Week in 5: Mar 2-8, 2025
Trump’s Bitcoin reserve sparks debate, Supreme Court rules on foreign aid, Ukraine’s aid paused, Starship explodes again, and LeBron reaches 50,000 points.
📰 Top 3 in…
🇺🇸 U.S. News
Trump’s new Strategic Bitcoin Reserve sparks debate as the U.S. government moves to stockpile seized cryptocurrency. A new executive order creates a federal Bitcoin reserve, similar to the nation’s gold reserves, along with a separate Digital Asset Stockpile for other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and XRP. Instead of buying Bitcoin, the government will hold onto crypto assets confiscated in legal cases. Officials say this won’t cost taxpayers anything, but critics argue it lacks transparency and does little to actively invest in Bitcoin’s future. The announcement caused Bitcoin prices to drop 5%, as investors worried about the government’s role in crypto markets. BBC
The Justice Department launches an antitrust investigation into soaring egg prices. Officials are probing whether major egg producers conspired to inflate prices or restrict supply, as costs have doubled in the past year. While the industry blames the worst avian flu outbreak in U.S. history, critics argue companies are intentionally slowing flock recovery to keep prices high. The investigation could have major implications for food inflation, which remains a key issue for the Biden administration. WSJ
A divided Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to freeze nearly $2 billion in foreign aid, ruling 5-4 against an emergency appeal while directing a lower court judge to clarify his order on the funds’ release. The decision is a setback for the administration, which had halted aid through an executive order targeting programs deemed wasteful. Nonprofits and businesses, awaiting overdue payments, have cut services and staff. Justice Alito, joined by three conservatives, dissented, calling the ruling judicial overreach. A federal judge will now determine how and when the funds must be released. AP
🌎 World News
Trump grants a one-month tariff exemption for automakers importing from Mexico and Canada, but market uncertainty remains. After imposing steep 25% tariffs, he reversed course, exempting vehicles covered by the USMCA trade pact following requests from Ford, GM, and Stellantis. The sudden shift rattled markets, causing stocks to drop 1.8%, and left businesses uncertain about future trade policies. WSJ
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy called his tense meeting with Trump “regrettable” after the U.S. paused military aid, raising concerns about Ukraine’s fight against Russia. The White House says the aid is under review, but Ukraine is still waiting for confirmation. Trump claimed Russia is open to peace talks, while Zelenskyy insisted Ukraine wants peace but won’t accept a bad deal. Meanwhile, European leaders, led by the U.K. and France, are ramping up support for Ukraine and pushing a peace plan. At a London summit, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a "coalition of the willing" to keep arming Ukraine and pressure Russia, pledging British military support. European leaders say U.S. backing is still crucial but aim to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses to deter future attacks. AP (Zelenskyy) AP (European leaders)
BlackRock has agreed to acquire majority stakes in key Panama Canal ports from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison in a $22.8 billion deal, shifting control to U.S. investors after pressure from Washington. The move follows concerns raised by former President Trump over Chinese influence at the ports, which handle 40% of the canal’s container traffic. While Panama denies any security threat, the deal is seen as a strategic shift amid broader tensions over China’s role in global port infrastructure. Hutchison, under pressure from the U.S. and Panama, is also selling control of 43 ports across 23 countries, marking a major retreat from its international operations. WSJ
🧪 Tech & Science
A new study has found that postpartum depression is linked to brain changes during pregnancy, offering some of the first evidence that the condition begins before childbirth. Researchers scanned the brains of pregnant women and discovered that those who developed postpartum depression had increased volume in the amygdala and hippocampus, brain areas involved in emotion regulation. The study, published in Science Advances, suggests these changes could either contribute to depressive symptoms or result from them. Conducted in Madrid, the research builds on previous findings that pregnancy reshapes brain networks, likely in response to hormonal shifts. Scientists hope this work will lead to better predictions and early interventions for postpartum depression. NYT
