Catch up on all the news you might have missed with our handy summary of the week’s top stories.
We’re delighted to present “While You Were Out”—a concise look at the week’s key events, curated by the Verily editors.
USA Gymnastics Doctor Receives Up to 175-Year Prison Sentence for Sexual Assaults
On Wednesday, Larry Nassar, the former doctor for USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University, was sentenced to 40 to 175 years behind bars after admitting guilt to ten counts of first-degree criminal sexual assault in two Michigan courts. In the days leading up to his sentencing, over 150 women and girls bravely shared their harrowing experiences of abuse at Nassar’s hands. “I just signed your death warrant,” Judge Rosemarie Aquilina declared during the proceedings. Yet, for the victims, this life sentence does not bring full closure. Additionally, MSU announced on Wednesday that President Lou Anna Simon has resigned, following widespread criticism over the university’s failure to act on reports of misconduct.
“To the survivors, I can never say enough that I am so sorry that a trusted, renowned physician was really such an evil, evil person who inflicted such harm under the guise of medical treatment . . .” Simon stated. “. . . As tragedies are politicized, blame is inevitable. As president, it is only natural that I am the focus of this anger.”
Amid the ongoing conversations in Hollywood, it’s reassuring to see that many young gymnasts, who remained silent for years, are finally being heard and that their abuser has faced justice. —Monica Gabriel Marshall
Oscar Nominations Announced, James Franco Left Out
On Tuesday, the Academy revealed its nominees for the 2018 top honors. Following a lively Golden Globes and several weeks during which figures like James Franco and Aziz Ansari (both Globe winners) faced sexual misconduct allegations, the Oscars delivered a surprise. Franco (The Disaster Artist) was omitted from the best actor category—a move widely seen as a direct response to the accusations against him, which pleased many.
Meanwhile, women, traditionally limited to female-specific categories, gained greater representation in historically male-dominated fields. Greta Gerwig earned nominations for best original screenplay and director for her standout coming-of-age film, Lady Bird. This powerful mother-daughter story also secured a best picture nomination. Rachel Morrison made history as the first woman ever nominated for cinematography (Mudbound). The best picture nominees include Call Me by Your Name, Darkest Hour, Dunkirk, Get Out, Lady Bird, Phantom Thread, The Post, The Shape of Water, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. —Megan Madden
IKEA’s New ‘Relationship Hack’ Sparks Excitement
Sharing a bed until death do you part might sound like a romantic perk of marriage, but ask any long-term couple: it’s not always easy. From snoring and differing bedtime routines to constant battles over the covers, the couch can become an tempting escape. IKEA aims to address one major co-sleeping issue with its new product: the “TOG-ether bundle.” This cozy-sounding item is essentially a set of matching smaller duvets, allowing each partner to choose their preferred insulation level, so they can sleep together while staying comfortable at their own temperature.
Currently available only in the U.K., but if you want to try this IKEA-inspired trick early, you can always purchase matching duvets from any brand. (Let us know how it goes!) —Maria Walley
Meryl Streep Joins ‘Big Little Lies’ Cast for Season 2
Nicole, Reese, Laura, Shailene, Zoë, and . . . Meryl! As if the cast of Big Little Lies couldn’t get any more star-studded, it just did. Hollywood legend Meryl Streep is set to play Celeste’s (Kidman) mother-in-law, who arrives in the scandalous yet quiet town of Monterey seeking answers about her son’s death. Following a successful awards season, the show promises major drama in its second season. HBO has described season two as exploring “the malignancy of lies, the durability of friendships, the fragility of marriage, and, of course, the vicious ferocity of sound parenting. Relationships will fray, loyalties will erode . . . the potential for emotional and bodily injury shall loom.” Unfortunately, viewers will have to wait until 2019. —Megan Madden
Cherish Your Loved Ones: Another Devastating School Shooting
Wrapped in crime scene tape, cameras, tears, and prayers, a grieving community in Marshall County, Kentucky, is asking the same question we all are: “Why?”
The 15-year-old male suspect, armed with a handgun, entered his high school at 8:57 a.m. and began his attack. 911 was called just two minutes later. The victims were all young, ranging from 14 to 18 years old. “No one screamed,” said Alexandria Caporali, a 16-year-old witness. “It was almost completely silent as people just ran. . . . It was one right after another—bang, bang, bang, bang, bang.”
Eighteen teens were reportedly injured in the chaos, fourteen from gunshot wounds. Two have since died: Bailey Holt and Preston Cope, both only 15 years old.
Caporali described the shooter as “a happy, quiet boy who played music.” This description, so unlike that of a murderer, forces us to question his mental state and the mental health of teenagers today.
This month alone, eleven other shootings have occurred at or near schools. While it was heartening to see the community unite under the hashtag #MarshallStrong, I can’t help but tear up and wish this were the last time I’d hear such a story. —Maria Walley
