Interest rate hikes. Yesterday, the Fed raised interest rates by 0.75 percentage point. ICYMI, it’s the sixth time rates have gone up this year in an effort to get inflation — which is still near 40-year highs — under control. And as Fed Chair Jerome Powell put it, “we have a ways to go.” The news that more hikes are coming sent the Dow tumbling about 500 points. But the central bank’s also signaling it may slow the pace of rate hikes. That could mean a smaller increase at next month's meeting (think: .5 percentage point). And a few smaller raises next year. Let’s make this about me: The higher the interest rates are, the more expensive it is to borrow money. And borrowers (sorry, we’re talking about you) can wind up paying more for things like mortgages, credit card debt, and personal loans. It all comes as inflation is one of the biggest reasons voters are heading to the polls next week. Who people are talking about…Justice Clarence Thomas. Yesterday, newly released emails revealed that former President Trump’s lawyers saw Thomas as “key” to overturn the 2020 election. For context: the emails were turned over to congressional investigators who are looking into John Eastman (aka Trump’s lawyer). In the emails — from December 2020 — Eastman and other attorneys were making plans to delay the certification of results in Georgia. One lawyer suggested appealing the results to Thomas, who handles emergency appeals from the state, saying the justice could get them a “favorable judicial opinion.” The news comes after Thomas’s wife, Ginni, has also been in the spotlight for working to overturn the results. That reportedly includes communicating with Trump associates and pressuring Arizona state officials to reject Biden’s win in the state. What may be up for grabs…The Washington Commanders. Yesterday, the NFL team's controversial owners said they’ve hired a bank to explore “potential transactions.” Read: Potentially selling the team. Dan Snyder and his franchise are facing multiple investigations into allegations of sexual harassment and financial wrongdoings. Last year, the NFL fined the team $10 million after an investigation found the team’s workplace demonstrated "a general lack of respect" toward women. And recently, there’s been talk about kicking Snyder to the curb as a team owner. Now, all eyes are on Snyder — who’s owned the team since 1999 — to see if he sells the entire franchise or parts of it. What we may need to be careful with...Alcohol. A new study found that alcohol abuse is responsible for about 1 in 5 deaths of younger Americans. That's from looking at national and state mortality data for Americans ages 20-49. But what’s even more concerning is that this data is from 2015-2019 — before the pandemic. Since then, the pandemic has made it worse, leading to an increase in drinking — especially among women. Now, researchers are proposing a bump in alcohol sales taxes and more regulation to help save lives. PS: Here’s when to consider being ‘sober curious.’ What people are talking about...Parkland. Yesterday, the 2018 Parkland school shooter was sentenced to life in prison for killing 17 people, including 14 students. He will not be eligible for parole. Victims' family members called him a “monster” during emotional impact statements, while the judge commended them for being “strong and patient and graceful” throughout the process. Who’s showing all love is universal…These newlywed beauty queens. Twitter reportedly wants people to pay up in order to go behind the (pay)wall. | 