Over 2,000 feared buried alive in Papua New Guinea landslide
Thousands are being forced to evacuate on Tuesday, May 28, in Papua New Guinea, where officials have declared a state of emergency due to an ongoing landslide following a deadly incident the week of May 19. More than 2,000 people are believed to have been buried alive by a landslide in Papua New Guinea’s remote northern highlands last week, according to government officials.
The exact death toll remains unclear, with only five bodies recovered so far.
“We have a situation that is getting worse and worse every moment,” Serhan Aktoprak, the chief of the U.N. migration agency’s mission in Papua New Guinea, said. “As time goes in such a massive undertaking, the number will remain fluid.”
The landslide has destroyed buildings and blocked the main highway, creating major obstacles for relief workers.
Heavy machinery has been brought in to assist, but officials say the situation remains unstable due to shifting debris.
In Texas, seven people, including two young children, were killed and more than 100 were injured as the storms swept across the state.
“The storm has caused significant damage to numerous homes and businesses, including the Gateway AP Travel Center, which received major damage,” the Texas Cooke County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “Emergency services are actively searching the debris for missing persons, and there have been numerous injuries of varying degrees reported.”
The governor of Kentucky confirmed that five people were killed in the storms. Teams from the National Weather Service (NWS) are being sent to survey tornado damage.
Possible tornadoes are blamed for at least two deaths each in Oklahoma and Arkansas.
On Sunday, May 26, there were at least 622 severe weather reports from Wyoming to New Hampshire, according to the NWS’ Storm Prediction Center. That makes it the most active severe storm day of 2024. This breaks the previous record of 565 reports earlier this month.
President Joe Biden offered condolences to the families of the victims. He said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is on the ground assessing damage and that he has contacted governors to determine what federal support is needed.
Closing arguments to begin in Donald Trump’s criminal trial
As former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial winds down, both sides are set to deliver their closing arguments to the jury. And, a still-active situation prompts evacuations in Papua New Guinea after a landslide buries more than 2,000 people. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
Closing arguments to begin in Donald Trump’s criminal trial
Trump’s attorneys will deliver their closing arguments first to the 12-person jury, attempting to undermine the Manhattan District Attorney’s allegations against the former president.
Following this, the prosecution will try to convince the jury that Trump falsified business records related to payments his former lawyer Michael Cohen made to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election.
Trump has denied any wrongdoing and any relationship with Daniels.
Once closing arguments are completed, the judge will instruct the jury for about an hour on the charges they must consider before beginning deliberations.
The judge expects deliberations to begin on Wednesday, May 29. The case then moves to the jury as it evaluates all 34 counts against Trump. It remains to be seen how long it will take the jury to reach a verdict in this historic case.
Biden administration ‘actively engaging’ with Israel after deadly strike in Rafah
The Biden administration says it is “actively engaging” with the Israeli army to determine what happened during an airstrike on the Gaza City of Rafah Sunday, May 26, that killed dozens of people and injured about 250 more at a tent camp for displaced Palestinians.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the killings as a “tragic mishap” and told Parliament Monday, May 27, that the military has opened an investigation into the deaths.
“In Rafah we already evacuated about one million non-combatant residents and despite our utmost effort not to harm non-combatants, something unfortunately went tragically wrong,” Netanyahu said. “We are investigating the incident and will reach conclusions because this is our policy.”
Israel said the attack targeted a Hamas compound, killing two of the group’s top senior officials.
Hamas officials have called the strike a “war crime,” saying Israel is in defiance of the recent decision by the United Nations’ World Court which called on Israel to halt its operations in Rafah.
A White House National Security Council spokesperson said the images coming from Rafah were “heartbreaking” and added that while Israel has “a right to go after” Hamas, it needs to take “every precaution possible to protect civilians.”
Severe storms kill 22 over Memorial Day weekend
Severe storms killed at least 22 people across five states over Memorial Day weekend, with at least 25 tornadoes being reported.
In Texas, seven people, including two young children, were killed and more than 100 were injured as the storms swept across the state.
The governor of Kentucky confirmed five people were killed in the storms. Teams from the National Weather Service are being sent to survey tornado damage.
Possible tornadoes are being blamed for at least two deaths in both Oklahoma and Arkansas.
