Week in 5: Oct 13-19, 2024
Hamas leader's death hasn't slowed the conflict as hostages remain held, Tesla faces a federal probe after self-driving crashes in poor visibility, Boeing struggles financially, and more...
Top 3
📰 Death of Hamas Leader Behind Oct 7 Attacks
Hamas confirmed its leader, Yahya Sinwar, was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza. Despite his death, Hamas insists it will not release hostages until a ceasefire is established and Israeli troops withdraw.
The Biden administration is pushing to leverage his death to reach agreements to end the war, but Israel and Hamas are not showing any signs of stopping. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds steady that fighting will continue until hostages are released. AP, WSJ Video, WSJ Drone Footage
🚗Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Under Federal Investigation After Fatal Crashes
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began investigating Tesla and their full self-driving technology following four crashes in poor visibility conditions such as fog and dust. One crash resulted in the death of a 71-year-old woman.
The investigation raises questions about Tesla’s reliance on cameras over other sensor types like radar or lidar that can pick up different types of information despite the conditions on the road. Tesla CEO Elon Musk continues to push for fully autonomous vehicles as early as next year. WP
✈️ Boeing’s Financial Situation is Bleak
Boeing is attempting to raise up to $25 billion through stock and debt offerings, along with a $10 billion credit agreement, to address severe financial challenges resulting from a recent labor strike and regulatory issues.
The ongoing strike by about 33,000 workers is costing the company around $1 billion per month, or approximately $33 million per day. Analysts are increasingly concerned about Boeing's ability to recover from this crisis. As one of the largest aerospace manufacturers, Boeing’s struggles could have significant ripple effects on the global supply chain and the broader economy. Reuters
🇺🇸 U.S.
Teen tobacco use has dropped by 20% which marks a new 25-year low. A positive outcome from public health initiatives and stricter regulations. Time
The long-awaited trial of Richard Allen has begun. Allen is accused of murdering two teenage girls, Abigail Williams and Liberty German, in Delphi, Indiana, in 2017. Prosecutors allege that Allen admitted to the killings multiple times after his arrest, and key evidence includes a bullet found at the scene. If convicted, Allen could face up to 130 years in prison. NBC
A rare copy of the U.S. Constitution, found in a filing cabinet at an old North Carolina farm, sold for $9 million at auction. The nearly 237-year-old document was discovered in 2022 and is one of the few remaining copies from an original printing sent to states for ratification. CBS
🌎 World
Ukrainian officials have released a video allegedly showing North Korean soldiers receiving Russian military uniforms, marking what they claim is the first visual proof of North Korea's involvement in the conflict. Ukrainian intelligence suggests thousands of North Korean troops are training in Russia, highlighting growing military ties between the two nations. This development could signal increased North Korean support for Russia in its war against Ukraine. AP
Former Olympic snowboarder, Ryan James Wedding, is wanted by the FBI for leading a large-scale drug trafficking operation. He allegedly shipped vast amounts of cocaine across the Americas and killed four people. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and extradition. AP
Cuba's power grid collapsed for the second time in a massive outage, leaving 10 million people without electricity. The crisis, caused by deteriorating infrastructure, fuel shortages, and the failure of a major power plant, has been compounded by the U.S. embargo and Venezuela's reduction in fuel shipments. The blackout is the latest blow to a country already facing a deepening economic crisis, leading to widespread protests and a surge in migration. WSJ
🧪 Tech & Science
Mosquitoes' taste for human skin and sweat may hold the key to stopping their bites, according to a new study in Nature. Researchers discovered how Aedes albopictus mosquitoes use taste cues from humans and plants to guide their biting and feeding, offering potential strategies for disease control. Nature
Google has partnered with Kairos Power to build seven nuclear reactors in the U.S. to power its AI systems, marking the first collaboration of its kind. This investment in nuclear energy is significant as it aims to support Google's growing energy demands for AI while addressing environmental concerns by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Fortune
"Smart" insulin has been developed to automatically adjust its activity based on blood glucose levels, helping to prevent both high and dangerously low blood sugar. This innovation, tested in animals, could significantly improve diabetes management and reduce complications for millions of patients. Nature
📺 Sports & Culture
Liam Payne, former One Direction member, tragically died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, with authorities suggesting alcohol and drugs may have been involved. His death has prompted reactions from fellow bandmates, celebrities, and fans, while his music surged in streaming charts. Forbes
Virginia coach Tony Bennett retired 18 days before the 2024-25 season, citing difficulties adapting to the changing college basketball landscape. Bennett, who won a national title in 2019, felt his approach no longer fit the current environment. CBS Sports
Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host Super Bowl LXII in 2028, marking the fourth time the city has hosted the NFL championship game. The decision was made during the NFL's Fall League meeting, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell praising Atlanta as a world-class event destination. NYT
🏎️ Fast Five
Kmart’s final full-scale store in the continental U.S. is closing, bringing an end to the iconic retailer’s presence in the country. NYT
Credit: Unsplash.com CVS Health announced that its CEO, Karen Lynch, stepped down after nearly four years in the role. The company’s shares dropped by 5% following the news, as they also revealed that their Q3 earnings would miss expectations for the third consecutive quarter. This marks a significant leadership change for one of the nation’s largest healthcare providers. Fortune
Netflix exceeded expectations by adding 5.1 million subscribers in the third quarter, driven largely by its ad-supported tier, while also announcing plans to increase prices in some countries. Despite slowing subscriber growth, Netflix's profits and stock price surged, and the company is focusing on live events and ad revenue for future growth. Reuters
Two giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, arrived in the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., as part of a renewed 10-year conservation partnership between China and the US. These young pandas will be quarantined for 30 days before making their public debut, continuing the long-standing tradition of "panda diplomacy.” Video
Credit: Unsplash.com One year ago, Sarah Wilkinson treated herself to the wedding of her dreams—marrying herself in a ceremony surrounded by loved ones. Now, she’s celebrating her first anniversary with flowers, champagne, and a solo steak dinner, showing that self-love is worth celebrating too. BBC
Thank you for reading. Have a great week!