September 24, 2023 - Sunday

[WORLD] The United States is urging India to cooperate with Canada's investigation into the killing of a Sikh leader amid escalating tensions between the two countries.

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, stated that it is crucial for the investigation into the slaying of Hardeep Singh Nijjar to proceed unimpeded. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Indian agents were linked to the killing, which India dismissed as "absurd." The diplomatic spat has strained relations between Canada and India, leading to the expulsion of diplomats and the suspension of visa services. The US, being a close partner to both countries, is in an awkward position as it seeks to maintain its relationships with both.

No sources available.

[NATION] Rep. Andy Kim announces run against NJ Sen. Bob Menendez following Menendez's indictment and refusal to step down.

New Jersey Democratic Rep. Andy Kim has announced his candidacy to run against Sen. Bob Menendez in response to the senator's indictment and refusal to resign. Kim, who has been representing New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District since 2019, cited the need for better representation and integrity in the Senate. Kim's decision comes after Menendez faced a federal indictment that alleges bribery and corruption. The indictment includes detailed allegations of envelopes of cash, luxury gifts, and other forms of corruption. Kim's announcement reflects a growing chorus of Democrats calling for Menendez's resignation.

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[BUSINESS] The Federal Reserve leaves interest rates unchanged, signaling a potential rate increase later this year.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has decided to keep interest rates unchanged at 5.25%-5.5%, as expected by the market. The Fed's projection for the fed funds rate at the end of 2023 remains steady, indicating a potential rate increase in one of the remaining meetings this year. FOMC members have revised their projected rate cuts for 2024, showing a more hawkish stance. Meanwhile, Fed Chair Powell emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the economy during the news conference. Following the announcement, the stock market experienced a sharp decline, but some experts believe that the market's reaction may be exaggerated.

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[TECHNOLOGY] The global debut of the iPhone 15 saw long lines and consumer hype, as Apple aims to reverse its declining sales.

Apple's iPhone 15 lineup launched worldwide with strong pre-order demand for the premium iPhone 15 Pro models. This comes as Apple reported declining sales for the third consecutive quarter. Major carriers are offering significant discounts on iPhone 15 and Android phones, while low-cost carriers offer service discounts. However, the best deals depend on individual needs and the offerings from carriers. Despite the sales slump, the launch of iPhone 15 was met with consumer hype and long queues at stores globally.

No sources available.

[SPORTS] Week 4 of the college football season features several top 25 matchups and bold predictions for the weekend games.

The fourth week of college football brings an exciting slate of games with matchups between ranked opponents. The Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences are prominently featured, with six games between ranked teams. The SEC and ACC also have their share of notable matchups. It is a critical week for teams to prove themselves as they enter conference play. The USA TODAY Sports college football staff offer their bold predictions for the weekend, including Alabama's quarterback situation and the Big Ten's matchups.

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[SCIENCE] NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is set to return to Earth this weekend, after a seven-year journey to bring back samples from an asteroid.

NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will complete its mission this weekend, landing in Utah on Sunday and bringing back unspoiled rock specimens from an asteroid. This round-trip journey of 4.4 billion miles has the potential to provide insights into the formation of life. The spacecraft will then transport the asteroid sample capsule to a NASA facility in Houston for further analysis. The OSIRIS-REx mission, which began in 2011, aims to bring asteroid material back to Earth for detailed research.

No sources available.

[HEALTH] CDC recommends new RSV vaccine for pregnant women to protect infants from severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.

The US CDC has recommended a new vaccine to protect babies from severe RSV infection. The vaccine, named Abrysto, is given to expectant mothers in their late pregnancy to provide protection to newborns. This recommendation comes as a result of nearly unanimous voting by CDC advisors. RSV is a significant cause for infant hospitalizations and can be life-threatening. The CDC encourages parents to discuss vaccination options with their doctors.

No sources available.

[ENTERTAINMENT] The Writers Guild of America is reviewing the studios' "best and final offer" in hopes of ending the five-month-long writers strike.

The latest negotiations between the WGA and the studios have made progress in resolving issues related to artificial intelligence, writing room staffing levels, and residual compensation for streaming projects. CEOs from major studios participated remotely in the meetings, and lawyers are now working on finalizing the language for a three-year deal. A potential agreement is close, but it would still need to be ratified by WGA members.

No sources available.