What's Happening

Politics

So, a President and a Billionaire Walk Into the White House…

What's going on: Think the Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni saga is hard to follow? Wait ‘til we attempt to recap one month (yes, it's only been a month) of President Donald Trump's head-spinning second term. Trump is “flooding the zone,” taking a drastically different course than any of his 44 predecessors — mostly through executive orders (or via his favorite billionaire and unofficial DOGE leader, Elon Musk). Of Trump's 75 (and counting) EOs, 17 overhaul foreign policy, shifting US stances on Russia, Ukraine, and Gaza. Fourteen target immigration, fueling his mass deportation blitz. He's also trying to end birthright citizenship, gut federal agencies, and is going after gender-affirming care and DEI (even suggesting a tragic plane crash was possibly the result of diversity initiatives). All while the new DOGE office slashes budgets (saying “you’re fired” to everyone from park rangers to nuclear weapons workers). Oh, and Trump's been actively trolling Canada while the White House’s online presence is giving “meme account.” Feels like it probably won’t end with this.

What it means: Trump is leaning into chaos as a strategy, pushing the limits of executive power (and democracy). He’s not just calling himself a “king” online — he’s acting like the presidency is his to run solo, regardless of Congress’s laws or budgets. While some Republicans have called this month a "unique political achievement" for Trump, others have asked: Is any of this even legal? The courts seem to be the only guardrail checking his power, with more than 70 lawsuits already in motion — some making their way to the Supreme Court. But the (somehow very real) question remains: Will Trump’s team simply ignore the rulings? What’s not in question? His attempt to flex his power. One analyst's take: “He is trying to make the presidency like a CEO position in a corporation.”

Related: This Trump Loyalist Will Be the New FBI Director (AP)

Health

The Supplement Industry Is Booming but so Are the Health Risks

What's going on: More than half of US adults take supplements for weight loss and mood boosts, but growing evidence suggests they could be wreaking havoc, according to National Geographic. Unlike prescription drugs, supplements don’t need Food and Drug Administration approval before hitting shelves, which can lead to mislabeling, contamination, and exaggerated claims. Supplements now account for 20% of drug-induced liver injuries in the US, and cases of liver failure requiring transplants have surged sevenfold since 1995. In 2024, researchers found 15 million Americans take liver-toxic supplements, including turmeric, ashwagandha, and red yeast rice. Consumers have also reported other side effects from various supplements like mood swings, hair loss, and high blood pressure. The top culprits? Toxic compounds, risky drug interactions, and excessive dosing.

What it means: Don’t go dumping out your medicine cabinet just yet, but it’s a good idea to review what you’re taking, how much, and why. Many Americans lean on supplements because traditional healthcare isn’t meeting their needs. A 2022 poll found 52% of US patients say their symptoms are ignored or dismissed — a familiar tune for far too many women. While sticking to recommended doses is generally safe (even if it just leads to “expensive urine,” as one expert put it), some supplements can pose real health risks — especially multi-ingredient blends, bodybuilding enhancers, and green tea extract. Separating the good from the bad isn’t easy. Experts recommend checking trusted sources like the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and the LiverTox database. Bottom line: Talk to your doctor, buy from reputable sources, avoid megadosing, check for drug interactions — and don’t expect miracles.

Related: Would You Trust a Drone to Handle Your Meds? (WSJ Gift Link)

Travel

Fewer Americans Trust Air Travel After Recent Crashes

What's going on: Clapping when a plane lands might not be so unreasonable after all, given a recent string of accidents. In the aftermath of the jetliner and Army helicopter collision near DC, public trust in air travel — and the federal agencies responsible for aviation safety — has dipped slightly since last year. A recent poll found that 64% of US adults consider plane travel safe, down from 71% last year. The past month has offered little reassurance, with at least five other incidents reported, including this week’s alarming Delta landing that flipped the aircraft upside down and a midair collision between two small planes in Arizona. That's left some people asking: Is flying getting more dangerous?

What it means: Though your anxiety might say otherwise, experts maintain flying remains the safest form of travel — even safer than driving a car. In fact, the odds of dying on a flight remain close to zero. Still, experts say the recent crashes warrant an assessment of potential safety gaps, including understaffing at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), particularly among air traffic controllers. That didn’t stop President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency from firing about 400 FAA employees. It may help ease your mind to know that not all recent incidents have been fatal, and large commercial planes are held to the highest safety standards of any aircraft. And don’t forget to buckle up.

Related: The Key to Surviving a Plane Crash (AP)