SUMMARY: Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) is leading the effort to reverse actions taken against military service members impacted by the Department of Defense’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Cruz introduced the AMERICANS Act of 2025, which includes provisions to reinstate service members who were discharged or demoted due to the mandate. The bill would provide backdated retirement pay, restore rank, compensate for lost pay, and change discharges from general to honorable if related solely to vaccine status. The bill also mandates the DOD to enforce a vaccine exemption process and ensure equal treatment for non-vaccinated service members.

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SUMMARY: A federal ban on TikTok took effect in the U.S., preventing millions of users from accessing the app, which was removed from major app stores. Users encountered a message stating, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now,” as the ban was enacted due to national security concerns over its Chinese ownership. The law was signed into effect after Congress passed legislation linking the ban to a foreign aid package. While TikTok’s CEO expressed hope for a resolution through President-elect Trump, the app’s future remains uncertain. TikTok has been ordered to sever ties with ByteDance, or face a nationwide ban.

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SUMMARY: Stephen King recently ignited discussion about whether the Oscars should proceed amid California’s devastating wildfires, stating he wouldn’t vote this year and suggesting the ceremony be canceled. While some agreed, industry insiders argued for its continuation, emphasizing the event’s economic importance for the many workers impacted by recent strikes and the pandemic. They highlighted that Oscar weekend provides critical income for middle-class workers. King acknowledged these points but still felt it inappropriate to celebrate amid tragedy, likening it to “Nero fiddling while Rome burns.” The 97th Academy Awards are scheduled for March 2 in Hollywood.

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