Novo Nordisk launches Wegovy weight-loss pill in US
Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk has launched its once-daily Wegovy weight-loss pill in the United States, offering 1.5 mg and 4 mg doses at $149 per month for self-paying patients, with higher doses priced at $299. The pill, approved by the FDA last month, aims to compete in a crowded market dominated by rivals like Eli Lilly, which has its own obesity treatment under review. Wegovy will be available through major pharmacies and telehealth providers, and Novo has built up supplies to avoid previous shortages experienced with its injectable version.
US manufacturing sector contracts for tenth month
The Institute for Supply Management reported that the US manufacturing sector contracted for the tenth consecutive month in December, with the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index falling to 47.9 from 48.2 in November, below market expectations of 48.3. While the Employment Index improved slightly to 44.9, the overall decline was attributed to decreases in the Production and Inventories indexes.
US Courts Set to Rule on AI Copyright Cases
In 2026, US courts are poised to make critical rulings on the application of copyright law to artificial intelligence, particularly regarding the fair use doctrine as it relates to AI training. Major tech companies, including OpenAI, Google, and Meta, are facing lawsuits from copyright holders such as The New York Times and Disney, who argue that the use of their copyrighted materials without permission infringes on their rights. The outcomes of these cases could establish significant precedents for the AI industry, potentially determining whether companies can continue to rely on fair use protections or if they will be required to secure licenses, impacting the economics of AI development.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Will Not Seek Re-election
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced he will not seek re-election amid escalating welfare fraud allegations in the state, particularly concerning Somali day care centers. His decision follows a viral video that has intensified scrutiny of his administration and prompted federal agents to deploy to Minnesota for an immigration crackdown. Walz is scheduled to testify before a Republican-led US House Oversight Committee next month.
Schumer Criticizes DOJ for Delayed Epstein Document Release
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the Department of Justice for failing to release unredacted documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's contacts, highlighting that the DOJ missed a statutory deadline to explain its redactions. Schumer noted that less than 40,000 pages had been released since December 19, 2025, many of which were heavily redacted, and he called for full transparency in the investigation. Meanwhile, Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie expressed their dissatisfaction with the DOJ's handling of the documents and indicated plans to seek a court-appointed special master to ensure the release of all relevant files.
