This Week in Words: April 27–May 3, 2019

Emperor Akihito of Japan abdicated the throne this week so that his son, Naruhito, could assume the title of Emperor. The 85-year-old Akihito, who has held the position for thirty years and is now in declining health, announced his plans to step aside back in 2017. This is the first time in 200 years that a Japanese Emperor has abdicated.

Scientists believe that they have found an antidote for the deadliest sting on Earth — the venom of the Australian box jellyfish. They hope to soon have the substance formulated into a spray to treat victims who are stung by the creature. Anecdotal evidence is not grounded in hard data and scientific studies, so it is considered less reliable.

Two people were killed and four injured when a gunman opened fire on the campus of UNC Charlotte on the last day of classes. The gunman, a former student, was apprehended at the scene. No motive for the shooting has been released by authorities.

In the unfolding college admissions scandal, it was revealed that a family paid $6.5 million to secure admission for their daughter to Stanford University. William Singer, the alleged mastermind of these crimes, was accused of claiming that the student in question was on the sailing team, which was untrue, and bribing Stanford’s sailing coach. No one has yet been charged in this particular incident.

Democrats in Congress met with President Trump to discuss the need for improvements to the country’s infrastructure — new highways, repairs to bridges and tunnels, upgrades at airports. They agreed in principle on a two trillion dollar spending package. Experts say that Senate Republicans will object to the cost and will not approve a bill with such a high price tag.

New York City has passed a bill that requires all new buildings to have some heat-reducing measure, such as plants or solar panels, on the roof. This provision is part of a larger initiative to reduce New York’s carbon footprint and increase the environmental consciousness of real estate developers.

Assistant Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has announced that he is leaving his post, effective May 11th. Rosenstein is the man who appointed Special Counsel Robert Mueller to investigate the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia. Rosenstein has been the target of many attacks from the President and his defenders throughout the whole investigation. Precarious means unstable, not firmly grounded.

Attorney General William Barr appeared before Congress this week to answer questions about his handling of the Mueller Report. The proceedings were very partisan, with Democrats attacking Barr and Republicans defending him. At one point, Democratic Senator Hirono of Hawaii called Barr a liar and suggested that he resign. This angered Republicans, and they rebuked Hirono for her comments.

Alex Trebek gave his first extended interview since announcing his cancer diagnosis. Trebek assured the audience that he is used to handling pain, and that he will continue to battle his disease. Trebek is scheduled for another round of chemotherapy next week.

After clashes in the streets and international calls for a change in government leadership, it appears that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has successfully defeated the coup attempt by Juan Guaidó. Guaidó had declared himself president and expected citizens and the military to rise up and support him. The U.S. has openly supported Guaidó’s efforts to take control of the country, but all signs indicate that his takeover attempt failed.