President Joe Biden offered condolences to the families of the victims. He said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is on the ground assessing damage and that he has contacted governors to determine what federal support is needed.
Over 2,000 feared buried alive in Papua New Guinea landslide
Thousands are being forced to evacuate Tuesday in Papua New Guinea with officials declaring a state of emergency as a landslide is still-active following the deadly incident over the week of May 19.
Launched in summer 2023, his company is now valued at $24 billion.
In a blog post, the company stated that the funding will be used to bring xAI’s first products to market, build advanced infrastructure, and accelerate research and development of future technologies.
Currently, xAI’s chatbot is available only to premium subscribers of the social media platform X.
Musk noted that there will be “more to announce in the coming weeks.”
Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Walton remembered as ‘one of a kind’
Ireland, Norway, Spain recognizing a Palestinian state; Israel responds
Three European nations make a historic announcement: They will be recognizing a Palestinian state. And, a passenger describes what it was like on the Singapore Airlines flight hit by turbulence that resulted in one death and multiple injuries. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
Ireland, Norway, Spain recognize a Palestinian state; Israel responds
Simon Harris, the Irish prime minister, announced Wednesday, May 22, that Ireland, Norway and Spain are recognizing the state of Palestine. This declaration comes amid Israel’s ongoing seven-month conflict with Hamas. Harris expressed confidence that more countries will soon join these three European nations in recognizing Palestine.
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In response, Israel has ordered its ambassadors in Ireland and Norway to return immediately, with similar actions planned for Spain. Despite these diplomatic tensions, Harris reiterated Ireland’s recognition of Israel’s right to exist, condemned Hamas’ actions in October and called for the immediate release of all hostages.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized the importance of pursuing a two-state solution, “living side-by-side in peace,” as the only viable political solution for both Israelis and Palestinians. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told the Spanish Parliament that recognizing Palestine grants the Palestinian people “dignity and hope.”
The move was welcomed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. However, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized the recognition, stating that it sends a message that “terrorism pays.”
Currently, over 140 United Nations member-states recognize a Palestinian state. The Biden administration supports a two-state solution but insists it should be achieved through negotiations.
Severe turbulence on Singapore Airlines flight; 1 dead, multiple injured
A 73-year-old British passenger died of a suspected heart attack and at least 30 people were injured when a flight from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence Tuesday, May 21. The Boeing 777, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok after a sudden descent of 6,000 feet, likely caused by clear air turbulence.
Most passengers continued to Singapore on a relief flight, while 79 remained in Bangkok, including those who were hospitalized.
“I saw people from across the aisle just going completely horizontal, hitting the ceiling and landing back down in really awkward positions,” Dzafran Azmir, a passenger on Flight SQ321, said. “People, like, getting massive gashes in the head, concussions.”
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau are investigating the turbulence.
Deadly tornado leaves trail of destruction in Greenfield, Iowa
Multiple tornadoes swept through the Midwest, Tuesday May 21, causing extensive destruction, especially in Greenfield, Iowa, where police confirmed several fatalities and numerous injuries.
The powerful storm system left a trail of devastation, flattening homes and businesses, uprooting trees and scattering debris across the town of about 2,000 residents.
The severe weather disrupted power to more than 34,000 homes in Iowa. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, R, has declared a disaster emergency for 15 counties.
Emergency services are actively conducting search and rescue operations, and authorities are closely monitoring the ongoing situation while beginning to assess the scale of the damage. The same storms also wreaked havoc across Nebraska, unleashing torrential rains, high winds and large hail.
Closing arguments set for Tuesday after defense rests in Trump trial
The defense rested on the 20th day of the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump after calling two witnesses and opting not to have Trump testify in his own defense.
The witnesses, paralegal Daniel Sitko and attorney Robert Costello, testified before a hearing was held to debate the exact instructions the judge will present to the jury.
The trial will resume on Tuesday, May 28, delayed by jurors’ schedules and the Memorial Day holiday. Both the defense and prosecution will make their closing arguments, then the case will be handed over to the 12-person jury.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to payments made to his then-lawyer Michael Cohen.
Biden administration to forgive $7.7 billion in student loan debt
The Biden administration announced Wednesday morning that it will forgive $7.7 billion in student loans for more than 160,000 borrowers.
