Week in 5: Dec 22-28, 2024

Dec 30, 2024

🇺🇸 U.S. News

The House Ethics Committee accused former Rep. Matt Gaetz of paying for sex, including with a 17-year-old girl, using illicit drugs, and obstructing the investigation, according to a 37-page bipartisan report. The probe detailed Gaetz's involvement in sex-filled parties and vacations and revealed violations of state laws. Gaetz, who resigned in November, denies wrongdoing. AP
President Biden signed 50 bills into law on Christmas Eve, including the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, advocated by Paris Hilton, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act, requiring hazing disclosures from federally funded universities. Additional measures renamed federal buildings and post offices to honor prominent figures, and legislation officially designated the bald eagle as the U.S. national bird. The Hill
Homelessness in the U.S. rose 18.1% in 2024, reaching over 771,800 people, driven by high housing costs, natural disasters, and strains on shelters from migration. This marks the second consecutive annual increase, with the crisis worsening despite some localized decreases. Meanwhile, veteran homelessness dropped by 7.5%, highlighting the impact of targeted federal programs that simplify access to housing and resources. USA Today

A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crash-landed at Muan International Airport in South Korea, killing 179 of 181 onboard after its landing gear failed to deploy. The plane skidded into a concrete barrier and burst into flames. Investigations are ongoing, with potential causes including hydraulic failure and bird strikes. A national mourning period has been declared. AP
Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243, which crashed in Kazakhstan killing 38, was likely downed by a Russian air defense system, according to Azerbaijan's investigation. The crash occurred amid Russian efforts to counter Ukrainian drone strikes. Russia denies responsibility, and investigations are ongoing, with international calls for transparency as survivors report emergency conditions onboard. Reuters
At least 6,000 inmates escaped from a high-security prison in Mozambique's capital on Christmas Day during post-election violence. The rebellion, linked to disputes over the ruling Frelimo party’s election victory, led to the deaths of 33 inmates and injuries to 15. Among the escapees were 29 convicted terrorists, intensifying security concerns as protests and unrest continue. AP

OpenAI has unveiled the o3 model family, including the o3 and o3-mini, as successors to its o1 reasoning models, showcasing advancements aimed at artificial general intelligence (AGI). Featuring “deliberative alignment” and enhanced reasoning, these models excel in areas like physics and programming but retain flaws. Limited o3-mini previews start today, with broader releases set for 2025, amid ongoing debates over costs and practicality. Link
A long-term study on Bossou chimpanzees, published in Nature Human Behaviour, reveals individual differences in nut-cracking efficiency using stone tools, highlighting cognitive and motor skill variation. Analyzing over 3,800 observations from 1992 to 2017, researchers found that age improved efficiency but sex did not. This research underscores the evolutionary significance of tool use and its parallels with early human behavior.
The UK successfully performed its first double lung transplant using the “lungs in a box” technology, a groundbreaking ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) system that reconditions marginally acceptable donor lungs outside the body. The patient, Daniel Evans-Smith, experienced significant improvement after receiving the life-saving procedure, which could increase transplant availability and outcomes for those awaiting lungs. Link

Blake Lively has filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department against Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, alleging sexual harassment, a hostile work environment, and retaliatory actions during It Ends With Us production. The filing includes claims of inappropriate conduct and a PR campaign to discredit her, supported by text evidence. Baldoni denies the accusations and plans a countersuit. Link
Netflix’s debut live-streaming of NFL games, featuring a Beyoncé halftime show, marked a major success despite early audio glitches. Beyoncé’s 13-minute performance, including tracks from Cowboy Carter, overshadowed the Ravens’ 31-2 win and Chiefs’ 29-10 victory. Streaming to over 200 countries, Netflix showcased its ability to compete with traditional broadcasters, signaling a strong entry into live sports, alongside upcoming WWE and FIFA events. NPR
NBA star Victor Wembanyama surprised fans by challenging all-comers to chess matches at New York’s Washington Square Park, showcasing his off-court humility and love for the game. Despite his dominance on the basketball court, the reigning Rookie of the Year faced defeat on the chessboard, drawing a crowd and furthering the trend of professional athletes embracing chess for strategy and brain training. WSJ

Honda and Nissan announced plans to merge, potentially creating the third-largest automaker globally by sales, with Mitsubishi possibly joining the partnership. Link
In other chess news, Magnus Carlsen quit the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship after being disqualified for wearing jeans, citing principle over the tournament’s strict dress code enforcement. CBS
Credit: Unsplash.com
South Korea impeached acting president Han Duck-soo, marking the second impeachment in two weeks, after accusations of obstructing President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment process following Yoon’s failed martial law declaration. BBC
A Tucson couple, Victoria Reynolds and Jerry Borchardt, spread year-round kindness by greeting their sanitation workers with snacks, water, and gifts, fostering mutual appreciation and joy in their neighborhood. Link
What are the 12 Days of Christmas? Traditionally marking the days from Dec. 25 to Jan. 6, they celebrate saints and the Epiphany, with the song originating as a children’s memory game and humorously amassing 364 gifts, now valued at over $200,000. Link

Thank you for reading. Have a festive week! 🎄🕎