Flesh-eating bacteria alert, NFL season kicks off, and a sandcastle beach house.

Happy Thursday! Today’s edition is 1,077 words, a 3 ½ minute read.

First time reader? Sign up here!

🇺🇸 ⚖️ 

US News, Politics, & Government

Tropical Storm Lee expected to become "extremely dangerous" hurricane

Tropical Storm Lee is intensifying in the Atlantic and is expected to develop into an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 hurricane by the weekend. The storm is currently tracking on a path that will take it north of Puerto Rico. Forecasting models have the storm missing the mainland US, but it is still too early to be certain of its path. (More)

Biden cancels oil and gas leases Trump issued in Alaskan Arctic

The Biden administration will reverse a Trump-era decision on oil drilling in Alaska in an effort to protect public land and waters in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. 13 million acres in the Western Arctic will be protected through the move. Additionally, no new oil leases will be allowed in 10.6 million acres of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. (More)

Federal judge rules Trump liable for defamation against E. Jean Carroll

A federal judge ruled that Donald Trump is liable for defamatory remarks he made against E. Jean Carroll when he denied her rape accusations in 2019. The upcoming trial over the case will determine how much in damages Trump will owe Carroll. This trial is separate from the one earlier this year, in which a jury ordered Trump to pay Carroll $5 million for sexual abuse and defamation. And the damages from this new trial will be tacked onto the previous total. (More)

🌍️ 

World

Deadly market attack in Ukraine clouds Blinken visit

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Ukrainian President Zelenskiy on Wednesday, but the meeting was overshadowed by a Russian attack that killed at least 17 people. The strike hit a crowded market in the city of Kostiantynivka, close to the battlefront where Ukraine is staging its counteroffensive. Blinken was expected to announce a $1 billion wartime assistance package for Ukraine. (More)

Terror suspect on the run after escaping London prison

A manhunt is underway for a British soldier accused of terrorism after he escaped from a London prison while dressed as a chef. Daniel Khalife allegedly escaped by clinging to a delivery van. The UK has delayed flights and increased checks at its ports in hopes of catching Khalife. He had been awaiting trial for planting fake bombs at a military base. (More)

Mexico’s Supreme Court decriminalizes abortion nationwide

Mexico’s Supreme Court decriminalized abortion nationwide on Wednesday, ruling that laws preventing the procedure are unconstitutional and violate women’s rights. The decision will require the federal public health service and all federal health institutions to offer abortion to anyone who requests it. (More)

💵 📈 

Business & Economy

Daily stock market update

US stock markets closed lower on Wednesday (S&P -0.70%, Nasdaq -1.06%, Dow -0.57%) ~ The Nasdaq recorded its third straight day of losses, driven down by Nvidia and Apple. (More)

Roku stock jumps after company says it will lay off 10% of workforce

Roku said it will lay off 10% of its workforce, or about 360 people, as the streaming software company looks to cut costs. This is Roku’s third round of layoffs over the past year. Shares of the company closed 3% higher on Wednesday. (More)

The gap between men and women in the workplace is at a record low

There is only a 10.5% gap between women and men in the workforce, the narrowest it’s ever been. 57.7% of women have jobs, while 68.2% of men are employed. However, COVID-era funding for childcare runs out this month, which could put some daycares out of business or force them to raise fees. This could push parents — especially mothers — out of their jobs and back home to look after kids. (More)

🏈 🎬️ 

Sports & Entertainment

The Rolling Stones confirm details of new album Hackney Diamonds

The Rolling Stones are releasing an album of original material for the first time since 2005, and the first since the death of drummer Charlie Watts. Hackney Diamonds will have 12 tracks and be released on Oct. 20. The album’s first single “Angry” is already available. (More)

Chiefs begin NFL title defense against Lions on Thursday

The NFL season officially kicks off tonight at 8:20 pm ET with the Kansas City Chiefs beginning their 2023 Super Bowl defense against the Detroit Lions. The Chiefs are looking to be the first repeat champions in nearly 20 years. They will face a retooled and potent Detroit offense in their opener. (More)

49ers, Nick Bosa reach a $170 extension

The Niners and Nick Bosa have agreed to a 5-year, $170 million extension that will make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The last-minute deal means he will most likely play in the team’s season opener on Sunday. Bosa posted a league-leading 18.5 sacks, 51 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 58 quarterback pressures (third in the NFL) in 2022. (More)

🔬💊 💻️ 

Science, Health, & Tech

Zoom is jumping on the AI chatbot bandwagon

Zoom is forging ahead with its own ChatGPT-style chatbot tool. The AI companion will help users quickly prepare for meetings, consolidate summaries of previous video sessions, and search for specific documents. The tool can also be used to research answers to questions raised in real-time. Zoom wants its companion to be a true virtual assistant and will ship the product in Spring of 2024. (More)

Scientists grow whole model of human embryo, without sperm or egg

Weizmann Institute scientists have grown a model of a human embryo using stem cells. The model even released hormones that turned a pregnancy test positive in the lab. The aim of the research is not to create artificial life but to allow scientists to study stages in human development that are hard to observe as early-stage embryos develop inside the womb. (More)

CDC issues alert on rare "flesh-eating" bacteria in coastal waters

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention alerted doctors to be on the lookout for infections from a rare “flesh eating” bacteria in salty coastal waters that has killed at least 12 people this year. The CDC said extreme weather, like Hurricane Idalia, can make the bacteria more prevalent in inland areas, increasing people’s risk of exposure. (More)

🎁 

Bonus Material

Watch: Tour a stunning sandcastle-shaped beach house.

Seven travel hacks to help you get the best flight deals.

Wendy’s is jumping on the pumpkin spice bandwagon.

Coffee alternatives to help power you through the day.