Louisiana flips, raw milk infection, and iconic desserts.

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U.S. News, Politics, & Government

Republicans flip Louisiana governor’s mansion

Republican Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry is set to win the governor's race, ending Democrats' rule since 2016. Landry won over 50% of the vote, avoiding a runoff. This is expected to give momentum to the GOP's conservative side, as they gear up for elections in Kentucky and Mississippi. His main rival, Democrat Shawn Wilson, aimed to become the first Black statewide official since Reconstruction but struggled with low Democratic turnout, partly due to limited party support in mobilizing voters. (More)

Democrats considering empowering temporary House Speaker Patrick McHenry

To keep the legislative process moving, some moderate Democrats are considering allowing Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry to pass important laws for a brief period in exchange for assurances on funding and aid for Ukraine and Israel. However, the scenario faces potential snags on issues like border security. A group of Republican moderates has also been pushing to empower McHenry, but McHenry himself has said that he’s simply meant to oversee the election of a new speaker and wouldn’t be comfortable in the role. (More)

The Biden Administration Is Pumping Billions Into Clean Hydrogen

The Biden administration plans to invest up to $7 billion in creating hydrogen hubs across the U.S. These hubs aim to produce cleaner hydrogen for use as an energy source in various sectors and reduce carbon emissions. The project will attract more than $40 billion in private investments, generate thousands of jobs, and eliminate 25 million metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. Hydrogen emits only water when burned as fuel. But the production of hydrogen requires a lot of energy, meaning the government will have to invest in ways to produce it “cleanly” to make it a viable green energy source. (More)

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World

Israel resumes water supply to southern Gaza after U.S. pressure

On Sunday, Israel resumed the water supply to the southern Gaza Strip after strong pressure from the Biden administration. Israel stopped supplying water on the second day of the war and demanded the release of Hamas'-held hostages as a condition to restart it. The Biden administration pushed for the water supply's resumption, particularly for the southern part of Gaza, where Palestinians were asked to relocate to avoid harm from an expected Israeli ground offensive. The humanitarian situation in southern Gaza is already dire with water supplies quickly running out. (More)

Kenya's 'fake lawyer' thanks his supporters

A man in Kenya, accused of posing as a lawyer under the name "Brian Mwenda" and winning numerous lawsuits without legal qualifications, claims he is innocent and is receiving support. The case has caused a stir in Kenya, with some praising him as a "brilliant young mind" who succeeded without traditional qualifications. However, legal authorities have called for his arrest, and opened an investigation into the matter, citing a growing trend of unqualified people posing as lawyers in the country. (More)

Egypt is reluctant to open the last remaining exit for Gazans

Following the recent brutal Hamas attack, Israel closed its border crossings to Gaza, blocking supplies of fuel, electricity, and water. The Rafah crossing with Egypt is the only remaining outlet, but it has been mostly closed, and humanitarian supplies are piling up on the Egyptian side. Egypt claims the crossing is open, but Israeli airstrikes damaged the roads of the Gaza side. The U.S. is involved in discussions to ensure safe passage for Americans and civilians from Gaza. But Egypt has concerns about hosting hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees as it already hosts millions of migrants. (More)

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Business & Economy

Daily stock market update

U.S. stock markets closed mixed on Friday (S&P -0.50%, Nasdaq -1.23%, Dow +0.12%) ~ Stocks fell to close out last week, pressured by a jump in oil pricing and rising inflation expectations. (More)

Short sellers will have to report more data under new U.S. SEC rules

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved new rules for transparency in short selling. These rules require investors to report short positions to the SEC and companies lending shares to report to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Short selling, where investors bet that the price of a stock will fall, has a total market value of $927 billion. Critics say it harms companies, while short sellers argue they uncover corporate misconduct. (More)

Candy makers gear up for Halloween

Halloween has become a three-month season for candy makers, with retailers expecting consumers to spend $3.6 billion on Halloween candy this year. Unlike Hershey, Mars is privately held and doesn't disclose its financial results, but it had nearly $45 billion in annual revenue in 2021. Mars starts planning for Halloween two years in advance, making sure retailers have enough of its popular candies on hand as shoppers often wait until the last week of October to make their candy purchases. (More)

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Sports & Entertainment

Underdog Browns find 'a way to win' vs. undefeated 49ers

The Cleveland Browns, led by backup quarterback PJ Walker, defeated the previously unbeaten San Francisco 49ers 19-17. It was their first double-digit comeback win in more than five years and largest upset win since 2010. The 49ers were No. 1 in ESPN’s Power Rankings coming into the game. (More)

Michael Caine Announces Retirement From Acting

Sir Michael Caine is retiring from acting after the release of his latest, and now final, film The Great Escaper. Caine enjoyed being a lead actor in his last role and wants to go out on top, admitting that the only parts he is likely to get now are old men. The 90-year-old says he will now focus on writing — his debut thriller Deadly Game, is set to be released in November. (More)

New York Liberty defeat Las Vegas Aces, force Game 4

The New York Liberty played terribly in the first two games of the WNBA Finals, losing by a combined 45 points. Facing elimination, the team rose to the occasion in game 3, defeating the Las Vegas Aces 87-73 while keeping their championship run alive. Game 4 of the best of 5 series is Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET. (More)

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Science, Health, & Tech

Newly identified stem cells can lure breast cancer to the spine

Researchers have found a type of stem cell that attracts breast cancer to the spine, possibly explaining why breast cancer commonly spreads there. These newly identified stem cells make a substance called MFGE8, acting like a magnet for cancer cells. Stopping MFGE8 might help stop or treat spine metastasis. The research helps solve a long-standing cancer puzzle and gives us new ways to study and manage cancer spreading to the spine. (More)

FDA plans to propose ban on hair-straightening chemical products linked to health risks

The FDA is planning to ban hair-straightening products with harmful chemicals due to cancer risks. These products have raised health concerns, especially among Black and Latina women. Critics argue these products prioritize profit over safety and some have sued companies like L'Oréal over health issues. The ban is a step forward for public health, particularly for minority women disproportionately affected. (More)

Raw milk outbreak sickens 14 in Utah

At least 14 people in Utah have fallen ill due to a severe gastrointestinal infection after drinking "raw" unpasteurized milk. Utah has lenient laws allowing the sale of unpasteurized milk and has had multiple outbreaks linked to raw milk in recent years. Campylobacter bacteria caused the latest outbreak, with symptoms including diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. The health department advised heating raw milk to 165°F for 15 seconds before drinking to reduce risks associated with its consumption. (More)

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Bonus Material

Which countries receive the most foreign aid from the U.S.?

The most iconic desserts from every decade.

Alaska Airlines has created a coffee that it says tastes better in the sky.

Doggy paddler of the bay: Missing dog from Maine found on an island in Canada.