10 Wild News Stories You Missed This Week (05/08/20)

As May 2020 unfolded, many parts of the world were cautiously taking steps to reopen, bringing a glimmer of hope to millions. Yet, amidst the dominant global health crisis, a whirlwind of other noteworthy events, ranging from the perplexing to the inspiring, continued to shape our world. It’s easy to miss these stories when one topic overshadows everything else.

So, let’s dive into ten of the most intriguing, uplifting, and sometimes downright strange news items that made headlines this past week. You might be surprised by what else was happening!

10. California’s Zero-Bail Policy Sparks Controversy

California’s zero-bail policy, aimed at reducing pre-trial jail populations for those unable to afford bail, had an unexpected spotlight shone on it this week. The policy was designed with good intentions, addressing the issue of thousands being confined for months simply due to lack of funds.

However, the case of 24-year-old Dijon Landrum highlighted potential flaws. On a single Sunday, Landrum was arrested three separate times within 12 hours. His first arrest was for attempting to break into a car, where he was found with narcotics. He was released under the new policy. Just an hour after his release, he was arrested again for possessing stolen property and released once more. Finally, around 9:00 pm, he was arrested a third time for vehicle theft. A local police department representative confirmed that Landrum was released with his third citation of the day due to the policy, raising concerns about rising recidivism in the state.

9. Banksy Pays Tribute to NHS Heroes

The ever-elusive artist Banksy made headlines again with a powerful new piece. This time, the artwork featured a young boy in overalls, playing with a doll. But this wasn’t just any doll; it was a National Health Service (NHS) nurse, complete with a facemask and cape, depicted as a superhero. The boy’s former heroes, Batman and Spider-Man, lay discarded in a nearby bin.

This poignant painting appeared at Southampton General Hospital. It’s set to remain there until the fall, after which it will be auctioned to raise money for the NHS. Banksy left a note with the artwork, saying, “Thanks for all you’re doing. I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if its only black and white.” Paula Head, CEO of the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, expressed immense honor at Banksy’s recognition of the NHS’s contributions during such challenging times.

8. UK Artist Stirs Debate by Hoarding PPE for Art

Becca Brown, a 35-year-old administrative assistant and part-time artist in the UK, found herself at the center of an online storm. Why? She had stockpiled over £2,500 (approximately $3,085) worth of hard-to-find personal protective equipment (PPE), including surgical masks, coveralls, face shields, and hand sanitizer, and declared she wouldn’t share any of it.

Brown stated she went into debt to acquire the supplies, along with food and first aid kits, in preparation for the pandemic. Despite calls to donate the PPE to the struggling NHS, she refused, asserting, “Friends have said I should donate them to the NHS, but I won’t – they should have been more prepared.” Instead, she intends to use the PPE as surfaces for her artwork, defending her actions as her right as an artist to buy what she wants for her work. This has sparked a heated debate about personal preparedness versus social responsibility.

7. Kim Jong-Un: Back in the Public Eye?

After weeks of intense global speculation about his health and whereabouts, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un reportedly reappeared. Rumors had ranged from him being in a vegetative state after surgery to simply vacationing at a private villa. The mystery deepened with his absence from key public events.

However, North Korean state media released photos and videos showing Kim attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a fertilizer factory on Saturday, May 1st. This appearance aimed to quell the rumors about his ill health or demise. South Korea’s Unification Ministry commented that the “groundless rumors” had caused unnecessary confusion and costs. While the footage showed Kim looking well, no official explanation was provided for his nearly three-week absence.

6. “Murder Hornets” Arrive in the USA

The term “Asian Murder Hornet” certainly sounds alarming, and this week, reports confirmed the Asian Giant Hornet had been spotted in the United States for the first time. While their menacing name captures attention, humans aren’t their primary target. These enormous insects, with queens reaching up to 2 inches in length, pose a significant threat to honeybee populations.

Honeybees are crucial for pollinating many agricultural crops, and their populations have already been declining due to factors like Colony Collapse Disorder and pesticides. The arrival of murder hornets, which can decimate a beehive in mere hours, presents a new challenge for beekeepers and could impact food production. While a sting from these hornets is incredibly painful and they can sting multiple times, they’ve only been found in limited areas so far and haven’t yet established a widespread presence.

