Week in 5: Dec 15-21, 2024
This week saw several devastating events across the globe alongside groundbreaking innovations in AI cancer detection, a historic xenotransplant, Notre Dame’s playoff victory, and more…
📰 Top 3 in…
🇺🇸 U.S. News
A heartbreaking shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, claimed the lives of a teacher, a 14-year-old student, and the 15-year-old shooter, with six others injured. The tragedy has left the community grieving and renewed urgent calls to address school safety and gun violence. CBS News
Mysterious drone sightings across New Jersey and the eastern U.S. have prompted federal investigations and FAA flight bans in sensitive areas. While no security threats have been identified, speculation persists, and calls for stricter drone regulations are growing. Legislative measures are under review amid ongoing debates over transparency and public trust. AP
Congress narrowly avoided a government shutdown by passing a bipartisan funding bill that excluded President-elect Trump’s demand for a debt ceiling increase, ensuring federal operations continue through March and providing $100 billion in disaster aid. AP
🌎 World News
Cyclone Chido has devastated the French territory of Mayotte, with the death toll reaching “several hundred” and potentially thousands, according to local officials. The intense storm, the worst to hit Mayotte in 90 years, caused widespread destruction, flattening neighborhoods, damaging infrastructure, and cutting power. France has sent rescue teams, supplies, and military support to the island while establishing air and sea bridges to provide aid. Chido continued to wreak havoc as it moved to Mozambique, raising fears of further destruction and flooding in the region, highlighting the growing impact of climate change on vulnerable areas. AP
A car attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killed five and injured over 200, with 41 critically hurt. The suspect, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old Saudi citizen, drove 1,300 feet through the crowded market. Authorities believe he acted alone, possibly motivated by grievances over refugee treatment. A memorial service was held as officials called the tragedy a stark reminder of ongoing security concerns at holiday markets. BBC
Igor Kirillov, Russia’s chemical weapons chief, was killed in a Moscow explosion allegedly orchestrated by Ukraine’s SBU, its main intelligence and security agency. Accused of deploying chemical weapons in Ukraine and spreading disinformation, his death has shocked Russia’s leadership, prompting vows of retaliation and speculation about Western involvement. BBC
🧪 Tech & Science
AI has enabled a groundbreaking blood test that detects stage 1a breast cancer with 98% accuracy, using laser analysis and machine learning to identify early chemical changes in blood. Developed at the University of Edinburgh, this non-invasive method could improve survival rates, personalize treatments, and pave the way for multi-cancer screening tools. Link
Astronomers have found the first binary star system, D9, near Sagittarius A*, the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole. This rare discovery reveals how stars can survive extreme gravitational forces and hints at the possibility of planets in this region. The finding opens exciting new doors for understanding star formation near black holes. Link
NYU Langone surgeons performed a groundbreaking transplant, giving a 53-year-old Alabama woman a gene-edited pig kidney, freeing her from eight years of dialysis. While not the first such transplant, this procedure, involving a kidney with 10 genetic modifications, represents a major step forward in addressing the global organ shortage and advancing xenotransplantation research. Link
📺 Sports & Culture
Travis Hunter Jr., a standout college football player, delivered an emotional speech upon winning the Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the nation’s best player. He dedicated the honor to his father, who watched from home due to personal challenges, expressing gratitude for his sacrifices and unwavering support throughout his journey. USA Today
The hit children’s series Bluey will debut as a theatrical film in 2027, produced by BBC Studios and Disney. Directed by creator Joe Brumm, the movie will continue Bluey’s adventures and stream on Disney+ after its release. Bluey has become a global sensation, winning awards and topping streaming charts in 2024. Variety
Notre Dame defeated Indiana 27-17 in the first game of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, advancing to face Georgia in the quarterfinals on January 1, as other first-round games continue this weekend. Link
🏎️ Fast Five
The Supreme Court will hear TikTok’s challenge to a law requiring its divestment from its Chinese parent company or face a nationwide ban, focusing on whether the law violates the First Amendment, with a decision expected before the ban takes effect. The Hill
OpenAI has launched a toll-free 1-800-CHATGPT number in the US, allowing users to engage in live, 15-minute voice conversations with ChatGPT without needing a smartphone or computer. International users can also access the service via WhatsApp text. Developed during an internal hackathon, this feature aims to make AI assistance more accessible, demonstrating versatility through various devices, including rotary phones. Link
Gisèle Pelicot’s ex-husband received 20 years in prison for drugging, raping her, and facilitating her abuse by dozens of men, with 50 others also convicted in France’s largest rape trial, sparking debates on consent laws and sexual violence. BBC
A 70-year-old man who suffered cardiac arrest in a McDonald’s was saved by a passerby who performed CPR and used a defibrillator. The two, Paul Myers and Brian Harris, later reunited after a social media search and have since become lifelong friends, with Myers expressing eternal gratitude for Harris’s life-saving actions. Link
Scientists used 3D facial reconstruction to reveal the face of Saint Nicholas of Myra, showing a striking resemblance to traditional depictions of Santa Claus, with features matching the description in Twas the Night Before Christmas. Link
Thank you for reading. Have a festive week! 🎄🕎