What's Happening

Politics

Trump's Big Cuts Hit Veterans 

What's going on: On the campaign trail, President Donald Trump consistently signaled his commitment to veterans (he even played the controversial, pro-vet anthem "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue" three times at one rally). But guess who’s bearing the brunt of his administration’s job cuts? Vets, who made up 28% of the federal workforce last year (compared to just 5% of the private sector). While the exact number of veterans let go is still unclear, they’re disproportionately impacted by the cuts — especially since federal hiring policies usually give them preference (although Trump’s DEI efforts might change this, too). Though at least one agency, the Interior Department, exempted former military members from mass layoffs, the burden remains for the rest. Even many Republican lawmakers feel uneasy about how firings are harming a consistent part of their base, with Politico reporting that some are privately begging the White House to rehire some of the 1,000 employees dismissed from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

What it means: For many, getting laid off from a federal job means more than just losing a paycheck (and benefits, of course). Unemployment is especially tough for vets, who researchers say are more at risk for mental health struggles compared to civilians, with steady jobs playing a key role in suicide prevention. Advocates add that military vets tend to gain an intense sense of belonging and purpose from federal jobs, seeing them as a way to serve beyond the front lines of active duty. As the director of the Union Veterans Council said: "This is the largest attack on veteran employment in our lifetime."

Related: Actually, Federal Agencies Can Ignore That Musk Email, the Trump Administration Says (WaPo Gift Link)

Health

Measles Might Not Be a Thing of the Past… 

What's going on: Nearly 100 people in Texas and New Mexico have been infected with measles, health officials confirmed over the weekend. In Texas alone, 77 of the 90 cases are in children under 17, and more than a dozen people have been hospitalized, according to its Department of State Health Services. It marks a significant jump from the 24 cases reported earlier this month in the Lone Star state. Most of the infections are concentrated in the South Plains region, which borders New Mexico, where nine cases have been confirmed. While Texas requires measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations for public school students, the state allows exemptions for “reasons of conscience.”

What it means: Local health officials warn the outbreak could grow, as measles is one of the most contagious viruses, and is particularly dangerous for children under the age of 5. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said most people infected in this outbreak were unvaccinated. The US declared measles eradicated in 2000 thanks to widespread vaccinations, but immunization rates have declined in recent years, particularly during the pandemic when people were avoiding the doctor’s office. The rise in cases also comes amid growing vaccine skepticism, including at the highest levels of government.

Related: Women Firefighters’ Cancer Protections in Limbo Under Trump (The 19th)

Business

What Happens When 60 Million People Change How They Eat, Shop, and Spend?

What's going on: Weight-loss meds like Ozempic and Wegovy aren’t just transforming waistlines — they’re reshaping the economy. With supply issues easing, more people are jumping on GLP-1s, and businesses are taking note. Goldman Sachs predicts that if 60 million Americans take these meds by 2028, GDP could rise 1%, adding trillions to the economy. Why? Potentially lower health care costs and shifting consumer habits. Compared to early 2023, shoppers bought more lean meats and produce while cutting back on snacks and baked goods last year. As one analyst put it: “Why not buy filet mignon when you only have the appetite for a few ounces of steak?” Luxury fitness is also getting a boost, with high-end gyms like Life Time Inc. now offering GLP-1 prescriptions, metabolic testing, and structured training programs.

What it means: Consumers can expect brands to keep up. Some food companies are already rolling out “GLP-1 friendly” products with smaller portions and more protein to match shifting appetites. While Walmart’s CEO says food spending has dipped recently, experts predict that could change as users splurge on higher-quality ingredients. Beyond eating habits, wardrobes are shifting too — Rent the Runway reports customers are choosing smaller, more fitted styles as their bodies change. But not everyone is celebrating the trend. Some body positivity advocates worry that a resurgence of “thin” as the beauty standard could push brands away from size inclusivity. Experts say that GLP-1s will likely create ripples across even more industries in the future.

Related: A Southern State Will Be Home to Apple’s $500 Billion Investment (CNBC)