Shark Scoop is a weekly roundup of five stories that examine developments in local, national, and global news, as well as a top headline in entertainment and sports.
BY: KIA MOERK / STAFF WRITER
Many Left Disappointed After the Release of This Year’s Spotify Wrapped
Spotify Wrapped, the app’s annual recap of users’ listening history, was released on Wednesday. While more music streaming services have been following Spotify’s example in recent years, many regard Spotify Wrapped as the original version.
The roundup was released a few days later than its previous years, building anticipation and excitement. Although containing the regular features (such as a list of top artists and songs), many felt that the streaming service Wrapped was disappointing in terms of creativity and new features that had plagued the previous recaps. Regardless, people were able to show off their favorite artists, and many new artists were able to show off the support from their listeners.
The Toronto Tempo Marks the First WNBA Expansion to Canada
The WNBA has officially announced Toronto Tempo as its latest addition to the league. This also marks the league’s first expansion outside of the United States as part of its commitment to international growth.
The team is planned to debut in the 2026 season, with dynamic branding attempting to capture the urban energy of Toronto. The move strengthens basketball’s presence in Canada, adding to the already established residence of the NBA's Toronto Raptors.
It is hoped to appeal to a larger international audience, creating a larger international fanbase while simultaneously increasing publicity and possible future recruitment to the league. So far, the public reaction to the news has been positive, with basketball fans being enthusiastic about the new team’s debut.
TikTok Faces National Ban After Failing to Overturn New Law
On December 6th, a federal panel unanimously upheld a law that could lead to the ban of the Chinese-owned video app. Unless sold to a company outside of China, the popular social media app will be banned in the United States beginning January 19th.
The law was signed in April, but presented to the U.S. Court of Appeals on Friday, which denied the position presented by TikTok to overturn the law.
The current owner of TikTok, ByteDance, argued that the law singled out TikTok unfairly, to which American lawmakers have responded that apps such as Facebook and YouTube are illegal in China. While some, including the Chinese owner, claim the law might infringe on the First Amendment, others are more concerned with the implications if the app does not sell, such as the loss of an outlet for expression, community, and source of income.
United Healthcare CEO Killed in New York
United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed outside a hotel in Manhattan on Wednesday morning. Thompson was shot at least once in the back and once in his calf around 6.45 a.m. local time, and was found lying on the sidewalk. He was quickly rushed to the hospital where he died of the injuries.
Multiple sources report that the attack was likely planned out. His wife, Paulette Thompson, confirms this by telling NBC News that her husband had received threats.
The attacker, who was wearing a mask hiding his face, is still on the loose but security footage showed him inside a Starbucks shortly before the attack. The fatal shooting has business leaders on the edge.
Political Turmoil in South Korea Following the President’s Coup Attempt
On Tuesday night President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea declared martial law, the first attempt in more than four decades at imposing military rule. The act incited chaos both nationally and on an international scale.
As one of America’s closest allies (and a member of an international coalition with similar democratic values), the announcement put into question their perceived strong relations. Mr. Yoon’s speech also sparked protests from opposing parties as well as thousands of protesters who took to the streets afraid of backlash to the dictatorial regimes that characterized the country until the 1980s.
Although the martial law was ended only 6 hours after its announcement by a unanimous vote in the national Parliament, the President’s statement will not go without consequences and a process of impeachment is underway, whether it succeeds or not is uncertain.
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