Millions of Americans are bracing for difficult weather conditions during the Christmas holiday, with storms threatening to further disrupt one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Up and down the east coast, the first storm of the winter blanketed cities from Boston to Baltimore with ice and snow.
California residents are cleaning up the aftermath of a storm that brought hurricane-forced winds, flooding and high surf on December 23, killing one man.
The weather events further complicate travel plans for Americas who are already facing air travel delays following a ground stop of American Airlines flights due to a technology issue.
On the east coast, winter precipitation is expected to impact travel for many as heavy snow falls in areas such as Boston and New York, while Baltimore and Washington DC braced for precipitation and ice.
On the west coast, December 23 storm caused a pier to collapse and threw three people into the Pacific Ocean.
Waves from that storm reached 60ft and forced some evacuations. Flooding and high surf warnings remain in effect on Christmas Eve.
Weather is not the only thing impacting holiday travel on December 24, with technological issues adding further stress as millions of Americans hurry to their destinations.
On December 24, American Airlines flights were halted after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a “nationwide groundstop” due to a “vendor technology issue”.
The groundstop was lifted about an hour after it began and flights resumed, but not without creating a ripple of delays.
The US House Ethics Committee has voted to release its report on former Republican Representative Matt Gaetz, CBS News reported.
The report follows a years-long investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use. It is expected to be released in the coming days.
House Republicans previously blocked Democratic efforts to unveil the results of the report into the former Florida representative, but during a vote on December 5, two Republicans voted to release the report, according to CBS.
Matt Gaetz, who has denied any wrongdoing, said on December 18: “I was charged with nothing: FULLY EXONERATED. Not even a campaign finance violation. And the people investigating me hated me.”
He added: “Instead, House Ethics will reportedly post a report online that I have no opportunity to debate or rebut as a former member of the body.”
Matt Gaetz resigned from Congress last month after President-elect Donald Trump said he would nominate him to lead the US Department of Justice.
But he withdrew his name from consideration for the role just a week later following a backlash from Democrats and Republicans and debate over whether to release the committee’s report.
Matt Gaetz, 42, said at the time that he hoped to avoid a “needlessly protracted Washington scuffle”.
He has since said he will not return to Congress for the next term, instead launching a new show on the Trump-aligned One America News Network in January.
The ethics committee declined to comment on the news that it had voted to release the report, which was first reported by CNN.
It has previously said Gaetz was under investigation for sexual misconduct, illicit drug use and bribery.
A woman who attended a 2017 party with him has testified to the House committee that she saw the then-congressman having sex with a minor, according to the woman’s lawyer.
The same lawyer alleged that Matt Gaetz paid this witness and another woman to have sex with him.
In the same X post on December 18, Matt Gaetz wrote: “It’s embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanised, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now.”
He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and has described the investigation into him as a “smear campaign”.
The Department of Justice – which Trump had initially tapped Matt Gaetz to lead – also investigated an allegation that he had sex with a minor but ultimately did not file any criminal charges against him.
Joel Greenberg, Matt Gaetz’s one-time friend, was the lone person charged in the justice department’s sex trafficking investigation. He co-operated with investigators and reportedly told prosecutors information about multiple others, including Gaetz.
Joel Greenberg is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence after agreeing to plead guilty to multiple federal charges, including underage sex trafficking, wire fraud, stalking, identity theft, producing a fake ID card, and conspiring to defraud the US government.
ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million to President-elect Donald Trump to settle a defamation lawsuit after its star anchor George Stephanopoulos falsely said he had been found “liable for rape”.
George Stephanopoulos made the statements repeatedly during an interview on March 10, 2024, while challenging a congresswoman about her support for Donald Trump.
A jury in a civil case last year determined Donald Trump was liable for “sexual abuse”, which has a specific definition under New York law.
As part of December 14George settlement, ABC will also publish a statement expressing its “regret” for the statements by Stephanopoulos.
According to the settlement, ABC News will pay $15 million as a charitable contribution to a “Presidential foundation and museum to be established by or for Plaintiff, as Presidents of the United States of America have established in the past”.
The network also agreed to pay $1 million towards Donald Trump’s legal fees.
Under the settlement, ABC News will post an editor’s note to the bottom of its March 10, 2024, online news article about the story.
It will say: “ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret statements regarding President Donald J Trump made during an interview by George Stephanopoulos with Rep. Nancy Mace on ABC’s This Week on March 10, 2024.”
An ABC News spokesperson said in a statement the company was “pleased that the parties have reached an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit on the terms in the court filing”.