Scientists have created genetically engineered “woolly mice” as a step toward reviving the extinct woolly mammoth. Researchers at Colossal Biosciences modified mouse embryos with mammoth-like traits, including long, woolly hair and cold-resistant fat, to validate their gene-editing approach. While supporters argue this could aid conservation efforts, critics warn of ethical concerns and unintended environmental consequences. NPR
SpaceX's Starship explosion raises doubts about Musk's 2026 Mars timeline, as technical and regulatory hurdles mount. The March 6 test flight ended in failure when multiple Raptor engines malfunctioned, leading to an uncontrolled spin and loss of contact. This marks the second explosion in two months, following a January mishap that scattered debris over populated areas. The FAA has launched an investigation, potentially delaying future flights. Despite Musk’s optimism, engineering challenges like life-support systems and radiation protection remain unresolved, making the timeline increasingly uncertain. Forbes
📺 Sports & Culture
Sean Baker’s Anora dominated the 2025 Oscars, winning Best Picture and earning Baker four awards, tying Walt Disney’s record. The indie film about a sex worker entangled with Russian oligarchs saw Baker win for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing, while Mikey Madison took Best Actress. The ceremony avoided political controversy except for No Other Land, a Palestinian-Israeli documentary whose creators called for Palestinian national rights on stage. Emilia Pérez, once a Best Picture frontrunner, lost momentum after a scandal involving its lead actress. Conan O’Brien’s hosting brought humor, while a tribute to classic film music replaced the usual Best Song performances. NPR
Lady Gaga’s Mayhem is a bold return to pop, blending Fame Monster-era energy with industrial and dance influences. Her first pop album in five years features dark, high-energy tracks like “Disease” and “Abracadabra,” with production from Andrew Watt and Gesaffelstein. While some ballads feel misplaced, Mayhem cements Gaga’s status as a fearless innovator. Rolling Stone
LeBron James became the first player in NBA history to reach 50,000 combined regular-season and playoff points, hitting the milestone with a first-quarter three-pointer in the Lakers’ 136-115 win over the Pelicans. The 40-year-old finished with 34 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, continuing his dominant play as the Lakers surged to second in the West. James, already the league’s all-time leading scorer, called the achievement “pretty special,” while Luka Doncic, who had 30 points and 15 assists, marveled at his longevity. Lakers coach JJ Redick praised James’ consistency, noting his February dominance earned him Western Conference Player of the Month. ESPN
🏎️ Fast Five
South Carolina will carry out the first U.S. firing squad execution in 15 years after convicted murderer Brad Sigmon chose it over other methods. His execution follows the state Supreme Court’s rejection of his final appeal. With lethal injection drugs harder to obtain, firing squads—authorized in five states—are seeing renewed interest as a reliable alternative. AP
Actor Gene Hackman died of heart disease, while his wife, Betsy Arakawa, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Arakawa likely contracted the rare rodent-borne virus around February 11, 2025, leading to her death shortly thereafter. Hackman, 95, who had advanced Alzheimer's disease, was unaware of her passing and died approximately a week later from heart disease. Their bodies were discovered in their Santa Fe home on February 26. WSJ
Chinese architect Liu Jiakun has won the 2025 Pritzker Prize for his innovative designs that blend traditional Chinese architecture with modern functionality, emphasizing cultural heritage, sustainability, and community impact. See some pictures, here: NPR.
West Village, 2015, Chengdu, China | Credit: ArchDaily Steve Carell surprises wildfire-affected California high schoolers with free prom tickets. The actor teamed up with Alice’s Kids charity to cover prom costs for seniors at six Pasadena high schools, after devastating fires destroyed homes and schools. Over $175,000 will fund tickets for more than 800 students. AP
🍔 Burger King employees in North Branch, Minnesota, honored 91-year-old regular customer Jerry Parkin by attending his funeral and bringing his favorite chair, engraved with his name and life dates. Parkin frequented the restaurant daily for morning coffee with friends, becoming like family to the staff. The chair now serves as a memorial at the restaurant, symbolizing their bond. Good News Network
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