Cocaine vs. Whiskey, Deepseek Ban & Major Job Cuts in Tech

February 06, 2025

Hello. It's Thursday, 6th Feb, and we're covering the Trump Effect, major job cuts hitting Big Tech much more.

In a provocative live broadcast, Colombian President Gustavo Petro challenged the stigma surrounding cocaine, asserting that it’s "no worse than whiskey" and suggesting it could be legally sold like wine if global laws were reformed.

As Colombia grapples with its status as the world's largest cocaine producer, Petro argued that the drug's illegality stems from its Latin American origin rather than its effects, emphasizing that legalizing cocaine could dismantle the expansive drug trafficking industry.

He highlighted the pressing issues around fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for significant U.S.deaths, which is not produced in Colombia. Petro's bold statements come as he seeks peace and resolution amid ongoing violence fueled by drug trade, urging a shift in policy to address the root of the problem rather than its symptoms.

His remarks have ignited fresh debate on drug legalization and the future of Colombian drug policy.

In a shocking twist, the closing of South African HIV clinics is being directly linked to actions taken by the Trump administration and Elon Musk. As USAID, the largest global donor for international aid, faces significant cuts and staff withdrawals, communities are feeling the devastating impact.

Without crucial funding, vital sexual health clinics are shutting down, leaving many without access to life-saving HIV medications. This crisis follows a wave of austerity measures implemented since Trump’s return to office, raising urgent questions about the future of health care in vulnerable regions.

As South African clinics grapple with these changes, the repercussions ripple far beyond its borders, highlighting the interconnectedness of global health solutions and the importance of sustained funding in combating epidemics.

Argentina's President Javier Milei is making waves by announcing the country's exit from the World Health Organization (WHO), mirroring Donald Trump’s controversial move during his tenure.

Citing dissatisfaction with the WHO's pandemic response—deemed by Milei as a "caveman quarantine"—the president's decision has sparked immediate backlash from opposition leaders and health organizations, who fear it could jeopardize Argentina's access to crucial healthcare funding.

Critics argue that such a move requires congressional approval, questioning Milei's authority to unilaterally withdraw. Alongside this bold declaration, Milei has also imposed bans on gender transition treatments for minors, aligning himself with conservative trends seen in several Western nations.

As he forges a connection with Trump, concerns mount over whether Argentina can afford such isolationist policies while risking vital international support and resources.

Sports & Entertainement

  • Smurfs Movie: Rihanna shines as Smurfette in the new trailer for the upcoming *Smurfs* movie, set to hit theaters this July! The teaser features her covering “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” and a sizzling new track with Cardi B.

  • Small Forward Award: Oklahoma senior forward Jalon Moore has been named a finalist for the prestigious Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year award! With impressive stats this season—averaging 17.9 points and leading the Sooners in rebounds—Moore showcases his growth since joining Oklahoma. He’s made a mark, surpassing 1,000 career points and earning MVP honors at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament.

Business & Economy

  • DeepSeek Ban: U.S. lawmakers are pushing to ban the Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek from government devices due to national security concerns. The proposed bill follows the release of DeepSeek's R1 model, which rivals top American AI technology. With growing fears over data privacy and foreign influence, this move highlights the ongoing tech rivalry between the U.S. and China.

  • Job Cuts in Big Tech: In 2025, major companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Salesforce are continuing the trend of layoffs, despite previous strong financial performances. Driven by cost-cutting measures and the rise of AI, these reductions affect various sectors. Notable cuts include Kohl's, CNN, and BP, as businesses strive to streamline operations and adapt to shifting market demands.

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