Wild bear pays surprise visit to bear enclosure at California zoo: ‘He was very polite’

In a thought-provoking review of 'The Immortalists' by Aleks Krotoski, the focus is on the controversial practices of life extensionists like Bryan Johnson, who is determined to defy aging and death. Johnson's extreme measures, including receiving blood plasma transfusions from his teenage son, raise ethical questions about the lengths to which individuals will go in pursuit of immortality. This discussion is crucial as it challenges societal norms about life, death, and the implications of such radical approaches to longevity.

In a surprising turn of events, California's Proposition 50 special election has seen voter turnout exceed expectations, with over 3 million mail ballots returned. This high level of engagement highlights the public's interest in the critical issue of redrawing congressional districts, making it a significant moment in the state's political landscape.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a plan to allocate $80 million and deploy the National Guard to assist food banks during the ongoing government shutdown. This move comes as many families are facing delays in federal food benefits just ahead of Thanksgiving, a critical time for food security. Newsom's proactive approach aims to mitigate the impact of the shutdown on vulnerable populations, ensuring that those in need receive support during the holiday season.

The chess community is mourning the loss of Daniel Naroditsky, a talented grandmaster who passed away at just 29. Born in California, he made a name for himself by winning the Under 12 world championship and achieving grandmaster status at the young age of 18. His contributions to the game and his early achievements inspire many young players, making his untimely death a significant loss for the sport.

Health officials in California have reported three unrelated cases of clade I mpox, a more severe strain of the virus previously known as monkeypox. This marks the first instance of this particular strain spreading within the United States. The emergence of clade I mpox is concerning as it highlights the ongoing public health challenges posed by the virus, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preventive measures to protect communities.

The Quebec government has announced plans to ban religious symbols in daycares, a move that Secularism Minister Jean-François Roberge claims reflects a broad consensus among Quebecers for strengthening secularism. This decision is significant as it highlights ongoing debates about the role of religion in public spaces and the balance between individual rights and collective values in Quebec society.

The Europa League matches are heating up with Nottingham Forest facing Porto and Celtic taking on Sturm Graz. Fans are eagerly following the live updates as teams push for crucial goals. Notably, manager Emery has made strategic substitutions, bringing in key players like Rogers and McGinn to turn the tide in their favor. This tournament is significant as it showcases the competitive spirit of European football and the potential for underdog teams to shine on a larger stage.

The search for a new chair to lead the grooming inquiry is expected to take months, following the unexpected withdrawal of two prominent candidates. This delay raises concerns about the inquiry's progress and the impact it may have on addressing critical issues related to grooming. The situation highlights the challenges faced in appointing leadership for such significant investigations.

In a surprising move, President Donald Trump has granted a pardon to Canadian cryptocurrency billionaire Changpeng Zhao, who was serving a sentence for money laundering after pleading guilty. This decision not only highlights the complexities of the legal landscape surrounding cryptocurrency but also raises questions about the implications for the industry as a whole. Zhao, the founder of Binance, is a significant figure in the crypto world, and this pardon could influence future regulatory discussions and the perception of cryptocurrency entrepreneurs.

In a significant crackdown, the FBI has arrested over 30 individuals linked to illegal gambling activities associated with the NBA. These charges involve insider sports betting and rigged poker games, raising serious concerns about the integrity of sports and the influence of organized crime. This situation highlights the ongoing battle against corruption in sports and the need for stricter regulations to protect the integrity of games that fans love.

In a significant ruling, a UK tribunal has determined that Apple abused its dominant position in the market by excluding competition and imposing excessive commissions on its App Store. This decision is crucial as it could pave the way for increased scrutiny of Apple's business practices and potentially lead to changes in how app developers are charged, fostering a more competitive environment.