The day's news in five stories, every morning and evening. Summarized by AI from trusted sources, so you don't have to read it all.
Saturday, October 31, 2026
Morning edition Business briefing
Listen or watch · 2 min 56 s
Halloween traditions evolve from bobbing for apples to giant skeletons
Vintage photos show Halloween traditions like bobbing for apples and glitter paint costumes from the 1940s and 1970s. Giant skeletons have become a popular Halloween staple after going viral.
Why it matters: Halloween traditions reflect changing cultural trends and consumer preferences over time.
Sources: Business Insider · CNBC
Isomorphic Labs aims to use AI to design cancer drugs
Isomorphic Labs, a spinoff of Google DeepMind, is working to use AI to create drugs that could cure cancer. The company's president, Max Jaderberg, believes AI will design all drugs in five years.
Why it matters: This could revolutionize medicine by making disease a thing of the past.
Sources: Business Insider
Avanti West Coast pays £20m in passenger refunds this summer
Avanti West Coast paid over £20m in refunds for disrupted journeys this summer. The compensation bill is expected to exceed £70m this financial year.
Why it matters: The high cost of refunds highlights the impact of rail disruptions on passengers and the financial strain on the operator.
Sources: The Guardian Business
Fed officials hint at resuming rate hikes
Federal Reserve Presidents Alberto Musalem and Lorie Logan suggest that rate hikes may be necessary again. Their comments provide early insight into the Fed's future plans.
Why it matters: This indicates the Fed may be preparing for potential changes in monetary policy.
Sources: CNBC
Data scientist's model predicts low chance of Republicans keeping Senate
A data scientist's model suggests Republicans have a one in six chance of retaining Senate control. The model uses betting market data and economic models to project Senate race outcomes.
Why it matters: The prediction highlights uncertainty in upcoming Senate elections and the influence of economic factors on voter behavior.
Sources: Fortune
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