The relief is categorized into three groups: those receiving Public Service Loan Forgiveness, those enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education plan (SAVE) and those receiving forgiveness through income-driven repayment plans.
As of this announcement, the Department of Education reports that the total loan forgiveness approved by the administration amounts to $167 billion for more than 4.5 million Americans.
Nestle releasing line of food targeting shoppers using weight loss drugs
Nestle, the world’s largest food company known for brands like DiGiorno Pizza, Hot Pockets and Stouffer’s, is launching a new line of frozen food products targeted specifically at people using weight loss drugs.
The company announced it will begin marketing $5 pizzas and protein-enriched pastas to American shoppers who use weight loss medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic. These products will be under a new brand called “Vital Pursuits,” described as “food solutions” complementing the eating habits of millions of Americans prescribed a weight loss drug.
The products are set to hit store shelves in October.
Humanitarian aid begins entering Gaza via US-built pier
The first shipment of humanitarian aid made its way across the United States’ newly built pier in Gaza, and at least four people are killed after severe storms hit the Houston area. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, May 17, 2024.
Humanitarian aid begins entering Gaza via US-built pier
The initial aid shipment includes food bars for 11,000 individuals, therapeutic foods for over 7,000 malnourished children and hygiene kits for 30,000 people, aimed at assisting the 2.2 million residents of Gaza.
Also on Friday, Israel presented its defense at the United Nations’ International Court of Justice in the Netherlands, requesting the dismissal of South Africa’s plea for a cease-fire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. South Africa has leveled accusations of genocide against Israel for its actions against Hamas, which Israel has dismissed as unfounded and an insult to the gravity of genocide charges.
This marks the third hearing at the World Court since South Africa initiated its case in December.
French police shoot and kill suspect in synagogue fire
French police fatally shot a man Friday morning who was suspected of setting a synagogue on fire in Rouen, about 80 miles northwest of Paris. The man, armed with a knife and an iron bar, attacked officers responding to the synagogue blaze. An officer fired at the assailant, resulting in his death. The fire was subsequently brought under control.
While the motive of the suspect remains unknown, the incident occurs amidst an increase in antisemitic incidents in France since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Severe storms in Houston kill four, knock out power for nearly 800,000 homes
Severe storms hit Houston on Thursday, May 16, resulting in at least four deaths, shattered windows in tall buildings and power outages affecting around 800,000 homes, leaving much of the city dark.
Houston’s fire chief attributed two deaths to fallen trees. Many residents are still without power this morning.
Mayor John Whitmire has advised citizens to stay inside and refrain from traveling due to dangerous conditions, as continuous rain causes flooding and strong winds damage the downtown area.
Whitmire said that city departments and first responders are actively addressing the situation, including removing live wires that blocked major roads Friday, May 17.
The Houston Independent School District has shut down all 274 of its schools for the day.
As the city begins to recover, crews are working to remove fallen power lines and debris. The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for parts of southern Texas and expects additional heavy rainfall.
Trump to attend son’s graduation today; Cohen to return to stand Monday
The criminal trial of fomer President Donald Trump in New York will not see any developments Friday, May 17, as the former president is attending his son Barron’s high school graduation. The judge has permitted a recess for Trump to be present at the ceremony at Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida.
In Thursday’s five-hour session, Trump’s lawyer accused Cohen of lying to the jury, specifically about a phone call Cohen claimed to have had with Trump in 2016. The lawyer suggested that Cohen actually spoke to Trump’s bodyguard regarding a prank call incident.
Cohen maintains his account is truthful.
Looking ahead, prosecutors may conclude their case on Monday, May 20, after which the defense will proceed. It remains uncertain whether Trump’s legal team will summon any witnesses, including Trump himself, to testify.
General Motors, LG reach settlement with Chevy Bolt owners over batteries
GM introduced the Chevy Bolt in 2015, featuring batteries supplied by LG. In 2021, GM recalled the vehicles due to fire risks associated with the batteries. Production of the Chevy Bolt ceased last year as GM transitioned to developing new electric vehicles.
