April 25, 2025

What's Happening

Health

The Trump Administration Is Abruptly Reversing Course (Again)

Note: This story has been updated as of 10amET on Friday, April 25. An earlier version of our newsletter included outdated information.

What's going on: In 1991, researchers across the country set off to study a little-known subject: women’s health. Since then, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) has produced groundbreaking findings that have led to improvements in treating heart disease, osteoporosis, colon and breast cancer, and even menopause. But earlier this week, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) said it would cut federal funding for the program — a move that sparked swift backlash. The Trump administration quickly reversed course, saying the WHI’s contracts would stay in place. In a statement, the DHHS called the research “critical contributions to our better understanding of women's health.”

What it means: The funding cuts were expected to significantly impact the health of older women — one of the fastest-growing segments of the US population — and widen an already gaping hole in medical research (which still focuses heavily on men). While the Trump administration ultimately kept the WHI contracts in place, it has also directed federal health agencies to reduce contracts by 35%, lay off staff, and slash hundreds of research grants (which could also impact if and how women's health is studied). This isn’t the first time the administration has backpedaled after what some see as hasty cuts and firings. Scientists say they’re relieved by the decision — but are still waiting for official confirmation.

Related: The Trump Administration Also Cut Funding for Maternal and Children’s Health Programs (The Guardian)

International

Talks of Peace, Sounds of War

What's going on: Russia launched its deadliest strike on Kyiv in nearly a year on Thursday, firing a wave of missiles and drones into the Ukrainian capital — killing at least 12 people and injuring over 90. The attack drew an unexpected reaction from President Donald Trump, who has more often than not refused to identify Russia as the war’s aggressor. “I am not happy with the Russian strikes…not necessary,” Trump said on Truth Social. “Vladimir, STOP.” But just hours later, Trump muddled the message, calling Russia’s decision not to take “the whole country” of Ukraine a “pretty big concession" — suggesting that ending the war now would be a fair compromise. Those mixed messages come as he pushes a peace plan that would force Ukraine to recognize Russian control of occupied territory, including Crimea — a sharp break from longstanding US policy.

What it means: Peace deal negotiations are expected to continue today, with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. But with Russia and Ukraine unwilling to make concessions, a substantive agreement seems unlikely anytime soon. In the meantime, Ukraine faces a stark choice: Endure relentless airstrikes or consider giving up land it has vowed never to concede. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made clear that any deal giving territory to Russia would violate Ukraine’s constitution and reward military aggression. Western officials warn Trump’s proposal plays right into Russia’s hands — undermining Zelenskyy, letting Moscow regroup, and setting Kyiv up to take the blame if talks collapse.

Related: Are Big Ten Schools Taking a Cue From NATO's Playbook? (The Hill)

Technology

Do Chatbots Deserve Your Manners?

What's going on: Do you have to say “please” and “thank you” to ChatGPT? We asked it directly — and it answered: “Technically, I don’t need you to say ‘please’ (I’m not gonna side-eye you like a Victorian governess), but it is kind of charming.” Good to know. So, the bots don’t care — but researchers do (and no, not just because they want to be on the right side of things when AI takes over the world — though hey, can't hurt). Turns out, how we talk to machines may shape how we treat actual humans. Think of it as conversational cross-training: kindness to bots now, less screaming into the customer service void later. It’s not so different from how we teach kids communication and empathy using Barbies and Tamagotchis. Sure, AI is unfeeling. But as The Washington Post's Miss Manners columnist put it: “So are dolls and stuffed animals, but we encourage children to treat them kindly.”

What it means: Amid today’s “loneliness epidemic,” remembering our manners might matter more than ever — and getting rusty from bossing around ChatGPT probably doesn’t help. Plus, being polite to bots may also train them to understand our culture and values. That said, niceties aren’t free. Every extra word in your prompt? That’s more strain on the servers — more energy and money down the drain. Some tech experts say it’s wasteful. But OpenAI’s CEO? He calls it “tens of millions of dollars well spent.” So go ahead — be nice to your chatbot. Just maybe skip the monologue.

Related: AI Helped Write California Bar Exam Questions — Now Test Scores May Need To Be Adjusted (The Guardian)

Settle This

Which teen heartthrob just returned to social media for the first time in a decade (and is already warning he might ghost everyone again)?

Extra Credit

Watch

Break out your tutu: Étoile, the highly anticipated ballet dramedy from Amy Sherman-Palladino (creator of Gilmore Girls and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), is here. Starring Luke Kirby and Charlotte Gainsbourg, the eight-episode Prime Video series follows two ballet directors — one in Paris, the other in New York — who swap star dancers in a last-ditch effort to save their companies. Cue backstage meltdowns, diva behavior, and clashing personalities — all delivered with Sherman-Palladino’s signature rapid-fire dialogue and wit.

Game Time

Kick your weekend off with Pile-Up Poker, a brand-new game where poker meets solitaire. Create as many poker hands as possible to earn cash and climb the leaderboard. We’re all in.