Daily briefing · Wednesday, October 28

Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases exceed 10,000

Confirmed Ebola infections in the Democratic Republic of Congo have reached 10,060, with 4,887 deaths, government figures reported Tuesday showed. These are cumulative totals since the outbreak was identified in mid-May. The outbreak involves Bundibugyo virus, for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Cases have also been reported in Kenya and Nigeria. Existing Ebola vaccines target a different virus species, and trials are investigating whether one can protect against Bundibugyo. Their availability therefore cannot yet be taken as established protection against this outbreak, complicating the response across borders. Congo’s Ebola infections surpass 10,000, government says · Cases top 10,000 in DR Congo Ebola outbreak

Qatar presents a staged proposal to end Iran war

Qatari mediators delivered a new draft agreement to Iran on Sunday, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing an official briefed on the negotiations. Tehran was expected to respond by the end of the week. The proposal reportedly sets out seven days of reciprocal confidence-building steps, with several countries serving as guarantors. No agreement has been announced. The staged approach would sequence actions by Iran and the United States, addressing concerns about who moves first. Its timetable remains conditional, while the conflict has disrupted shipping and oil supplies across the region. Qatari mediators present Iran with new deal to end the war, official says

Israeli exit polls point to coalition deadlock

Exit polls from Israel’s Tuesday election placed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc close to the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot, with neither projected to secure the 61 seats needed in the 120-seat Knesset. Turnout reached 77.7%, the election committee said, its highest level in more than two decades. The projections remain subject to the vote count. Government formation depends on assembling parliamentary support, giving smaller parties a potentially decisive role. Arab parties could affect the outcome, although Eisenkot has largely ruled out governing with them. Netanyahu could remain caretaker during negotiations. Israeli exit polls show deadlock, point to setback for Netanyahu

U.S. confidence rebounds as spending plans stay cautious

The Conference Board’s consumer-confidence index rose to 91.7 in October from September’s revised 84.2, figures released Tuesday showed. Assessments of current conditions and expectations both improved, although expectations recovered only part of three preceding monthly declines. Households continued to report pressure from high prices and planned less spending on services and durable goods over the next six months. The combination suggests an improvement in mood alongside continued budget caution. Confidence surveys measure attitudes and intentions; actual purchases are tracked through separate spending data. US Consumer Confidence Increased in October

Lancet report weighs climate’s health toll and progress

A new Lancet Countdown report estimates that heat was associated with 710,000 deaths worldwide in 2023, with more than 70% attributable to human-caused climate change. WHO outlined the findings Wednesday. The assessment tracks 54 indicators connecting climate and health, including drought and exposure to extreme conditions. It also identifies gains from cleaner energy, reduced air pollution and stronger health planning. The death figures are historical estimates. The report connects those longer-term trends with practical measures such as early warning systems and health services better able to withstand extreme weather. Climate change is a growing health emergency, Lancet Countdown warns

Nvidia invests $3 billion in Meta’s AI expansion

Nvidia is investing $3 billion in Meta’s equity offering as the companies expand work on Meta’s Muse assistant and related AI models, they announced Tuesday. Meta increased the offering to $97.5 billion as it expands AI infrastructure. The companies say closer collaboration will improve performance and lower costs on Nvidia systems. Nvidia’s contribution covers about 3.1% of the announced fundraising. The deal strengthens the financial connection between a major chip supplier and a developer using its hardware. The announcement does not provide independently measured results for the planned efficiency improvements. Nvidia, Meta deepen AI ties with $3 billion investment deal

Rubin finds a dwarf-planet candidate beyond Pluto

Rubin Observatory announced Tuesday that it had identified 2026 ED138, an object beyond Pluto’s orbit estimated to be 600–1,500 kilometres across. Software matched sightings across repeated images, and archival pictures extended the known orbit back to 2016. The discovery was made October 13; Tuesday brought its public announcement. Its size remains uncertain because brightness depends on both dimensions and surface reflectivity. Infrared observations are needed to narrow that range and assess its dwarf-planet status. Studying such objects helps researchers reconstruct how the outer Solar System developed. NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory Reveals Its First Dwarf Planet Candidate in Our Solar System

Disease-tolerant cacao gains a development partner

Penn State announced Tuesday that it had licensed disease-tolerant cacao plants to biotechnology company AgroNetica for further testing and development. Researchers used gene editing to adjust a gene that restrains plant immune responses; one alteration reduced disease by about 42% in laboratory tests. Cacao supplies the raw material for chocolate, and disease can cut growers’ harvests. Field evaluations are underway with U.S. Department of Agriculture collaborators in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The agreement provides a route toward commercial development, while farm performance and production at scale remain to be demonstrated. Global chocolate supply threatened by disease, new cacao plant offers solution

Rays’ 12th-inning comeback forces World Series Game 5

Tampa Bay kept its World Series hopes alive Tuesday night, scoring twice in the bottom of the 12th inning to beat Milwaukee 4–3. Jonny DeLuca singled home the tying run, and pinch-hitter Ben Williamson delivered the winning hit after the Brewers had taken the lead in the top half. Milwaukee still leads the best-of-seven series 3–1 and needs one more victory for its first championship. The Rays, also seeking their first title, must win three straight. Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday night at Tropicana Field. Rays stun Brewers with 2-run rally in 12th inning and force World Series Game 5 with 4-3 win