Keeping up with the news can be tough. That’s why we’ve rounded up the most significant, unusual, and downright mind-blowing stories of the week, just for you. From international affairs to unexpected scientific discoveries, let’s dive in!
The US, UK, and France Bombed Syria
Early Saturday, over 100 missiles targeted sites in Syria in a joint effort by the US, UK, and France. This action aimed to deter Bashar al-Assad’s regime from using chemical weapons during Syria’s ongoing civil war. It was only the second time Western powers directly attacked government institutions in the seven-year conflict.
The targeted buildings were reportedly involved in manufacturing chemical weapons, which Assad has been accused of deploying against his own people. The hope was to cripple Syrian WMD production and deter future use of such weapons.
NASA Launched a New Planet-Hunting Telescope
NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) launched into orbit on Wednesday, aiming to find up to 3,000 habitable, Earth-like planets in our galaxy. TESS, launched on a Falcon 9 rocket, boasts an unusual orbit, circling Earth twice for every Moon orbit.
Thanks to its unique orbit, TESS can capture deep space images without interference. The satellite carries four wide-vision cameras capable of scanning almost the entire night sky. TESS is expected to capture and catalog half a million stars, many circled by potentially life-supporting planets.
Scientists hope TESS will identify exoplanets to monitor for signs of life, with the James Webb telescope set to provide closer looks next year.
Former First Lady Barbara Bush Died
Barbara Bush, wife of President George H.W. Bush and mother of President George W. Bush, passed away on Tuesday at age 92, after declining further medical treatment. She held a unique place in US history as one of only two women to be both a First Lady and a mother of a president (the other being Abigail Adams).
Remembered as a champion for children’s literacy and a behind-the-scenes influencer in the Republican Party, Bush left an indelible mark on American history.
Scientists Accidentally Created a Plastic-Eating Mutant Enzyme
With millions of plastic bottles purchased every minute (and few recycled), plastic waste is a major environmental issue. This week, an international team of scientists revealed they accidentally created an enzyme that efficiently attacks plastic waste.
The enzyme is a modified version of one found in a Japanese waste dump in 2016. A mutation allowed it to process plastic 20 percent faster, suggesting the potential for creating super-fast enzymes to break down plastic for recycling on an industrial scale someday.
The Commonwealth of Nations Prepared to Choose Its Next Leader
The Commonwealth of Nations, comprised of 53 countries with ties to the British Empire, has traditionally had the British monarch as its ceremonial leader. However, there is speculation that the Commonwealth may begin talks to select a new leader, potentially not Prince Charles, at a meeting this Friday.
With Queen Elizabeth’s advanced age, the Commonwealth may choose a different path, leading to interesting questions about who the new leader might be.
Hip-Hop Won Its First Pulitzer
In a surprise announcement, Kendrick Lamar was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for music for his hip-hop album DAMN. This marks hip-hop’s transition from an outcast genre to the mainstream and signifies a shift in prestigious awards toward more popular forms of music.
Along with Bob Dylan’s Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016, Lamar’s Pulitzer represents a huge change in how prestigious awards recognize cultural impact.
The End May Have Begun for Shinzo Abe
After numerous scandals and declining poll numbers, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is facing increasing pressure. Abe’s former mentor, Junichiro Koizumi, suggested that Abe should resign by June to avoid being ousted by the party.
While Abe survived a general election last October, internal elections for the Liberal Democratic Party leader are approaching. Losing these elections would mean losing his position as PM, increasing the likelihood of his resignation.
A Surprise Asteroid Came Within Spitting Distance of Earth
Early Sunday morning, asteroid 2018 GE3, larger than a football field, passed by Earth within half the distance of the Moon. Had it hit, it would have devastated an entire city. Shockingly, scientists were only alerted to this potential threat 21 hours in advance.
This near miss highlights the limitations in tracking asteroids that could cause massive destruction, as our current systems primarily focus on larger, Armageddon-inducing asteroids.
Mass Protests Gripped Armenia
Mass protests erupted in Armenia after former President Serzh Sargsyan, who served two terms, transitioned the country from a presidential to a parliamentary system, paving the way for him to become Prime Minister. Despite promises not to seek the PM position, Sargsyan’s move sparked widespread outrage.
These protests, driven by a desire for meaningful change and frustration with Sargsyan’s continued rule, reflect deeper tensions within Armenian society.
Cuba Prepared for Post-Castro Life
Raul Castro stepped down as leader of Cuba, marking the first time since 1959 that someone other than a Castro brother has led the country. His successor, Miguel Diaz-Canel, represents a new generation taking power on the island nation.
While Diaz-Canel is expected to continue many of Raul’s policies, there is hope among young Cubans that he may bring about change by opening up the state-run economy.
This week was packed with significant events, from political shifts and scientific discoveries to cultural milestones and near-disasters. Stay informed, stay engaged, and leave your thoughts in the comments below!
