Culture: 82nd Annual Golden Globes Awards Various Films and Television
The 82nd Annual Golden Globes, the largest awards show in the world to celebrate film and television, took place on January 5. Drawing in 9.3 million viewers, the show was hosted by comedian and actor Nikki Glaser, whose opening monologue gave the show a cheerful start. According to “The New York Times,” of the numerous film submissions, “The Brutalist” and “Emilia Pérez” had particularly successful nights. The former, an A24 film starring Adrien Brody and directed by Brady Corbet, received three Golden Globes, and the latter, a Spanish-language musical exploring trans identity starring Zoe Saldaña, won four categories. As for television, the FX Drama “Shogun” experienced great success, winning in four categories. Some other memorable nominations included “Anora,” “The Wild Robot,” and “A Complete Unknown.”
Politics: Canada’s Prime Minister Trudeau to Step Down
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada officially announced his resignation as prime minister and Liberal Party Leader on Monday, January 6, ending his nearly ten-year period in office. According to “ABC News,” the reasons for Trudeau’s resignation include frustration within the Liberal Party, marking an all-time low in support for Trudeau in 2024. Despite his fierce determination as prime minister, members of his party criticized him for an inability to recognize threats, such as the forthcoming United States of America administration’s high tariffs on Canadian goods. Trudeau will continue to serve as prime minister and Liberal Party Leader until March 24, as a nationwide party election takes place, reports “The New York Times.”
Health: Increase in Human Metapneumovirus Cases Raise Concerns
With the rise in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, a common respiratory infection first discovered in 2001, worries about whether the virus will break local parameters have inevitably arisen. At a news conference held by China’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention on December 27, Kan Biao, Director of the Institute for Infectious Diseases, said that cases of HMPV in China are increasing among children ages 14 years and younger, “The New York Times” reported. According to “The Cleveland Clinic,” HMPV often targets the upper respiratory tract, but can also cause severe lower respiratory infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis, especially among children, elders, and those with weakened immune systems. There is currently no vaccine that targets HMPV, but rather treatments have been focused on easing symptoms through medications that control pain and fever. While the reports from China parallel those from the Covid-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization has not yet expressed concern.
Climate: 7.1-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Tibet
On January 7, a powerful earthquake struck the remote region of Shigatse in Tibet resulting in at least 126 fatalities and 188 injuries as of Tuesday evening, “Reuters” reported. According to “CNN,” the quake, with a magnitude of 7.1, had its epicenter around 50 miles north of Mount Everest. Striking at 9:05 a.m. local time, the massive tremors shook Nepal, Bhutan, and northern India. In Tibet, more than 3,600 homes were destroyed, leaving some residents trapped under rubble and with the risk of hypothermia. Over 1,500 rescue workers have been deployed in response to the earthquake, successfully pulling hundreds of citizens from the wreckage.
Politics: Turmoil Continues in South Korea
On December 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Seok Yul imposed martial law to the shock of the nation, claiming that he was protecting the country from forces with ties to North Korea. This attempt was quickly met with resistance from the Korean people. The South Korean Parliament impeached Yoon, replacing him with acting president Han Duck-soo, who was then impeached two weeks later, “BBC” reported. According to “AP News,” Yoon is now staying inside his guarded residential compound as government officials attempt to find ways to detain the former president and search the premises.
