Thanksgiving travel, "tipflation", and toilet paper air freshener.

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US News, Politics, & Government

Looming government shutdown could upend Thanksgiving travel for millions

A record 55.4 million people are expected to travel for Thanksgiving, with airport security screenings by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) projected to reach around 30 million between Nov. 17 and 28. This surge comes as the looming threat of a government shutdown could impact air traffic controllers and TSA staff, who may work without pay during the holiday travel peak. However, despite the increased travel, this year's air travel performance has been comparable to previous years, excluding the pandemic-related disruptions in 2020 and 2021. Those traveling by car could pay less for gas than during Last year’s Thanksgiving travel period with the national average hovering around $3.46, according to AAA. (More)

Los Angeles braces for a transportation ‘crisis’ as part of Interstate 10 is closed indefinitely after massive blaze

Los Angeles faces traffic chaos following a weekend fire that forced the indefinite closure of Interstate 10, a major traffic artery. The closure will impact over 300,000 daily commuters and was caused by a fire in a storage yard that spread under the freeway, engulfing about 80,000 square feet and destroying several vehicles. Investigation into the blaze's cause is underway, and officials are assessing the damage. No timeline for reopening has been announced. (More)

Supreme Court adopts code of conduct for justices amid ethical scrutiny

The Supreme Court has introduced a formal code of ethics for justices following concerns about undisclosed gifts and benefits. The lack of a code had raised questions about the court's ethical standards and impacted public confidence amid recent controversial rulings. The new code prevents justices from using their office's prestige for private interests and participating in events associated with political parties.. Enforcement and investigation procedures are yet to be clarified. (More)

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World

Dominica creates world’s first marine protected area for sperm whales

The tiny Caribbean Island of Dominica plans to create the world's first marine protected area for sperm whales, covering 300 sq. miles. The move aims to safeguard the endangered species and fight climate change. The reserve will allow sustainable fishing and establish shipping lanes. Scientists laud the initiative, emphasizing the importance of protecting the species in the region where fewer than 500 sperm whales remain. (More)

Rescuers dig to reach 40 workers trapped in collapsed road tunnel in north India

A landslide trapped 40 construction workers in a collapsed road tunnel in northern India. Despite the challenging situation, all workers are safe and have oxygen and water. The workers were part of a project to build the Chardham all-weather road that will connect Hindu pilgrimage sites. Rescue efforts are underway and progress has been made into the tunnel. This incident follows a series of construction-related challenges in the region, including a temple collapse and house cracks earlier in the year. (More)

Israel says Hamas is using Gaza’s biggest hospital for cover. Hundreds of people are trapped inside

In the conflict between Israel and Hamas, Gaza's Shifa Hospital, the largest in the region, faces a crisis. Israel claims Hamas is using the hospital for military purposes, citing an underground command center. However, these claims haven’t been verified. As Israel advances, patients and staff are being urged to evacuate, but Palestinians allege Israeli forces fire at evacuees. To make matters worse, the hospital has run out of fuel, leading to patient deaths. (More)

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Business & Economy

Daily stock market update

US stock markets closed mixed on Monday (S&P -0.08%, Nasdaq -0.22%, Dow +0.16%) ~ Stocks were largely unchanged Monday with traders waiting for Tuesday’s release of key inflation data as the next market catalyst. (More)

Exxon aims to become a top lithium producer for electric vehicles with Arkansas drill operation

Exxon Mobil aims to be a leading lithium producer for electric vehicles by launching a drilling operation in Arkansas on 120,000 acres rich in lithium. The goal is to produce enough battery-grade lithium by 2027 to support the production of 1 million electric vehicles annually by 2030. Currently, the U.S. heavily relies on lithium imports, and Exxon plans to lead domestic production to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles. (More)

Emirates announces $52 billion order for 95 Boeing aircraft

Emirates Airline kicked off the 2023 Dubai Airshow with a $52 billion order for 95 Boeing aircraft. The order includes 55 Boeing 777-9s, 35 777-8s, and an update to 35 Dreamliners. The Middle East's role as a hub for long-haul journeys contributes to the region's significant demand for wide-body jets, making up 30% of the global total for Airbus and Boeing. The first 777-9 is set to join their fleet in 2025. (More)

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Sports & Entertainment

Orioles' Gunnar Henderson named AL Rookie of the Year; Diamondbacks' Corbin Carroll wins in NL

Baltimore Orioles' shortstop Gunnar Henderson and Arizona Diamondbacks' outfielder Corbin Carroll received unanimous Jackie Robinson Rookies of the Year awards. Henderson led the Orioles to a remarkable turnaround, securing the AL honor after hitting .255 with 28 home runs. Carroll, a key player for the Diamondbacks, claimed the NL award with a .285 average, 25 home runs, and 54 stolen bases. (More)

Mississippi State fires head coach Zach Arnett after just 11 games

Mississippi State has fired head coach Zach Arnett after a 4-6 start in his first season. Arnett assumed the head coach role after Mike Leach's sudden death. Athletic Director Zac Selmon blamed the firing on insufficient progress and on-field results, appointing Greg Knox as interim coach. Arnett became the third FBS head coach fired in the last two days with his dismissal coming a day after Texas A&M fired Jimbo Fisher and Boise State let go Andy Avalos. (More)

Novak Djokovic gets his trophy after securing year-end No. 1 ranking for a record-extending 8th time

Novak Djokovic clinched his record-extending eighth year-end No. 1 ranking in tennis, receiving the trophy from ATP president Andrea Gaudenzi on Monday. He officially secured the top spot with a victory over Holger Rune at the ATP Finals over the weekend. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, spoke about the significance of finishing the year as No. 1 at the age of 36. Djokovic won three of the four major titles this year, and finished runner-up at Wimbledon. (More)

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Science, Health, & Tech

Astronauts dropped a tool bag during an ISS spacewalk, and you can see it with binoculars

During a spacewalk outside the International Space Station, NASA astronauts lost a tool bag that is now orbiting Earth ahead of the ISS. It is slightly less bright than the planet Uranus but can be seen with binoculars. To see it for yourself, first find out when you can spot the space station over the next few months (NASA even has a new app to help you). The bag should be floating two to four minutes ahead of the station. However, it is expected to eventually disintegrate at an altitude of around 70 miles. (More)

Pushy checkout screens are helping ‘tipflation’

Tipping culture in America has evolved, influenced by technology, particularly checkout screens. According to a Pew Research Center report, 72% of Americans believe tipping is now expected in more places than five years ago, partly due to digital payment platforms encouraging tips. The ease of pressing buttons for preset tip options has created a phenomenon called "tipflation." Critics argue that these prompts can feel forced, challenging the idea of tipping as a reward for good service. (More)

Wegovy weight-loss drug reduced risk of serious heart problems by 20%, study finds

A study funded by Novo Nordisk, the maker of the weight-loss drug Wegovy, revealed a 20% reduction in serious heart problems among over 17,600 participants with preexisting heart conditions. They were assigned weekly Wegovy injections or a placebo while receiving standard heart medications. Wegovy users saw a 9% weight loss and improvements in heart health markers, with a 20% lower risk of heart-related events. However, serious side effects led to 17% leaving the Wegovy group. (More)

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Bonus Material

Visualizing America’s $1 trillion credit card debt.

Diwali: Photos from India’s festival of lights.

Would you use toilet paper in the fridge as an air freshener?

Can you find the golden eagle hiding among these rocks?