Business & Economy
Fed holds interest rates steady before Election Day, though December hike possible
The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged on Wednesday, deciding against a hike days before midterm elections that pivot on inflation and affordability concerns.
Fox News ratings sink 27% in October, still on top of CNN, MS NOW
Fox News lost 27% of its viewership in October but reportedly remains the most-watched cable news channel ahead of CNN and MS NOW.
Three Chinese companies added to Uyghur forced labor list
The Department of Homeland Security has added three major Chinese genomics companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List.
Paper straws more harmful to environment than plastic ones: Study
A new South Korean study claims paper straws hurt the environment more than plastic straws.
Federal Reserve likely to skip rate hike despite elevated inflation
The Federal Reserve is expected to stand pat on interest rates Wednesday even though inflation has accelerated in the past couple of months as the Iran war has caused spikes in oil and gas prices.
Drone attack hits container ship off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast; all crew members rescued
Three maritime drones struck a container ship sailing in the Black Sea off the coast of Bulgaria on Wednesday, the country's defense minister said, the latest in a string of such incidents on NATO's eastern flank.
FDA scientists opposed the Trump administration’s effort to ease peptides access
A plan to give Americans easier access to unproven peptide drugs favored by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was opposed by most Food and Drug Administration scientific staff members, who had limited input in drafting the policy, according to six people familiar with the policy's development.
In southern Chile, locals push to protect oceans that have been hurt by intensive salmon farming
Yesica Fabiana Levinanco steers her small wooden boat while her partner, Paulo Vera Perez, dives into the cold ocean waters off the coast of southern Chile.
Wendy’s, struggling with beef prices and growing competition, gets a buyout offer
Wendy's shares jumped 15% at the opening bell Wednesday after noted investor Nelson Peltz made an offer to buy the chain, which has been struggling with high beef prices and aging stores.
British Treasury offers support with energy bills in the face of Iran war price shock
British Treasury chief John Healey used his first budget statement Wednesday to offer households and businesses support with their energy bills this winter in the face of what he termed "global economic storms."
Never-ending cruise ends operations, drops passengers off in Cambodia
A never-ending cruise reached its final destination Tuesday.
Gaza residents watch Israel election, hoping to unseat Netanyahu as airstrikes continue
In the southern Gaza Strip, where Israeli airstrikes are still a regular occurrence despite a ceasefire, residents of the city of Khan Younis were following the results of Israel's election closely, hoping that anyone but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will form the next government.
How the Champagne harvest could impact your New Year’s Eve
With this year's Champagne harvest at nearly half of last year's size, will there be a Champagne shortage for New Year's Eve? There are toasting alternatives for holiday celebrations, but Champagne is a classic for discerning party hosts.
Putin seeks to expand ties with African countries at Russia-Africa summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday hosted dozens of African leaders at a Russia-Africa summit, part of Moscow's efforts to expand its influence across the continent.
U.S. cruise ship suspends a global voyage in Asia due to fuel costs, stranding 200 passengers
A U.S. cruise ship on an around-the-world voyage that touted its cabins as floating homes suspended its three-year voyage in Cambodia due to fuel costs, forcing hundreds of passengers to disembark.
South Korea fines Google and Apple over unfair app market practices
South Korea on Wednesday fined Alphabet's Google and Apple a combined 63.7 billion won ($47.6 million), saying they abused their dominance in app store markets by forcing local developers onto their own payment systems and by unfairly delaying app reviews.
Dollar General accused of overcharging customers in FTC suit
The Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit accusing nationwide discount store Dollar General of overcharging customers.
U.S. is a big reason for world losing ground in the fight against climate change, U.N. report says
Losing more ground in the fight against climate change, humanity is heading for a hotter world than experts projected last year - and the United States is a big reason for that, a new United Nations report says.
Trump plans to loosen restrictions on methane emissions from oil drilling
President Donald Trump is expected to announce plans Tuesday to loosen a Biden-era rule that aimed to reduce planet-warming emissions of methane from oil and gas drilling.
Man says Texas Roadhouse gave him $20 steak when he ordered pricier one; restaurant responds
Illinois man Kenneth Card claimed in an Oct. 5 TikTok post that on three separate occasions, he ordered a $30 filet mignon from the Forsyth, Illinois, location of the restaurant chain and was given a $20 sirloin instead.
