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The wild home-selling blitz is cooling down in the US, but home prices are still ludicrously high. The average home price last month was up 14.9% from a year ago.
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1. Coronavirus
President Joe Biden unveiled tough new sanctions against Moscow yesterday in response to Russian military actions currently unfolding in Ukraine. Calling the events “the beginning of a Russian invasion,” Biden laid out sanctions that would effectively cut off Russia’s financial institutions and oligarchs from Western finance. Biden also announced he is moving additional troops and equipment to “strengthen” US allies in the region. US officials say they’re holding out hope for the possibility of diplomacy to avert an all-out war, but also made it clear Biden is ready to go much further should an invasion of Ukraine escalate. The UK, Japan and Australia also plan to impose sanctions against Russia, and Germany has stopped the progression of the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline – the $11 billion project that would boost deliveries of gas directly from Russia to Germany.
2. Debt ceiling
3. Immigration
4. Policing
5. France
Uganda has proposed steep penalties for anti-vaxxers that include fines and imprisonment as the country doubles down on its coronavirus vaccine mandate. The proposed bill states that those who do not get vaccinated against Covid-19 will be fined 4 million Ugandan shillings (around $1,137) or receive a jail term of six months. A parliamentary health committee said yesterday it is considering the proposed legislation to “ensure mandatory COVID-19 vaccination.” The East African country of around 45 million people has grappled with a series of lockdowns to manage the pandemic amid misinformation and hesitancy toward vaccines. Uganda has recorded more than 163,000 cases of coronavirus and 3,500 deaths, according to the latest government figures.
THIS JUST IN
Nobel Prize for physics awarded
Alain Aspect, John F. Clauser and Anton Zeilinger have won the Nobel Prize for physics for their achievements in quantum mechanics, the organizing committee said today. The trio’s work “has laid the foundation for a new era of quantum technology,” the Royal Swedish Academy Of Sciences said.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
Otter takes surfer’s board
Before you start hunting fir your Christmas tree, keep in mind you’ll probably spend more to spruce up your living room this year. Here’s why prices are rising for the perfect pine.
New ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ trailer
Marvel debuted a longer trailer for the upcoming film… and now we’re one step closer to learning the identity of the new Black Panther.
Kim Kardashian charged by the SEC, agrees to pay $1.3 million fine
The reality TV star was hit with a hefty fine after failing to disclose that she was paid $250,000 to publish a particular Instagram post.
Trader Joe’s finally brings back free samples after pandemic hiatus
I mean, who doesn’t love samples? Freebies are back at the grocery store just in time for you to snack on all the unique seasonal items.
Ed Sheeran announces new tour with math symbols
The singer named his North American tour “+ - = ÷ x” and we have an idea what it means.
This week, primary voters in which state struck down a proposed amendment to the state’s constitution that would have outlawed abortion?
TODAY’S NUMBER
20 quadrillion
That’s how many points the Dow rose on Monday, kicking off the month of October with more treats than tricks for investors. The Dow’s 2.7% increase marks the biggest gain since mid-July. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 also gained 2.3% and 2.6%, respectively. While inflation remains a concern and stocks are still down sharply this year, the rebound was a positive sign for the market at the start of the fourth quarter.
TODAY’S QUOTE
“This was a brazen scheme of staggering proportions.”
– The National Women’s Soccer League, issuing a statement after an independent investigation found systemic abuse and misconduct within women’s professional soccer in the US. The report, led by former acting attorney general Sally Q. Yates and released Monday, was based on more than 200 interviews and reveals the League under the US Soccer Federation failed to provide a safe environment for players. Monday’s report also states there have been multiple allegations or findings of sexual harassment and misconduct by head coaches.
TODAY’S WEATHER
Check your local forecast here>>>
AND FINALLY
Happy Peace Day
Watch these worshippers make the ultimate climb of faith to reach a chapel perched hundreds of feet above a steep cliff. (Click here to view)