USDA Photo By Lance Cheung. Original public domain image from Flickr
In 2023, a New York civil court found Donald Trump abused E Jean Carroll in a dressing room at a department store in 1996. He was also found guilty of defaming the magazine columnist.
Judge Lewis Kaplan said the jury’s conclusion was that E Jean Carroll had failed to prove that Donald Trump raped her “within the narrow, technical meaning of a particular section of the New York Penal Law”.
Judge Kaplan noted that the definition of rape was “far narrower” than how rape is defined in common modern parlance, in some dictionaries and in criminal statutes elsewhere.
In a separate case, also presided over by the same judge, a jury ordered Trump to pay $83.3 million to E Jean Carroll for additional defamatory statements.
During the March 10 broadcast, George Stephanopoulos asked South Carolina Republican congresswoman Nancy Mace how she could endorse Donald Trump.
The anchor falsely said “judges and two separate juries have found him liable for rape”.
George Stephanopoulos repeated the claim 10 times throughout the broadcast.
Ahead of the ruling, a federal magistrate judge had ordered Donald Trump and George Stephanopoulos to give sworn evidence at depositions next week.
Trump has also sued CBS for “deceptive conduct” over an interview with Kamala Harris.
In 2023, a judge threw out his defamation lawsuit against CNN, in which he alleged the network had likened him to Adolf Hitler.
Donald Trump has also had lawsuits filed against the New York Times and the Washington Post dismissed.
South Korea’s parliament has voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed attempt to impose martial law, which sparked massive protests across the country.
President Yoon Suk Yeol was suspended after some members of his own People Power Party (PPP) voted with the opposition – though the decision still needs be ratified by the constitutional court.
Thousands of anti-Yoon protesters celebrated outside the National Assembly on December 14 after the impeachment motion passed, with the crowd singing as fireworks broke out overhead.
President Yoon has vowed to fight on and said he “will never give up”, describing the vote as a temporary pause to his presidency.
“I will take your criticism, praise, and support to the heart and do my best for the country until the end,” he added.
His defiant words are a marked change from his apologetic tone earlier this month over his short-lived martial law declaration.
Yoon Suk Yeol attempted to impose military rule after months of political deadlock, saying it was necessary to block supposed North Korean efforts to undermine his government – but the declaration was overturned after a matter of hours by lawmakers.
There has been strong public support for Yoon’s impeachment, with recent polls finding three-quarters of South Koreans wanted to see him go.
Following days of public pressure the PPP had decided to let its lawmakers vote on the motion, after an effort to impeach Yoon last week failed when its lawmakers boycotted the hearing.
On December 14, the impeachment motion reached the two thirds threshold needed to pass after 12 members of Yoon’s party voted in favour.
The constitutional court now has 180 days to rule on whether Yoon’s impeachment should be upheld or whether he can return to office. If it rules in favour of impeachment, an election for the next president must be called within 60 days.
Yoon Suk Yeol has been suspended while PM Han Duck-soo has taken over as acting president.
Han Duck-soo said his focus is to “stabilise the situation” and “bring back normalcy for the people”.
South Korea has faced nearly two weeks of chaos and uncertainty since Yoon’s short-lived martial law attempt on December 3.
He had cited threats from “anti-state forces” and North Korea but it soon became clear that his move had been spurred by his own domestic political troubles, not by external threats.
Hours later he reversed the order after 190 lawmakers voted it down, with many of them climbing fences and breaking barricades to get into the voting chamber.
Yoon later apologized but on December 12 he defended his actions, saying he had sought to protect the country’s democracy and vowed to “fight on until the end”.
The impeachment of a president is not unchartered territory for South Korea, which last removed former president Park Geun-hye through this process in 2016.
Yoon Suk Yeol – then a prosecutor – had led the investigation against Park Geun-hye, which ultimately resulted in her impeachment.
Israeli war planes have carried out more than 100 air strikes in Syria on December 9, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Military sites in Damascus, Daraa, Latakia and Hama have been targeted, the UK-based human rights organization says.
Israel has said the strikes are intended to stop extremists from getting hold of weapons.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, says such action is necessary to ensure his country’s security.
Israel seized the Golan from Syria in the closing stages of the 1967 Six-Day War and unilaterally annexed it in 1981. The move was not recognised internationally, although the US did so unilaterally in 2019.
Following Bashar al-Assad’s regime being toppled, Israel moved in to the buffer zone with PM Benjamin Netanyahu saying the 1974 disengagement agreement with Syria had “collapsed” with the rebel takeover of the country.
