Daily Briefing: A Maine community on alert

The death toll is expected to rise following a mass shooting in Maine that killed at least 16 people. Also in the news: Israeli troops briefly entered Gaza as Palestinians struggle to survive relentless bombings and the Bidens hosted a state dinner with Australia.

🙋🏼‍♀️ I'm Nicole Fallert, Daily Briefing author. Is your Samsung refrigerator not working? You're not alone.

Here's the news to know Thursday.

Gunman opens fire at bowling alley in Lewiston, Maine

A gunman remains at large Thursday after at least 16 people were killed and dozens injured after an attacker opened fire in a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday night. Public schools are closed and police have warned people to shelter in place in Lewiston, the state's second-largest city, and other neighboring communities. Hundreds of law enforcement officers are seeking Robert Card, who police say is a person of interest in the incident. A police bulletin says 40-year-old Card was a firearms instructor believed to be in the Army Reserve. City residents reacted with shock and many businesses rushed to close and lock their doors upon hearing a gunman was on a rampage. Read more

Here are the 3 biggest challenges the new House speaker faces

House Republicans elected Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., to serve as the next speaker of the House, breaking weeks of GOP infighting that left the lower chamber frozen.

While the House was without a speaker, lawmakers could not take up crucial legislation, including spending measures to avoid a catastrophic government shutdown and aid to Israel as its war rages on with Hamas. Now, the House is tasked with getting back to work for Americans as it faces these challenges.

• To avert a shutdown by Nov. 17, the House and Senate must pass 12 appropriations bills to keep the government's doors open. And even if Republicans pass some sort of bill, it's not likely to pass the Senate without concessions.
• Johnson has stood for supporting Israel but has not indicated that he's in favor of additional Ukraine aid. He will need to garner support for Biden's request for additional aid for both wars.
• Dealing with the Democrats: Experts say Johnson needs to work with Democrats, but no too much, all while appeasing hardline and moderate conservatives.

More news to know now

• As prices soared and government assistance dwindled, more Americans went hungry in 2022.
• Abortions in the U.S. rose slightly after post-Roe restrictions were put in place.
• Trump is targeting Mark Meadows over a report that he will flip on him.
• Ford reached a tentative agreement with the UAW after 41 days on strike.
• For subscribers: Do absent experts violate 6th Amendment ''confrontation clause''?
• On today's 5 Things podcast, why pharmacists have been walking off the job this year. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your smart speaker.

What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here.

Israeli raid comes after UN warns of dwindling fuel in Gaza Strip

Israeli troops and tanks launched an hourslong ground raid into northern Gaza overnight. The military said troops struck several militant targets in Thursday's raid in order to “prepare the battlefield” ahead of a widely expected ground invasion. The raid came after the U.N. warned it is on the verge of running out of fuel in the Gaza Strip, forcing it to sharply curtail relief efforts in the besieged territory. But Israel says fuel runs the risk of running into the hands of its enemy, Hamas. Read more

• The U.S. is one step closer to nominating an Israeli ambassador.
• U.N. chief say he wasn't justifying terrorism after Israel urges his ouster.
• These satellite images show how aid is being delivered to Gaza — and how much more is needed.

Sign up here to receive weekday updates from Paste BN about the Israel and Hamas war.

Hurricane Otis is one of the strongest storms ever to hit Mexico

Acapulco, Mexico, endured one of the strongest storms on record to hit the country from the Pacific Ocean when Hurricane Otis made landfall on the southern coast early Wednesday as a Category 5 hurricane with 165 mph winds. The full extent of damages along with the number of potential injuries and deaths remains unclear due to communications disruptions and the main highway into Acapulco being impassable. Some residual rain is likely across southwestern and south-central Mexico through Thursday, which could lead to more flooding and mudslides, the center said. The remnants of the storm pose no threat to the U.S. Read more

Quick hits

• Exclusive: Dusty Baker is retiring after 26 seasons as a MLB manager.
• Victoria's Secret released a collection of adaptive garments for people with disabilities.
• Flo Milli, Lola Brooke and the ''sisterhood'' of young women in hip-hop.
• Scholastic reversed a decision to silo books on race and LGBTQ topics.
• Here's what to know about Netflix's adaptation of the hit book ''All the Light We Cannot See.''

Michigan State investigation finds Mel Tucker sexually harassed rape survivor

Former Michigan State University football coach Mel Tucker has been found responsible for violating the school's sexual harassment policy – a huge victory for the woman who accused him, prominent rape survivor and activist Brenda Tracy − and a permanent stain on the reputation of one of the nation’s highest-paid coaches. The finding of fault against Tucker comes 10 months after Tracy filed a complaint with the university's Title IX office. Michigan State suspended Tucker on Sept. 10, hours after Tracy went public with her allegations in a Paste BN investigation, and fired him two weeks later. Read more

• Christian Hillsdale College failed students who reported sexual violence, a lawsuit alleges.

Photo of the day: A stunning state dinner with Australia

There was the usual pomp and pageantry afforded to a visiting head of state, including an elaborate welcome ceremony on the White House South Lawn and a formal, black-tie dinner that lasted late into the night. Read more

Nicole Fallert is a newsletter writer at Paste BN, sign up for the email here. Want to send Nicole a note? Shoot her an email at NFallert@usatoday.com or follow along with her musings on Twitter. Support journalism like this – subscribe to Paste BN here.

Associated Press contributed reporting.