What's raising eyebrows…Aspartame. Yesterday, a World Health Organization (WHO) agency determined the artificial sweetener used in many diet sodas, sugar-free gum, and teas is a possible carcinogen. The WHO based its new classification on "limited" evidence from three studies that linked liver cancer to aspartame. However, a separate WHO committee maintained the sweetener can be consumed at safe levels and made no changes to aspartame's daily recommended limit. For someone weighing 150 pounds, that limit would be about a dozen cans of diet soda a day — an amount that most people don't consume. The FDA disagreed with the WHO's new classification, saying its scientists "do not have safety concerns when aspartame is used under the approved conditions."
What's getting a closer look…OpenAI. Earlier this week, the FTC opened an investigation into the company's ChatGPT to see if it broke any consumer protection laws. In a 20-page letter, the agency demanded OpenAI hand over records on how the AI chatbot uses data to train language models and asked for details on a previous data leak that exposed people's chat history and payment info. The agency wants to ensure the chatbot's potential to make "false, misleading, or disparaging" statements isn't harming consumers. If the FTC finds OpenAI broke the law, it could hit the company with a fine or regulate how it uses data. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman tweeted that he's "confident" they follow the law and said they'll "work with the FTC."
What's heading back to the drawing board…New York. Yesterday, an appeals court ruled the state must redraw its congressional map. NY's current map helped Republicans flip four House seats in the 2022 midterms, adding to the GOP's ability to secure a majority in the lower chamber. Now, Democrats could flip the seats with a new map that could stay in place until 2030. Republicans said they plan to appeal the court's decision. This is one of many redistricting cases in recent weeks that could have big impacts heading into 2024.
What's still reeling…The crypto industry. Yesterday, Celsius Network's former CEO Alex Mashinsky pleaded not guilty to charges of securities, commodities, and wire fraud. At least two federal agencies also sued Mashinsky, accusing him of defrauding customers. Celsius Network reportedly held $25 billion in assets, but filed for bankruptcy last year after crypto prices fell. Now, Mashinsky could face decades in prison for allegedly misleading investors and manipulating the price of Celsius's crypto token.
Who's yelling 'cut'…SAG-AFTRA. Today, the union of 160,000 actors went on strike after failed contract negotiations, joining writers on the picket line. It's the first time since 1960 that the unions for the actors and writers are striking at the same time.
What'll remain an unsolved mystery...The White House cocaine investigation.
Who's looking good as a cover star...Peso Pluma. | 
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