The United Nations has described the move as a violation.
Now, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller says Israel’s incursion must be “temporary”, adding that Washington will be watching to ensure Israel upholds the 1974 agreement.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Speaking this evening in Jerusalem, Benjamin Netanyahu said the Golan Heights, occupied by Israel for almost 60 years, would remain Israeli “for eternity”.
Meanwhile, huge crowds of Syrians have travelled to Sednaya prison – one of the worst prisons in the Middle East – looking for their loved ones.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the Islamic State group will try to use this period to re-establish capabilities in Syria.
And the Syrian rebel groups that overthrew the government say they will grant amnesty to all military personnel conscripted into the army during his rule.
The Taliban government in Afghanistan was one of the first in the world to react to the developments in Syria, congratulating the rebels and expressing hope for “Islamic government” in the country.
Taliban supporters and some of their allies were also distributing sweets in gatherings in many provinces to cheers Assad’s removal from power.
The Taliban are followers of extreme Sunni thought and jihadists. Their “ideological connections” are one of the reasons the Taliban have immense sympathy for jihadist rebels in Syria.
A senior Taliban official, working in the presidential office, wrote on his X account “the story of Kabul and Damascus is the same, both fallen on Sunday, both captured in 11 days and leaders of both countries fled”.
President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on the BRICS countries if they were to create a rival currency to the US dollar.
“The idea that the BRICS Countries are trying to move away from the Dollar while we stand by and watch is OVER,” Donald Trump wrote on social media on November 30.
Major world powers China and Russia are part of the BRICS alliance, along with Brazil, India, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.
During the US election, Donald Trump campaigned on implementing widespread tariffs. He has escalated threats of steep levies in recent days.
This latest message from the president-elect, who will take office next year on January 20, was aimed at the BRICS, a bloc of mostly emerging economies.
Leading politicians in Brazil and Russia have suggested creating a BRICS currency to reduce the US dollar’s dominance in global trade. But internal disagreement has slowed any progress.
“We require a commitment from these countries that they will neither create a new BRICS currency nor back any other currency to replace the mighty US dollar or they will face 100% tariffs and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US economy,” Donald Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.
“They can go find another sucker,” he said.
However, some Trump allies have suggested his recent announcements have been negotiation tactics, meant as more of an opening bid than a promise.
Donald Trump’s pick for Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, has previously suggested that the president-elect’s threats to impose major tariff hikes were part of his negotiating strategy.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
A tariff is a domestic tax levied on goods as they enter the country, proportional to the value of the import. So a car imported to the US with a value of $50,000 subject to a 25% tariff, would face a $12,500 charge.
Tariffs are a central part of Trump’s economic vision – he sees them as a way of growing the US economy, protecting jobs and raising tax revenue.
He has previously claimed that these taxes are “not going to be a cost to you, it’s a cost to another country”.
This is almost universally regarded by economists as misleading.
The charge is physically paid by the domestic company that imports the goods, not the foreign company that exports them.
So, in that sense, it is a straightforward tax paid by domestic US firms to the US government.
Donald Trump imposed a number of tariffs in his first term of office, many of which have been kept in place by his successor, President Joe Biden. Economic studies suggest most of the economic burden was ultimately borne by US consumers.
Syrian troops have withdrawn from the city of Aleppo following an offensive by rebels opposed to the rule of President Bashar al-Assad.
The government forces acknowledged that rebels had entered “large parts” of the city, the country’s second largest, but vowed to stage a counterattack.
The offensive marks the most significant fighting in Syria’s civil war in recent years.
More than 300 people, including at least 20 civilians, have been killed since it began on November 27, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).
Speaking on November 30, President Bashar al-Assad vowed to “defend [Syria’s] stability and territorial integrity in the face of all terrorists and their backers”.
“[The country] is capable, with the help of its allies and friends, of defeating and eliminating them, no matter how intense their terrorist attacks are,” the president’s office quoted him as saying.
The civil war, which has left around half a million people dead, began in 2011 after the Assad government responded to pro-democracy protests with a brutal crackdown.
The conflict has been largely dormant since a ceasefire agreed in 2020, but opposition forces have maintained control of the north-western city of Idlib and much of the surrounding province.
Idlib sits just 34 miles from Aleppo, which itself was a rebel stronghold until it fell to government forces in 2016.
The latest offensive has been led by a jihadist group known at Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions backed by Turkey.
HTS was regarded as one of the most effective and deadly of the groups fighting the Assad government and was already the dominant force in Idlib.
