Week in 5: Oct 20-26, 2024
Israel struck Iranian military sites Saturday, McDonald's faces an E. coli outbreak linked to Quarter Pounders, election centers boost security in preparation for the upcoming elections, and more...
Top 3
💥 Israel Strikes Iran in Retaliation
Early Saturday, Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military sites in response to an October 1 missile attack from Tehran involving 180 missiles aimed at Israel. While Israel avoided nuclear or oil facilities to limit escalation, the strikes targeted missile production and air-defense sites.
The United States was informed but didn’t participate, with U.S. officials emphasizing hopes to prevent further escalation. Iran reported two soldiers killed and said the damage was limited.
This escalation marks a shift from indirect rivalry to direct confrontation between Israel and Iran, raising instability across the Middle East as fighting continues in Gaza. WSJ
⚠️ McDonald's Quarter Pounders Linked to Latest E. coli Outbreak
A recent E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s has affected 75 people across 13 U.S. states, with 22 hospitalizations and one death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified fresh slivered onions used in Quarter Pounders, supplied by Taylor Farms, as a potential contamination source.
As a precaution, McDonald’s temporarily removed Quarter Pounders and fresh onions from select locations. Taylor Farms also issued a voluntary onion recall. The CDC and FDA are still investigating the exact source, and McDonald’s believes food handling is an unlikely cause because their burgers are cooked to kill E. coli. The outbreak led to at least one lawsuit and briefly impacted McDonald’s stock, but the CDC considers the current risk to the public low. CDC
🗳️Election Security Tightened with Boulders, Barricades, and Drone Patrols
Amid heightened threats and political distrust, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, is boosting its election security with physical barricades, bulletproof glass, and de-escalation training. Protective boulders were placed around Luzerne’s Bureau of Elections, reflecting the national climate where safeguarding voting integrity has become a primary focus.
Guided by the Department of Homeland Security, Luzerne joins other U.S. counties fortifying defenses to protect election staff and voters. Officials like County Manager Emily Cook, who has faced personal threats, demonstrate the resilience needed to uphold democracy in divided times. NYT, WSJ
🇺🇸 U.S.
19 million early votes have already been cast in the 2024 U.S. election, setting new records in key swing states. This surge includes more Republicans voting early, a significant shift from previous cycles. Encouraged by former President Trump, the GOP hopes to overcome low early turnout seen in recent years. Both major parties are seeing strong engagement, showing high voter enthusiasm as early ballots continue to roll in nationwide. AP
$4.2 billion was collected by Medicare Advantage insurers in 2023 for diagnoses made during home visits, many of which led to no treatment. These “health risk assessments” allow insurers to claim higher payments for complex conditions, raising concerns over inflated costs. Independent oversight committees now recommend restricting payments from these assessments, but Medicare officials hesitate due to limited data. Insurers like UnitedHealth defend the practice as beneficial, while critics argue it’s a costly, profit-focused use of Medicare funds. WSJ
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg is downsizing operations to stabilize the company, seeking $10 billion in cash through asset sales and job cuts. Potential sell-offs include Boeing’s stake in a rocket venture with Lockheed and the struggling Starliner program. Although a tentative union deal could end a costly strike, Boeing still faces financial strain, customer trust issues, and delayed aircraft production, putting it at risk of deeper financial trouble if these challenges aren’t addressed. WSJ
🌎 World
Indian Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi had a significant meeting, their first formal talk since the 2020 border clash. They agreed to restart talks to resolve border tensions, aiming to restore peace and stability. Both leaders underscored the importance of good relations, not just for their own countries but also for setting a cooperative example for developing nations. BBC
Chinese-linked hackers allegedly targeted phones used by former President Trump and Senator JD Vance, according to U.S. sources, aiming to gather intelligence rather than influence the 2024 campaign. The FBI and CISA responded to secure affected systems and prevent further breaches, highlighting ongoing foreign cyber threats to U.S. infrastructure and elections. BBC
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy claimed that North Korean troops could join the Ukraine battlefield imminently to support Russia. The U.S. then confirmed that around 3,000 North Korean troops are in Russia, actively training at several sites. Officials described this move as a serious concern, potentially strengthening Russia’s position and increasing global tension, particularly among U.S. allies like Japan and South Korea, who fear wider impacts of the conflict. AP
🧪 Tech & Science
Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle company, raised $5.6 billion to expand its driverless taxi services to Austin and Atlanta. Currently operating in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, Waymo’s total funding now reaches $11.1 billion. The investment will enhance Waymo One, its adaptable self-driving system, and support freeway autonomy in select cities. Engadget
The oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) can consume extremely high amounts of alcohol, downing up to 80% ethanol with no side effects. Their tolerance is unmatched by any other known animal. Researchers think extra alcohol-processing genes and a symbiotic yeast in their gut give these hornets a leg up when snacking on super-fermented fruits. NewScientist
The FAA has finalized rules for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, creating standards for pilot training, safety, and certification—marking the first new aircraft category since helicopters. These rules allow companies like Joby and Archer to advance air taxi services and cargo transport while integrating safely into U.S. airspace, paving the way for advanced air mobility. The Verge
📺 Sports & Culture
The World Series began with the Dodgers up 2-0 after a 4-2 Game 2 win over the Yankees, thanks to homers from Freddie Freeman and Teoscar Hernández and a strong start by Yoshinobu Yamamoto. A shoulder injury to Shohei Ohtani cast doubt on his availability, and the Yankees’ late rally fell short as they head home down two games. MLB
Los Angeles DA George Gascón has petitioned to resentence Erik and Lyle Menendez, potentially allowing parole after 30 years in prison. The request, influenced by renewed public interest from recent documentaries and support from advocates like Kim Kardashian, cites new abuse allegations against their father, including a letter from Erik and claims from a former Menudo band member. If approved, a parole board will evaluate their rehabilitation, as evolving views on trauma and abuse have shifted perspectives on their case. USA Today
Oregon’s rise to No. 1 is significant as it’s their first time in 12 years at the top, reflecting a major shift in college football power dynamics. They earned this after a commanding 38-9 win over Illinois, coupled with Texas’s loss to Georgia. Oregon is the fourth team this season to hold the No. 1 spot, highlighting an unusually volatile season with no team dominating for more than a few weeks. ESPN
🏎️ Fast Five
British nurse Lucy Letby, serving multiple life sentences with no chance of release for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others, was denied an appeal for one attempted murder conviction amid an inquiry into hospital oversight failures. AP
Uber is in early discussions to acquire travel company Expedia, a move that would expand its business into travel bookings and potentially create a "super app." CNBC
Amazon's new Kindle lineup, features the first color Kindle, building on innovations since the original 2007 release. Amazon
MTA bus driver, Luis Jimenez, reunited with five-year-old Addy Gonzalez, whom he had rescued while she was wandering alone in Harlem seeking a new fish after her pet had died, leading to an emotional meeting where Jimenez gifted her a new goldfish, which she named after him. Link
Credit: Unsplash.com The 2024 Dog Photography awards were announced. See the winners here: link.
Thank you for reading. Have a great week! 🎃