Tim Scott drops out, cheap flights, and sunken treasure.

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US News, Politics, & Government

Speaker Mike Johnson unveils plan to avoid government shutdown

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) plans a two-step approach to avoid a government shutdown. The first stopgap bill would provide funding until Jan. 19, covering appropriations for agriculture, military construction, Veterans Affairs, energy, and water. The second, lasting until Feb. 2, includes other appropriations. The move aims to prevent last-minute, loaded-up spending bills before Christmas. If this approach fails, a full-year stopgap is the backup plan. Israel funding is not expected to be linked to these must-pass measures. The current stopgap bill expires this week. (More)

Northwestern's Prison Education program graduating its first class

Northwestern University is making history as its inaugural class of incarcerated students is set to graduate on November 15, becoming the first to receive bachelor's degrees from a top 10-ranked U.S. university. The Northwestern Prison Education Program currently has four cohorts of 20 students each. Incarcerated people in post-secondary prison education programs are 48% less likely to be re-incarcerated and have 12% higher odds of being employed post-release, according to the Brookings Institute. And for every $1 spent on correctional education, $4 to $5 are saved on re-incarceration costs. (More)

Tim Scott suspends 2024 GOP primary bid

Senator Tim Scott has withdrawn from the 2024 GOP presidential primary. He made the announcement on Fox News, citing feedback from voters who indicated that it wasn't the right time for his candidacy. Scott, known for his positive campaign emphasizing his background as a Black Republican senator raised by a single mother, launched his bid in May 2022. Despite some early momentum in polls, he struggled to stand out in debates and faced challenges in fundraising, with a high cash burn rate. (More)

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World

Iceland declares state of emergency over escalating earthquakes and volcano eruption fears

Iceland declared a state of emergency as intense seismic activity raised concerns of a volcanic eruption in the south-west of the country. The Icelandic Meteorological Office has warned of a potential eruption within days and Grindavik, a town of 4,000, is being evacuated. Two earthquakes, with the strongest at magnitude 5.2, shook the capital city of Reykjavik on Friday and over 24,000 tremors have been recorded since October. Iceland's 33 active volcanic systems are the highest number in Europe. (More)

Netanyahu says he opposes Palestinian Authority's return to post-war Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is against Palestinian Authority (PA) regaining control of Gaza after the war, contrary to the stance of the Biden administration, Europe, and the Arab world. Netanyahu cited concerns about Gaza's civilian authority teaching anti-Israel sentiment and supporting terrorists. Israel aims to “free the hostages and destroy Hamas” but hasn't outlined post-war governance. They also plan to occupy Gaza for “some time” after the war but don’t wish to control it long-term. Arab ministers informed the US they won't take responsibility for Gaza without PA involvement after the war. (More)

Vatican removes conservative Texas bishop who was critical of Pope Francis

The Vatican removed conservative Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, who publicly opposed and criticized Pope Francis' reforms. Strickland refused to resign when asked on Thursday. Pope Francis subsequently removed him and appointed the bishop of Austin to oversee the diocese temporarily. Strickland had criticized Pope Francis' efforts to make Catholicism more inclusive, particularly in regards to the LGBTQ community and divorced Catholics. (More)

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Business & Economy

Daily stock market update

US stock markets closed higher on Friday (S&P +1.56%, Nasdaq +2.05%, Dow +1.15%) ~ Stocks rallied Friday, recovering the ground lost in the previous session, as Treasury yields stabilized. Friday’s surge was also enough to lift the three major averages for a second consecutive week of gains. (More)

Moody’s lowers U.S. credit outlook, though keeps triple-A rating

Moody's Investors Service has shifted its outlook on U.S. government debt from "stable" to "negative," citing concerns about rising interest rates and political polarization in Congress. While Moody's maintained the triple-A credit rating, the change in outlook raises the risk of a potential downgrade. The Biden administration disagreed with Moody's decision, emphasizing the strength of the American economy and Treasury securities. The federal government faces challenges, including a rising budget deficit and potential government shutdown, contributing to the negative outlook. (More)

$29 flights are back as airlines race to fill seats in the off-season

Airlines are scrambling to fill a record 260 million seats this quarter and have began heavy discounting for off-peak periods. Southwest Airlines and other carriers have offered remarkably low fares, such as $29 one-way tickets, to attract travelers during less busy times. The industry's increased capacity has led to the surplus of seats, and airlines are adjusting their strategies to balance demand during the off-season. Despite concerns about falling fares and increased competition, carriers are optimistic about strong holiday demand. And they anticipate stabilizing prices in 2024 amid rising costs. (More)

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Sports & Entertainment

NJ/NY Gotham beats OL Reign to win first NWSL title

Gotham FC defeated the OL Reign 2-1 in the National Women’s Soccer League Championship. Playing in her final game, Olympic star Megan Rapinoe left the field in the first few minutes with an apparent torn Achilles tendon. Gotham's Esther González scored the go-ahead goal, leading to their first NWSL title. Despite a red card which disqualified Gotham goalie Mandy Haught, Gotham managed to hold onto the lead. (More)

76ers' Oubre struck by car, expected to miss significant time

Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. has been discharged from a Philadelphia hospital after being hit by a car on Saturday night. Oubre is in stable condition with undisclosed injuries and will miss a significant amount of the season. The incident occurred while Oubre was walking in downtown Philadelphia and an investigation is underway. Oubre is averaging 16.3 points and shooting 50% this season. (More)

‘The Marvels’ has the worst opening weekend ever for any MCU film at $47 million

"The Marvels," the latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, made approximately $47 million in its opening weekend, making it the franchise's lowest debut ever. Initial expectations of $75-80 million dwindled to $60-65 million before the premiere. While critics gave it a lukewarm reception with a 62%, the audience response was more favorable at 85%. The film's performance could indicate that audiences are getting bored with Disney’s constant stream of Marvel content. (More)

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Science, Health, & Tech

Endangered egg-laying mammal seen for the first time in over 60 years

An expedition through Indonesia's Cyclops Mountains rediscovered the critically endangered Attenborough's long-beaked echidna, which hadn’t been seen in over 60 years. The 25-person team used 30 camera traps to to find it and finally did so on the final day of the project. The species’ numbers have suffered due to illegal hunting in the region. Echidnas are currently unprotected, and the team hopes that its research will help raise awareness and funds for conservation. (More)

Most everyone can lower blood pressure by reducing salt, even those on BP drugs

A study from major university hospitals revealed that reducing sodium intake can significantly lower blood pressure, even for those on blood pressure medications. Participants in their 50s to 70s reduced sodium intake by one teaspoon daily, resulting in a systolic blood pressure decline of about 6 mm Hg—comparable to certain blood pressure medications. Overall, 72% of participants showed a rapid and well-tolerated decrease within one week. (More)

World’s oldest pyramid found not in Egypt or Americas, but in Indonesia

Scientists propose that Gunung Padang in Indonesia's West Java Province, previously considered a natural hill, is actually an ancient man-made pyramid complex. Dating back approximately 25,000 years, the pyramid consists of layers sculpted by humans, with a central pyramidal structure atop a natural lava hill. The researchers hope their work inspires further geo-archaeological studies and precise dating of other ancient structures globally. (More)

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Bonus Material

A blue diamond sold for more than $44 million at auction.

Watch: Race to recover $20B in sunken treasure.

Snake wranglers catch a nearly 200-pound Burmese python in Florida. 

How to cut most common vegetables like a pro.