Ohio bus crash, inflation cools, and a Senate fist fight.

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US News, Politics, & Government

U.S. Army sets aside the convictions of Black soldiers from 1917 Houston Riots

The U.S. Army has overturned the convictions of 110 Black soldiers previously convicted for participating in the 1917 Houston Riots. The soldiers, from the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, were Buffalo Soldiers guarding the Camp Logan construction site. The soldiers faced racism and violence, leading to their wrongful convictions and secret executions. Their executions led to the establishment of due process during trial for service members. Congressman Al Green said there is more work to do in correcting historical injustices, and “this circumstance will inspire us to correct some others.” (More)

3 dead, 15 hospitalized when bus carrying students and truck crash on Ohio highway, officials say

A fatal crash in Ohio involved a charter bus from Tuscarawas Valley Local School District, carrying students to a conference. A semi-truck rear-ended the bus, resulting in three deaths and 15 injuries. Five vehicles were involved in the crash. Emergency responders treated then transported the injured to seven nearby hospitals. Authorities have opened an investigation, but the cause of the crash remains unknown. (More)

House votes to prevent a government shutdown as GOP Speaker Johnson relies on Democrats for help

The House passed a stopgap bill, avoiding a government shutdown with a two-step continuing resolution. The measure extends funding until Jan. 19 for some agencies and Feb. 2 for others, including the authorization of programs in the Farm Bill until Sept. 30, 2024. With support from Democrats and opposition from some Republicans, it heads to the Senate. Speaker Mike Johnson achieved an early legislative win but faces challenges with remaining appropriations bills and contentious issues like Israel and Ukraine funding. (More)

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World

Illegal border crossings into the US drop in October after a 3-month streak of increases

Illegal border crossings from Mexico decreased by 14% in October, marking the end of a three-month trend of significant increases, according to U.S. authorities. The resumption of deportation flights to Venezuela on October 18 contributed to the decline, as arrests of Venezuelans dropped 45% to 29,637. Overall, arrests for illegal crossings totaled 188,778 in October, down from 218,763 in September. (More)

Internal documents show the World Health Organization paid sexual abuse victims in Congo $250 each

The World Health Organization (WHO) has paid $250 each to 104 women in Congo who reported sexual abuse by staffers during the Ebola outbreak response. The payments, which amount to less than a single day’s expenses for some U.N. officials, didn’t come freely to the women. Before payments, they were required to complete training courses intended to help them start “income-generating activities.” However, many victims have received nothing. The $26,000 payout makes up 1% of the $2 million, WHO-created "survivor assistance fund" for sexual misconduct victims. (More)

Kirby: U.S. intelligence shows Hamas using hospitals for military activities

The U.S. has unspecified intelligence suggesting that Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups are using the largest hospital in the Gaza Strip, Al-Shifa Hospital, and other medical facilities for military activities and holding hostages. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said that there is evidence of a command center in Al-Shifa, but the Biden administration emphasizes not wanting to harm the facility or civilians seeking shelter there. Al-Shifa hospital has become a focal point in the Israel-Hamas conflict, facing deteriorating conditions amid fighting and supply shortages. (More)

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Business & Economy

Daily stock market update

US stock markets closed higher on Tuesday (S&P +1.91%, Nasdaq +2.37%, Dow +1.43%) ~ Stocks surged Tuesday, building on their strong November gains, as Wall Street celebrated new U.S. inflation data that raised hopes of the Federal Reserve ending its rate-hiking campaign. (More)

Media jobs slashed amid soft ad market

Media companies are cutting jobs due to ad market volatility, as short-term capital options decline. Recurrent Ventures, Bloomberg Industry Group, Vice Media Group, G/O Media, CNBC Digital, Condé Nast, and the Washington Post have implemented layoffs and cut jobs. Over 20,000 media industry jobs were lost in 2023, reflecting a sixfold increase from 2022. Despite Big Tech's ad market recovery, premium publishers like BuzzFeed and major media networks face challenges, with declines expected to persist into 2024. Analysts attribute the slowdown to efficient alternatives like TikTok, Meta, and Google. (More)

U.S. consumer inflation eased in October, driven lower by cheaper gas, cars and airfares

U.S. inflation slowed last month, indicating the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes are curbing consumer price spikes. October saw stable overall inflation, down from September's 0.4% increase. Consumer prices rose 3.2% YoY, the smallest since June, and core prices increased 4%, the lowest in two years. Gas prices fell 5%, grocery store prices rose 0.3%, and housing costs increased more gradually. Analysts suggest October's mild figures reduce the likelihood of another rate hike. (More)

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Sports & Entertainment

The NBA’s Giants of Tomorrow Are Here

Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, both 7-foot-tall basketball phenoms, debuted in the NBA this season, showcasing a blend of size, speed, and skills that could redefine the game. The rookies are revolutionize the center position and challenging traditional norms. In the early season, Wembanyama and Holmgren have made immediate impacts with their guard-like skills. They will face challenges such as injuries and adapting opponents, but their potential to reshape the NBA landscape is undeniable. (More)

André 3000 announces debut solo album, featuring no lyrics: 'I don't want to troll people'

Andre 3000 is set to release his first solo album, "New Blue Sun," featuring only flute performances and no lyrics. He collaborated with artists in Venice Beach for the project and the opening track addresses fans' potential surprise at the flute focus. Despite his hip-hop roots, Andre 3000 embraces change and unpredictability, expressing love for rap but acknowledging the current direction of his creative journey. (More)

Man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in Adam Johnson's death

A man was arrested in England on suspicion of manslaughter in the death of former NHL player Adam Johnson. Johnson died from a fatal neck injury after a collision during a Champions Cup hockey game. The incident involved Matt Petgrave's skate blade cutting Johnson's neck. The arrest follows a thorough investigation by South Yorkshire Police. Johnson's death has led to a reevaluation of player safety in hockey leagues worldwide, with discussions about making neck protection devices mandatory. (More)

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Science, Health, & Tech

YouTube is going to start cracking down on AI clones of musicians

YouTube has introduced new policies requiring content creators to disclose the use of generative AI in creating realistic scenes or altering real people's speech. Users can request the removal of content simulating identifiable individuals, but YouTube may not honor requests if the content is satire or parody. The platform will create a stricter distinct process for music industry partners dealing with content mimicking artists' voices. Failure to comply may result in content removal or penalties. The changes will go into effect next year. (More)

Gene-editing treatment cuts cholesterol in small study

Verve Therapeutics led a study demonstrating that gene-editing can reduce high cholesterol, offering a potential solution to combat heart disease. The study showed promising results for patients with a genetic disorder causing high cholesterol. However, the trial included only 10 patients, with three receiving a high enough dose for a substantial cholesterol drop. Further testing on a larger scale and over a more extended period is required for confirmation. (More)

Amazon strikes deal with Snap to let users buy its products from ads on Snapchat

Amazon has partnered with Snap to enable users to purchase its products directly from ads on the Snapchat app. The ads will feature real-time pricing, delivery estimates, product details, and Prime eligibility. Customers can link their Snapchat account to their Amazon account, allowing them to complete purchases within the Snapchat app without leaving. This partnership enhances Amazon's competition with TikTok, which recently launched TikTok Shop, and follows similar collaborations with Meta and Pinterest to expand its reach among younger audiences. (More)

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Bonus Material

How to choose the right cooking oil (or butter).

The top 10 countries to visit, according to someone who’s been to all 193.

Charted: The cost of insulin by country.

An Oklahoma Senator challenged a Teamsters boss to a physical fight during a Senate hearing.