The rebels have taken control of Aleppo’s airport and dozens of nearby towns, according to the SOHR.
They also announced a curfew which came into force at 17:00 local time and will remain in place until Sunday.
The Syrian army said rebels had launched “a broad attack from multiple axes on the Aleppo and Idlib fronts” and that battles had taken place “over a strip exceeding 100km”.
Dozens of its soldiers have been killed, it said.
The Russian air force, which played a significant role in keeping Assad in power during the peak of the civil war, carried out air strikes in Aleppo on Saturday.
The strikes marked the first it has staged in the city since helping Syrian government forces recapture it in 2016.
Pictures showed the roads leading out of Aleppo jammed with cars on November 30 as people tried to leave.
Embarking on the journey of pregnancy can be both thrilling and overwhelming. This transformative period is characterized by numerous changes, both physical and emotional, as your body nurtures new life. While every pregnancy is unique, certain commonalities exist in terms of nutritional needs, medical appointments, and lifestyle adjustments. Understanding these aspects can help expectant mothers navigate their pregnancies with confidence and maintain optimal health. This article will delve into three essential areas: adjusting your diet for a healthy pregnancy, what to expect at prenatal appointments, and balancing rest, exercise, and daily activities.
1. Nutritional Needs: Adjusting Your Diet for a Healthy Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your body’s nutritional requirements change significantly to support the growing fetus. Incorporating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for both maternal health and fetal development. This includes increased intake of nutrients such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids to ensure a healthy pregnancy journey.
Expectant mothers should focus on including a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in their diet. It’s crucial to monitor portion sizes and avoid high-calorie, low-nutrient foods that may contribute to unnecessary weight gain. According to High Rock Studios, the most engaged audiences spend 76 times more on advertised products and services online, highlighting the importance of mindful choices amid marketing influences.
Hydration is another key component of good nutritional habits during pregnancy. Drinking plenty of water aids in maintaining healthy amniotic fluid levels and preventing complications such as urinary tract infections. Special attention should be paid to avoiding excess caffeine and sugary drinks, as they can negatively affect your health and the baby’s development.
2. Doctor Visits: What to Expect at Prenatal Appointments
Regular prenatal appointments are a vital part of ensuring a healthy pregnancy, offering ongoing monitoring of both mother and baby’s health. During the first visit, expectant mothers can anticipate a comprehensive examination, which includes blood tests, ultrasounds, and a detailed discussion of medical history. These visits provide an opportunity to address any concerns or questions regarding the pregnancy.
As the pregnancy progresses, subsequent appointments will monitor the baby’s growth, heartbeat, and overall development. Routine checks on the mother’s blood pressure, weight, and urine are also essential to detect potential issues early on. According to Sharps Medical Waste Services, Noncompliance with hazardous waste pharmaceutical regulations can result in fines of up to $37,500 daily, per incident, underscoring the importance of adhering to healthcare guidelines in medical settings.
In addition to physical checks, prenatal appointments play a crucial role in providing emotional support and guidance. Expectant mothers are encouraged to discuss their experiences, emotions, and any lifestyle changes they may need to consider. Building a trusting relationship with healthcare professionals can significantly enhance the pregnancy experience, contributing positively to overall health.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments: Balancing Rest, Exercise, and Daily Activities
Achieving a balance between rest, exercise, and daily activities is important for maintaining health during pregnancy. Adequate rest helps replenish energy levels and supports the many physical changes the body undergoes. It is recommended to create a sleep-friendly environment and establish a consistent sleep schedule for optimal rest.
While staying active is crucial, exercise routines should be adapted to accommodate pregnancy-related changes. Moderate activities like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga can enhance flexibility, circulation, and overall health. According to Elevate Baby, surrogate mothers must have a BMI of less than 32, illustrating the need to keep a healthy weight during pregnancy through regular exercise and mindful eating.
Managing stress and emotional well-being is equally important during this time. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness can aid in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Expectant mothers are encouraged to seek support from family, friends, or professional counseling when needed to maintain mental health and balance daily activities effectively.
In conclusion, pregnancy is a remarkable journey that requires thoughtful consideration of various factors to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and child. By focusing on proper nutrition, attending regular prenatal appointments, and adjusting lifestyles to accommodate new changes, expectant mothers can navigate these nine months with greater ease and confidence. Embracing these practices not only nurtures physical health but also supports emotional resilience, paving the way for a healthy start to motherhood.
Mark Zuckerberg had a private meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at his resort in Mar-a-Lago, further evidence of the apparent thawing in their once frosty relations.
