Americas / The Times of India
The United States' measles outbreak has surpassed 1,000 confirmed cases with three deaths so far, state and local data showed Friday, marking a stark resurgence of a vaccine-preventable disease that the nation once declared eliminated. While measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, outbreaks persist each year.
The Trump administration proposed significant budget cuts to NASA, potentially impacting international collaborations and shifting focus from the moon to Mars. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher emphasized the importance of cooperation amidst these changes. The proposed budget includes cuts to the Artemis moon program while boosting Mars-focused initiatives, possibly favoring SpaceX's Starship program over NASA's SLS and Orion.
A mistrial was declared in the Christopher Schurr case after jurors couldn't reach a unanimous verdict in the second-degree murder trial. Schurr, a former Grand Rapids officer, shot Patrick Lyoya, a Black man, during a 2022 traffic stop. The incident sparked protests, and the mistrial occurred after days of deliberation, raising questions about police reform and racial injustice.
In a groundbreaking legal move, the family of Christopher Pelkey, a road rage victim, employed AI to create a video of him delivering a victim impact statement at the sentencing hearing. The AI-generated Pelkey offered forgiveness to his shooter, leaving a profound impact on the judge. This novel use of AI raises questions about the future of evidence in courtrooms.
US President Donald Trump announced Thursday an agreement with Britain on trade, which would be the first such deal since he launched his global tariffs blitz. The Labour leader, who like Trump won power last year, had pushed for a trade deal before the president unleashed his tariffs blitz on Britain and countries worldwide.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is modifying its rules, reducing the emphasis on the controversial spell-off tiebreaker. This decision follows criticism of last year's abrupt ending. Judges will now have more flexibility to allow the bee to continue beyond the allotted broadcast time.
The head of Airbus said on Tuesday that Europe should impose tariffs on imports of Boeing aircraft if negotiations over US President Donald Trump's trade war fail. The trade war is a lose-lose situation for the aerospace sector but Boeing would likely be more affected, Faury said.
India improved its human development index (HDI) rank to 130 in 2023, up from 133 in 2022, showing progress in life expectancy, education, and income. Key factors include national health programs and economic growth. However, challenges remain in inequality, particularly gender and income disparities. Globally, human development has slowed, with AI offering potential for future growth.
In Utica, New York, correctional officer Christopher Walrath admitted to manslaughter in the death of inmate Robert Brooks. Walrath confessed to beating Brooks, applying a chokehold, and striking his body, actions captured on bodycam footage. He also admitted to lying to investigators. As part of a plea deal, Walrath faces a 15-year prison sentence.