Morning! We’re The Neutral, your one stop shop for news without an agenda. Today we’re covering deadly eye drops, an incredible swimming feat, and much more. First time reader? Sign up here!

Health

*Eye drops are killing people. Two more deaths have been reported due to recalled eye drops that are tainted with a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bacteria is antibiotic resistant, making the outbreak troublesome to health experts. EzriCare, the label the eye drops are sold under, are manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare in India. There are now 68 documented cases as a result of the bacteria. The death toll is now up to 3 and 8 have permanently lost their eyesight.

Business & Economy

*Fed raises key rate. Stocks fell as the the Federal Reserve battled on against inflation by raising its key interest rate by a quarter-point on Wednesday. It is the 9th consecutive rate hike since March 2022 and puts the key benchmark fund rate between 4.75 - 5 percent — the highest since 2007.

*Celebs and crypto. The SEC is suing a number of celebrities including Lindsay Lohan, Jake Paul, and Ne-Yo for violating laws against touting cryptocurrencies without disclosing they were being paid. 

Sports

*Part man part fish. Scottish swimmer, Andy Donnelson, just set a new world record by swimming 23 km across the New Zealand’s Cook Strait in 4 hours and 33 minutes. It was the third of seven legs that make up the Oceans Seven Challenge. The rules don’t allow swimmers to wear a wetsuit and the water temperature was 57°F. To make things even more impressive, he swam at night through shark infested waters.

*Paul George out again. Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George will miss 2-3 weeks with a sprained knee. The team doesn’t know if he will be available for the first round of the playoffs. Without George, the Clips won’t be in contention for the championship.

World

*Uganda gay rights bill. Uganda just imposed one of the most strict anti-LGBTQ legisislation in Africa. The country already forbids same sex relations, but now identifying as LGBTQ can be met with serious prison time — it also includes the death penalty in certain cases. The bill passed almost unanimously; only 2 of the 400 representatives voted against it. The bill hasn’t been released publicly yet, but you can read more of what it says here.

*Russia continues assault on Ukraine. Russia didn’t waste any time carrying out another attack on Ukraine after the close of a three day “peace talk” summit between Russian and Chinese leadership. The drone and missile attacks killed multiple students and other civilians.

Extras

*Bear hugs. The New Mexico fish and game department has a job opening — professional bear hugger.

*Spice up your life. Here are 7 classic spice blends you should be incorporating into your cooking more often.

*Sugar and neuroscience. Learn why you’re having troubling kicking your sugar fix.