January 11 top stories

It is January 11. Here are today’s top stories.

Mouthpad^ concept

A company created a device called a MouthPad^ that would allow people to scroll through smartphones or tablets using their tongues. It is a retainer-like device with a trackpad chip that would fit at the roof of your mouth. The company behind this, Augmental, said it’s a mouse for your mouth. The device is intended to help those living with disabilities or those who use their hands a lot, such as surgeons or mechanics. Users would have a custom device that fits with their teeth and mouth. The device is not yet available to the public.

South Africa accuses Israel of genocide

AP News reported that the South African government formally accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians before the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands. South African lawyers said the current Gaza war is a part of decades of Israeli oppression of Palestinians.

Israel has strongly denied the allegations. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said it is an upside-down world because Israel is being accused of genocide while it is fighting genocide. Israel said it’s responding to the deadliest attack on their land since its creation in 1948, referring to Hamas’ attack on October 7 that killed at least 1,100 and took over 200 hostages.

AP explained that South Africa is seeking orders to compel Israel to stop its military actions in Gaza, where more than 23,000 have been killed. AP said it’s unclear whether Israel would heed any kind of order to stop the fighting.

Tahoe avalanche

There was an avalanche at a ski resort in the Lake Tahoe area in California on Wednesday morning. A 66-year-old skier was killed at the Palisades Tahoe ski resort. Another person was injured. The avalanche happened right after skiing was open and occurred despite crews deeming it safe. The avalanche debris field is about 150 feet wide, 450 feet long, and 10 feet deep.

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6,700 guns intercepted by TSA

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said in 2023, a total of 6,737 firearms were intercepted by airport security officers at checkpoints before they could make it on a plane. 93% of these firearms were loaded.

The TSA screened over 850 million people last year, so it means there are about 8 firearms found per million passengers. The TSA administrator said this is far too many firearms.

TSA said when agents find a gun, they immediately contact local law enforcement, who remove the passenger and the firearm from the area. Depending on local laws, the person could be arrested or cited (ordered to appear in court). They could face a fine of up to $15,000.

Saban retires

University of Alabama coach Nick Saban announced he is retiring. He is considered one of the greatest college football coaches of all time with seven national championships, six with Alabama and one with Louisiana State University. Saban is known for his philosophy of focusing on “the process,” which is to work towards a goal without worrying about the result. Saban also used the term, “rat poison” to refer to media and public discussion about his team. Many of Saban’s college football players went on into the NFL and many of his assistant coaches were recruited to become head coaches of various programs.

That is all the top stories for today. See you tomorrow and stay with the light.

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/tongue-controlled-touchscreens-hit-market-year-rcna133270

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/augmental-launches-the-mouthpad-a-tongue-controlled-interface-that-lets-people-explore-the-digital-world-hands-free-301800117.html

https://apnews.com/article/world-court-israel-genocide-gaza-south-africa-774ab3c3d57fd7bcc627602eaf47fd98

https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/10/us/avalanche-tahoe-california-resort/index.html

https://www.kcra.com/article/avalanche-palisades-tahoe-resort-palisades-side/46342439

https://6abc.com/tsa-airport-gun-checkpoints-security-checks-loaded-firearms/14310952/

https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-saban-retires-alabama-football-coach-after-17-seasons-with-crimson-tide-221300596.html

TOP STORIESPaul Hovan