12.17.2022

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Good morning. It's Saturday, Dec. 17, and in this weekend edition, we're covering a fish flood in central Berlin, the year's top science achievement, and much more. First time reading? Sign up here.

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One Big Headline

Berlin's AquaDom Collapses

An 80-foot-tall cylindrical aquarium which was the centerpiece of a hotel in downtown Berlin, Germany, experienced catastrophic failure yesterday, spilling hundreds of thousands of gallons of water and marine life across the building's lobby. The aquarium, known as the AquaDom, was previously regarded as the largest free-standing cylindrical aquarium in the world.

As of this writing, no human deaths have been reported from the incident, though officials said the 1,500 fish contained in the tank—of which more than 100 species were represented—were likely unable to be saved. More than 100 firefighters were called to the scene in the immediate aftermath, while the cause of the collapse is still being investigated.

Watch video of the aftermath here.

Quick Hits

Backlash rises over Twitter ban of several journalists.

CEO Elon Musk directed accounts that reshared the location of private jets, including his own, to be banned. The decision came after a reported incident involving one of Musk's children as they were departing an airport.

... separately, another batch of "Twitter Files" was released.

The most recent batch of documents reveals internal discussion and coordination between the company and government intelligence agencies.

World Cup final set for tomorrow.

Argentina takes on France (10 am ET, Fox) in the final match of the 2022 men's World Cup tournament. Argentine superstar Lionel Messi looks to bring his country its first title since it beat West Germany in 1986.

Louisiana law enforcement officers charged in motorist's deadly arrest.

An 11-person grand jury indicted five officers, who are white, with state crimes, including negligent homicide, malfeasance, and obstruction of justice, in the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene, who was Black. See body camera footage of the arrest here (warning—sensitive content).

Science magazine names its top scientific breakthrough of the year.

The prestigious publication named the launch and operation of the James Webb Space Telescope as the most groundbreaking scientific and technical achievement of the year. The spacecraft, the successor to the Hubble Telescope, has provided a swath of astronomical achievements; see the top images snapped here.

Russia redoubles missile attacks across Ukraine.

The strikes come as the US reportedly prepares to send Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine, a move Russian officials this week called provocative and escalatory.

WNBA star Brittney Griner to return to the court.

The athlete, recently released from Russia after being detained for possessing hash oil at a Moscow airport in February, said she would play for the Phoenix Mercury in their upcoming season. Griner also told President Joe Biden she would aid in any potential efforts to bring former US Marine Paul Whelan back to the US.

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Humankind

Meet Nelly Cheboi, who creates computer labs for Kenyan schoolchildren. (More)

Al Roker surprised by "Today" show colleagues at his front door after health emergency. (More)

Expecting mother with visual impairment receives 3D-printed ultrasound. (More)

Nine-year-old ballerina's dream comes true in Nutcracker production after rare disease diagnosis. (More)

Taco shop flooded with orders after daughter's Christmas wish for mother's restaurant. (More)

Eleven-year-old boy is sworn in as an honorary officer for 53 police departments. (More)

How a Dutch oil tanker headed to New York City saved two men lost at sea. (More)

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Humankind(ness)

Today, we're sharing a story from reader Tobias B. in Morris, Illinois.

"As of writing this, I'm a senior in high school, and I'm taking a sewing class at my school, which is called Textiles and Design. It's getting close to the end of the semester, so we won't be in that class much longer, but as part of our final exam in that class we all have to make at least 3 items to donate to a charity that's local. We can make anything we want as long as it's available to be donated. And we can make more things to donate if we choose to. There are 17 students in this class, so at least 51 items will be donated to local charities and similar organizations, just in time for the holiday season, and I think that's a lovely thing to do as a class for the community."

What act(s) of kindness did you experience this week? Tell us here.

Etcetera

Bookkeeping
> 2022: The year in numbers.

Browse

> How are books made?

> A 4,000-mile marriage proposal.

> Doggy day care recreates Nativity scene.

> The dish that was ordered more than 4 million times this year.

> You can now buy a single giant Fruit Loop.

Listen

> The mystery sound game show.

Watch

> The best way to apologize, according to science.

> The delicious history of TV dinners.

> Squirrel leaves sweet treat for its human friend. (via Reddit)

Long Read

> The little-known story of the first Washington Monument.

> Thirteen stranded strangers go on a road trip of a lifetime.

> The perpetual broths that simmer for decades.

Best of the Week: This year's funniest wildlife photos.

Historybook: Wright brothers make first successful airplane flight (1903); Pope Francis born (1936); "The Simpsons" makes television debut (1989); American actress Jennifer Jones dies (2009); North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il dies (2011).

"Where there is no work, there is no dignity."

- Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis)

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12.17.2022

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