October 28, 2023 - Saturday

[WORLD] The Israeli army intensifies air attacks and expands ground operations in Gaza, while Hamas continues to resist Israeli incursions.

Israeli forces are intensifying their air attacks and expanding ground operations in Gaza, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF has targeted missile launch sites, command centers, and control centers operated by Hamas. Internet service in Gaza has been cut off due to Israeli bombardment. The US has shown support for Israel but has raised concerns about the manner of their actions. Meanwhile, Hamas fighters are resisting Israeli incursions on the ground. The situation has prompted growing international calls for a ceasefire.

No sources available.

[NATION] New House speaker Mike Johnson praised '18th-century values' in a 2013 speech, emphasizing their importance for morality and religion.

In a 2013 speech, newly-elected Republican speaker of the US House, Mike Johnson, spoke about the importance of "18th-century values" in relation to morality and religion. Johnson quoted George Washington and John Adams, stating that the republic would not stand if these values were not maintained. Johnson's political record and views, including his support for Donald Trump and opposition to abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, have come under scrutiny. Additionally, Johnson expressed support for a $14.5 billion support bill for Israel, with the condition that the funds would be offset by budget cuts elsewhere.

No sources available.

[BUSINESS] The S&P 500 index closed in correction territory, down 10.3% from its previous high, while the Nasdaq Composite also entered a correction.

The S&P 500 index ended in correction territory, falling 10.3% from its recent high, while the Nasdaq Composite also entered a correction. Historically, it has taken an average of three months for the S&P 500 to recover after a correction, with an average gain of 10.1% a year later. Since 1928, the S&P 500 has risen on average by 9.1% in the year following a correction. Despite the correction, the S&P 500 is still up 7.2% this year, and the Nasdaq Composite has gained 20.8%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 2.2%.

No sources available.

[TECHNOLOGY] Google Maps introduces Immersive View for routes using AI, Street View, and aerial images to provide a detailed preview of journeys.

Google Maps now offers a multidimensional experience to preview bike lanes, sidewalks, intersections, and parking along a route. The Immersive View feature uses AI, Street View, and aerial images to generate 3D images of landmarks and buildings, giving users a better idea of what to expect. Additionally, Google Maps now provides activity suggestions and events based on user searches. The AI-powered features will be available on iOS devices in 12 countries, including the US, Germany, France, and Canada.

No sources available.

[SPORTS] The Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers are set to face off in the 2023 MLB World Series, showcasing young talent and potential upsets.

The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Texas Rangers have surprised many with their recent turnarounds, reaching the World Series after finishing with low win totals in previous seasons. The Diamondbacks added key players at the trade deadline and have performed well against strong teams in October. However, their owner's lack of investment and their regular season record suggest that they may be a year or two too early. The Rangers have supplemented their young core with big signings and have a higher payroll. The article provides odds for both teams to win the World Series and highlights key regular season stats.

No sources available.

[SCIENCE] A partial lunar eclipse will be visible on Saturday, allowing sky-gazers on four continents to see part of Earth's shadow on the moon.

A partial lunar eclipse will occur on Saturday, giving those in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia the opportunity to witness Earth's shadow on the moon. The eclipse will be visible from 3:34 p.m. to 4:52 p.m. ET, with a penumbral eclipse occurring before and after. This event follows an annular solar eclipse that took place two weeks ago. Unfortunately, those who witnessed the solar eclipse will not be able to see the lunar eclipse, as it will occur during the daytime.

No sources available.

[HEALTH] Fall COVID shot uptake in the US is only 7.1% for adults and 2.1% for children, with slow progress since health officials recommended updated vaccines.

The current uptake of fall COVID-19 vaccines in the US is extremely low, with only 7.1% of adults and 2.1% of children receiving the shots. This is far below previous survey data that indicated more than half of American adults planned to get vaccinated. The rollout of the updated shots has faced challenges, including limited supplies and billing issues. Additionally, surveillance and data reporting have been weakened, as testing data is scarce and the CDC's wastewater testing system has faced disruptions. Poor vaccination rates and limited surveillance pose challenges to protecting against another wave of COVID-19 this winter.

No sources available.

[ENTERTAINMENT] Taylor Swift releases "1989 (Taylor's Version)" on its 9th anniversary, marking her fourth re-recorded album and a healing process for the pop star.

Taylor Swift has released "1989 (Taylor's Version)" on the 9th anniversary of its original release. This marks her fourth re-recorded album and is seen as a healing process for the pop superstar. The album, originally released in 2014, was a significant milestone in Swift's career and featured hit singles such as "Shake It Off" and "Blank Space." The re-recorded version is expected to bring back the nostalgic feel of the original album while also giving Swift control over her own master recordings.

No sources available.