Brain microchip trials, West Point affirmative action, and Battle of Midway shipwrecks.

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US News, Politics, & Government

House GOP pulls key vote to advance stopgap government funding bill

The House GOP leadership canceled a vote yesterday that would have advanced a temporary measure to keep the government funded through Oct. 31. The US faces a government shutdown if Congress doesn’t pass a funding action by midnight Sept. 30. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) supports a temporary funding measure but has faced opposition from far-right members of the GOP. (More)

Anti-affirmative action group sues West Point over race-conscious admissions

When the Supreme Court ended affirmative action in schools it left an exception for military academies to continue considering race as a part of the admissions process. Now, the same group that brought the original lawsuit is suing West Point on the basis that military academies should be held to the same admissions standards as regular universities. A decision in the new lawsuit will likely apply to the Naval Academy and Air Force Academy as well. (More)

FTX lawsuit accuses Sam Bankman-Fried's parents of siphoning millions

FTX is suing the parents of Sam Bankman-Fried, alleging they siphoned millions of dollars in funds from the crypto company their son founded. They are accused of accepting a $10-million cash gift and a $16.4-million luxury property in the Bahamas from the company. Bankman and Fried also allegedly pushed FTX to make tens of millions in charitable donations to causes they were involved with, including to Stanford University where they both work. The couple are denying the allegations. (More)

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World

Zelenskyy urges reticent countries to side with Ukraine

During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged countries all over the world to rally behind Kyiv as it defends itself against Russia’s invasion. Without naming names, he directed his plea towards countries in Asia, Africa, and South America that have tried to remain neutral in the war. However, many of these developing countries have critical economic and security agreements with Russia and are unlikely to take action that would isolate Moscow in a meaningful way. (More)

India expels Canadian diplomat, escalating tensions after Trudeau accuses India in Sikh’s killing

After Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau on Monday accused Indian government agents of being involved in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in Vancouver, he expelled an Indian diplomat in charge of intelligence operations in the country. In response, India banished Canada’s top diplomat for allegedly being involved in anti-Indian activities. Tensions between the two countries continue to increase, which is putting their allies in an awkward situation. (More)

Ukraine’s special services ‘likely’ behind strikes on Wagner-backed forces in Sudan

Ukrainian special forces were likely behind a series of drone strikes against a Wagner-backed militia near Sudan’s capital. Their target was the Rapid Support Forces who are currently fighting the Sudanese army for control of the country. Ukraine hasn’t claimed responsibility for the attacks but the video footage revealed hallmarks of Ukrainian-style drone attacks. Ukraine has also previously said it wishes to free African countries from Russia’s grip. Russian mercenary group Wagner has supplied arms to many African countries to further Russia’s agenda on the continent. (More)

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Business & Economy

Daily stock market update

US stock markets closed lower on Tuesday (S&P -0.22%, Nasdaq -0.23%, Dow -0.31%) ~ Stocks fell as traders awaited the results of this week’s Federal Reserve meeting. (More)

Disney plans to nearly double its investment in parks and cruises business

Disney plans to double its investment in its theme parks to nearly $60 billion over the next 10 years. The company is struggling to make its streaming business profitable, so it’s doubling down on its winners: theme parks and experiences. Still, the company’s domestic theme parks have seen a slowdown in attendance, but the segment has been propped up by its international parks. (More)

Amazon adding 250,000 workers for the holidays and bumping average pay

Amazon will hire 250,000 employees in the US to help manage the holiday rush. It is also bumping up the pay for warehouse and delivery workers from $19 an hour to $20.50 an hour on average. The company typically increases its headcount to keep up with the surge in demand heading into Black Friday and Christmas. However, they are bringing in 100,000 more employees than they did last year. (More)

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Sports & Entertainment

Tampa Bay Rays announce new $1.2B stadium in St. Petersburg

The Tampa Bay Rays have reached an agreement with the city of St. Petersburg to build a brand-new stadium that will replace Tropicana Field. The new complex will be built near the site of the old stadium in downtown St. Pete and is expected to be open for the 2028 season. It’s estimated to cost $1.2 billion. (More)

Browns' Nick Chubb done for season with knee injury

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb injured his left knee when he was tackled near the goal line in Monday night’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Chubb, who is one of the best running backs in the NFL, will miss the rest of the season. The injury was so bad that ABC wouldn’t replay the injury during the game. (More)

Vanna White extends ‘Wheel of Fortune' contract as co-host through 2025-26 season

Vanna White is sticking around on Wheel of Fortune for two more years as longtime host Pat Sajak plans to retire next year. White signed an extension to co-host through the 2025-2026 season. She will lead the show along with Ryan Seacrest, who is taking over for Sajak in the fall of 2024. (More)

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Science, Health, & Tech

Neuralink is recruiting subjects for the first human trial of its brain-computer interface

After getting FDA approval for human trials, Neuralink is looking for its first test subjects. The study will test Neuralink technology designed to help people with paralysis control external devices with their thoughts. Three things will be researched simultaneously during the study: the actual brain implant, the surgical robot that implants the device, and the software that connects to the implant and translates brain signals into computer actions. People with quadriplegia due to vertical spinal cord injury or ALS will be considered for the trial. (More)

New "electrical" blue tarantula species found in Thailand

Scientists discovered a new species of tarantula in Thailand known as Chilobrachys nantanicharum. It has blue-purple hair, and the hair on its legs has a unique iridescent quality. Blue coloration on animals is rare in nature, and the shade on the tarantula evolved structurally at least eight times to reach its current color. (More)

Proper treatment for hypertension could avert 76 million deaths globally by 2050

The World Health Organization released a new report that classifies high blood pressure as one of the world’s leading risk factors for death and disability. Hypertension affects 1 in 3 adults worldwide and can cause a number of health problems like strokes and heart attacks. Preventive measures such as eating healthy, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and exercising regularly could prevent 76 million deaths between 2023 and 2050. (More)

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Bonus Material

Gen Z is bringing back librarian-style chains for glasses.

See new photos of shipwrecks from WWII’s Battle of Midway.

Visualizing the life expectancy of pets.

The US Senate now has a casual dress code.