Messy weather is wreaking havoc on post-holiday travel across the U.S., alongside a surge in flu cases affecting more than a million American students. As the nation navigates through the busy travel season, the state of New York has reported an alarming rise in flu cases, with the week ending December 20 marking the highest number of positive cases ever recorded in a single week. This 38% increase from the previous week has prompted health officials to raise concerns, particularly due to the emergence of a new flu strain believed to be a mismatch with the current vaccine. Nonetheless, officials remain confident that the vaccine still offers protection against severe illness, even as vaccination rates see a decline.
In political news, President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy met at Trump’s Florida resort in an attempt to solidify a peace plan for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict. However, complexities remain, especially concerning territorial concessions, leaving several thorny issues unresolved.
On a lighter note, excitement surrounds an expansion of Taylor Swift’s fitness classes, which are set to go national. Meanwhile, the realm of artificial intelligence is witnessing a boom as investors continue to pour money into AI stocks, with major companies like Nvidia and Alphabet reporting significant gains despite ongoing discussions about whether these stocks are overvalued.
Additionally, American skier Mikaela Shiffrin is making headlines after extending her win streak in slalom, showcasing her remarkable talent and success in the sport.
In gaming, the fantasy card game Magic: The Gathering is evolving, fostering community among players through innovations such as proxy cards and the launch of MTG Arena, a free-to-play online version, which has opened doors for a diverse group of players, particularly Black gamers, enhancing their experience in an age where card collections often come with a hefty price tag.
As we step into the new year, these stories highlight both the challenges and achievements across various sectors in society, reminding us of the resilience and spirit of community during these times.