Actors strike ends, Republican debate, and best new US restaurants.

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US News, Politics, & Government

Ramaswamy, Haley bring the fireworks in third GOP debate

Five Republican presidential candidates participated in the third GOP primary debate in Miami. Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy had a heated exchange over TikTok, with Haley calling Ramaswamy "scum" for mentioning her daughter's use of the app. The debate covered foreign policy, funding for Ukraine, the US-Mexico border, and combating anti-Semitism on college campuses. Ramaswamy called for RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel to resign, citing election losses. Candidates like Tim Scott and Ron DeSantis advocated for consequences for students on visas who support anti-Israel sentiments. The debate also featured a call for President Biden to end his 2024 re-election campaign. (More)

Abortion rights a focal point in 2023 off-year elections

Tuesday's off-year elections proved the recent staying power of abortion rights to bolster Democratic success, even in traditionally Republican states like Ohio and Kentucky. Ohioans voted to add the right to abortion to the state constitution. Kentucky's Democratic Governor Andy Beshear, known for his support of abortion rights, retained his position. And in Virginia, Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin's failure to secure control of the state legislature means he won’t be able to pass his 15-week “limit” on abortions. Abortion rights have won every time they’ve been on the ballot since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. (More)

Suspect arrested in killing of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll

Police have taken a suspect into custody in connection with the killing of Samantha Woll, the president of a Detroit synagogue. Woll was found with multiple stab wounds outside her home in October. While the investigation details are being kept confidential, it is not being treated as an act of extremism, but rather stemming from a domestic dispute. The suspect's identity and potential charges remain undisclosed. Woll's killing has deeply affected the Jewish community in the midst of rising anti-Semitic incidents in the US. (More)

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World

National Zoo's giant pandas start 19-hour journey back to China

The National Zoo's giant pandas are departing for China, marking the end of a 10-year lease agreement. The pandas are being transported with great fanfare, traveling in individual crates on board a special jumbo jet named the FedEx Giant Panda Express. The US's remaining two panda cubs and their parents at Zoo Atlanta are slated to return to China next year — and there's no word yet on when, or if, Chinese pandas will be leased again to the National Zoo. (More)

Russia seeks an 8-year prison term for an artist and musician who protested the war in Ukraine

Russian authorities are seeking an eight-year prison sentence for artist and musician Sasha Skochilenko, who was arrested in St. Petersburg in April 2022 for spreading false information about the war in Ukraine by replacing supermarket price tags with antiwar slogans. Her arrest followed a law that essentially criminalized public antiwar expressions in Russia. Skochilenko has been held in pre-trial detention for almost 19 months. Human rights groups have labeled her a political prisoner, and thousands of Russians have been arrested for antiwar sentiments since the war began in February 2022. (More)

Many Puerto Ricans see historic parallels with Palestinians

Many Puerto Ricans are expressing support for Palestinians and protesting Israeli military actions in Gaza due to their shared struggle against what they see as colonialism. The support highlights the strong sentiments many Puerto Ricans hold regarding their island's status as a US territory. Puerto Ricans point to similarities between their fight for recognition and the Palestinian struggle for nationhood. Despite being US citizens, Puerto Ricans on the island lack certain federal program access, voting representation in Congress, and presidential voting eligibility. Democrats are introducing legislation to allow Puerto Ricans to vote on their status, but its passage is uncertain. (More)

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Business & Economy

Daily stock market update

US stock markets closed mixed on Wednesday (S&P +0.10%, Nasdaq +0.08%, Dow -0.12%) ~ The S&P rose for an eighth consecutive day and extended its longest win streak in two years, while the Dow snapped it best win streak since July. (More)

GM’s Cruise is recalling 950 robotaxis after pedestrian collision

Cruise, General Motors' autonomous vehicle venture, is recalling 950 of its robotaxis following a pedestrian collision in San Francisco. The incident prompted a federal investigation and led California regulators to revoke Cruise's permits to operate driverless vehicles without a human safety driver. The recall was initiated after Cruise found defects in its automated driving system software, specifically related to its "Collision Detection Subsystem." GM said last month that the company has lost roughly $1.9 billion on Cruise between January and September this year. (More)

Walmart to start daily sensory-friendly hours in its stores this week: Here's why

Walmart will introduce "sensory-friendly" hours daily in all its stores nationwide starting November 10th. During these hours (8 a.m. to 10 a.m. local time), Walmart will create a quieter and less stimulating shopping environment for people with sensory disabilities. They'll use static images on TV walls, turn off radios, and dim lights where possible. The company received overwhelmingly positive feedback from a pilot program and aims to promote inclusivity. This initiative reflects a growing trend of sensory-friendly experiences in multiple industries. (More)

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Sports & Entertainment

Hollywood actors strike is over as union reaches tentative deal with studios

Hollywood's actors union, SAG-AFTRA, reached a tentative deal with studios to end its strike. The union's more than 60,000 members went on strike in July, joining screenwriters who had already walked off the job. The new three-year contract agreement must be approved by union members and the board. The strike's impacts, including delayed release dates and show seasons, will be felt for some time. The details of the agreement, which covers issues like compensation and royalties for performances, have not been disclosed but are expected to be made public soon. (More)

Lainey Wilson wins 5 CMA Awards including entertainer of the year, album of the year

Lainey Wilson had a memorable night at the Country Music Association Awards, winning five trophies, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Album of the Year for "Bell Bottom Country." Rapper-turned-singer Jelly Roll opened the show and won Best New Artist. Luke Combs received Single of the Year for his cover of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car." Chapman won Song of the Year for the same song she wrote in 1988. Chris Stapleton won Male Vocalist of the Year, Old Dominion took Vocal Group of the Year, and Brothers Osborne won Duo of the Year. (More)

Angels hire Ron Washington as manager

The Los Angeles Angels have hired Ron Washington as their new manager. Washington, at 71, becomes the oldest manager in baseball and has a career record of 664-611. He previously managed the Texas Rangers, leading them to two World Series appearances. Washington is now one of two Black managers in the game and joins the Angels from the Atlanta Braves, where he served as a third-base coach. The Angels have struggled in recent years and are looking for a fresh start under his leadership. (More)

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Science, Health, & Tech

FDA approves second drug for weight loss

The FDA has approved Eli Lilly's diabetes drug Mounjaro for weight loss. It is the second drug in a new class to be approved for obesity treatment. The drug will be marketed under the name Zepbound and will cost $1,060, approximately 20% less than rival drug Wegovy. Zepbound, which reduces appetite and food intake, resulted in an average 18% reduction in body weight in a clinical trial. Patients with eligible insurance may pay as little as $25 for a one-month prescription. (More)

Amazon beefs up Prime loyalty program with One Medical discount

Amazon is expanding its Prime subscription program by offering discounted One Medical memberships to its members. Prime users can now join One Medical for $9 per month or $99 annually, compared to the standard $199 yearly or $16.59 monthly fee. The service gives users access to care from a network of boutique primary-care practices in some parts of the US. The move follows Amazon's acquisition of One Medical in July 2022. The tech giant is expanding its healthcare offerings to attract and retain Prime subscribers while deepening its presence in the healthcare sector. (More)

How breast implants helped save a man with severe lung damage

To save a patient who needed a double-lung transplant with severe lung infections, doctors at Northwestern Medicine used antibiotics, an artificial lung, and DD-size breast implants. The patient had heavily infected lungs that needed to be removed. To keep him alive during the transplant, the medical team used the breast implants to support his heart in the absence of the infected lungs. The groundbreaking procedure allowed the patient to receive new lungs, and he has since recovered and hopes it will help other critically ill patients in the future. (More)

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