Summary‍

The Federal Reserve announces that inflation has reduced but has yet to dip below the projected goal, subsequently pushing back the cut estimate to December. The Southern Baptist Convention rejects both allowing female pastors and the use of IVF fertilization within their parishes. The UN has confirmed that both sides of the Israel-Hamas war have committed war crimes, while Anthony Blinken announced Hamas’ “unworkable” changes in cease-fire plan. NBA hall of famer Jerry West has passed away at the age of 86. The Oklahoma Supreme Court denies reparations for survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Elon Musk is being sued for sex-biased firings at SpaceX. Merrick Garland to be held in contempt of congress for withholding Biden audios. 

Sources & More

In Must Know News…

• The Federal Reserve announced that although inflation decreased in recent months it has yet to sink below their target level, pushing back their estimate for cuts to perhaps as late as December; the announcement has taken some by surprise as the government had previously suggested Wednesday that the Fed’s high-rate policies had been successful in combating inflation. 
• The Southern Baptist Convention rejected a proposal to formally ban churches with women pastors by a narrow margin this Wednesday, with the measure receiving 61% of support from delegates but failing to attain the necessary two-thirds supermajority. Later in the SBC’s annual meeting, delegates voted to condemn the use of in vitro fertilization, stating that the process destroys thousands of additional embryos, which the church believes are human lives. 
• Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Wednesday that Hamas proposed “unworkable” changes to the U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal with Israel in Gaza. In response, Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan denied Blinken’s claims, asserting that it was Israel that continued to reject proposals. Meanwhile, a United Nations inquiry into the Israel-Hamas War following Oct. 7th has found that both sides committed war crimes and violated international law. 

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In Other Notable News…

• Jerry West, LA Lakers’ hall of famer, passed away at 86. He was elected to the Hall of Fame 3 times, and won 9 NBA championships throughout his career as both a player and executive. Additionally, his silhouette is the official logo of the NBA, earning West the nickname “The Logo.”
• The Oklahoma Supreme Court dismissed a reparations case put forward by the last survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The massacre left over 300 people dead and a thriving black economic district in ruins. The ruling dampens hopes of racial justice for one of the worst single acts of violence against black Americans.
• Elon Musk was sued yesterday regarding allegations of sexual harassment at his company, SpaceX. 8 engineers came forward claiming they were fired after circulating an open letter stating Musk turned a blind eye to, and engaged in, workplace harassment. 
• The US House of Representatives voted to hold US attorney general, Merrick Garland, in contempt of congress, citing Garland’s refusal to turn over audio recordings of Biden discussing his handling of classified material. See today’s C2 Politics episode for more details!

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The Bulletin Brief:

Inflation reduction fails to reach benchmark, pushing back cut estimate (Reuters, AP)

Southern Baptist Convention rejects advances in women’s rights (AP, Reuters)

UN attests that Israel and Hamas have committed war crimes in Gaza (Reuters, CNN)

NBA legend Jerry West has died at age 86 (CBS)

Oklahoma Supreme Court denies Tulsa Race Massacre reparations (AP)

Elon Musk faces lawsuit over sex-bias in firings (Reuters)

Merrick Garland to be held in contempt of congress (CNN)