Week in 5: Feb 2-8, 2025
It's Super Bowl Sunday. Today we're covering a tragic Alaska plane crash, new U.S.-China tariffs, a Santorini volcanic alert, a Sweden shooting, Beyoncé's historic Grammy win, and more...
📰 Top 3 in…
🇺🇸 U.S. News
A small commuter plane crashed into Alaska’s icy Bering Sea, killing all 10 people on board, including the pilot. The Bering Air flight disappeared en route from Unalakleet to Nome, with radar data showing a rapid loss of altitude and speed before impact. Investigators are working to determine the cause, as no distress signals were received. The crash marks the third significant aviation disaster in the U.S. within the past week. AP
New U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports are expected to raise prices on consumer goods, including electronics, clothing, and toys. A 10% tariff on all Chinese imports took effect after President Trump delayed similar measures against Mexico and Canada. The policy also ends a tax exemption for goods under $800, impacting online retailers like Shein and Temu. China responded with retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products. Analysts predict price increases, though some businesses may absorb costs in the short term. The U.S. Postal Service briefly suspended, then reinstated, parcel shipments from China while adjusting to the new tariff rules. AP
China retaliated against U.S. tariffs with counter-tariffs, export controls, and an antitrust probe into Google. AP
The Eaton and Palisades wildfires, among the deadliest in California history, are now fully contained after burning for over three weeks, destroying more than 16,000 structures and killing at least 29 people. While evacuation orders have been lifted, 14 people remain missing, and recovery efforts, including hazardous debris cleanup, are beginning as the region faces a long and costly rebuilding process. NYT
🌎 World News
Santorini is on high alert after over 8,000 earthquakes shook the island, raising fears of volcanic activity at the nearby Kolumbo submarine volcano. The Greek government declared a state of emergency, closing schools, restricting access to high-risk areas, and ordering the draining of swimming pools to prevent structural damage. Over 11,000 residents and tourists have left as scientists monitor a growing magma chamber beneath Kolumbo, though experts say an eruption remains unlikely for now. Authorities fear a repeat of the devastating 1956 Amorgos earthquake, which triggered a tsunami, and are discussing evacuation plans as seismic activity continues. Forbes
At least 10 people were killed in a mass shooting at Campus Risbergska, an adult education center in Örebro, Sweden, marking the country’s deadliest school attack. The suspected gunman, also dead, acted alone, though authorities have yet to determine a motive. Swedish leaders condemned the tragedy, with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson calling it “brutal, deadly violence.” AP
The Trump administration is attempting to shut down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. government’s main organization for providing humanitarian aid worldwide. USAID funds food assistance, medical programs, and disaster relief in over 60 countries. Trump and Elon Musk, who is advising on government cuts, argue the agency wastes taxpayer money, but critics warn shutting it down could halt life-saving aid and damage U.S. global influence. The move faces legal challenges since USAID was created by Congress and cannot be easily abolished by executive order. BBC
🧪 Tech & Science
Uganda has launched the first-ever clinical efficacy trial for a vaccine against the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus, in partnership with WHO and other global health organizations. The trial, initiated just days after an outbreak was confirmed, uses a ring vaccination method to assess its effectiveness. If successful, the vaccine could pave the way for future outbreak control and eventual licensure. WHO
Scientists at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) have discovered a way to prevent a deadly childhood brain tumor before it forms. Researchers identified a protein, OLIG2, that activates stem cells leading to SHH medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain cancer in children. By blocking this protein with CT-179, they halted tumor formation and relapse in preclinical models, offering a potential breakthrough in treatment. Link
Researchers have successfully used a spinal implant to improve movement in three patients with spinal muscle atrophy (SMA), a degenerative disease that weakens muscles. The implant, which stimulates the spinal cord with low-level electricity, helped participants walk farther and stand more easily over a month-long trial. While the benefits faded after removal, the study offers hope for treating muscle-wasting diseases. AP
📺 Sports & Culture
At the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025, Beyoncé won her first Album of the Year award for Cowboy Carter, also marking her inaugural win in a country category. Kendrick Lamar secured both Record and Song of the Year for Not Like Us, a track addressing his rivalry with Drake. Chappell Roan was honored as Best New Artist, while Sabrina Carpenter received Best Pop Vocal Album for Short n’ Sweet. The ceremony, hosted by Trevor Noah, also featured a tribute to Los Angeles’ resilience following recent wildfires. Variety
Beyoncé announces "Cowboy Carter" tour with 22 shows expected across the U.S. and Europe. Variety
President Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports, directing federal agencies to enforce Title IX based on assigned sex at birth. The order allows penalties for schools that allow transgender participation and pressures the International Olympic Committee to adopt similar policies ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, sparking legal challenges and backlash from civil rights groups. ESPN
NCAA bans transgender women from competing, aligning with Trump’s order. Yahoo Sports
Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen won the 2024 NFL MVP, while Saquon Barkley (Offensive Player of the Year) and Pat Surtain II (Defensive Player of the Year) took top honors. USA Today
🏎️ Fast Five
A federal judge blocked Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing 📂 sensitive U.S. Treasury records, citing privacy concerns. Musk’s team sought the data to review and suspend payments, targeting agencies like USAID. Critics warn of fund manipulation, while supporters see opportunity for waste reduction. The court ordered immediate data destruction and set a Feb. 14 hearing. NPR
🚢 A gastrointestinal outbreak on Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas sickened 89 passengers and 2 crew, per the CDC. The cause is unknown, but norovirus is likely. The ship, on a seven-day cruise from Tampa, has isolated the sick and increased cleaning measures as the CDC investigates. CBS News
Google is eliminating diversity hiring targets and reviewing DEI programs, joining other tech firms scaling back such efforts. The company will no longer set representation goals for underrepresented groups and may stop publishing annual diversity reports. The move follows 🏛️ court rulings and executive orders limiting DEI policies, with Google citing compliance as a key factor. WSJ
When Tony Nesburn returned after the Palisades Fire, he found a note from firefighters: 🚒 “The pink ribbon, if it is still there, means the house was a save—and it gave us pride to hang it!” The team had battled flames to protect his home, preserving memories of his late wife. Nesburn later met the firefighters, calling their actions a blessing. Link, Video
Siblings went viral for recreating a childhood photo to surprise their parents on their 50th anniversary. GMA, Video
Thank you for reading. Have a great week!
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