Week in 5: Nov 17-23, 2024

Nov 24, 2024

🇺🇸 U.S. News

Social media giants like Meta (Facebook, Instagram) and Alphabet (Google) are heavily lobbying against the Kids Online Safety Act, a proposed bipartisan law that would impose a "duty of care" on tech platforms to address harms like mental health issues, bullying, and exploitation among young users. Despite passing the Senate nearly unanimously, the bill has stalled in the House. Parents and advocates highlight tragic stories of harm caused by addictive platform designs, while critics accuse Big Tech of prioritizing profit over accountability, drawing parallels to past battles against industries like tobacco. WSJ
Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy due to blocked merger plans, rising costs, competition, and engine issues. Known for its low-cost model, it plans to restructure $9 billion in debt, maintain customer services, and emerge by early 2025 with cost-saving measures and new premium offerings. NYT
Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration for U.S. Attorney General under President-elect Donald Trump amid allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use. His nomination faced bipartisan opposition, with many Republicans signaling they would reject it. Gaetz cited the potential distraction to the administration as his reason for stepping aside. Trump replaced Gaetz with former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. WSJ, Who is Pam Bondi? | AP

India successfully test-fired a hypersonic missile, joining an elite group of nations—alongside the U.S., Russia, and China—with demonstrated hypersonic capabilities. The missile, developed by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization, can carry payloads over 1,500 km (930 miles) and reached speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the achievement as a "historic moment," solidifying India’s advancements in critical military technology. Link
Applebee’s twin across the pond, Angus Steakhouse, skyrocketed to fame in London after a Reddit-fueled prank. Fake glowing reviews transformed the tourist-trap chain into a sudden sensation, drawing crowds to its overpriced, mediocre meals and proving the power of social media to reshape reputations—at least temporarily. WSJ, Link
Russia launched a new intermediate-range ballistic missile at Dnipro, Ukraine, claiming it was a response to Ukraine's use of U.S. and U.K.-supplied long-range missiles. The attack, which caused widespread explosions, was described by President Putin as a warning to the West for its support of Ukraine. This follows Ukraine’s recent strikes inside Russia using U.S.-approved missiles, signaling a significant escalation in the war. CBS

"Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena: Exposing the Truth" was the focus of a recent congressional hearing where experts claimed the U.S. government may be secretly studying recovered UAPs and their materials. Witnesses, including former military and defense officials, alleged advanced, nonhuman technologies are monitoring military sites. They urged greater transparency and oversight while stressing the importance of removing stigma from UAP research to better understand these unexplained phenomena. NPR
Squid-inspired microjet devices are revolutionizing drug delivery by enabling needle-free administration of large biomolecules through the gastrointestinal tract. Mimicking cephalopod propulsion, these devices achieve absorption rates comparable to or better than traditional injections, offering a pain-free alternative for managing chronic diseases. This innovation could transform treatment experiences and improve accessibility for patients worldwide. Nature
World’s thinnest spaghetti, made of starch nanofibers just 372 nanometers wide, was created by University College London chemists. Using electrospinning, the innovation has potential medical uses, such as wound-healing bandages, though it won’t be served on plates—it overcooks instantly. Link

Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” continues its historic run, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for an 18th week, just one week shy of the all-time record held by Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road.” The party anthem also dominates the Hot Country Songs chart, extending its record for the longest rule this year. Billboard
American author Percival Everett’s novel James, a reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s perspective, won the National Book Award for fiction, highlighting Everett's growing acclaim after decades of quiet brilliance. Link
Max Verstappen clinched his fourth Formula 1 World Championship in Las Vegas, securing his title with two races to spare and joining an elite group of drivers with four or more championships. The race showcased F1’s growing U.S. presence, with talks of a Cadillac-backed team joining in 2026. NBC

Two deadly bomb cyclones (rapidly intensifying, powerful weather systems) have struck the Pacific Northwest, causing high winds, heavy rain, and snow, leaving at least two people dead and hundreds of thousands without power, with the second storm continuing to impact the region. AccuWeather
One in five Americans, including 37% of young adults, get news from social media influencers, who are unaffiliated with traditional media. Pew Research
A banana duct-taped to a wall, Maurizio Cattelan's conceptual artwork "Comedian," sold at Sotheby’s for $6.2 million, reigniting debates about the nature of modern art and attracting attention for its audacious simplicity. WSJ
Credit: Unsplash.com
Jason Derulo partnered with Make-A-Wish to surprise 14-year-old Judah Favela, a Wheaton musician battling cystic fibrosis, by collaborating with him in Derulo's home studio, fulfilling Judah's dream to create music with professionals. Video
Wisconsin 10-year-old called 911 for help with a math problem. Dispatcher Kim Krause tried assisting but ultimately sent Deputy Chase Mason, who was nearby and available. Mason, who has a stepson of similar age, went to the child's home and helped solve the math problem. ABC

Thank you for reading. Have a great week!