McDonald’s introducing Grandma McFlurry as company looks to improve sales
McDonald’s is introducing a new menu item, the Grandma McFlurry, in an effort to attract customers amid concerns about recent price increases. This limited edition dessert features syrup, vanilla ice cream and candy pieces, reminiscent of treats one might find in a grandmother’s purse.
The release highlights the current cultural impact of grandmothers, nodding to the “grandma-core” trend on social media where users embrace styles and activities typically linked to grandmothers.
Additionally, McDonald’s plans to launch a $5 value meal aimed at boosting restaurant traffic, following reports earlier in the week.
The rain, accompanied by high winds, caused the 100-foot-tall billboard to fall over a gas station in the suburb of Ghatkopar. At least 47 people were rescued late into the night.
“I was there when a big hoarding of some builder fell down,” an eyewitness, Swapnil Khupte, told news agency ANI. “All the cars, bikes and people that were there got stuck. We helped people get out and somehow manage to escape.”
Chief minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, told officials to investigate the accident and file a homicide case against those responsible. He said the government would pay for the medical treatment for those injured. Adding that families of the deceased will receive about $6,000.
India experiences severe floods during the monsoon season, typically from June to September, which is crucial for agriculture but often causes extensive damage.
In India, there have been other fatal incidents involving billboards. Last June, a billboard outside a stadium in Lucknow collapsed on an SUV, resulting in the death of a 14-year-old and her mother. Additionally, three workers were crushed to death while working on a hoarding in Coimbatore during the same month.
Cohen testifies Trump said ‘just do it’ about payment to Daniels
Michael Cohen, the one-time lawyer for former President Donald Trump, took the stand in the former president’s criminal trial. And a giant billboard collapses in India, killing more than a dozen people and leaving dozens injured. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
Cohen testifies Trump said ‘Just do it’ about payment to Daniels
Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s former attorney, took the stand in New York on Monday, May 13, alleging that the former president not only knew about the $130,000 payment Cohen made to adult film star Stormy Daniels but also authorized it and approved the plan for repayment.
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Cohen alleged that during the final days of the 2016 election, Trump told him, “Just do it,” regarding the payment to Daniels. Cohen said that the payment aimed to prevent Daniels from sharing her alleged affair with Trump in 2006 — a situation Cohen deemed “catastrophic” for Trump’s presidential bid.
According to Cohen, Trump expressed concern about Daniels’ story being published, stating, “Women are going to hate me; guys may think it’s cool. But this is going to be a disaster for the campaign.”
While Cohen maintains that the payment was “all about the campaign,” Trump’s defense suggests it aimed to protect his family from embarrassment. Cohen testified that Trump instructed him to delay paying Daniels until after the election, allegedly saying, “Push it out past the election because if I win, it has no relevance, and if I lose, I don’t really care.”
Trump denies any relationship with Daniels and has pleaded not guilty to charges related to payments made to Cohen. Cohen’s testimony continues today with questioning from the prosecution, followed by cross-examination from Trump’s legal team.
Blinken arrives in Kyiv, meets with Zelenskyy
In an unannounced visit Tuesday, May 14, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv, reassuring Ukraine of America’s continued support as the war with Russia persists.
Blinken emphasized that this aid would “make a real difference” in Ukraine’s fight on the battlefield, with much of it directed toward replenishing the country’s artillery and air defense systems.
I returned to Kyiv today to demonstrate our unwavering support for Ukraine as they defend their freedom against Russian aggression. pic.twitter.com/7ruIw6GgVd
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) May 14, 2024
This marks Blinken’s fourth trip to the Ukrainian capital since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Biden administration unveils new tariffs on Chinese imports, including electric vehicles
The release also highlighted China’s flooding of global markets with artificially low-priced exports.
The new tariffs will take effect over the next three years. Tariffs increasing this year cover goods such as EVs, batteries, solar cells, medical products — including syringes and needles — as well as steel and aluminum. Notably, the tariff rate on EVs will increase from 25% to 100%.
Large billboard collapses, killing at least 14 people in Mumbai
The rain, accompanied by high winds, caused the 100-foot-tall billboard to fall over a gas station in the suburb of Ghatkopar. At least 47 people were rescued late into the night.
Heartfelt condolences to families who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate mishap at Ghatkopar today. @MumbaiPolice team is on the spot in the rescue operation. We assure citizens that stringent legal action will be taken against those responsible for this mishap.
