October 11, 2023 - Wednesday

[WORLD] President Biden condemns Hamas attacks, confirms US citizens are among hostages, and expresses support for Israel's forceful reprisal.

President Biden delivered a passionate speech denouncing the terror committed by Hamas and expressing solidarity with Israel. He confirmed that Americans are among the hostages held by Hamas and emphasized the need for a strong response from Israel. Biden warned other regional governments against exploiting the situation and called on them to stay out of the conflict. While the president did not mention Iran's role in the attacks, he assured Israel of US support.

No sources available.

[NATION] GOP Rep. Carlos Gimenez plans to vote for Kevin McCarthy as House speaker despite pitches from Scalise and Jordan.

Gimenez, a steadfast McCarthy ally, stated that he will support McCarthy and not vote for either formally-declared candidate for speaker. He believes McCarthy's ouster was a travesty and will continue to vote for him until McCarthy withdraws from the race. Gimenez left the closed-door House GOP forum early and compared the situation to watching a movie he's already seen. He intends to attend the Wednesday vote and stand behind McCarthy.

No sources available.

[BUSINESS] Former CEO of Alameda Research, Caroline Ellison, testifies that Sam Bankman-Fried directed her to steal billions from FTX customers, corroborating earlier testimony.

Caroline Ellison, the former CEO of Alameda Research, testified in court that she conspired with Sam Bankman-Fried to steal billions from customers of the crypto exchange FTX. Ellison revealed that Bankman-Fried "directed me" to commit the crimes and disclosed that she sent false information to Alameda's lenders to improve its balance. She also stated that she took similar risks as other key lieutenants but received smaller rewards. Ellison's testimony strengthens the case against Bankman-Fried, who is on trial for fraud and embezzlement.

No sources available.

[TECHNOLOGY] Google is making passkeys the default option for unlocking Google accounts and devices, replacing the need for passwords.

Google is aiming to eliminate passwords by introducing passkeys as the default sign-in tool for Google accounts. Passkeys can be created using fingerprint, face scan, or PIN number and provide increased security and convenience. By using passkeys, users do not have to remember complex passwords and phishing attempts are more difficult for hackers as they would need physical access to the device. Google plans to make passwords obsolete in the future.

No sources available.

[SPORTS] The Texas Rangers complete a sweep of the Baltimore Orioles to reach the ALCS for the first time since 2011.

The Texas Rangers dominated the Baltimore Orioles in a three-game sweep in the American League Division Series, winning 7-1 in Game 3. Corey Seager and Mitch Garver played key roles in the Rangers' victory, with Seager hitting a solo home run and Garver contributing a two-run double. The Rangers' starting pitcher, Nathan Eovaldi, was dominant once again, allowing just one run in seven innings. The win marks the Rangers' first home postseason win since 2011 and sets them up for a series against the winner of the Houston Astros vs. Minnesota Twins ALDS.

No sources available.

[SCIENCE] A rare "ring of fire" solar eclipse will be visible in parts of the United States and the Americas on October 14, 2023.

A rare annular solar eclipse, also known as a 'ring of fire,' will occur on Saturday, October 14, 2023. The eclipse will be visible across parts of the United States and the Americas, with a path stretching from Oregon to Brazil. The eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, creating a ring-like shape as it blocks out all but the sun's outer rim. It will be a prelude to a total solar eclipse that will occur in the future.

No sources available.

[HEALTH] The number of global stroke deaths is projected to increase by 50% by 2050, reaching 9.7 million per year.

A new report predicts that stroke-related deaths will rise 50% by 2050 if no action is taken to reduce stroke prevalence and risk factors. Stroke is currently the second leading cause of death worldwide, with 6.6 million deaths in 2020. The report estimates that by 2050, stroke will cause 9.7 million deaths per year. The majority of these deaths will occur in low- and middle-income countries. The economic cost of stroke is also forecasted to increase significantly, reaching up to $2.3 trillion per year. The report calls for urgent action to prevent and treat stroke.

No sources available.

[ENTERTAINMENT] Taylor Swift's concert film, 'The Eras Tour', is set for a record-breaking opening, projected to earn $150-200 million globally.

Taylor Swift's concert film, 'The Eras Tour,' is set to have a groundbreaking opening at the box office, potentially earning $150-200 million globally. The film, which is a compilation of several Swift shows, has already generated over $100 million in advanced ticket sales worldwide. This projection would rival or even exceed the biggest box office openings of the year. The release of the concert film has created excitement among fans and theaters are urging concertgoers to take part in the experience by taking out their phones, dancing, and singing.

No sources available.