Week in 5: Jan 12-18, 2025

Jan 19, 2025

🇺🇸 U.S. News

The Los Angeles wildfires have left a devastating toll, with the Palisades Fire 49% contained and 10 lives lost, while the Eaton Fire is 73% contained with 17 fatalities. Combined, the fires have destroyed over 12,800 structures and displaced thousands. Evacuation orders are easing in some areas, but hazardous conditions persist. As recovery efforts ramp up, including free childcare programs and temporary housing support, residents brace for extreme fire weather expected next week, compounding the already immense challenges. Firefighters are making steady progress, but the path to rebuilding remains long and uncertain. LA Times
President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to issue an executive order on Monday to temporarily lift the U.S. ban on TikTok, giving its parent company ByteDance more time to secure an approved buyer for its U.S. operations. The app, which went dark Sunday following bipartisan legislation citing national security concerns, was removed from app stores. Trump proposed a joint venture with 50% U.S. ownership to preserve the platform, while ByteDance and investors continue to explore potential deals. The move comes amidst widespread backlash and legal challenges, with concerns over data security remaining central to the issue. AP

President Biden has issued an executive order to accelerate AI data center construction, directing the Departments of Defense and Energy to lease federal land and fast-track permits under reduced environmental review. Companies must fund all construction, source electricity from clean energy, including nuclear, and address security and semiconductor requirements, amid concerns over AI’s soaring energy demand conflicting with climate goals. The Verge

On January 21, 2025, Israel and Hamas will begin a 42-day ceasefire, releasing 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for over 1,800 Palestinian prisoners. The deal, following 15 months of conflict, includes up to 600 daily truckloads of humanitarian aid to Gaza but faces unresolved issues, including Israel’s military withdrawal and Gaza’s governance. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu secured approval amid coalition divisions, with some members opposing a permanent ceasefire. Effective coordination among regional players is critical, as Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and internal political tensions threaten the deal’s implementation. WP| WSJ
The Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious festival, began this week in Prayagraj, India. Millions of Hindus gather to bathe at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, a ritual believed to cleanse sins. Spanning six weeks, the event is expected to draw up to 400 million attendees and reflects India’s rising Hindu nationalism. NYT | Photos
In South Africa’s abandoned Buffelsfontein Gold Mine, hundreds of miners remain trapped, with over 100 reported dead from starvation or dehydration after authorities cut off supplies to curb illegal mining. Community-led rescues have recovered over 60 bodies and 90 survivors, while official efforts are hindered by the mine's hazardous conditions. AP

A new study published in Nature Medicine estimates that U.S. dementia cases will double by 2060, largely driven by aging demographics, with women, Black individuals, and those over 75 at higher risk. The lifetime dementia risk after age 55 is now calculated at 42%, more than previously reported, due to improved data from the ARIC-NCS study. Researchers highlight the need for preventative health policies, racial equity in care, and improved access to hearing aids to mitigate this impending healthcare challenge. Link
The FDA has banned the use of Red No. 3, a synthetic dye linked to cancer in animals, in foods, beverages, and supplements, giving manufacturers until January 2027 to reformulate products. This long-awaited decision aligns with growing concerns about artificial dyes, already banned in several states and countries, and reflects increased consumer pressure for safer food regulations. NBC News
Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos' space company, achieved its first orbital launch with the New Glenn rocket, a massive rocket designed to carry heavy payloads into space. Despite a delayed liftoff and the first stage failing to land as planned, the rocket successfully reached orbit, marking a key milestone for the company in its efforts to compete in the private space industry. AP

Drake has filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), claiming the company promoted Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us,” which accuses Drake of being a pedophile and appropriating Black culture, leading to harassment and safety threats. UMG denies the allegations, calling them illogical and emphasizing their investment in Drake’s career. Link
The Kansas City Chiefs secured their seventh consecutive AFC Championship appearance with a 23–14 win over the Houston Texans, but their premature celebration sparked backlash. Confetti was launched onto the field before the game ended, disrupting play as the Chiefs surrendered a safety and gave the Texans a final drive. Fans criticized the incident as disrespectful, expressing their disapproval on social media. The Chiefs will host the AFC Championship game against either the Buffalo Bills or Baltimore Ravens next Sunday. SI
Comedian Conan O’Brien has been named the recipient of the 26th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, honoring his impact on American comedy. Known for his inventive humor and adaptability, O’Brien joins a prestigious list of past honorees, including Richard Pryor and Lily Tomlin. A five-time Emmy winner, he will receive the award at a Kennedy Center gala in March, to be broadcast later on Netflix. NPR

Starbucks will require purchases ☕ for cafe access starting January 27, ending its open-door policy to improve customer experience and address safety concerns. WSJ
Chick-fil-A has automated its lemonade production with a 190,000-square-foot facility in California, saving 10,000 hours of labor daily across locations. Robots now squeeze up to 1.6 million pounds of lemons annually, reducing injuries and improving efficiency. Bloomberg

Meta’s new AI, SeamlessM4T, translates speech and text in real time across 101 languages, outperforming previous systems in accuracy and noise resilience. Link
Avery Colvert, a 14-year-old from Altadena, California, has launched the viral "Altadena Girls" initiative to support teen victims of the Eaton Fire by providing clothing and personal items, gaining donations from brands and individuals worldwide, and inspiring a growing movement of community-driven recovery efforts. Time
The LA Lost Stuffy Project, created by Randi and Jenny Jaffe, helps children displaced by Los Angeles wildfires regain comfort by replacing lost stuffed toys and blankets, spreading joy and hope amid the crisis. GMA

Thank you for reading. Have a great week!