Yellen Hits Back on Tariffs

🤳18th October 2024 | Israel Confirms Death of Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar, US Strikes Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen, Meta Fires Employees Over Meal Credit Misuse, Tony Bennett Retires as Virginia Coach, Teen Tobacco Use Reaches 25-Year Low, Biden Cancels $4.5B in Student Loans for 60,000 Borrowers, and more!

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BUSINESS & ECONOMY

🌍 Yellen Cautions Against Tariffs Isolating U.S.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that sweeping tariffs could harm American families and businesses by raising costs and reducing competitiveness. Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations, Yellen criticized calls for isolating the US with tariffs on both allies and rivals. Yellen stated “Calls for walling America off... are deeply misguided.”

🛍️ Retail Sales Jump 0.4% in September, Jobless Claims Fall

Retail sales climbed 0.4% in September, exceeding the expected 0.3%, with gains in clothing and miscellaneous stores offsetting declines at gas stations and electronics stores. Despite recent hurricanes, jobless claims dropped by 19,000 to 241,000, showing labor market stability. The Commerce Department stated, “The data highlights continued economic strength.”

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WORLD

✈️ US Strikes Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen with B-2 Bombers

Source - Reuters

The U.S. conducted airstrikes on Houthi weapons storage sites in Yemen using B-2 bombers on Wednesday following an order from President Biden to limit the group's ability to attack vessels in the Red Sea. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated, "This operation showcased the U.S. ability to target heavily fortified sites anytime, anywhere." 

⚠️ Zelensky: North Korean Troops Could Spark World War in Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Thursday that the potential deployment of 10,000 North Korean troops alongside Russia could turn the conflict into a "world war." In meetings with EU leaders and NATO defense ministers, Zelensky discussed his "victory plan" for Ukraine, including NATO membership and long-range missile use. He stated, "This plan depends only on the will of our partners."

🚨 Israel Confirms Death of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas Leader, in Major Setback for Militant Group

Source - Getty Images

Israel announced on Wednesday that Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' top leader in Gaza, was killed in a military operation. Prime Minister Netanyahu described his death as a significant blow, stating it marked "the beginning of the day after Hamas." Sinwar, responsible for the October 7 massacre, was targeted by Israeli forces. Netanyahu stated, "Hamas will no longer rule Gaza." 

SCIENCE & TECH

🔊 FCC Mandates Compatibility for Hearing Aids and Phones

The FCC approved new regulations on Thursday requiring all mobile phones to be compatible with hearing aids, ensuring users with hearing loss can access any handset without restrictions. The rules also ban proprietary Bluetooth standards in hearing aids, including over-the-counter devices. The FCC worked with phone makers and advocates on this stating, "These rules ensure accessible technology for all." 

🖥️ OpenAI Tests ChatGPT App for Windows

OpenAI is testing a ChatGPT app for Windows, currently available only to paid subscribers like ChatGPT Plus and Enterprise. The app, accessible via Microsoft Store, allows users to interact with the AI-powered chatbot in a dedicated window, upload files, and use new features like OpenAI’s o1 model preview. It will be rolled out to all users later this year.

🍽️ Meta Dismisses Employees Over $25 Meal Credit Misuse 

Meta terminated approximately 24 employees from its Los Angeles office after an internal review found they misused $25 meal credits intended for office meals. Employees used the credits to purchase items like laundry detergent, wine glasses, and acne treatment pads and ordered meals for home delivery. Meta spokesperson Tracy Clayton said, "We work hard to find other opportunities for impacted employees."

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

🏈 Payton's Broncos Crush Saints in New Orleans Return

Source - Nfl

Sean Payton's Denver Broncos dominated the New Orleans Saints 33-10 in his return to the Caesars Superdome on Thursday. Javonte Williams led the Broncos' 225 rushing yards with two touchdowns, while Denver’s defense sacked Saints rookie QB Spencer Rattler six times and returned a fumble for a touchdown. Payton noted, "We handled the mental part well."

🏀 Tony Bennett Retires Before Basketball Season

Source - Espn

Tony Bennett, head coach of Virginia’s men’s basketball team, announced his retirement just ahead of his 16th season. Known for leading the Cavaliers to a national championship in 2019 and winning multiple ACC titles, Bennett, 55, steps down after reflecting on the changing landscape of college athletics. Ron Sanchez is expected to take over. Bennett shared, "You have to be true to yourself."

🎭 Mitzi Gaynor, Iconic Movie Musical Star, Dies at 93

Source - Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

Mitzi Gaynor, famed for her role in the 1958 film South Pacific, passed away at 93 on Thursday in Los Angeles. A versatile performer, she starred in Hollywood musicals, won an Emmy for her television specials, and headlined Las Vegas shows for over a decade. Her manager, Rene Reyes, stated, "She was a true star in every sense of the word."

OTHER NEWS

🚭 Teen Tobacco Use Hits 25-Year Low

Teen tobacco use in the U.S. dropped to 8%, down from 10%, the lowest in 25 years. E-cigarette use fell to under 6%, and high school smoking dropped to 1.7% from 30% in 1999. Public health efforts, price hikes, age restrictions, and stricter enforcement drove the decline. Deirdre Lawrence Kittner stated, “Our mission is far from complete.”

🤡 Trump Mocks Harris at Al Smith Dinner as She Campaigns in Wisconsin, Dismisses IVF Claims

Former President Donald Trump targeted Vice President Kamala Harris during the Al Smith charity dinner on October 17, 2024, in New York City. He mispronounced her name and remarked, “We have someone in the White House who can barely talk... who seems to have the mental faculties of a child.” In response, Harris, campaigning in Wisconsin, criticized his “father of IVF” claim, saying, “It just gets more unbelievable sometimes.”

🛑 Texas Judge Halts Execution in Shaken Baby Case

Source - Innocence Project / Ilana Panich-Linsman

A Texas judge blocked Robert Roberson’s execution, convicted for the 2003 death of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, in a shaken baby syndrome case. The ruling, made 90 minutes before execution, cites concerns about outdated science. Supporters argue Nikki may have died from pneumonia. Investigator Brian Wharton stated, "This case will forever be a burden on my heart."

🎓 Biden Cancels $4.5B in Student Loans for 60,000 Borrowers

The Biden administration announced Thursday it will forgive $4.5 billion in student loans for more than 60,000 borrowers under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The move addresses past program flaws, which led to high rejection rates. President Biden stated, “Public service workers… are the bedrocks of our communities, but the government failed to live up to its commitments.” 

THIS DAY THAT YEAR

Source - Britannica

On October 18th, 1867, after facing significant opposition, a deal negotiated by U.S. Secretary of State William Seward for the purchase of Alaska from Russia was finally approved. On this historic day, the U.S. flag was raised over the capital, Sitka, marking the official transfer of the Russian colony to American ownership.

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