House Speaker saga ends, Hurricane Otis, and Halloween costumes.

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US News, Politics, & Government

Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson elected Speaker of the House

Republicans have elected Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., as the new Speaker of the House, ending a three-week leadership vacancy that halted legislative work. Johnson was elected with a vote of 220-209, receiving support from all Republicans. In his speech, Johnson pledged to vigorously defend core principles and emphasized the importance of addressing issues such as the situation at the US-Mexico border, inflation, and federal spending. Johnson's leadership comes just over three weeks before government funding expires.(More)

New organic rules announced by USDA tighten restrictions on livestock and poultry producers

The US Department of Agriculture has issued new Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards that require stricter compliance for organic labeling. These rules aim to create transparency, ensure consistency in animal welfare practices, and level the playing field for organic producers. Key provisions include year-round outdoor access for organic poultry and livestock, specific living conditions, and humane care during transport and slaughter. Producers have a year to comply, with poultry operations given four additional years for certain requirements. (More)

Venezuelans surpass Mexicans crossing U.S. border

Venezuelans have now become the largest nationality attempting to cross the US-Mexico border without visas, surpassing Mexicans. Factors driving the shift include deteriorating economic and safety conditions, as well as political instability in Venezuela. Nearly 67,000 Venezuelans crossed the border last month without visas, and nearly 59,000 ventured through the dangerous Darién Gap between Colombia and Panama. More than a quarter of a million crossed in fiscal year of 2023, either illegally or at port of entry through an app and Biden’s new parole programs. (More)

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World

Hurricane Otis slams Acapulco, Mexico, as Category 5 storm, weakens inland

Hurricane Otis made landfall near Acapulco, Mexico, as a Category 5 storm with 165 mph winds. It has since weakened to a tropical storm as it moves inland. Forecasters warned of "catastrophic damage" and "life-threatening winds and storm surge." Otis experienced one of the fastest 12-hour intensifications ever recorded, linked to climate change and unusually warm ocean waters. The storm surge and heavy rainfall pose significant risks, and the devastation is expected to include flooding, mudslides, and building damage in the affected area. (More)

Russia simulates nuclear strike after opting out of treaty

Russia conducted a simulated nuclear strike in a military drill overseen by President Vladimir Putin, shortly after the upper house of parliament voted to rescind the country’s ratification of the global Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Russia said the move mirrors the US's stance, as the US signed but did not ratify the treaty. Russia's deputy foreign minister indicated that Moscow would only resume actual nuclear tests if the US did so first. Moscow is open to a dialogue on strategic stability and arms control, contingent on the US revising its policy towards Russia. (More)

UN warns that Gaza relief operations could be sharply cut due to blockade

The UNRWA has warned that Gaza's relief operations are at risk due to Israel's fuel blockade. Immediate fuel shipments are required to provide clean drinking water, keep hospitals running, and continue life-saving aid. Israel has allowed some humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza but is blocking fuel shipments. The UNRWA may have to reduce operations if the issue persists. The conflict began on October 7, causing casualties on both sides, with a death toll of at least 6,546 Palestinians and more than 1,400 Israelis, mostly civilians. (More)

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Business & Economy

Daily stock market update

US stock markets closed lower on Wednesday (S&P -1.43%, Nasdaq -2.43%, Dow -0.32%) ~ The Nasdaq had its worst day since Feb. 21. (More)

GM, Honda scrap plans to co-develop ‘affordable’ sub-$30,000 EVs

General Motors and Honda have canceled their joint plan to develop affordable electric vehicles due to slower-than-expected demand and changing market conditions. The partnership aimed to use GM's Ultium battery technology to create cost-effective EVs priced under $30,000, starting in 2027. However, other collaborations between the companies, including GM building the 2024 Honda Prologue EV, will continue. (More)

70-year-old Georgia woman burned by Dunkin’ coffee settles with franchisee for $3 million

A 70-year-old Georgia woman received a $3 million settlement from a Dunkin' franchisee after suffering severe burns from a coffee spill. The incident occurred at the drive-through when the coffee cup's lid came off, causing second- and third-degree burns on her thighs, groin, and abdomen. She underwent skin grafts and had to re-learn how to walk due to the burns. Similar incidents involving hot coffee have occurred periodically in recent years. (More)

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Sports & Entertainment

Astros manager Dusty Baker has said that he will retire

Houston Astros Manager Dusty Baker has announced his retirement after a 26-year career. The decision comes shortly after the Astros lost to the Texas Rangers in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. Baker helped deflect attention away from the team’s sign-stealing scandal in 2020 and eventually led the Astros to a World Series win in 2022. He will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in three seasons. (More)

Jonathan Majors' trial for assault and harassment charges rescheduled again

Actor Jonathan Majors is facing misdemeanor charges of assault and harassment after an alleged domestic dispute in New York. His trial, which has been rescheduled multiple times, is now set for November 29. Majors' career was on the rise, with roles in "Lovecraft Country" and "Creed III" before being cast as a supervillain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, his legal issues have damaged his reputation, leading to professional setbacks, including being dropped from an Army marketing campaign and his role in upcoming Marvel projects being downplayed. (More)

Overtime announces high school girls basketball league

Overtime, the popular youth sports brand, is launching Overtime Select, a high school girls basketball league. This four-week league will feature eight teams of elite high school talent, with games held at Atlanta's OTE Arena. Top recruits like Aaliyah Chavez, Jazzy Davidson, and Mia and Mya Pauldo have committed. The league aims to provide players with more exposure, business opportunities, and media training, contributing to the growth of women's sports and youth development. (More)

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Science, Health, & Tech

California orders Cruise driverless cars off the roads because of safety concerns

California's DMV has ordered GM’s driverless car company Cruise to immediately stop its operations due to safety concerns. The indefinite suspension follows a recent incident in which a Cruise vehicle struck a pedestrian, causing life-threatening injuries. Driverless cars operated by Cruise and Waymo have faced multiple issues in recent months, including running red lights and obstructing rescue operations. Federal regulators are also investigating Cruise for pedestrian safety concerns. (More)

3-toed dinosaur footprints found on UK beach during flooding checks

Engineers in the UK discovered dinosaur footprints while working to prevent flooding on the Yaverland seafront on the Isle of Wight. The fossilized footprints, dating back approximately 125 million years, are believed to be from a mantellisaurus, a type of dinosaur that walked on its hind legs with three toes on each foot. Multiple dinosaur fossils have been found on The Isle of Wight in recent years and it is considered the richest dinosaur location in Europe. (More)

What is inflammatory breast cancer? Lesser-known signs to look for beyond lumps

Inflammatory breast cancer often exhibits lesser-known symptoms such as retracted nipples, breast puckering, loss of feeling, skin pitting/thickening, and nipple discharge. It only accounts for 1% to 5% of breast cancer cases, but it’s aggressive and fast growing, making it important to know the warning signs. It typically lacks breast lumps, making diagnosis more challenging. This cancer form is more common in younger women, particularly Black women, and those who are overweight or obese. (More)

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