India experiences severe floods during the monsoon season, typically from June to September, which is crucial for agriculture but often causes extensive damage.
Largest remaining collapsed Baltimore bridge span demolished
Crews demolished the largest remaining span of a collapsed bridge in Baltimore, clearing the way for the eventual full return of shipping through one of the busiest sea routes in the U.S.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being struck by a cargo ship named the Dali in March, which lost power and veered off course. As a result, a section of the bridge landed on the grounded container ship. Six people were killed in the collision.
The operation was delayed due to bad weather, but the demolition went according to plan Monday, May 13.
Solar storm brings Northern Lights to skies across US
A dazzling light display graced the night sky across America this past weekend, thanks to a rare yet powerful solar storm. The aurora borealis — commonly known as the Northern Lights — typically appears only in areas near the North Pole. However, due to increased solar activity, this captivating phenomenon was visible as far south as Florida starting on Friday, May 10.
NOAA space weather forecasters observed several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun. CMEs are powerful eruptions of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s corona. When directed at Earth, they trigger geomagnetic storms that can affect communication, power grids, navigation and satellite operations.
Two decades ago the largest of the sunspots ejected an enormous solar flare — one of the largest ever recorded at the time. After, a series of massive solar storms rushed towards Earth.
Over half of Earth-orbiting spacecraft were impacted, disrupting satellite TV and radio services. A Japanese scientific satellite was damaged beyond repair and deep-space missions went into safe mode or shutdown. Astronauts on the International Space Station sought cover from high radiation levels. Communication issues affected airline flights over the North Pole and Antarctic science groups. GPS systems for surveying and other purposes were also affected.
According to the NOAA, this weekend’s event was the strongest solar storm to hit Earth since 2003. While the agency issued warnings about potential impacts on power grids, communication networks and navigation systems, no major outages were reported.
— NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) May 12, 2024
Forecasters say the solar storm that extended the Northern Lights southward is expected to continue into the week of May 13, but it won’t be as strong.
Israeli military calls for people in parts of Rafah to ‘evacuate immediately’
The Israeli military sent a message to those living in parts of Rafah to “evacuate immediately.” Boeing looks to have a successful launch of its manned spacecraft after years of setbacks. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, May 6, 2024.
Israel tells people in parts of Rafah to ‘evacuate immediately’
The Israeli military has issued a call for people living in sections of the Gaza town of Rafah to “evacuate immediately,” as Israel prepares to strike the border city as part of its mission targeting Hamas.
A spokesperson with the Israeli Defense Forces said those in the eastern region of Rafah should evacuate to an “expanded humanitarian area.”
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A Hamas official told Reuters the evacuation order on Monday, May 6, is a “dangerous escalation that will have consequences.” Aid agencies as well as allies like the U.S. have spoken out against Israel carrying out an operation in Rafah where more than 1 million displaced Palestinians have relocated during the war. Israeli officials said the evacuation is temporary and impacts around 100,000 people.
The IDF said calls for civilians to move would be conveyed through flyers, texts, phone calls and media broadcasts. The evacuation alert is coming a day after the Israeli defense minister told troops inside Gaza to expect “intense action in Rafah in the near future.”
On Sunday, May 5, the IDF said 10 rockets struck a border crossing used for humanitarian trucks in an attack claimed by Hamas. Three IDF soldiers were killed. Israel shut down the crossing after the attack and it remains closed.
Also on Sunday, Israel announced it was shutting down the Al Jazeera news network in its borders citing a threat to national security. Al Jazeera called the move a “criminal act.”
As talks concerning a cease-fire in Gaza continue, President Joe Biden will host Jordan’s King Abdullah II today for a private meeting at the White House.
Bodies found in Mexico identified as American tourist, Australian brothers
Three bodies found in Mexico have been identified as those of a missing American tourist and two Australian brothers. The FBI confirmed three bodies were found on Friday, May 3, in a well in the Mexican state of Baja California, about an hour and a half south of the U.S.-Mexico border.
Mexican authorities, releasing more information on Sunday night, May 5, said the bodies were identified by the families of American Jack Carter Rhoad and Australians Callum and Jake Robinson. The three friends, who were on a surfing trip, disappeared last week.
