Welcome to Swipe Up, part of the Ray Taylor Show! In each episode, host Ray Taylor gives his honest and unfiltered opinions on the latest news, current events, entertainment updates, and other random posts he finds on Instagram. Join Ray every Thursday as he shares his thoughts and insights on a variety of topics and encourages listeners to join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #SwipeUpPodcast. Whether you're looking for a fresh perspective on the news or just want to be entertained, Swipe Up has something for everyone. Don't miss an episode - subscribe now!   

Story 1: Warner Bros. Discovery is undergoing a period of restructuring in 2022, which has included the scrapping of several films and TV shows. Despite facing backlash for these decisions, Warner Bros. Discovery CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels has stated that it was a necessary move. The company is now "done with that chapter" and has "command and control over the business now", looking forward to growth in the future. As part of the restructuring, more than a dozen shows, including "Westworld" and "The Nevers," will be removed from HBO Max. Warner Bros. Discovery plans to license 13 of these removed shows to third-party free ad-supported streaming (FAST) services, with the remaining shows potentially being available on FAST platforms or other streaming services. It is not yet known which FAST platforms will offer the removed shows, with Warner Bros. Discovery planning to provide more information about its own FAST offering in 2023.

Story 2: Breaking news: the FDA has granted accelerated approval to Leqembi, a new treatment for Alzheimer's disease that can slow cognitive decline in patients with early stages of the disease. Leqembi is the first drug of its kind with clear evidence of effectiveness in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's, although it is not a cure. A large study found that patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's who took Leqembi saw a 27% slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those who took a placebo. However, there are potential side effects including bleeding in the brain, which patients should discuss with their doctors. Biogen and Eisai, the companies that make Leqembi, will need to request full approval based on additional studies. It is not yet clear whether Leqembi will be covered by most insurance providers under accelerated approval or if that will come later after full approval.

Story 3: A video has sparked outrage online after it appears to show New York police officers allowing members of the far-right group, the Proud Boys, to ride the subway for free after they protested a drag event in Queens. The incident occurred on December 29, 2022, after members of the group clashed with supporters of the drag event at the Queens Public Library. The NYPD said they were escorting the Proud Boys out of the area and placed them on the subway to remove them before the situation could escalate further. However, the Proud Boys were allowed to ride the subway without paying, while Black and Latino New Yorkers reportedly accounted for 88% of the arrests for fare evasion in the first six months of 2022. The video has led to accusations of hypocrisy and favoritism towards the Proud Boys by the NYPD. The NYPD said they are reviewing the incident and that the officers involved will face disciplinary action if it is found that they violated any policies.

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• @igndotcom

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