Scientists in China have identified a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, capable of infecting humans by binding to the ACE2 receptor, similar to SARS-CoV-2. The discovery raises concerns about potential spillover events, although the virus's efficiency in binding to human ACE2 is lower than SARS-CoV-2.
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Apple and Google have updated their maps to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, following an executive order by former President Trump. The change has elicited criticism from indigenous activists and sparked diplomatic tensions with Mexico, whose President suggested renaming the US 'Mexican America' in response.
A Texas woman's $83.5 million lottery win is on hold as state officials investigate the Jackpocket app she used to buy her ticket. Despite complying with all rules, the winner has yet to receive her payout, raising concerns about the legality of lottery courier services.
Gaza experienced a 6% population decline in 2024 due to Israel's military actions against Hamas, with 100,000 evacuations and over 45,000 deaths reported. The region suffers severe health and food security issues. Israel's population growth slowed to 1.1% in 2024 amid increased emigration. Conflicts with Hezbollah, Iran, and other militant groups continue.
A Stockholm court convicted Salwan Najem of inciting ethnic hatred during four Quran burnings in 2023, just days after the murder of his co-defendant, Salwan Momika. Najem received a suspended sentence and a fine. The court ruled that while criticism of religion is allowed, the protests expressed contempt for Muslims. The burnings strained Sweden’s ties with Middle Eastern nations and raised its national security threat level.
President-elect Donald Trump, sporting a red cap, white golf shirt, and black pants, was seen at his Palm Beach golf club, looking relaxed and interacting with visitors. A video clip sparked online curiosity about his seemingly slicked-back hair, initially mistaken for a new cut but later identified as his characteristic "hat hair.
Elon Musk met with Republican senators to discuss budget rescissions as part of his Department of Government Efficiency initiative. The meeting aimed to formalize his budget-cutting efforts, potentially generating $1 trillion in savings. Concerns were raised about communication and the impact of federal worker layoffs.
An opinion editor at Die Welt resigned after Elon Musk's op-ed endorsing the far-right AfD party was published. Musk's piece called the AfD the last spark of hope for Germany. The endorsement faced criticism. The newspaper's incoming editor-in-chief defended the decision to publish, emphasizing freedom of expression.
Tufts University President Sunil Kumar and Judge Indira Talwani face criticism amid the detention and potential deportation of Turkish scholar Rumeysa Ozturk. Students and lawmakers decry the actions of federal authorities and demand stronger institutional support and condemnation of the Trump administration's policies.
Author Salman Rushdie testified in the trial of Hadi Matar, accused of stabbing him during a 2022 event in New York. Rushdie described the attack vividly and noted the ongoing impact on his health. Matar has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and assault charges.
US entrepreneurs are seizing an opportunity to make profits by selling phones preloaded with TikTok for high prices, following the app's temporary unavailability in the US. Although TikTok cannot be downloaded from app stores, existing users are not affected by the ban.