The 7: An autoimmune disease breakthrough; what Apple’s Vision Pro can do; an ancient pyramid‘s glow-up; and more

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Sign up for this newsletter Read online     By Jamie Ross and Hannah Jewell  Email Listen to this briefing Good morning. It's Friday, Feb. 2, a.k.a. Groundhog Day, and we're sure Punxsutawney Phil is about to disappoint us once again. Now let's catch up.   ​​President Biden imposed sanctions on four Israeli settlers. Why? They committed violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, Biden said yesterday. The executive order follows a dramatic increase in such attacks. What it does: Blocks them from accessing U.S. property and assets and the U.S. financial system. It was Biden's most significant act against Israelis since the Gaza war began. The bigger picture: Biden has faced growing criticism for supporting Israel. Yesterday, he visited the swing state of Michigan, which has a large Arab American community. Read this story     European Union leaders agreed to a $54 billion lifeline for Ukraine. The details: The huge aid package was signed off yesterday after Hungary's far-right leader dropped his opposition. The money will be delivered over the next four years. It may be crucial: Ukraine's battlefield progress against Russia has stalled, leading to the attempted ousting of its top commander, and support from the U.S. looks uncertain. Read this story     A teenager was accused of making hundreds of swatting calls nationwide. What is swatting? A hoax in which a caller lies about an emergency to draw a massive police response. There have been over 500 incidents at U.S. schools in the past year. What's new? Alan Filion, 17, was accused this week of running a swatting service since 2022, targeting high schools, historically Black colleges and universities, and mosques. Read this story     ADVERTISEMENT     Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin apologized for not disclosing his cancer diagnosis. A reminder: Austin was hospitalized Jan. 1 following complications from surgery to treat prostate cancer. President Biden wasn't told for days, causing a political firestorm. The latest: The diagnosis was a "gut punch" that left him shaken, Austin said yesterday. But he admitted he should have told Biden. Reviews into the matter are underway. Read this story     Scientists found a major clue to why most autoimmune patients are women. The mystery: About 80% of people who suffer from autoimmune diseases, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, are women. A possible reason: A molecule found only in women, called Xist, is a major culprit in these diseases, according to a new paper. In other health news: Syphilis cases in the U.S. are at their highest since 1950. Read this story     Apple's $3,499 Vision Pro headset officially goes on sale today. What is it? A computer you wear on your face. You can use it to watch movies, play games, make calls and more. It's Apple's first major new product in nearly a decade. Want one? Read some reviews before shelling out — our tech team found it impressive but a bit awkward to wear. And be warned: It could be a privacy mess waiting to happen. Read this story     An ancient Egyptian pyramid is getting a glow-up. The plan: To restore granite blocks that once made up a unique outer part of the pyramid of Menkaure, the smallest of the three main pyramids in Giza. Work began last month. What's the point? To make it look how it did when it was built around 2490 B.C. But some archaeologists are worried — and say it's a bid to lure tourists. Read this story     Before you go … what to watch this weekend: The Grammys air Sunday night, and Ice Spice is up for best new artist. In theaters: Matthew Vaughn's spy comedy "Argylle." And finally … end your week by playing On the Record, The Post's quotable quiz. The weekend version is 10 questions, and you can risk all your points on a final bonus question. Ready to play? Click here. Or try our word game, Keyword. You're all caught up. See you Monday. (Illustration by Katty Huertas/The Washington Post) Do you know someone who would like this newsletter? Share it with them. Prefer push notifications? Download The Post's app to get one when The 7 publishes.   We think you'll like this newsletter Check out National News email alerts for breaking news email alerts for major national and political news whenever it breaks. Sign up »

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