Week in 5: Feb 16-22, 2025
Delta faces lawsuits, the U.S. and Ukraine negotiate mineral deal, McConnell to retire, Israel-Hamas tensions rise, Bolsonaro is indicted, and tech sees breakthroughs in quantum.
📰 Top 3 in…
🇺🇸 U.S. News
A Delta CRJ-900 flipped upon landing in Toronto on Monday, injuring 21 passengers. Now facing lawsuits, Delta is being sued by passengers claiming severe physical and emotional distress, with allegations that the flight crew failed basic landing procedures. While the airline offered $30,000 per passenger, lawsuits under the Montreal Convention could seek up to $200,000 or more if negligence is proven. The flight originated from Minneapolis, and all hospitalized passengers have since been released. Investigations by U.S. and Canadian authorities are ongoing, and Delta has not commented on the litigation. CBS News
The U.S. and Ukraine are close to a deal granting the U.S. mineral rights in exchange for military aid. Zelensky initially rejected the proposal, sparking tensions with Trump, but negotiations resumed after U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg’s visit. The agreement, expected soon, would give the U.S. access to Ukraine’s titanium, lithium, and rare earth minerals, crucial for defense and tech. WSJ
Sen. Mitch McConnell announced he will retire at the end of his current Senate term in 2026, closing a 42-year career. The longest-serving Senate leader, McConnell played a central role in shaping Republican policy, including Supreme Court appointments and tax reforms. His decision comes after stepping down as GOP leader in 2023 and facing recent health challenges. He will continue serving until his term concludes. The Hill
🌎 World News
Israel warned Hamas of severe consequences after the militant group failed to return the body of Shiri Bibas, a hostage kidnapped with her young sons, amid ongoing cease-fire negotiations. While the bodies of her sons, Ariel and Kfir, were confirmed, Israel stated that another body returned was unidentified. Hamas claimed it was unaware of the mistake and pledged to investigate. The exchange of six Israeli hostages for dozens of Palestinian prisoners is still set for Saturday. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed repercussions, while families of hostages urged swift action to ensure more releases. Meanwhile, aid trucks into Gaza were halted, and Israel is investigating bus bombings in central areas as potential terrorist attacks. WSJ
Brazil’s prosecutor-general has charged former President Jair Bolsonaro with plotting a coup—an illegal attempt to stay in power after losing the 2022 election—including plans to poison President Lula and kill a Supreme Court judge. The indictment accuses Bolsonaro and 33 others of trying to overthrow democracy by inciting riots and pressuring the military. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. AP
Russia’s advance in Ukraine is slowing as losses mount and manpower dwindles, while Trump pushes for peace talks. Despite gains near Pokrovsk, Russian forces struggle to sustain assaults, relying on unprotected infantry and dwindling tank stockpiles. Ukraine resists with drones and counterattacks, holding key positions, including in Russia’s Kursk region, as both sides brace for prolonged fighting. WSJ
🧪 Tech & Science
St. Jude researchers have successfully administered the first prenatal therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), showing promising results. In a groundbreaking study, a fetus at high risk for SMA-1 received risdiplam in utero, and over two years later, no signs of the disease have appeared. The findings, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, support further investigation into prenatal SMA treatment. Link
Microsoft claims to have created a new state of matter to power quantum computers, potentially revolutionizing computing by making them more stable and powerful. The company’s “topological qubit” could accelerate problem-solving in fields like AI, medicine, and encryption. While experts remain skeptical, Microsoft believes this breakthrough will bring practical quantum computing within years, not decades. NYT
⚛️ What is quantum computing like? Imagine you’re in a giant maze, and a regular computer is like a person walking through it, trying one path at a time. A quantum computer is like sending out a bunch of ghost versions of yourself to explore all paths at once, instantly knowing the best way out.
MIT engineers have developed a new bacteria-resistant, waterproof medical glue by combining proteins from mucus and mussel-inspired polymers. This adhesive quickly solidifies into a strong, sticky gel even on wet surfaces, potentially improving medical implants and tissue bonding. Researchers believe this innovation could lead to safer, more effective biomedical adhesives that also prevent infections. Link
📺 Sports & Culture
Canada defeated the United States 3-2 in overtime to win the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off, with Connor McDavid sealing the victory in Boston. The high-stakes tournament, featuring Canada, the U.S., Finland, and Sweden, was a preview of the 2026 Olympics, where NHL players will return. The event took on a political tone amid tensions between the U.S. and Canada, fueled by Donald Trump’s remarks about annexing Canada as the "51st state." The political backdrop intensified the rivalry, leading to national anthem boos and premeditated fights in an earlier matchup. Following Canada’s victory, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to Trump's taunts, declaring, "You can't take our country — and you can't take our game." NBC News
Amazon MGM Studios has taken creative control of the James Bond franchise for $1 billion. There is no official release date for the next James Bond film. Following Daniel Craig’s departure after “No Time to Die” in 2021. We will await Amazon’s pick for our next Bond... CBS News
Apple Original Films’ ‘The Gorge’ is now the biggest movie launch in Apple TV+ history, boosting new viewers by 80% and building on the streamer’s recent success with ‘Severance.’ Directed by Scott Derrickson and starring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy, the thriller follows two elite operatives who uncover secrets hidden within a mysterious gorge. It surpassed previous records set by ‘Wolfs,’ the George Clooney-Brad Pitt film released last fall. Link
🏎️ Fast Five
🏥 Pope Francis is in critical condition after suffering a severe respiratory crisis following his hospitalization for a lung infection, the Vatican announced. The 88-year-old pope, who has chronic bronchitis and a history of respiratory issues, remains alert but has received blood transfusions and supplemental oxygen. Doctors warn that while his condition is serious, he has not shown signs of sepsis, a major risk from pneumonia complications. Forbes
💰Amazon has surpassed Walmart in revenue for the first time, reporting $187.8 billion in sales last quarter compared to Walmart’s $180.6 billion. Link
🥤Coca-Cola is entering the $820 million prebiotic soda market with Simply Pop, a new gut-health-focused drink aimed at health-conscious consumers. Launching in late February under the Simply brand, the soda contains prebiotic fiber, zinc, and vitamin C, competing with brands like Poppi and Olipop. While the market is growing, experts question whether prebiotic sodas offer real health benefits. Fortune
📱Apple's new iPhone 16e brings AI features at a lower cost and debuts its first in-house C1 modem, reducing reliance on Qualcomm. With the same A18 chip as its flagship model, it offers high-end performance while expanding Apple's control over its hardware and ecosystem. BBC
✉️An 87-year-old Pennsylvania man went viral for hand-delivering invites to his winter party, welcoming guests "from 4 PM until the cops arrive." Doug Turner, continuing a tradition with his late wife, hopes to connect neighbors. A TikTok post of his invite drew millions of views, inspiring fans to send letters, which he now eagerly responds to. Good News Network
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