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Terror Plot, Lottery Prices, & Best Costco Snacks

News without the noise

Good Morning! Today’s edition is 783 words, a 3-minute read.

What’s on tap: 

  • Biden says lead pipes must go within 10 years

  • Blood pressure readings could be skewed by arm position

  • Museum employee throws beer can art away

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Big Story

States Sue TikTok

(Mike Blake/Reuters)

A group of 13 state attorney generals are suing TikTok for allegedly harming children.

  • The lawsuit claims TikTok is addictive and unsafe, leading to issues like depression, anxiety, and body image problems. The states accuse TikTok of intentionally making its app addictive to young users and allowing harmful content to spread.

  • The lawsuit also targets TikTok's "Coins" feature, which allows users to buy virtual gifts with real money. TikTok denies the accusations, saying it has tried to protect teens with features like screen time limits and privacy settings for minors.

  • The lawsuit comes at a tough time for TikTok, as it faces pressure from the US government over security concerns. Some lawmakers want to ban the app, claiming China could use it to gather sensitive information.

Big Story

Biden Says Lead Pipes Must Go

A cut lead pipe after being dug from the ground in Memphis in April. (The Washington Post)

The Biden administration is requiring most lead-contaminated water pipes in the US to be replaced within 10 years.

  • Lead can harm children’s brains and nervous systems and cause health problems in adults. The rule aims to protect people, especially in cities like Chicago, Cleveland, and Detroit, which have many lead service lines.

  • The Biden administration estimates that the new rule will help prevent serious health issues, like low birth weight in infants, ADHD in children, and premature deaths from heart disease.

  • Though the rule is seen as a big health win, there are concerns about costs. Some utilities may not cover the entire expense of replacing the pipes, which could leave some residents or landlords to pay part of the cost.

  • President Biden has set aside $17.6 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, but the total cost of the project could reach $60 billion.

Big Story

FBI Stops Terror Plot

(Getty Images)

The FBI arrested Nasir Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan national living in Oklahoma, for planning to kill Americans on Election Day.

  • He is accused of plotting the attack for the terror group ISIS. The FBI found evidence that Tawhedi was trying to buy guns and ammunition for the attack. He even sold his house and moved his family out of the country in preparation.

  • Investigators found messages and social media posts showing Tawhedi’s support for ISIS. He discussed buying AK-47 rifles and ammunition in messages with a co-conspirator, a juvenile who also lives in Oklahoma. FBI sources posed as gun dealers and arranged a fake gun sale, which led to Tawhedi’s arrest after the transaction.

  • Tawhedi admitted to planning the attack and said he expected to die while carrying it out. His online searches included how to access cameras in Washington, D.C., and where to buy guns without strict laws.

Little Stories

  • McDonald’s is beefing with 4 major meat packers. The megachain is suing the four biggest U.S. meat companies—Tyson, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef—claiming they worked together to raise beef prices unfairly. The companies have been hit with price fixing allegations before. (More)

  • A new study suggests that blood pressure readings might be wrong unless a person's arm is positioned correctly. Researchers tested blood pressure with the arm in three positions: resting on a surface, on the lap, and hanging by the side. They found that certain positions could increase the top number in the reading by almost 7 points. (More)

  • Jets owner Woody Johnson fired coach Robert Saleh after a disappointing 2-3 start to the season. He replaced Saleh with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as the interim head coach. Saleh said he was “shocked” by the decision and was escorted out by team security. (More)

  • Starting in April 2025, the price of a Mega Millions ticket will more than double, going from $2 to $5. Other changes include no more breakeven prizes, meaning players will always win more than the ticket price. The game will also have bigger jackpots that grow faster, with better chances of winning the big prize. (More)

  • In an interview on The View, Vice President Kamala Harris said she wouldn’t change anything President Biden has done. She mentioned that she's been involved in most decisions that had an impact and continues to support the administration's direction as she runs for president. (More)

Extra Credit

🍿 50 best Costco snacks, per consumers. 

🎨 Museum’s beer can artwork thrown away by staff member. 

🍕 Pizza Hut will deliver your resume on a box. 

🧩 Can you solve these 60 kid’s riddles?

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