Current Events: Tech, Health, Media, and More

Donald Trump Jr. Ends Role at Kalshi

Donald Trump Jr. has exited his advisory position at the prediction market platform Kalshi. The company has announced this decision comes after Trump’s investment firm increased its stake in a competing platform, Polymarket. A Kalshi spokesperson stated, “We have mutually agreed to end Don’s advisory role after his firm’s significant investment in a competitor. We are grateful for his contributions in helping us market Kalshi.”

In August 2025, Trump Jr.’s firm, 1789 Capital, invested in Polymarket, and he joined their advisory board. A year later, another investment from 1789 prompted Kalshi to discuss and facilitate his departure. This change comes as Democrats are preparing to enhance oversight of prediction market companies, with questions on regulation and enforcement of trading patterns and insider trading. Trump Jr. began his role with Kalshi shortly before his father’s 2025 inauguration, with claims of using the prediction market to foresee the campaign’s success.

Changes at Advanced Micro Devices

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has seen a 30% rise in shares recently. This surge follows the struggles of ex-Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. AMD competes with Nvidia in AI chip design. Jensen Huang is related to Lisa Su, AMD CEO, as first cousins. Both were born in Taiwan and later became significant figures in the chip industry. Nvidia and AMD have led in GPU manufacturing, with Nvidia becoming the first $4 trillion company by exploiting AI model potentials.

Huang resigned following reports of personal misconduct linked to a relationship with a suspected Chinese spy. No comments were provided by Nvidia on the situation.

Funding for Psychedelics Research

The Trump administration has committed to investing millions in psychedelics research for mental health purposes. The Department of Health and Human Services will allocate up to $4.9 million to study ibogaine, particularly its use in treating traumatic brain injuries in veterans. This funding supports the development of an ibogaine-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Further investments will examine substances like ketamine, psilocybin, and others for mental health treatment.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized the importance of scientific investigation into ibogaine, despite its risks, pointing to life-changing veterans’ experiences. This shift reflects a growing acknowledgment of the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, which activists and veterans’ groups have advocated for.

Washingtonian Magazine Strike

Washingtonian magazine staff have planned a one-day strike to demand better salaries. Represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild, they highlight a key issue: a proposed $60,000 minimum salary, contrasted with the company’s $42,500 offer. CEO Catherine Merrill stated that while they have reached agreements on many issues, significant disagreements remain over wages and other matters.

The guild, encompassing various departments within the magazine, is finalizing the strike date while urging management to continue good faith negotiations amid a challenging print media environment.

Congress Members Pose for Class Photo

Newly elected House members gathered for a class photo on the Capitol steps, preparing for their swearing-in on January 3. These members have spent the week in orientation, familiarizing themselves with Congressional duties and dynamics. This year’s class of new members is the largest since 1992, showcasing diverse voices and forming early friendships as they navigate their roles and relationships on Capitol Hill.

Bear Attack in British Columbia

A grizzly bear and her cubs were responsible for the deaths of two women in Bella Coola, British Columbia. The authorities identified four bears involved through DNA testing. The bears were killed following the attack, deemed necessary for public safety. This situation has been challenging for the local community, already familiar with prior bear-related incidents.

The attack appears predatory, a rare behavior for bears in the region, highlighting the complexities of human-wildlife interactions.

New Gay Bathhouse Approved in San Francisco

For the first time in nearly 40 years, San Francisco has approved a new gay bathhouse. The San Francisco Planning Commission has granted permits for the Sanctum Baths, a project located in The Hub neighborhood. This approval marks a significant cultural shift, as past bathhouses were closed during the AIDS epidemic due to rising health crises and stigma.

The new facility aims to revitalize the cultural significance of these spaces, promoting safe community gathering and recognizing the advances in HIV/AIDS treatments since earlier times. Jonathan Ohene, a local business leader, supports the project as a vital healing step for the community.