World News: Hundreds of incidents, few expelled

Wednesday, September 30

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The Daily Briefing

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Good morning! It’s somehow the last day of the month — Wednesday, Sept. 30 — and today you should know: Tennessee is set to execute a woman for the first time in more than 200 years. The "hybrid storm" forming over the United States now includes snow. And the Fat Bear Week winner has been crowned!

I’m Mallorie Sullivan, and if you find yourself in Nashville, this new Dolly Parton museum definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary. Let's get to the news:

Inside Cornell's handling of assault cases

After Cornell reopened a sexual assault investigation after a woman accused seven fraternity members of gang rape in 2024, my colleague Kenny Jacoby found that more than 1,200 incidents of sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking were reported to the university's Title IX office from 2018 to 2024. Only seven resulted in expulsion or dismissal. Here's what else he found.

•	The gang-rape story is being scrutinized. It's not uncommon.
•	'Absolutely disgusted': The allegations sparked outrage far beyond campus.
•	If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish at: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.

Could data centers flip the Senate?

As data center development surges across the country, opposition to them is increasing. Voters are raising alarms over rising energy costs, heavy water use and billions in tax breaks, giving Democrats an unexpected opening in red states such as Ohio, Texas and Iowa. With control of the Senate on the line, Republicans are scrambling to respond to the frustration that crosses party lines.

•	In Kentucky, a tiny town is taking on a massive data center near Mammoth Cave National Park.
•	Here's why data centers exist, and why they're facing pushback.

The great retirement wave may be here

For years, older Americans helped fuel a growing workforce. But recently, that trend has started to reverse, with more people 55 and older heading for the exits. Some economists believe a booming stock market it helping push them into retirement, while others say the explanation is more complicated than a stock-fueled retirement party. Here's what may be behind the trend.

•	Meanwhile, Gen Xers are struggling with their impending retirement.

📲 What I've texted people this week

•	My husband, a lifelong cruise skeptic: This is the cruise nightmare nobody talks about.
•	*My college best friend, for absolutely* no reason at all:** This college drinking trend is taking over TikTok.
•	My mom, an avid morning-show viewer: We sat down for an exclusive interview with Hoda Kotb.

☝️ One more thing

This image by Dillon Amaya, an assistant professor in the department of marine, earth and atmospheric sciences at North Carolina State University, shows the difference in sea surface heights in recent weeks and the forecast through early October. Provided by Dillon Amaya

•	Have you ever heard of a Kelvin wave? One is arriving along the California coast, and experts say it could make conditions along the West Coast even more precarious.

Keep scrolling for more news. Here’s your crossword! I’ll see you tomorrow 👋

Have feedback for me? Shoot me a message at msullivan@usatoday.com, I'd love to hear from you! Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here to get it in your inbox daily.