills off spinal nerve cells responsible for muscle movement (how it works). As the so-called motor neurons die, the muscles they control wither, causing significant mobility issues. There is currently no cure, though treatments exist to slow the disease's progression.

In the trial, two spinal cord stimulation electrodes implanted in three individuals with the disease's milder form (Types 3 or 4) were stimulated for four hours at a time over 29 days. During the test period, each patient saw gains in leg strength, walking distance, and more, though upon removal, the implant's benefits faded. Larger clinical trials are expected, as well as applications to other neurodegenerative diseases. 

Duterte Impeached 

Vice President Sara Duterte of the Philippines was impeached yesterday by the House of Representatives, where 215 of 306 legislators voted against her just weeks before midterm elections. The decision follows allegations that Duterte misused public funds and plotted to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the first lady, and the lower house speaker. 

Duterte and her father—former President Rodrigo Duterte—have been publicly feuding with Marcos for the past few months. Duterte and her supporters believe the impeachment is an effort to prevent her from running for president in 2028. The vice president will face a trial in the Senate, likely after Congress reconvenes in June. If found guilty, she will be removed from office and could face criminal charges in court. 

Approval ratings for both Duterte and Marcos have dipped in recent months, with critics finding the spectacle distracting from pressing issues in the country, such as poverty and unemployment. See details on the country’s poverty rate here.

In partnership with ButcherBox

New Year, Free Meat

In partnership with ButcherBox

This Year, Treat Yourself to Quality Protein

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Along with their other preservative- and antibiotic-free meats in every box, new customers who sign up in the next 48 hours will also receive 2 10oz NY strips in every box for a year (a $422* value!). PLUS get $100 off ($20 off your first five boxes) with code 1440VALENTINE.

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