QUICKREADS

JD Vance refuses to indulge in ‘pearl-clutching’ over leaked Young Republicans chat
Vice President JD Vance downplayed the severity of offensive text messages leaked from a Young Republicans group, comparing them to college chats. The messages, published by Politico, included racial slurs and violent rhetoric, with one member suggesting torture methods. The Young Republican National Federation condemned the comments and urged resignations from those involved.

Indian techie buys house and BMW for parents in Texas, takes them on tour around US: ‘They made countless sacrifices’
Indian techie Amit Kashyap shared his parents' joyful first trip to the US, where he gifted them a house and a luxury BMW X7. They were thrilled to explore NYC from the 104th floor of One World Trade Centre, reflecting on their sacrifices for his education. Kashyap expressed pride in making their dreams come true.

Travis Kelce responds to claim his Chiefs stats improved after Taylor Swift released Wood
In a recent New Heights Podcast episode, Jason Kelce humorously shared stats about brother Travis Kelce's performance before and after Taylor Swift's song "Wood" release. Travis acknowledged the coincidence of his improved play and dismissed any direct connection to Swift's attendance. The track, part of Swift's album "The Life of a Showgirl," is seen as a tribute to their relationship.

Trump says he won't wear bathing suit to beach, compares his ‘larger’ frame to ‘thin’ Biden
During a meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei, Donald Trump humorously remarked about his physique, joking that his body wouldn't be "appreciated on the beach." The light-hearted banter shifted to serious diplomacy as Trump offered $20 billion in aid to Argentina, conditional on Milei's coalition winning the upcoming elections. This unusual linkage of aid to electoral success drew attention.

FDA expands ground cinnamon recall over lead contamination risk, issues ‘serious health’ warning
The FDA has expanded its recall of ground cinnamon products due to unsafe lead levels, urging consumers to check their spice racks. The recall includes various brands, with concerns particularly for infants and young children. Ongoing testing continues, and the FDA emphasizes that there is no safe level of lead exposure. A full list of affected products is available on their website.

Suspect charged with kidnapping in Kada Scott case: Here’s everything you need to know
Philadelphia police have arrested 21-year-old Keon King, charged with kidnapping in the case of 23-year-old Kada Scott, missing since October 4. King was the last person in contact with Scott after she left work. Authorities are searching for a gold Toyota Camry linked to the case. The FBI is assisting in the ongoing investigation.

Louisiana v Callais: What's the controversy behind Voting Rights Act? Supreme Court hears redistricting case
The US Supreme Court is hearing the Louisiana vs Callais case, which could impact the Voting Rights Act and future elections. A ruling against Section Two may eliminate protections against racial discrimination in voting, potentially benefiting Republicans by altering minority voting districts. The decision will significantly influence the upcoming midterm elections and voter representation.

New York confirms first locally acquired chikungunya case since 2019: Symptoms explained
The New York State Department of Health confirmed the first locally acquired case of chikungunya in Nassau County, Long Island, marking the first such case in New York and the U.S. since 2019. Health officials believe the infection was transmitted by a mosquito bite. Symptoms include fever and joint pain, but the risk remains low due to cooler temperatures.

Trump's $100K fee forces Fred Hutch, UW Medicine to pause H1-B visa requests
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and the University of Washington have paused new H1-B visa applications due to a $100,000 fee imposed by President Trump. This move affects their ability to hire foreign medical professionals, critical for the U.S. healthcare system, where immigrants make up significant portions of the workforce. Extensions on the hold are expected as they explore alternatives.

Man helps deliver baby on Mumbai train platform, internet calls him ‘Real hero’
A man in Mumbai delivered a baby on a railway platform with guidance from a doctor over a video call after the woman was turned away from a hospital. Eyewitnesses praised his bravery, noting the urgency as he pulled the emergency chain to stop the train. The incident has garnered widespread admiration online for his heroic actions.

Britney Spears shares emotional message about ‘finding a new family’ after Kevin Federline memoir
Britney Spears shared a cryptic Instagram post following Kevin Federline's concerning comments about her well-being, which surfaced alongside excerpts from his memoir. His claims, including allegations of troubling behavior, have been dismissed by Spears' representatives as attempts to profit from her name. Fans speculate her post hints at her feelings towards Federline and their family dynamic.

At 92, Australian doctor becomes father to baby boy with 37-year-old wife
Dr. John Levin, a 93-year-old Australian doctor, became a father again with his 37-year-old wife, Dr. Yanying Lu, welcoming son Gabby in February 2024. This is Levin's third child, conceived via IVF. The couple, who married in 2014, decided to have children during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and Levin expresses hope to witness significant milestones in Gabby's life.

Mark Consuelos, Kelly Ripa detail how daughter's home visit brought ‘bad luck’
Lola Consuelos visited her parents, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, in New York after moving to London. During her stay, Mark joked that her presence brought "bad luck" to his favorite team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lola playfully mocked the comment, and after she and Kelly left, Mark noted the game improved. Lola, 24, is a pop R&B artist.

‘I just like to watch her talk’: Donald Trump under fire for 'sexist' remark to female journalist
Social media users have strongly criticized Donald Trump's recent comments towards female leaders and journalists, labeling them as sexist and inappropriate. Trump faced backlash for calling Italy's PM "beautiful" and making a remark about a female reporter's speaking style during a press event, prompting accusations of objectification and disrespect towards women.

PATCO services resume after trains suspended for over 2 hours due to power outage at Westmont Station
PATCO train services resumed at 10:30 AM ET after a temporary suspension due to a PSE&G power issue caused by a surge affecting the Westmont Station. The outage began around 7:40 AM ET, halting operations in both directions. Diagnostic and repair crews quickly addressed the issue, and NJ Transit assisted passengers by cross-honoring PATCO tickets.