5. Taika Waititi Tapped to Direct New Star Wars Film

On “May the 4th,” a day celebrated by Star Wars fans, Disney delivered some exciting news beyond the early release of The Rise of Skywalker on Disney+. The studio announced that acclaimed director Taika Waititi would helm a new Star Wars film. Waititi, known for his Oscar-winning screenplay for Jojo Rabbit and directing Thor: Ragnarok, also directed an episode of The Mandalorian.

Lucasfilm confirmed Waititi will co-write the screenplay with Krysty Wilson-Cairns, who recently gained praise for her work on 1917. Details about the project, such as its plot, characters, or release date, remain under wraps. However, Waititi’s involvement has been met with enthusiasm from many fans, given his demonstrated love for the Star Wars universe and unique directorial style.

4. The Supreme Court’s Unforgettable Audio Moment

History was made this week as the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments remotely in real-time, allowing the public to listen in for the first time. While this itself was groundbreaking, an unexpected sound during Wednesday’s oral arguments stole the headlines: a distinctly audible toilet flush.

With justices and lawyers participating from various locations, the unmuted microphone incident quickly became a viral sensation. Though the legal professionals seemed unfazed and continued the arguments (which, ironically, were about robocalls), the internet buzzed about the “flush heard ’round the world.” FCC Chairman Ajit Pai even humorously tweeted that the FCC did not interpret the flush as a substantive judgment by the Court on an agency determination.

3. More US Retail Giants Seek Bankruptcy Protection

The economic fallout from the ongoing pandemic continued to hit the retail sector hard. Following Saks Fifth Avenue, department store Neiman Marcus filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Thursday. This move allows the company to restructure its significant debt, which had been accumulating even before mandatory lockdowns kept shoppers at home.

Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Chairman and CEO of Neiman Marcus Group, stated that while the company was making progress towards sustainable growth before COVID-19, the pandemic caused “unprecedented disruption.” Neiman Marcus wasn’t alone; J.Crew also filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday. These developments signal a challenging period for brick-and-mortar retail, with concerns that more iconic brands may follow suit in the coming weeks and months.

2. DOJ Drops Case Against General Michael Flynn

In a stunning development, the Department of Justice (DOJ) moved to drop its criminal case against former National Security Adviser General Michael Flynn. Flynn had previously pled guilty to lying to the FBI during an interview related to the Mueller Investigation. His case was one of the most high-profile prosecutions stemming from that inquiry.

However, shortly before his scheduled sentencing, Flynn’s legal team challenged his original plea. The DOJ’s decision to dismiss all charges cited a “considered review of all the facts and circumstances of this case, including newly discovered and disclosed information.” The department’s filing argued that the FBI’s original interview with Flynn was “untethered to, and unjustified by, the FBI’s counterintelligence investigation” and lacked a “legitimate investigative basis.” This unprecedented move sparked widespread political debate.

1. Internal Chinese Report Warns of Potential US Conflict

The global pandemic has significantly strained international relations, particularly impacting China’s global standing. This week, a Reuters report revealed an internal Chinese document presented to President Xi Jinping. This report allegedly warned of a rising wave of anti-China sentiment worldwide, stemming from the coronavirus outbreak, potentially reaching levels not seen since the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident.

According to sources familiar with the document, the report outlined a “worst-case scenario” involving an armed conflict with the United States. This assessment was reportedly likened by some in the Chinese intelligence community to the “Novikov Telegram,” a 1946 Soviet dispatch highlighting perceived US ambitions post-World War II. While an actual war remains unlikely, the report underscores the severe geopolitical tensions and the growing concerns within Beijing about international backlash and its potential consequences.

What a week it’s been! From local policy debates to global artistic statements and serious international concerns, the world keeps spinning, bringing new stories to light every day.

Which of these stories caught your attention the most? Share your thoughts and any other big news you followed this week in the comments below!