Three things for February 25
1. NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson dies at 101
Katherine Johnson, a mathematician who helped shape the trajectory of NASA’s space travel, died this week. She was 101 years old.
Johnson was part of NASA’s “Computer Pool,” a group that helped calculate the trajectory for several of NASA’s first adventures in space. This includes America’s first human space flight of Alan Shepard aboard the Freedom 7 and America’s first orbital space flight, piloted by John Glenn.
Along with fellow mathematician Dorthory Vaughan and engineer Mary Jackson, Johnson served as the inspiration for the 2016 film “Hidden Figures,” which highlights the accomplishments of the African-American women who were previously unrecognized by the public. In 2015, Johnson received the Presidential Medal of Honor from Former President Barack Obama for her accomplishments.
2. Harvey Weinstein found guilty of rape but acquitted of two major charges
On Monday, Harvey Weinstein was convicted of third-degree rape and a criminal sexual act in the first degree. The decision came after five days of deliberation from the jury, which consisted of seven men and five women.
Although he was convicted of two charges, Weinstein was acquitted of two counts of predatory sexual assault and one count of first-degree rape.
According to NBC News, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. said the two convictions lay the foundation for a “new day” in cases of sexual assault.
“It is a new day because Harvey Weinstein has finally been held accountable for crimes he committed,” Vance said. “Weinstein is a vicious, serial sexual predator who used his power to threaten, rape, assualt and trick, humilate and silence his victims.”
The once powerful Hollywood producer now faces up to 25 years in prison and will be sentenced on March 11.
3. TSA bans employees from using TikTok
Following the comments of Sen. Chuck Schumer and intense pressure from lawmakers, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) banned its employees from using TikTok. The ban stems from concerns about the app’s connections to China.
Schumer called for the app to be banned to ensure the safety of TSA and the public. Schumer said in a statement, “These videos sure do make you chuckle; they’re creative. But China might be laughing at these TSA postings for very different reasons, and that should concern us and it’s why I am urging the TSA to find a different platform, and cease its use of TikTok now.”
The Pentagon and the Department of Homeland of Security have already banned the app, making the TSA the latest addition to the ban.
