Hello. It's Wednesday, 26th Feb, and we're covering U.S. Gold visa, Measles outbreak & much more.

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Unvaccinated Child Dies Amid Texas Measles Outbreak

A school-aged child in West Texas has died from measles, marking the first such fatality in the United States since 2015. The child, who had not been vaccinated, was hospitalized in Lubbock and succumbed to the illness, as confirmed by state and local health officials.

This tragic event is part of Texas' largest measles outbreak in nearly three decades, with 124 reported cases across nine counties since the outbreak began last month. The majority of those affected are unvaccinated school-aged children, particularly within a close-knit Mennonite community in Gaines County, where vaccination rates are notably low.

Health authorities emphasize the critical importance of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is approximately 97% effective in preventing measles. In response to the outbreak, the Texas Department of State Health Services has deployed immunization teams and epidemiologists to the affected areas. Governor Greg Abbott has assured that all necessary resources will be utilized to safeguard public health.

Over 100 Intelligence Employees Fired for Misconduct

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced the termination of over 100 intelligence community employees for participating in sexually explicit conversations on a secure government chat platform intended for sensitive information sharing.

Gabbard described this behavior as a severe breach of trust and professionalism. A directive has been issued to revoke the security clearances of those involved. Conservative activist Chris Rufo initially reported the misconduct, which was later confirmed by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

This action is part of a broader effort to address inappropriate conduct within intelligence agencies. Additionally, recent moves have targeted employees leading diversity initiatives from the previous administration, though these efforts are currently paused pending legal review.

The administration emphasizes its commitment to maintaining integrity and professionalism within the intelligence community.

Trump Introduces $5 Million 'Gold Card' Visa Program

President Donald Trump has unveiled a new immigration initiative offering a "gold card" visa for a $5 million fee, granting wealthy foreign nationals the right to live and work in the United States with a pathway to citizenship.

This program aims to attract affluent individuals, including Russian oligarchs, to boost the U.S. economy through substantial investments. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the gold card will replace the existing EB-5 visa program, which required a minimum investment of $800,000 in targeted employment areas.

The administration anticipates launching the gold card program within two weeks, with rigorous vetting processes to ensure applicants are "world-class global citizens." Critics express concerns over potential ethical implications and the high cost compared to similar programs in other countries.

The initiative reflects the administration's broader immigration strategy, focusing on economic benefits and stringent controls.

Sports & Entertainement

• Graceland Fraud Scheme Unveiled: Lisa Jeanine Findley, a 53-year-old from Missouri, pleaded guilty to mail fraud after attempting to defraud Elvis Presley's family by falsely claiming Lisa Marie Presley had used Graceland as collateral for an unpaid loan. Findley fabricated documents and announced a foreclosure auction of the estate. The scheme was halted when Riley Keough, Lisa Marie's daughter, sued to block the sale. Findley faces up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for June 18.

• Timberwolves Sign Clark and Hyland: The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed guard Jaylen Clark to a two-year contract and plan to add Bones Hyland on a two-way deal to bolster their backcourt depth. Clark, known for his defensive prowess, is returning from an Achilles injury but impressed scouts with his pre-injury performance at UCLA. Hyland, a skilled shooter and playmaker, brings valuable experience from his stints with Denver and the Clippers. These additions aim to solidify Minnesota’s playoff push.

Business & Economy

• Diabetes Drugs: Medicare’s spending on diabetes medications, particularly GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, nearly quintupled between 2019 and 2023, reaching $35.8 billion, according to a U.S. government report. The surge reflects the growing popularity of these medications, which are also used for weight loss. The findings have sparked debate over Medicare’s spending priorities, with discussions underway about expanding coverage for obesity treatments. Lawmakers are concerned about balancing rising costs with patient access.

• Venezuela Oil Deal: President Donald Trump terminated, today, an oil deal with Venezuela, reversing a 2022 policy from former President Joe Biden that allowed Chevron to expand production and export Venezuelan crude to the U.S. Trump announced the decision via Truth Social without mentioning Chevron. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a critic of U.S. sanctions, has condemned the move, which could strain economic ties further.

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