Active shooter near Emory University dead, one officer killed.
A suspected gunman and a police officer are dead after police responded to an active shooter outside the headquarters of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and near Emory University in Atlanta on Friday. No civilians were reported injured, though bullets struck at least four CDC buildings. The shooter's motive is still under investigation as of this writing.
Justice Department subpoenas New York attorney general.
Attorney General Letitia James is under federal investigation for allegedly violating President Donald Trump's civil rights. The subpoenas filed Friday seek records related to two lawsuits James previously filed against Trump, one regarding the Trump Organization and another involving the National Rifle Association. James, a Democrat, has sued Trump and his administration dozens of times over his policies and private business dealings, moves Trump has argued are politically motivated.
Separately, Trump ordered an unspecified number of officers from 16 federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, and FBI, to patrol Washington, DC's streets for a week beginning yesterday. Trump also removed IRS commissioner Billy Long less than two months after his confirmation; a reason for the dismissal hasn't been made public as of this writing. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will serve as acting commissioner.
Apollo 13 mission leader James A. Lovell Jr. dies at 97.
The former Navy test pilot and four-time space veteran, known for leading the near-disastrous Apollo 13 mission to the moon, died Thursday in Illinois. He orbited Earth twice and the moon once before leading Apollo 13, which was forced to abort its moon landing after an onboard explosion. The famous phrase “Houston, we have a problem,” popularized by Tom Hanks in a film, was based on Lovell’s call to NASA ground control. Lovell earned the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and Presidential Medal of Freedom for his leadership during the mission.
Germany halts military exports for use in Gaza.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indefinitely suspended military exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza. The move came hours after Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan Friday to occupy Gaza City (see previous write-up here). Merz said he supports Israel’s efforts to weaken Hamas and rescue hostages, but expressed concern over the necessity of increased military action. Germany—alongside the US and Italy—has been one of Israel’s top military equipment suppliers.
Biological sex influences disease risk and immunity.
Research shows genetic sex—biologically defined as the presence of XX chromosomes in females and XY chromosomes in males—affects susceptibility to certain diseases. Women are more prone to autoimmune diseases, while men face higher risks of infectious diseases, partly due to the influence of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone on immune cell behavior. Understanding sex-based immunity could help researchers develop tailored cancer immunotherapies.
LA brush fire forces thousands to evacuate.
A wildfire ignited Thursday afternoon in the mountains of Ventura County, north of Los Angeles. Within 10 hours, it grew to more than 7.6 square miles, forcing some 2,700 LA County residents to evacuate and placing another 14,000 Ventura County residents under evacuation warnings (see latest evacuation orders here). At least 400 personnel, supported by multiple aircraft, have been deployed to fight the blaze. Officials cite extreme heat and low humidity as key factors in its rapid spread.
Bed Bath & Beyond relaunches with brick and mortar in Nashville.
The bankrupt home goods chain is returning as Bed Bath & Beyond Home, with a storefront opening in Nashville yesterday. The original company filed for bankruptcy in April 2023, after which The Brand House Collective acquired its intellectual property. The new owners plan to open dozens more locations nationwide if the Nashville launch proves successful. In a nod to nostalgia, Bed Bath & Beyond Home will accept expired 20% off coupons, which the original stores were known for.
