Bwog can hear you scream in space.

Happening in the World: Russia is developing a new space-based weapon that utilizes nuclear weapons designed to target foreign satellites. While Russia has not confirmed the existence of this nuclear space weapon, if deployed it would violate the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 which forbids sending nuclear weapons into space. Senior lawmakers in Congress have announced that there is no need for public alarm, but the US military is heavily reliant upon satellite communications, and this new weapon could pose a threat to national security. (BBC)

Happening in the US: On Thursday, lawyers defending former President Trump in a case charging him with attempting to subvert the 2020 election results in Georgia argued that the prosecutors’ romantic relationship should disqualify them from the case due to a conflict of interest. Fanni Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, hired Nathan Wade as a special prosecutor for the case. Mr. Trump’s defense argues that Ms. Willis hired Mr. Wade for mutual financial gain, attempting to establish a timeline that confirms their romantic relationship originated before the case began. Ms. Willis and Mr. Wade both deny these allegations and claim that their relationship did not begin until 2022, after Mr. Wade’s established employment. (NYT)

Happening in NYC: As a part of her budget proposal for the new year, Governor Kathy Hochul wants to permanently establish New York’s current to-go alcohol law, which is set to expire in April of 2025. If Governor Hochul accomplishes her mission, New York will be the 21st state to permanently establish legal to-go cocktails. While restaurants and bars hope this law will continue as to-go cocktails were so economically beneficial during the pandemic, liquor store owners are against the current policy. After lots of discussion between the governor and lawmakers, the official budget will be due at the end of March. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: On Friday from 12 to 1 pm, the Maison Francais will be hosting an online seminar entitled The History of Gaza: The Key to War and Peace in the Middle East. French historian Jean-Pierre Filiu, author of Gaza, a History, will provide insight into the past and present importance of Gaza in a conversation with Rashid Khalidi, a professor of Modern Arab Studies at Columbia. To register for the virtual seminar and for more information, see Columbia University Events. 

Cosmos via Bwarchives