September 9, 2023 - Saturday

[WORLD] International teams are working to rescue an American researcher trapped in a deep cave in Morca, Turkey.

Mark Dickey, a speleologist, fell ill while exploring the Morca cave and is now trapped over 3,280 feet underground. Multiple international teams are involved in the rescue operation. Dickey has shared a video message expressing his gratitude for the support he has received and the life-saving medical treatment he received. The quick response from the Turkish government has been praised.

No sources available.

[NATION] A federal judge rejects Mark Meadows' attempt to move his Georgia election interference case from state to federal court.

Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows' attempt to move his Georgia criminal case to federal court was denied by a federal judge. The judge determined that the allegations against Meadows were primarily related to political activities rather than his role as chief of staff. This ruling has implications for Trump and his co-defendants in the racketeering case, as they were hoping to invoke federal immunity protections. The judge's decision sets a tone for other defendants attempting to move their cases, signaling potential challenges for them as well.

No sources available.

[BUSINESS] Kroger and Albertsons are selling 400 stores to Piggly Wiggly's parent company to gain antitrust approval for their merger.

Kroger and Albertsons have agreed to sell approximately 400 stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers, the parent company of Piggly Wiggly. The $1.9 billion deal is aimed at obtaining antitrust approval for the merger between Kroger and Albertsons. C&S operates 500 grocery stores under the Piggly Wiggly and Grand Union banners. The agreement includes the acquisition of three smaller grocery store brands and exclusive licensing rights to the Albertsons name in certain regions. The transaction, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in early 2024.

No sources available.

[TECHNOLOGY] The NSO Group's spyware software, Pegasus, has been used in an attack against a Washington DC-based organization, raising concerns about spyware targeting Apple devices.

Researchers at Citizen Lab have discovered an apparent Pegasus hack targeting a Washington DC-based organization. They found a zero-click vulnerability on an employee's phone, prompting Apple to release emergency security patches to fix the flaws being exploited. The vulnerability, known as BLASTPASS, could compromise iPhones running the latest version of iOS without any interaction from the victim. This incident highlights concerns about the proliferation of spyware and the need for frequent security updates to protect against such attacks.

No sources available.

[SPORTS] Week 2 of college football brings highly-anticipated matchups including No. 11 Texas vs. No. 3 Alabama and Miami vs. No. 23 Texas A&M.

Week 2 of the college football season brings exciting matchups, with No. 11 Texas taking on No. 3 Alabama in a highly-anticipated rematch. Other notable games include Miami vs. No. 23 Texas A&M and No. 20 Ole Miss vs. No. 24 Tulane. A viewer's guide highlights key games, including No. 10 Notre Dame at NC State and Nebraska at No. 22 Colorado. Fans can expect thrilling showdowns and potential upsets in this week's college football action.

No sources available.

[SCIENCE] Comet Nishimura, a newly discovered celestial object, will pass by Earth next week, visible with binoculars.

Comet Nishimura, discovered by Japanese photographer Hideo Nishimura, will make its closest approach to Earth on Tuesday, coming within 78 million miles. It will then pass close to the sun on September 17. The comet's orbit suggests it hasn't come close to Earth since around 1590. To view it, binoculars are recommended due to its faintness and proximity to the horizon.

No sources available.

[HEALTH] The flu vaccine has shown strong protection against hospitalization in South America, indicating potential efficacy in the United States.

Early data from South America reveals that the flu vaccine has reduced the risk of hospitalization by 52% this year. The Southern Hemisphere experiences its flu season earlier than the United States, making it a valuable region to assess vaccine effectiveness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believes that this data suggests the flu vaccine will provide similar protection in the United States during the fall and winter. As respiratory illnesses start circulating with the return to school and cooler temperatures, health officials advise getting a flu shot as soon as possible.

No sources available.

[ENTERTAINMENT] Danny Masterson has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison after being convicted of rape, with his victims describing him as a predator.

Actor Danny Masterson, known for his role in "That '70s Show," has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for rape. The three women who accused him provided powerful victim impact statements, describing in graphic detail how he drugged and raped them between 2001 and 2003. Masterson's victims, who were also former members of the Church of Scientology, accused the controversial church of trying to silence them. The church denies these allegations. Masterson's wife, Bijou Phillips, has also been in the spotlight due to his conviction.

No sources available.