12.30.2024

In partnership with

South Korea Air Crash

At least 179 people were killed yesterday morning when a commercial airliner crashed on landing at South Korea's Muan airport. Two people—both crew members working for operator Jeju Air—survived what is believed to be the worst air disaster in the country's history. 

Early reports suggest the aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 en route from Bangkok, may have been struck by a bird, though it was unclear whether it was the engine or elsewhere, such as the cockpit window. The control tower received a mayday call from the pilots, and five minutes later the plane reached the runway—but failed to deploy its landing gear, sliding into an embankment before exploding (watch here, warning—sensitive content). Officials said it could take weeks to analyze the flight recorder.

The incident comes amid political turmoil in the country (see overview), initiated by a botched attempt by now-suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol to impose martial law earlier this month. 

Jimmy Carter Dies

Former President Jimmy Carter passed away yesterday at his home in the town of Plains, Georgia, according to a statement from family members. Carter was the only US president to live to 100 years old. 

A former US Naval officer turned peanut farmer, the Georgia native and Democrat entered politics in 1963 as a state senator, rising to become governor in 1971 while championing civil rights. In 1976 he was elected president, beating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford by a 50.1-48.0% margin. Carter's single term in office was marked by an economic slowdown, the Iran hostage crisis, and the aftereffects of the Vietnam War. He ultimately lost the 1980 election to Republican Ronald Reagan in an electoral landslide, 489-49. 

A winner of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, Carter was known for his philanthropic efforts, including his participation in Habitat for Humanity, which he continued into his 90s, among other causes. 

See photos from Carter's life here. 

OpenAI Restructures

Artificial intelligence giant OpenAI revealed long-anticipated plans to restructure the organization Friday, announcing it will transition to a public benefit corporation with an associated nonprofit arm. The company said the move will allow it to raise the capital needed to finance its massive computing needs while balancing the interests of shareholders and the public (see overview). 

Now valued at $157B, the maker of ChatGPT originally began as fully nonprofit in 2015. In 2019, the organization moved to a hybrid model, with the relatively smaller nonprofit arm controlling a for-profit operation—a structure that played a role in a failed attempt to oust CEO Sam Altman in 2023. 

In response to the new plans, an AI safety nonprofit joined an existing lawsuit brought by Elon Musk—an early investor in OpenAI and CEO of competitor xAI—attempting to block OpenAI's transition to a for-profit entity. The suit alleges the move violates OpenAI's founding charter, among other claims. 

Take a deep dive into OpenAI's history, Musk's relationship with the group, and much more here.

In partnership with Timeline

Research Reveals a Healthy Aging Breakthrough

In partnership with Timeline

Live the Life You Want, for Longer

Muscle strength decreases naturally over time, but maintaining it is key to healthy aging and quality of life.

Meet Mitopure® from Timeline, a powerful healthy aging solution shown in clinical studies to significantly increase cellular energy and muscle strength, with results starting in as little as two months. Even better? Studies show participants saw significant increases without any change in exercise. Start your journey to stronger muscles today. 1440 readers can try a Mitopure® sample today for 60% off.

Please support our sponsors!