What's Happening

Politics

Trump Tests Legal Limits With New Mass Deportations

What's going on: Over the weekend, President Donald Trump quietly invoked a wartime act to deport hundreds of Venezuelan migrants without hearings. The president said the Alien Enemies Act targeted gang members “conducting irregular warfare” in the US. But shortly after, a federal judge temporarily blocked the action and ordered any planes in the air to return. Despite this, the Trump administration went through with the deportations, leaving more than 200 Venezuelan migrants in El Salvador’s custody. It was initially unclear whether the White House deliberately ignored the judge’s order — and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele didn’t help matters when he posted on social media: “Oopsie, too late.”

What it means: In a statement, the White House said the president “did not ‘refuse to comply’ with a court order” since the migrants “had already been removed from US territory.” But Axios reported the Trump administration knowingly disregarded the court. Meanwhile, others say this is another example of the president testing the legal limits of executive power. Trump has seemingly been laying the groundwork to use the act for weeks, signing an executive order on his first day so that his administration could prepare to use it. According to Axios, it also comes as the president grows frustrated with the slow pace of deportations, which currently lag behind levels under the Biden administration.

Related: The Trump Admin Deported a Brown University Professor. One Judge Wants Answers (NYT Gift Link)

Reproductive Rights

Texas Unveils a New Bill Going After Online Abortion Pills

What's going on: Lawmakers in the Lone Star State are targeting tech companies that help process online abortion pill orders — even those that simply facilitate payments. The bill, introduced Friday in the Republican-controlled legislature, would also make it a felony for educational groups and nonprofits to help someone leave the state for abortion care, including covering travel costs. If the measure passes, it would give the state power to punish abortion pill providers and distributors. It would also allow civil lawsuits — including from the “biological father” — for “the wrongful death of an unborn child” via abortion medication.

What it means: Texas has led the charge in enacting abortion restrictions in the US. If this new bill becomes law, Texans could lose access to their already limited abortion care options. Analysts say the proposed legislation is the “most meaningful” attempt in 2025 to block medication abortion, which research shows is effective and safe. Meanwhile, the head of Texas Right to Life says the bill is a response to “tactics” that “promote illegal activity.” Data shows the number of abortions in the US is actually higher than ever — despite bans or restrictions in 19 states. That’s largely because medication abortion remains available via mail-delivered pills. Texas is also trying to combat the “shield laws” that protect the out-of-state providers who prescribe the pills.

Related: What Happens to a Divorced Couple’s Embryos? Here’s How a Virginia Judge Ruled (AP News)

Health

A 117-Year-Old's Secret to Longevity? Luck, Yogurt, and Baby-Like Gut Health

What's going on: In her 117 years, Maria Branyas Morera survived the Spanish Civil War, World War II, and both the COVID-19 and 1918 Spanish flu pandemics. Branyas credited her long and healthy life to “luck and good genetics,” but scientists studying her DNA and microbiome think she might’ve been on to something. Before her death in August, they found that her cells were functioning as if she were 17 years younger. Even her gut microbiota resembled that of an infant more than someone from her generation. Maybe age really is just a number.

What it means: The researchers said their findings “challenge the perception” that aging and sickness are “inexorably linked.” Coupled with a good pair of genes and a healthy lifestyle, Branyas lived longer than the average person and managed to maintain lucidity even towards the end of her life. She ate up to three yogurts a day and didn’t smoke or drink. Researchers hope to use what they learned from her to help others live longer and possibly develop medication for age-related illnesses.

Related: 4 “Weird” Signs You’re Getting Older (NYT Gift Link)