US Politics
Fani Willis, the District Attorney of Fulton County, Georgia, has confirmed communications with the January 6 Committee, following a lawsuit by Judicial Watch. This confirmation came after a court found Willis in default for not responding to the lawsuit. Although the records have been confirmed, Willis is reportedly using legal exemptions to withhold them from public access. The lawsuit and subsequent developments have prompted discussions about transparency and the legal processes related to the investigation into former President Donald Trump. Judicial Watch claims that Willis initially denied having any records, but later admitted to their existence. Meanwhile, Willis’s office maintains that their investigations are conducted independently and in accordance with the law, focusing on evidence and facts rather than political motivations.
Health
The U.S. is experiencing a rise in disability claims, a trend that has increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of Americans with disabilities has risen by nearly 35% over four years, reaching 38.8 million. This increase is largely attributed to Long COVID, which affects individuals with symptoms such as chronic fatigue and neurological impairments. The pandemic has also worsened pre-existing conditions and mental health disorders, contributing to the rise in disability claims. The shift to remote work has introduced ergonomic challenges, impacting disability rates. Insurers are facing increased liabilities and potential opportunities as the demand for disability coverage grows.
In a separate study, researchers have developed a bank of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from centenarians and their offspring. This initiative aims to explore the genetic factors contributing to exceptional longevity and resistance to aging-related diseases. The iPSCs provide a resource for studying diseases like Alzheimer’s and for developing potential therapeutic interventions. The study offers insights into healthy aging by highlighting the biological youthfulness of centenarians and their offspring. However, some experts caution that while iPSCs can mimic certain aspects of aging, they may not fully replicate the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors over a lifetime.
Geopolitics
New Orleans is dealing with the aftermath of an attack that resulted in over 15 fatalities on New Year’s Day. The attack was carried out by Shamsud Din Jabbar, a Texas resident, who was found with an ISIS flag. The FBI initially hesitated to label the incident as a terror attack, which led to public scrutiny. In a related event, Ian Kersting, an Assistant District Attorney in New Orleans, died by suicide shortly after the attack. Kersting, who specialized in sexual assault cases, was found deceased in the DA’s office. The city continues to process these events as investigations proceed. The FBI has since acknowledged the terror link, and the incident has sparked discussions on the rise of homegrown terrorism in the U.S. Meanwhile, the Orleans Parish DA expressed condolences for Kersting, highlighting his dedication to justice.
Sources
New Orleans Prosecutor’s Tragic Suicide Follows City’s Devastating Terror Attack
New Orleans Prosecutor Kills Himself Just Days After Terror Attack Hits the City
Source | Submitted by bcoop
Centenarian Stem Cells: A New Frontier in Aging Research and Longevity Studies
Centenarians (>100 years of age) provide a unique lens through which to study EL, healthy aging, and disease resilience and resistance.
Source | Submitted by Barbara
Disability Claims Surge Amid Post-Pandemic Puzzles: Insurers Brace for Impact
Disability claims skyrocket, raising new puzzle alongside ‘excess mortality’ – Insurance News
Source | Submitted by Barbara
Fani Willis Admits to January 6 Committee Communications Amid Judicial Watch Lawsuit
FANI WILLIS CONFESSES! Heavy lifting @JudicialWatch and a state court forced Fani Willis to confirm documents exist about her collusion with the partisan Pelosi January 6 Committee to ‘get @realDonaldTrump.’
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: The Guardian, Psychology Today, Bloomberg, The New York Times, The New Orleans Advocate, Al Jazeera, Judicial Watch, and The Hill.
by avantol 
