October 20, 2023 - Friday

[WORLD] The United States supports Israel's explanation that a misfire by Islamic Jihad caused the deadly blast at Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza.

The US has supported Israel's claim that a misfire by militant group Islamic Jihad caused the devastating blast at Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza. The US intelligence backs this explanation, although there are accusations from Palestinian officials and Arab leaders that Israel deliberately hit the hospital during its airstrikes. The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza estimates that hundreds have died in the attack. The aftermath of the blast has sparked protests across the region.

No sources available.

[NATION] Democratic Senator Laphonza Butler of California has announced that she will not seek a full term in the upcoming Senate election.

Butler stated that after considering her goals and aspirations, she believes running a campaign is not the best use of her voice. She will continue to serve as a senator for the remainder of her term and be an advocate for California. Butler's decision affects the California Senate race, which is already underway, and leaves the field open for Democratic candidates Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, and Barbara Lee.

No sources available.

[BUSINESS] Fed Chair Powell was briefly escorted out of a room as climate protesters interrupted the start of his speech on the U.S. economy.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell was interrupted by climate protesters at the start of a speech on the U.S. economy. The protesters, believed to be from a group called Climate De Powell says, caused a disturbance that led to Powell being escorted out of the room briefly. Despite the interruption, Powell delivered a speech where he acknowledged signs of cooling inflation but remained committed to the central bank's 2% mandate. He did not indicate a specific policy path and did not suggest a push higher for interest rates.

No sources available.

[TECHNOLOGY] OnePlus has officially launched its first foldable phone, the OnePlus Open, with preorders starting at $1,699 and retail availability on October 26th.

The OnePlus Open is thinner and more affordable compared to other leading foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. It features larger displays, a novel multitasking approach with its Open Canvas software, and a design reminiscent of the iPhone. However, it lacks features such as full water resistance and wireless charging that are included in other foldable options at a slightly higher price point.

No sources available.

[SPORTS] The Jacksonville Jaguars defeat the New Orleans Saints 31-24 with a late touchdown by Christian Kirk.

The Jaguars, led by Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne Jr., secure their fourth consecutive victory by surviving a late scare from the Saints. Lawrence overcame a knee injury and contributed through rushing yards, while Etienne excelled on the ground. The Jaguars' defense initially stifled the Saints, but New Orleans threatened a comeback with a late touchdown. However, the Jaguars quickly responded with a touchdown by Christian Kirk to secure the win. The Saints fall to 3-4 in the crowded NFC South with the defeat.

No sources available.

[SCIENCE] Astronomers have detected a fast radio burst that traveled 8 billion years to reach Earth, releasing an equivalent of our sun's emissions over 30 years.

Astronomers have detected one of the most distant and energetic fast radio bursts (FRBs) ever observed, which took 8 billion years to reach Earth. The burst, named FRB 20220610A, released the equivalent of our sun's energetic emissions over 30 years in less than a millisecond. FRBs are intense bursts of radio waves with unknown origins, and their brief duration makes them difficult to observe. The discovery provides insight into the cosmic events that may cause FRBs.

No sources available.

[HEALTH] A flesh-eating parasite known as Leishmania mexicana is spreading locally through sand flies in the southern U.S., according to the CDC.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has concluded that the flesh-eating parasite Leishmania mexicana, which causes skin sores and long-term scarring, is spreading locally through sand flies native to the southern United States. Previously seen mostly in travelers, Leishmania mexicana is now considered endemic in Texas. Additionally, health officials warn that improved climatic conditions could allow a deadlier strain of the parasite to thrive in the U.S. The spread of sandflies, potentially facilitated by climate change, is increasing the geographical reach of the disease.

No sources available.

[ENTERTAINMENT] Travis and Jason Kelce joke about their father meeting Taylor Swift, while Travis discusses his weekend with Swift on his podcast.

Travis and Jason Kelce playfully talked about their father, Ed Kelce, interacting with Taylor Swift during a football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos. Travis later discussed his eventful weekend with Swift, including their appearance on Saturday Night Live and their friendship with Spice Girls member, Mel B. He also addressed the online discussion about him playing the role of Swift's security guard.

No sources available.