Happy Saturday! Today’s edition is 1,021 words, a 3 minute read.

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Saturday’s Quick Hits

Dean Phillips officially challenging Biden in 2024 presidential race

Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Min.) has announced his candidacy for the Democratic presidential primary, challenging President Biden. Phillips initially signaled he wouldn't run but has now decided to compete in the primary, calling for a competitive election focused on the future rather than the past. His candidacy comes as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently ended his Democratic primary bid to run as an independent. The move reflects the desire for a more competitive primary election within the Democratic Party. (More)

U S fighter jets strike Iran-linked sites in Syria after attacks on U.S. troops

The US launched airstrikes in eastern Syria targeting locations linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps in retaliation for recent attacks on US bases and personnel in the region. The strikes reflect the US effort to deter further aggression while avoiding escalation and a broader conflict. The precision strikes hit weapons and ammunition storage areas linked to the IRGC. White House officials made it clear that the strikes were in response to attacks on US troops and not Gaza. (More)

Study of 80,000 migraine sufferers uncovers commonalities that may lead to potential treatment

A new international study on the genetics of migraines offers hope for sufferers. Migraines affect millions of people, and the research identified genetic variants associated with different types of migraines. This insight could lead to the development of new drugs for more effective treatment. The study found associations with 44 variants, including a rare variant in the KCNK5 gene that provides significant protection against severe migraines and brain aneurysms, potentially linking these two conditions. (More)

Rep. George Santos pleads not guilty to latest federal charges

Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) has pleaded not guilty to charges in a superseding indictment, which includes 10 charges, such as conspiracy, wire fraud, false statements, and credit card fraud. A trial date has been set for September 9, 2024. A group of freshman House Republicans from New York has pushed for a resolution to expel Santos from the House, requiring a vote within two legislative days. Santos has been facing calls to resign over these charges and allegations of fabricating parts of his resume. (More)

Taylor Swift has reportedly entered her billionaire era with success of Eras Tour

Taylor Swift's net worth has crossed the $1.1 billion mark, according to Bloomberg. The figure is based on the estimated value of her five homes, earnings from music sales, streaming deals, concert tickets, merchandise, and the value of her music catalog. Her music released since 2019 is valued at $400 million, while her income from concert tours and merchandise sales is $370 million. Her earnings from music streams, real estate, and music royalties are estimated at $310 million. The release of "1989 (Taylor's Version)" and the ongoing success of her Eras Tour are expected to boost her wealth further. (More)

Law enforcement official says Maine mass killing suspect has been found dead

The suspect in the Maine mass shooting, Robert Card, has been found dead, likely from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officials were not allowed to discuss details of the investigation publicly. Card was a 40-year-old US Army reservist and had undergone a mental health evaluation in July after displaying concerning behavior during training. He had been sought by authorities since the shootings, which left 18 people dead and 13 injured at two locations. The victims' names, ranging in age from 14 to 76, were read during a press conference with a moment of silence observed. (More)

García's 11th-inning HR caps Rangers' rally to doom D-backs

The Texas Rangers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-5 in the opening game of the World Series Friday night. Adolis Garcia hit a walk-off home run in the 11th inning, setting a new postseason RBI record, and Corey Seager had a clutch home run to send the game into extra innings. (More)

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Weekly Dose of Positive

A dog helped teenager who was having a stroke

In Spring, Texas, a family's border collie, Axel, saved a family member, Gabriel, from a stroke. Axel urgently woke Gabriel's parents and started clawing at his door, leading to timely medical attention. Gabriel recovered with therapy and plans to study engineering. Dogs like Axel can detect health issues in humans, offering valuable support. (More)

World Central Kitchen helps to feed 30K people displaced in Israel-Hamas War

D.C. Chef José Andrés and his organization, World Central Kitchen, are providing food assistance to people impacted by the conflict in the Middle East. They are working with their local partner Anera to distribute thousands of meals daily to Palestinian families who have fled from Gaza City to shelters in Khan Yunis. Their efforts have helped provide 30,000 nourishing meals in 24 hours to those affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict. Chef Andrés expressed pride in the work they are doing and emphasized the importance of building "Longer Tables" during such challenging times. (More)

Foundation helps turn pain into power for women of Congo

Christine Schuler Deschryver, co-founder of City of Joy in the Democratic Republic of Congo, recently spoke about the foundation’s mission to empower Congolese women and transform pain into power. City of Joy is a sanctuary and leadership center in war-torn Congo, serving women aged 18 to 30. Graduates go on to become entrepreneurs, farmers, and educators. Deschryver began her missions to empower women and ending violence after her best fried was murdered in Congo in 1998. (More)

The ancient Sri Lankan 'tank cascades' tackling drought

Ancient tank cascade systems in Sri Lanka are being restored to address the challenges of climate change. These systems, which store and distribute rainwater through interconnected reservoirs, have helped communities cope with prolonged dry periods for nearly two millennia. Climate resilience projects have rehabilitated hundreds of tanks, improving crop yields and allowing for year-round cultivation. (More)

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