Officials said each was found with a gunshot wound to the head following an alleged carjacking incident. Mexican officials have arrested three suspects in connection with their deaths.
The U.S. State Department is monitoring the situation and has a current travel advisory for Baja California, urging tourists to reconsider travel to the region due to crime and kidnapping risks.
Child killed in Texas floods as heavy rains continue to impact the state
One child died in Texas over the weekend as floods swept through the state, including heavy rainfall in Houston and surrounding areas. The incident occurred in Johnson County, just south of Fort Worth, where a car carrying two adults and a child was overwhelmed by fast-moving waters early Sunday, May 5.
Jamie Moore, the Johnson County Emergency Management director, reported that a child and two adults were swept away while attempting to reach dry ground. Moore said that the two adults were rescued at about 5 a.m. and hospitalized, while the child was found deceased in the water around 7:20 a.m.
The severe flooding affecting over 100 square miles, however, no other deaths or injuries have been reported in Houston.
The National Weather Service has documented up to 23 inches of rain in some places, and while lighter rain is expected moving forward, the risk of flooding persists.
ABC News President Kim Godwin steps down after 3 years
Godwin, who joined ABC in 2021 from CBS News, was the first Black woman to lead a network news division. Her tenure was marked by criticism from employees over her management style.
Recently, Disney, ABC’s parent company, placed executive Debra O’Connell in a supervisory role over Godwin and the news division. O’Connell will assume Godwin’s responsibilities temporarily.
Boeing Starliner looks for successful launch after years of delay
The crewed flight test aims to validate Starliner’s capabilities for regular trips to the ISS under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Boeing has encountered setbacks with Starliner, including a failed uncrewed test flight in 2019 due to software issues and challenges with the vehicle’s parachute system.
Despite these hurdles, NASA has expressed confidence in the spacecraft’s improvements and Boeing’s commitment to safety. The mission will feature two veteran astronauts on a week-long test flight.
Kentucky Derby, NASCAR race end in photo finishes
It was an exhilarating weekend in sports that featured two photo finishes.
The first occurred on Saturday, May 4, at the Kentucky Derby, where Mystik Dan narrowly defeated Sierra Leone and Forever Young by a nose. This photo finish at Churchill Downs marked the 26th time the Derby was decided by a neck or less.
Then, a little over 24 hours later, NASCAR witnessed its closest finish in Cup Series history at Kansas Speedway, with Kyle Larson edging out Chris Buescher by a thousandth of a second. Initially, Buescher was declared the winner, but after further review, Larson was announced the victor, claiming his second win of the 2024 season.
Both photo finishes utilized the same camera technology to determine the winner, according to The Athletic.
Weather forecasting breakthrough: AI may save lives with new technology
Google unveiled a potentially groundbreaking development in weather forecasting. The company’s latest innovation, known as its “Scalable Ensemble Diffusion Sample” (SEEDS), is using cutting-edge artificial intelligence to revolutionize weather forecasting.
Similar to language models like ChatGPT, SEEDS taps into the power of AI to churn out forecasts in record time. SEEDS is different due to its ability to dig deeper into weather extremes. The technology can detect dangerous events that may slip through the cracks of traditional weather models.
Scientists say that with climate change, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and making accurate and timely forecasts is more vital than ever before.
SEEDS is also cheaper than traditional weather models. While traditional models use a wide range of forecasts to predict 10-50 weather scenarios, SEEDS needs just one or two forecasts to predict 31 different weather scenarios.
Another difference between SEEDS and traditional weather models is that traditional models use a set of initial conditions and random variables to generate forecasts, like humidity, temperature, wind speed and air pressure. However, traditional methods often struggle to accurately predict extreme weather as atmospheric dynamics change.
In contrast, SEEDS approach focuses on the relationships between different weather variables such as energy and sea level pressure. The approach allows for more detailed forecast models, providing a more thorough picture of future weather conditions.
For example, SEEDS played a crucial role in predicting Europe’s 2022 heatwave. Just seven days before the heatwave hit, traditional forecasting methods showed no indication of the extreme temperatures. However, SEEDS predicted the event, providing advanced warnings and allowing people to plan, possibly saving lives.