Another year is gradually paving the way for a new year. But, 2024 undoubtedly had events that shocked news audiences – from legends making strides in the sports world, to the octogenarian making history and to the 21-year-old daughter of Jacob Zuma agreeing to be the 16th wife of Eswatini’s king.
Below are a few of the shocking stories that dominated the news in the year 2024.
Bronny James played alongside father after being drafted by Lakers
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Bronny James joined the Los Angeles Lakers and teamed up with his father, LeBron James, this year. The Lakers picked Bronny in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, selecting him 55th overall.
“In the history of the NBA, there’s never been a father and a son that have shared an NBA basketball court and that feels like something that could be magical,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said afterward.
Woman returned to Wales hospital where career started for 80th birthday
A woman celebrated her 80th birthday by revisiting the hospital where she began her nursing career nearly 60 years ago. Agnes Musikavanhu, one of the first overseas nurses to help address staffing shortages in Swansea Bay in 1967, left Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) alone at 22 to train at Morriston Hospital.
Returning decades later, she found the World War Two-era hospital had transformed beyond recognition, according to BBC. She recalled that when asked recently about her 80th birthday plans, she immediately chose a trip to the Welsh hospital where she began her career.
Snoop Dogg on why he owns over 500 bags and the content of each one
Snoop Dogg also spilled the beans on his love for handbags. In an episode of Vogue’s In the Bag series, the 52-year-old rapper revealed what he had been carrying around at the Paris Summer Olympics, where he was serving as a special correspondent for NBC.
Before diving into the contents of his large red and white tote bag, adorned with his stage name and the Olympics logo, Snoop excitedly spoke about his extensive collection of bags.
The “Drop It Like It’s Hot” rapper’s everyday bag essentials include perfume, an Xbox controller, Biscoff cookies, an iPad, and jewelry.
Wesley Snipes smashed two Guinness World Records for his iconic role as Blade in Deadpool & Wolverine
Wesley Snipes was back to slaying vampires and breaking records! Reprising his iconic role as Blade in the hit Deadpool & Wolverine film, the 62-year-old actor set two new Guinness World Records.
Snipes now holds the title for the “longest career as a live-action Marvel character,” surpassing Hugh Jackman. Snipes first appeared as Blade in 1998, edging out Jackman, who debuted as Wolverine in 2000’s X-Men, according to People.
Snipes also set the record for the “longest gap between character appearances in Marvel films.” Returning as Blade after a 20-year hiatus since 2004’s Blade: Trinity, he broke the previous record held by Alfred Molina, who returned as Doc Ock in 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, 17 years after his debut in Spider-Man 2.
Nick Cannon insured his testicles for $10 million after having 12 children
Nick Cannon during the year under review disclosed that he has taken out a $10 million insurance policy on his testicles. He determined the value based on “size, favorite features, and bedroom maneuvers” using Dr. Squatch’s Ball Valuation Tool.
“Haters say it’s time for me to stop having kids and put this super sperm to rest, but I’m doubling down on these valuable balls and my future kids,” Cannon, 43, said of his decision.
Cannon was awarded the title of “Most Valuable Balls” by Dr. Squatch after taking out the new insurance policy on his testicles. The “All That” alum remains open to having more children in the future.
Man said cup of coffee saved him from boarding plane that crashed in Brazil and claimed lives of all on board
A passenger disclosed how a cup of coffee spared him from boarding a doomed Voepass Airlines flight in Brazil that crashed, killing everyone on board. Dramatic footage captured the plane spiraling out of the sky before crashing near a cluster of trees in a populated area.
All 62 people aboard the Voepass Airlines flight—58 passengers and four crew—were reported dead.
Adriano Assis, a man who narrowly missed the flight, revealed that after finishing his hospital shift, he arrived at the check-in counter too late and decided to get a coffee while waiting for updates on flight 2283 from Cascavel to São Paulo. His delay ultimately saved his life.
He missed his return flight to São Paulo after inadvertently giving himself too little time to check-in.
How Angel Reese broke WNBA records in her rookie season with the Sky while the team struggled
Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese had a standout WNBA season, shattering records and dominating the headlines. She set a new league record for historic double-doubles this year.
Despite an 86-68 loss to the Phoenix Mercury on August 18, Reese, 22, made WNBA history, as reported by PEOPLE. By securing her fourth consecutive double-double, Reese became the fastest player in league history to reach 20 double-doubles, in just 27 games.
21-year-old daughter of Zuma became Eswatini king’s 16th wife
It was announced in September that Nomcebo Zuma, the 21-year-old daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, was set to marry King Mswati III of Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy. A spokesman confirmed to the BBC that the engagement, based on love, was made official at the end of the reed dance ceremony, a traditional eight-day rite of passage for young women and girls.
The 56-year-old monarch is currently in a polygamous arrangement with 11 wives and has been married 15 times.
