What Else Is News: Tue., Jan. 14, 2025
If You’re Fluent in Cursive, This Opportunity Is for You
You know you’re old when reading cursive is considered a superpower.
The National Archives is looking for individuals to help transcribe hundreds of U.S. documents, most of which were written in cursive. More than 5,000 Citizen Archivists volunteer to read and decipher texts dating as far back as the Revolutionary War. In recent years, the National Archives has found it harder to find individuals who recognize cursive letters.
All you have to do to become a transcriptionist for the National Archives is create an account here. While there’s no pay involved, your reward can be knowing you’re preserving important elements of history.
Explosives, Firearms, Fake IDs Found in Chicago Apartment Building
One person is in custody following the discovery of weapons and other suspicious materials in a Chicago apartment building on Monday. An HVAC worker used a master key to enter an apartment in 533 33rd Place that was scheduled for heating maintenance. She found items that alarmed her.
“There’s a suitcase with explosives that said ‘C4’ and I googled the pictures. Looks like military stuff. I saw a big rifle by a window. I said I’m going to call the police,” said Melissa Carraway.
When authorities arrived, they evacuated residents and inspected the unit and the building. They recovered explosives, firearms, fake IDs and police and firefighter uniforms. Residents were allowed back into the building once it was determined there was no threat to anyone’s safety.
It wasn’t immediately clear how the person in custody is connected to what was found.
Surprise Guests and No-Shows for Trump’s Inauguration
The Village People, the disco group whose song “Y.M.C.A.” became a hit during Donald Trump’s rallies, will perform at multiple events during Trump’s second inauguration on Jan. 20. Other performers include Carrie Underwood, who will sing “America the Beautiful” before Trump takes the oath of office, and opera singer Chistopher Macchio, who will sing the National Anthem during the inauguration.
One person who won’t be at the festivities is Michelle Obama, who also skipped Jimmy Carter’s funeral last week. Former President Barack Obama will be at the inauguration, as will former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton and their wives.
No reason for Michelle Obama’s absence has been released.