Gaza evacuations, Rangers win World Series, and a ghost deer.

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US News, Politics, & Government

Deep split erupts between Democrats on Israel-Hamas war

There is a growing divide among Democrats in the United States regarding their stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the US has historically maintained a strong alliance with Israel, some Democrats, particularly younger generations, have expressed more sympathy toward Palestinians, influenced by factors like the Israeli leadership's right-leaning politics and a generational shift. The divide has intensified during recent events in the conflict, with some progressive groups criticizing Israel, while others, like the Democratic Majority for Israel, believe that the far-left needs better education on the issue. (More)

Donald Trump Jr. testifies in N.Y. civil fraud trial

Donald Trump Jr. testified in the New York civil fraud trial related to his family's business, becoming the first Trump family member to do so in the $250 million lawsuit. During his testimony, he claimed he wasn't involved in preparing financial statements central to the case. The lawsuit, filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James, alleges fraud in inflating Trump's wealth. Trump himself has criticized the lawsuit and judge, while Trump's other children and the former president are expected to testify in the coming weeks. (More)

Largest Christian university in US fined record amount

Grand Canyon University, the largest Christian university in the US, faces a $37.7 million fine from the Department of Education for allegedly misleading over 7,500 students about the cost of its doctoral programs. The department estimates that 98% of students paid more than advertised prices. The alleged deception dates back to 2017, with the school telling students that programs cost between $40,000 and $49,000, while data showed 78% paid $10,000 to $12,000 more. The university denied the allegations, and the department ordered GCU to fix the misrepresentation. (More)

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World

Hundreds of foreign nationals and critically injured people leave Gaza

Foreign nationals and critically injured people were allowed to leave the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing into Egypt for the first time since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began. The Hamas-controlled Gaza border crossing authority published a list of nearly 500 foreign passport holders and injured people approved to exit the territory. Many foreign nationals not on the list hoped to leave but were turned away at the border. The conflict, which started on October 7, has caused thousands of casualties, and Israel's borders with Gaza remain closed. (More)

Xi says women should "create a new trend of family" in China

Chinese leader Xi Jinping urged women in the country to “create a new trend of family” in response to a declining birth rate and an aging population. Xi emphasized the importance of women's roles in maintaining family and societal harmony, as well as national development. The call coincides with concerns about China's demographic crisis, with leaders encouraging women to prioritize traditional family roles over career and education. The Chinese Communist Party had previously championed women's equality but has faced criticism for gender disparities and recent crackdowns on feminist movements. (More)

Malaysia issues ‘kill switch’ order to cut controversial concerts

Concert organizers in Malaysia are now required to have a "kill switch" to halt performances that violate official guidelines. The measure was introduced following a controversial performance by the band The 1975 in which the lead singer criticized Malaysia's homophobic laws and kissed a male bandmate. The incident led to the festival's cancellation where the band was performing. The government's decision is aimed at ensuring foreign artists adhere to local cultural norms during performances. Some fear the actions may keep foreign artists from visiting Malaysia and exacerbate issues for the LGBTQ+ community. (More)

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Business & Economy

Daily stock market update

US stock markets closed higher on Wednesday (S&P +1.05%, Nasdaq +1.64%, Dow +0.67%) ~ Stocks rallied, rebounding from a terrible past three months, after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged for a second consecutive time. (More)

Fed holds off on rate hike for second straight meeting

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged over two consecutive meetings for the first time in nearly two years. Since March 2022, the Fed had raised rates from near-zero to 5.25-5.5% to combat high inflation caused by the pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Despite the pause, inflation remains above the 2% target, and the labor market is strong. Fed Chair Jerome Powell hasn't ruled out future rate hikes. Higher interest rates are impacting homebuyers, car owners, and credit card users, making borrowing more expensive. Relief from high rates isn't expected soon. (More)

Taco Bell is gaining ground as people look to save on food

Taco Bell is thriving in the US, even though the economy is tightening. The fast food chain is experiencing growth across all income levels, attracting customers with its value deals and affordable menu items. Sales at Taco Bell's US stores have surged 8% in the third quarter, year over year and they have maintained a 24% profit margin. Certain other fast food chains like Wingstop are also benefiting from customers seeking chapter options, while McDonald's faces mixed results due to pricing pressures. (More)

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Sports & Entertainment

Rangers take out D-backs for franchise's 1st World Series title

The Texas Rangers clinched their first-ever franchise championship by defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-0 in Game 5 of the World Series. The Rangers overcame injuries and adversity throughout the season, and their remarkable postseason run included an 11th consecutive road victory. Their championship marked a remarkable turnaround after losing 102 games in 2021 and making significant roster changes. (More)

Team USA men, women qualify in 3x3 basketball for Paris Olympics

Team USA has secured a spot in the Olympic men's 3x3 basketball event for the first time and will join the women's team as they defend their gold medal in Paris next summer. The US men, ranked No. 2 in FIBA's world rankings, were able to avoid qualifying thanks to their ranking. The American women, also ranked No. 2, will be joined by No. 1 China and No. 3 France. USA Basketball is the first federation to qualify both men's and women's 3x3 and 5x5 teams for the Paris Olympics. (More)

Tennis stars are speaking out amid poor playing conditions at the WTA finals

The top female tennis players are calling out poor playing conditions, lack of athlete protections, and the absence of guaranteed salaries in women's tennis. At least 20 top WTA players, including world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, sent a letter to the WTA requesting a more flexible calendar, recognition of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), and salary tiers. Despite the request for a response by October 13, there has been no reply. The issues coincide with ongoing problems at the WTA Finals in Cancun, including poor playing conditions and last-minute planning. (More)

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Science, Health, & Tech

The American Cancer Society says more people should get screened for lung cancer

The American Cancer Society has updated its lung cancer screening recommendations, expanding the age range to 50-80, instead of 55-74. Former smokers who quit up to 40 years ago may now be eligible for screening. Screening is recommended for current smokers and heavy former smokers (equivalent to at least a pack a day for 20 years). An estimated 5 million more Americans may be eligible for screening under the new guidelines. (More)

How sunflowers see the sun

Sunflowers have long been known for turning their faces to follow the sun, a behavior known as heliotropism. However, a recent study by plant biologists at the University of California, Davis, reveals a surprising twist in the way sunflowers "see" the sun. Unlike most plants, which grow towards light sources, sunflowers employ a unique approach. They shift their heads by growing more on the east side of the stem during the day and on the west side at night, causing their heads to track the sun's movement. (More)

What happens when we pass out? Researchers identify new brain and heart connections

Researchers from the University of California San Diego found a genetic pathway connecting the heart and brain when people faint. They thought about the heart as a sensory organ and found that it sends signals back to the brain, changing how it works. Previously it was believed that the heart just followed directions from the brain. They did experiments in mice and learned that when they triggered specific heart-related neurons, the mice would faint, just like people. They hope to use their research as a model to develop targeted treatments for fainting-associated conditions. (More)

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Bonus Material

The best selling vehicle in every state.

See Forbes’ list of the world’s top companies for women.

Rare albino “ghost” deer spotted in Tennessee.

How to re-soften stale cookies.