Weekly News Roundup: January 17, 2025

Teen Generosity Ignites Recovery Movement

In the wake of the devastating Eden Fire, which destroyed thousands of homes in Los Angeles, 14-year-old Avery Colvert has emerged as a beacon of hope. She launched "Altadena Girls," an Instagram-based recovery fund specifically designed to support teens who lost everything. Colvert’s initiative focuses on restoring a sense of normalcy by providing clothing, beauty, and personal care items. Notably, she has prioritized inclusivity, ensuring that products are "tailored to diverse needs, especially for teens of color." Her impactful work has garnered national attention, drawing support from high-profile figures including Paris Hilton, Charlie XCX, and Duchess Meghan Markle, who personally contributed items to the cause.

The TikTok Supreme Court Showdown

TikTok faces a critical juncture as the Supreme Court prepares to issue a decision that could determine the app's future in the United States. The justices are currently weighing "national security risks" against "free speech challenges." While the court has kept its timeline vague, legal observers suggest the bench is "leaning in favor of national security." If the court upholds Congress's "sale or shutter law," the platform could face a blackout as early as Sunday. However, President-elect Trump remains a "wild card," having indicated potential plans to issue an executive order to delay the app's demise for 90 days to facilitate an American buyout.

Severe Weather: An Arctic Blast Approaches

The United States is bracing for what may be the "coldest Arctic blast in a year." Frigid air originating from Siberia is set to sweep across the country, impacting the Dakotas, the Midwest, the South, and the East. Temperatures are expected to plummet to nearly "30 degrees below normal." The extreme weather poses significant risks, including "serious frostbite" for those attending outdoor events, such as NFL playoff games and President Trump’s upcoming inauguration in Washington, D.C., which is expected to be one of the "chilliest ceremonies in years."

Aerospace Milestones: New Glenn and Starship

The aerospace industry saw a mix of triumphs and setbacks yesterday. Blue Origin’s 320-foot "New Glenn" rocket successfully reached orbit, a feat that Elon Musk lauded as a "rousing success," despite the booster failing to land on its designated barge. Conversely, SpaceX’s "Starship Mega Rocket" experienced technical difficulties. While the company successfully caught the booster using the mechanical arms nicknamed "Mechazilla," the ship itself suffered an engine failure eight and a half minutes into the flight. Reflecting on the mission, Musk maintained his philosophy that "failure is not final," viewing the mishap as "feedback" for future adjustments.

Higher Education Costs: A Shifting Landscape

Contrary to the common belief that college is becoming increasingly unattainable, a report from the College Board reveals that the cost of public universities has actually decreased over the last decade when adjusted for inflation. The average in-state student now pays $2,480 annually after financial aid, marking a "40% drop over 10 years." However, this trend does not extend to the private sector, where expenses continue to climb, reaching as high as "$95,000 a year" for students without financial aid.

Natural Spectacle: Kilauea’s Eruption

In Hawaii, nature is putting on a show at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Kilauea has begun "blowing its top again," with lava fountains reaching heights of 200 feet. While the "fiery spectacle" has drawn massive crowds, park officials emphasize that the eruption is not currently threatening homes or infrastructure, serving instead as a breathtaking display of gas-rich magma flow.