Memorial Day Travel, Microplastics, and the Pet Gala.

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Big Stories

Memorial Day Weekend Travel Forecast

Nearly 44 million people are expected to travel this Memorial Day weekend, the busiest in almost 20 years, according to AAA.

• A record number of people, around 38.4 million, are planning road trips, which is up from last year and close to pre-pandemic levels. Gas prices are expected to be similar to last year, but oil prices could play a wild card due to conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.

• Airports will be bustling with an estimated 3.51 million travelers, the busiest Memorial Day weekend since 2005. Ticket prices are about the same as last year, and there's a surge in other modes of travel like buses and cruises, which took a hit during the pandemic.

• Travel times are expected to be 90% longer than usual, according to INRIX transportation analysts. The worst times to travel will be between noon and 6-7 pm on Thursday and Friday and between 3 pm and 7 pm on Sunday and Monday.

• Popular destinations include theme parks in Orlando, entertainment hubs like New York and Las Vegas, Alaska cruises, and Florida's beaches. International travelers are flocking to European cities like Rome, Paris, and London, with Asia and Japan also gaining popularity.

Microplastics Found in Human Testicles

Microplastics, tiny pieces of plastic, have been discovered in surprising places like human placentas, blue whales, Mount Everest, and now, testicles.

• A new study from the University of New Mexico found microplastics in every testicular tissue sample taken from dogs (47) and humans (23). The amount was nearly three times higher in humans, with an average of 329.44 micrograms per gram of tissue compared to 122.63 micrograms in dogs.

• The study identified 12 types of microplastics, with polyethylene (PE) — the plastic used in bags and bottles — being the most common. Researchers also found a link between higher levels of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and lower sperm counts in dogs. PVC is found in many household products and contains chemicals that disrupt endocrine function and spermatogenesis. While the study didn't directly measure sperm count in humans, the presence of microplastics suggests a possible link to lower sperm counts, similar to the effects observed with other pollutants like heavy metals and pesticides.

• The full effects of microplastics on humans are still a mystery, but past studies indicate they can trigger inflammation and harm our digestion. Scientists are urging further research to grasp the true impact of microplastics and explore ways to reduce them. Their goal is to spread awareness responsibly, without causing unnecessary panic.

More Countries Recognize Palestine as a State

More countries are planning to officially recognize a Palestinian state amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and increasing civilian deaths in Gaza.

• Recently, Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced their decision to recognize a Palestinian state, bringing the total to twelve countries in the past decade, with seven since April. The recognition by European countries will take effect on May 28.

• Ireland has been particularly supportive of Palestinian rights, with leaders like Prime Minister Simon Harris drawing parallels between Ireland's history with English colonization and the Palestinian struggle. Caribbean countries with a history of foreign occupation, including Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and the Bahamas, also showed support earlier this year. Globally, 140 out of 193 UN member states backed admitting Palestine to the UN.

• While 147 countries and one disputed territory now recognize a Palestinian state, the U.S. remains cautious. U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken has considered policy options for possible U.S. recognition. But, the U.S. voted against a UN resolution for Palestinian statehood in April, advocating for negotiations with Israel instead. Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, oppose the recognition, viewing it as a reward for terrorism.

Little Stories

• Families of the Uvalde school shooting victims have reached a $2 million agreement with the Texas city for the tragic 2022 incident. They also plan to file lawsuits against several Texas Department of Public Safety officers and Uvalde's school district. The settlement will go to the families of the 17 children who died and two who survived. (More)

• The Senate confirmed President Joe Biden's 200th federal judge on Wednesday, reaching the milestone about a month earlier than Donald Trump did during his term. Despite this achievement, Trump still has the edge in more impactful confirmations, particularly to the Supreme Court and the 13 appellate courts. (More)

• Another case of bird flu has popped up in the U.S., this time affecting a dairy worker in Michigan. The virus was initially detected in dairy cattle in March. The CDC has tested around 40 people, all of whom had connections to the dairy farm, but haven't found any evidence of human-to-human transmission. (More)

• Hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is facing another sexual assault accusation after model Crystal McKinney filed a federal lawsuit in New York. McKinney claims Combs coerced and sexually abused her in 2003, alleging that he pressured her into taking drugs and alcohol before assaulting her. (More)

• Nikki Haley announced her intention to vote for Donald Trump in the upcoming general election, despite their past rivalry during the Republican primaries. However, she emphasized that Trump needs to work to gain the support of voters who previously backed her. (More)

Extra Credit

Mapped: The income a family needs to live comfortably in every state. 

Police find Florida shooting suspect “folded” in a dryer. 

The origin of the phrase “live, laugh, love.”

You’ve heard of the Met Gala, here’s the Pet Gala.