October 30, 2023 - Monday

[WORLD] Israel expands ground operations in Gaza as Netanyahu announces 'second stage' of war against Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel has entered the "second stage" of its war with Hamas in Gaza, describing it as a "second War of Independence." Netanyahu stated that the war would be long and difficult, and that he was prepared for it. The conflict has had far-reaching implications, disrupting the US strategy of de-escalation in the region, challenging Arab governments and Iran, and potentially opening the door for increased Chinese and Russian involvement. It has also impacted US plans to establish economic corridors in the Middle East.

No sources available.

[NATION] Thousands gather at a vigil in Lewiston, Maine to mourn the victims of a recent mass shooting, calling for a federal ban on assault rifles.

The editorial board of a newspaper in Maine is calling on Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King to support a federal ban on assault rifles following the mass shooting in Lewiston. The board argues that nothing less than an effective ban on the sale of military-style assault rifles can address the threat of gun violence. Despite a majority of voters supporting a ban, three out of four members of Maine's congressional delegation had previously withheld their support. However, Rep. Jared Golden recently announced that he had reconsidered his position and now supports a ban.

No sources available.

[BUSINESS] The strike at Stellantis has ended with a tentative agreement and job gains, but workers at GM's Lyriq plant have gone on strike.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has reached a tentative agreement with Stellantis to end the six-week strike, which includes job gains through the reopening of a plant in Illinois and the addition of a new battery plant. However, workers at GM's plant producing the all-electric Cadillac Lyriq have gone on strike, expanding the strike against GM. The deal with Stellantis is seen as a victory for the UAW, but GM remains the last Big Three automaker without an agreement with the union.

No sources available.

[TECHNOLOGY] Apple has sent gift boxes to influencers containing AirPods Max and snacks to promote their upcoming Mac event.

Apple has sent out Halloween-themed gift boxes to influencers, including AirPods Max headphones, an Apple cap, and "sweet and spooky" snacks. The boxes are meant to be enjoyed while watching Apple's upcoming "Scary Fast" Mac-focused event. The event is expected to showcase new iMac computers featuring a next-generation silicon chip, M3. This event is an opportunity for Apple to renew interest in the Mac ahead of the holiday season.

No sources available.

[SPORTS] Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte sets MLB record with 18-game postseason hitting streak as Arizona wins Game 2 of World Series.

The Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Texas Rangers 9-1 in Game 2 of the World Series. Ketel Marte set an MLB record by extending his postseason hitting streak to 18 games, driving in two runs in the process. Diamondbacks pitcher Merill Kelly had an impressive performance, pitching seven innings and allowing only one run. The Diamondbacks now have the momentum heading into the next game.

No sources available.

[SCIENCE] SpaceX will attempt to launch 23 Starlink satellites on October 30 after an aborted launch on October 29.

SpaceX is preparing for its second Falcon 9 launch of the day to deploy 23 Starlink internet satellites from Cape Canaveral. The launch was initially scheduled for Sunday, but it was scrubbed just 30 seconds before liftoff due to a problem with the booster's stage separation system. The new launch time is set for Monday evening, with several backup launch opportunities available if further delays arise.

No sources available.

[HEALTH] The latest data reveals that fewer than 5% of all Utahns have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine, which is lagging behind the national average.

According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, as of Friday, just under 4.9% of the population in Utah, equivalent to 157,677 individuals, have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine targeting a recent variant. However, the uptake of the vaccine is expected to slow down until there are more hospitalizations and illnesses from COVID-19. Nationally, 7.1% of adults have received the new vaccine, while among children, the number dropped to 2.1%. The rates are considered "abysmal" by experts, who are calling for increased public education efforts.

No sources available.

[ENTERTAINMENT] Matthew Perry's cause of death has been deferred pending toxicology results, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.

The cause of Matthew Perry's death has been deferred as toxicology results are pending, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner's office. The actor, famous for his portrayal of Chandler Bing on the TV show "Friends," died at the age of 54 from an apparent drowning in a hot tub at his home in Los Angeles. No drugs were found on the scene, and there are no suspicions of foul play.

No sources available.