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NRA fights fading influence as longtime leader resigns

Today marks the commencement of a much-awaited civil case against the prominent US gun rights advocate, the National Rifle Association (NRA). This legal battle commences in the wake of the resignation of the NRA's longstanding figurehead, Wayne LaPierre, who stepped down last Friday due to health concerns.

In 2019, New York's Attorney General, Letitia James, initiated an inquiry into the NRA's top executives, following accusations of corrupt practices and financial misconduct. The legal action contends that LaPierre and several others diverted millions of dollars for their personal use and aims to prevent the implicated parties from holding leadership roles in New York's nonprofit organizations, in addition to imposing monetary sanctions. Recently, one of the accused consented to a $100,000 settlement and has agreed to provide evidence against fellow defendants.

Originally established as a marksmanship club following the Civil War, the NRA was legally recognized in New York, though its main operations are based in Virginia. Over the past five years, its membership has dwindled from 6 million to slightly over 4 million. The current leadership of the NRA has pledged to undertake significant reforms.

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Golden Globes: ‘Oppenheimer’ Leads With Five Wins, ‘Succession’ Tops TV With Four

The 81st Golden Globe Awards saw the film "Oppenheimer" taking center stage, mirroring its strong performance during the summer's cinematic releases. This extensive portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the atomic bomb secured the most awards of any film, totaling five, including the coveted title of Best Drama Motion Picture. Additionally, "Poor Things," which presents a feminist twist on the classic Frankenstein narrative, was acclaimed as the best motion picture in the musical or comedy category, marking one of its two major achievements.

In the realm of television, "Succession," known for its biting portrayal of a media tycoon reminiscent of Murdoch and his troubled family, stood out by claiming four awards, the most in its category, including Best Drama Series. This accolade comes following the conclusion of its four-season journey in May. Meanwhile, "The Bear," depicting the trials of a Chicago-based restaurant fighting to stay afloat, was recognized with three awards, encompassing Best Comedy Series as well as best lead actor and actress in a musical or comedy, won by Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri.

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Potent psychedelic drug banishes PTSD, small study finds

Recent studies have highlighted the potential of psychedelic substances, like MDMA and psilocybin from magic mushrooms, in transforming mental health treatments. Now, emerging research involving military veterans points to the promise of ibogaine, a relatively obscure but powerful psychedelic, in addressing traumatic brain injury (TBI). A recent study revealed that one month after undergoing ibogaine therapy, veterans experienced a significant reduction in TBI symptoms, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, with an average decrease of over 80%.

Nolan Williams, a neuroscientist at Stanford University in California and one of the study's authors, noted the profound and consistent impact of the drug. The findings of this study, which was conducted without a control group, were published in the renowned journal Nature Medicine.

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