The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is currently underway in Dubai, UAE, presided over by Sultan Al Jaber. Al Jaber has been criticized for his attempts to use the talks to strike oil and gas deals and for his dismissal of the need to urgently phase out fossil fuels. He has argued that there is "no science" to support the idea of phasing out fossil fuels, sparking debate among those attending the conference. It remains to be seen whether a deal to phase out fossil fuels will be reached.
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The Supreme Court heard arguments on Monday in a case that could determine the fate of Purdue Pharma's bankruptcy plan, which includes a provision protecting the Sackler family from liability for the opioid epidemic. The Biden administration has objected to the plan, arguing that it gives the Sacklers too much protection, and justices expressed skepticism that a bankruptcy court had legal authority to release the Sacklers from potential legal claims. The Supreme Court's decision could have far-reaching implications for the opioid epidemic and the Sackler family, as it will determine whether the Sacklers will be protected from future civil lawsuits.
Victor Manuel Rocha, a former U.S. ambassador to Bolivia, was arrested on Monday for secretly working for Cuba since 1981 and providing information to the Cuban government. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if convicted. The arrest is part of the U.S. government's efforts to combat foreign interference in the United States.
Oxford University Press has announced that the viral term “rizz” has been crowned its “word of the year” for 2023. It is defined as a noun meaning style, charm, attractiveness or the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner, and is increasingly popular among Gen Zers due to the prevalence of rizz-related memes. The OUP’s decision is a testament to the power of language to be formed, shaped, and shared within communities, before being picked up more widely in society.
The White House has warned Congress that the United States is running out of resources to provide aid to Ukraine in its war against Russia. Without additional funding, the aid package will be depleted by the end of the year, leaving Ukraine vulnerable to further Russian aggression. Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young urged Congress to act quickly to provide additional funding for the aid package.
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has suspended his campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, citing the RNC's debate requirements as a major factor. Chris Christie, a former 2016 presidential candidate, commented that the RNC's debate requirements are making it difficult for lesser-known candidates to gain traction in the race. Burgum's decision is likely to add to the debate over the RNC's rules.
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted in the 2020 murder of George Floyd, was allegedly stabbed 22 times by a fellow inmate at a Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson, Arizona. The inmate, John Turscak, has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and faces up to 20 years in prison. Chauvin has since been returned to prison custody and his family is questioning the faulty procedures that allowed the attack to occur.
Mount Marapi Volcano in Indonesia has erupted again, halting the search for 12 missing climbers and causing 11 hikers to be found dead. Rescuers worked through the night to find dozens of hikers stranded on the volcano and injured and burned survivors were carried down the mountain on foot. The Indonesian government has urged people to stay away from the area until further notice.