September 28, 2023 - Thursday

[WORLD] US stocks experience decline as concerns over rising COVID-19 cases and potential economic impact persist.

US stocks faced a decline amid growing concerns of the potential economic impact of rising COVID-19 cases. Investors grow wary as several states experience a surge in new infections, which may lead to increased restrictions and hinder economic recovery. Furthermore, uncertainty surrounding fiscal stimulus negotiations adds to the cautious sentiment in the market. As a result, major stock indexes like the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average recorded losses.

No sources available.

[NATION] Donald Trump's rivals used the second Republican presidential debate to attack him while he skipped the event to go to Michigan.

In the second Republican presidential debate, Donald Trump's rivals criticized him while he campaigned in Michigan. The debate had a different tone without Trump's usual attacks, and instead focused on a game format. The moderators did not ask about Trump's ongoing legal issues. Only seven candidates participated in the debate, as former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson did not qualify. Many of the candidates lack the momentum and support to challenge Trump's lead in the polls.

No sources available.

[BUSINESS] Goldman Sachs predicts a 90% chance of a US government shutdown, which could last for two to three weeks.

Goldman Sachs' chief economist believes there is little chance that lawmakers will reach an agreement to prevent a government shutdown by the end of September. The shutdown is expected to last two to three weeks, as political pressure from missed pay dates and disruptions to essential operations may force Congress to compromise on a funding bill. This potential shutdown raises the risk of a recession, putting stress on the US economy.

No sources available.

[TECHNOLOGY] Meta Quest 3, the new VR headset by Meta, offers improved performance, mixed-reality features, and a sleek design starting at $500.

Meta unveiled the Meta Quest 3 VR headset at its virtual Meta Connect event. Priced at $500, the Quest 3 is a redesigned version with better performance and mixed-reality capabilities. It features a stronger processor, higher-resolution display, and a sleeker design. While it offers advantages over the previous Quest 2 model, the decision to upgrade will depend on individual needs and preferences. As a gaming console, the Quest 3 is impressive, but it faces competition from other VR devices like the PlayStation VR 2.

No sources available.

[SPORTS] The Portland Trail Blazers should trade Jrue Holiday after the Damian Lillard blockbuster deal for youth and draft picks.

The Portland Trail Blazers made a massive three-way trade involving Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, and other players and picks. However, it is recommended that the Blazers trade Jrue Holiday to a contender in order to start a rebuild and maximize the return for Lillard. Holiday's value on the trade market is high due to his contract and defensive skills. The Blazers' initial trade for Holiday was seen as a more realistic path than trading Lillard directly for youth and draft picks.

No sources available.

[SCIENCE] Physicists at CERN have observed antimatter particles falling downwards due to gravity for the first time, ruling out the possibility of gravity repelling antimatter upwards.

CERN scientists have conducted an experiment in which they observed antimatter particles falling downwards due to gravity, confirming Einstein's theory of gravity. The finding eliminates the possibility of gravity repelling antimatter upwards, a result that would have challenged our understanding of the universe. The observation of antimatter falling down is a significant milestone and contributes to the ongoing quest to understand why antimatter is virtually absent in the universe.

No sources available.

[HEALTH] This year's COVID vaccine rollout is experiencing issues with limited supply, distribution problems, and insurance coverage.

The rollout of COVID-19 boosters is facing challenges as some stores don't have enough doses and insurance coverage is complicated. The demand for the shots is high, with around half of US adults and two-thirds of seniors planning to get vaccinated. The manufacturers have sufficient doses available, but the problem lies with distribution, as the vaccines are now being commercialized and pharmacies have to buy them from suppliers. Insurance coverage is also causing issues. As a result, the vaccine rollout has been more chaotic than anticipated.

No sources available.

[ENTERTAINMENT] 'Love Story' singer Taylor Swift made headlines when she attended a Kansas City Chiefs game to support NFL star Travis Kelce.

NFL star Travis Kelce spoke about pop superstar Taylor Swift's appearance at the Kansas City Chiefs game Sunday in a new podcast episode with his brother Wednesday morning, calling it "a game to remember." The "Love Story" singer made headlines and fueled dating rumors when she was seen supporting Kelce at the game against the Chicago Bears, sitting with his mother, Donna Kelce. This has caused Swift's fans, known as "Swifties," to invade NFL Twitter.

No sources available.