Israel aid package, Venezuela election, and "time pockets."

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US News, Politics, & Government

House GOP unveils $14.3 billion Israel aid package

House Republicans introduced a $14.3 billion aid package for Israel as a show of support amid its conflict with Hamas. However, this bill includes cuts to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) funding to pay for the foreign aid, which may face opposition from Democrats who passed the Inflation Reduction Act, funded in part by the IRS, last year. The legislation also differs from the White House's strategy of linking aid for Israel and Ukraine. While support for Israel remains strong, the cuts and lack of Ukraine funding will likely cause issues with its approval. (More)

Historic hearings begin on whether 14th Amendment disqualifies Trump from running for president

A trial in Colorado is examining whether former President Donald Trump can be barred from running for the White House based on the Constitution's insurrection clause. The case centers on Trump's role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol assault and his alleged incitement of the mob. Witnesses, including an officer who defended the Capitol and a Democratic representative, testified about the attack. Trump's lawyers argue that he never engaged in insurrection and was exercising his free speech rights. (More)

Education Department penalizes Missouri lender for error that made 800,000 student loan borrowers delinquent

The U.S. Department of Education is penalizing student loan servicer Mohela for failing to send timely billing statements to 2.5 million borrowers, causing over 800,000 to become delinquent. As a result, the department is withholding $7.2 million in payments to Mohela for October and placing affected borrowers in forbearance. This marks one of the first times a student loan servicer has been penalized. (More)

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World

Dagestan airport stormed by a mob of rioters looking for plane from Israel

A mob in Dagestan, Russia, stormed an airport, looking for a plane carrying passengers from Tel Aviv. The incident left at least 20 people injured, with some in grave condition. The mob was responding to messages on Telegram about "Jewish refugees" on the incoming plane. Videos showed them carrying Palestinian flags, shouting anti-Semitic phrases, and confronting passengers. Israeli officials called on Russian authorities to protect Israeli citizens, as Dagestan has a strong connection to Israel due to emigration following the Soviet Union's collapse. Russian leaders condemned the riots, blaming "outside interference," and are investigating the events. (More)

Venezuela suspends opposition leader's win despite fair elections promise

Venezuela's top court has suspended the results of the presidential primaries held by the opposition party, possibly violating an agreement between President Nicolás Maduro's government and the opposition. The decision aims to push the opposition out of the 2024 presidential race. María Corina Machado won the opposition's primary election, but Attorney General Tarek William Saab is investigating the organizers on various charges. Experts suggest this move is meant to sow doubt among Venezuelans about the Machado’s credibility. The Maduro administration may intensify its actions if the opposition continues to campaign. (More)

Turkey is celebrating 100 years as a republic.

Turkey celebrated the 100th anniversary of the modern republic's founding. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan watched the festivities from the residence of the last Ottoman sultan. The country has significantly evolved since its foundation, as it has shifted away from the secular, Westernized state envisioned by its founding father, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, to a more conservative, religious nation. Erdogan's leadership has polarized the country, with his vision resonating with some and alienating others. His ability to appeal to Turkey’s religious and conservative population has helped him maintain his long-standing rule, despite deep divisions in the country. (More)

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Business & Economy

Daily stock market update

US stock markets closed higher on Monday (S&P +1.20%, Nasdaq +1.16%, Dow +1.58%) ~ The S&P and the Dow both had their best days since August and June respectively. However, all three averages are still on track to finish the month in the red. (More)

Google is investing $2 billion into Anthropic, a rival to OpenAI

Google is set to invest up to $2 billion in the generative AI startup Anthropic, escalating Big Tech's competition over the AI sector. This investment follows Amazon's $4 billion investment in Anthropic. Google had previously invested hundreds of millions for a 10% stake in the startup. Anthropic's Claude 2 is a rival to OpenAI's ChatGPT and has the ability to summarize long texts, setting it apart from ChatGPT. (More)

CVS and Walgreens pharmacy staff begin 3-day walkout

Employees at Walgreens and CVS are walking out to protest harsh working conditions that may jeopardize customer health. This series of walkouts has been ongoing in several states and is set to continue through Nov. 1, coinciding with the busy cold and flu season. The walkouts have resulted in a few pharmacy closures but have had a minimal impact overall. Unions and advocacy groups have voiced support for the protesters. Issues include a lack of sick leave, severe understaffing, and the inability to take lunch breaks. (More)

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Sports & Entertainment

Ballon d'Or 2023: Messi beats Haaland to win for eighth time

Inter Miami CF Lionel Messi has won a record eighth Ballon d'Or, making him the first MLS-based player to claim the award. The 36-year-old Argentinian star led his country to victory in the 2022 World Cup. Messi expressed gratitude for his career and achievements, noting the special significance of winning the Copa America and World Cup. The Ballon d'Or Féminin was awarded to Barcelona's Aitana Bonmatí. (More)

Cooper Flagg, the nation's top high school player, commits to Duke

The top high school basketball player in the country, Cooper Flagg, has chosen to play for the Duke Blue Devils. Duke's head coach, Jon Scheyer, secured Flagg after a consistent recruiting effort, and the commitment makes Duke's recruiting class the best in the nation. Flagg is considered one of the best high school players in recent years and is known for his defensive prowess and versatility. He's projected to be the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. (More)

Rangers beat Diamondbacks as Corey Seager homer helps overcome injuries

The Texas Rangers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1 in Game 3 of the World Series, taking a 2-1 series lead. Corey Seager hit his fifth postseason home run, and their bullpen, led by Jon Gray, pickup up the slack after starting pitcher Max Scherzer left early with a back injury. The Rangers are unbeaten on the road this postseason (9-0) and look to maintain their streak in Game 4. (More)

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Science, Health, & Tech

China's astronauts grow vegetables in orbit, with an eye on deep space exploration

China's Shenzhou 16 astronauts have been trying to grow vegetables on the Tiangong space station. They've successfully cultivated lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and green onions using specialized equipment. Researchers are also conducting experiments on Earth to compare plant growth in space. This supports China's ambitions for lunar exploration, a moon base by 2030, and future Mars missions. The plants help with carbon dioxide absorption, oxygen generation, and water purification, making them essential for long-term space missions. (More)

Federal coverage of COVID drugs is ending

Starting on Nov. 1, COVID-19 treatments, such as Pfizer's Paxlovid, will shift to the commercial market, resulting in increased costs for patients. These oral antiviral drugs have previously been provided for free by the federal government. Pfizer will price Paxlovid at $1,390 for a five-day course, more than double the federal government's cost. Uninsured individuals and those with Medicare or Medicaid can access Paxlovid at no cost until the end of 2024. Pfizer is also establishing patient-assistance programs, while Merck's pricing for Lagevrio remains unconfirmed. (More)

Extreme heat projected to increase cardiovascular deaths

A study supported by the National Institutes of Health predicts a rise in cardiovascular-related deaths due to extreme heat in the US from 2036 to 2065, particularly impacting adults aged 65 and older and Black adults. Extreme heat currently accounts for less than 1% of cardiovascular-related deaths, but this is expected to change due to a projected increase in days with a heat index of at least 90 degrees. Vulnerable populations, with underlying health conditions or socioeconomic barriers, will be most affected. Researchers recommend taking steps to mitigate the impact of extreme heat, such as planting trees for shade and providing cooling centers. (More)

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Bonus Material

This year’s spooky snaps photo contest winners.

How many friends should you have?

Famous surfboard-snatching sea otter becomes a mom.

How “time pockets” can help with your productivity.