Donald Trump already has a close, high-profile relationship with another of the leading figures in tech, X owner Elon Musk.
Historically, though, there has been no such closeness between Donald Trump and the Meta boss- with Trump barred from Facebook and Instagram after the Capitol riots, and Trump threatening the Meta boss with jail if he interfered in the 2024 presidential election.
Image source Wikimedia
However, there has recently been evidence those strained relations are improving, culminating in Mark Zuckerberg dining with the president-elect at his Florida mansion.
In August, Donald Trump wrote in a book Mark Zuckerberg would “spend the rest of his life in prison” if he attempted to interfere in the 2024 US election.
However, the president-elect subsequently softened his position, telling a podcast in October it was “nice” Mark Zuckerberg was “staying out of the election”, and thanking him for a personal phone call after he faced an assassination attempt.
There have have also been indications Zuckerberg is attempting to be more accommodating towards America’s incoming president.
Donald Trump was thrown off Meta platforms Facebook and Instagram in 2021 for what the company called his “praise for people engaged in violence at the Capitol on January 6.”
President-elect Donald Trump celebrated his election victory at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in New York alongside Elon Musk and some of his cabinet picks.
He entered the arena to loud music and cheers from the UFC 309 crowd at Maddison Square Garden.
Donald Trump spent most of the night sat between UFC President Dana White and Tesla CEO Musk.
Two of Trump’s key cabinet picks, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard, plus Vivek Ramaswamy, who will lead Trump’s cost-cutting “Department of Government Efficiency” with Elon Musk, were also in the crowd.
Donald Trump enthusiastically greeted podcaster and UFC announcer Joe Rogan, who endorsed the president-elect after he appeared on his show before the election.
Trump waved to fans, who chanted “USA” as he walked to the octagon, before soaking in applause and dancing as the UFC played footage celebrating his election victory over Kamala Harris.
Jon Jones, who retained his heavyweight UFC title, then celebrated by heading over to greet Trump, handing the president-elect his title.
“I want to say a big thank you to President Donald Trump for being here tonight,” said Jon Jones, receiving a huge roar of approval from the crowd.
Donad Trump has been a long-time supporter of the UFC, attending many of its live events over the years.
He usually receives a warm welcome from fans, though he received some boos at a UFC event in 2019, towards the end of his first term as president.
Dana White has been one of Trump’s most high-profile backers.
The UFC president gave a speech at the Republican National Convention in July, saying: “I’m in the tough guy business and this man is the toughest, most resilient human being I have ever met in my entire life.”
Millions of voters across the US chose to return Donald Trump to the White House and the presidency on November 5.
Kamala Harris has called Donald Trump to concede the election, CBS says, after Trump’s historic US presidential victory.
Harris will address the nation for the first time since her defeat when she speaks to supporters at Howard University at 16:00 EST.
Donald Trump told jubilant crowds in Florida earlier: “America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate.”
Of the seven crucial swing states, Trump won North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan, while he’s ahead in Nevada and Arizona.
Republicans have also taken the Senate back from Democrats after flipping a string of seats.
In a statement sent out by his campaign, Donald Trump reflects on his historic win, calling it “a political victory that our country has never seen before”.
He then promises that he will “fight” for America, a repeated phrase we often heard on the campaign trail.
“I will not rest until we have delivered the strong, safe and prosperous America that our children deserve and that you deserve,” he says.
“Together, we’re going to unlock America’s glorious destiny.”
“Thank you once again for electing me in a landslide victory.”
At the end of the email, a link prompted Donald Trump’s supporters to continue to donate to his campaign.
Former Republican President George W. Bush has congratulated Donald Trump and JD Vance on their win.
In a post on X, George Bush writes: “The strong turnout in this election is a sign of the health of our republic and the strength of our democratic institutions.
“We join our fellow citizens in praying for the success of our new leaders at all levels of government.”
He also thanks Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for “their service to our country”.
George Bush never publicly backed a candidate during this election, but his daughter Barbara endorsed Kamala Harris in October – as did Dick Cheney, who served as his vice-president.
Donald Trump, now 78, will be the oldest US president at time of election, in history.
In contrast, his right-hand man, JD Vance, at 40, will be the third youngest vice-president.
In recent years, the junior senator from Ohio has been one of Trump’s most vehement defenders on Capitol Hill and in the media.
However, the two didn’t always agree.
JD Vance was once a self-proclaimed “never-Trumper”.
“My god, what an idiot” and “I find him reprehensible” are two Vance quotes from 2016 that resurfaced in July when Trump was narrowing his search for a running mate.
JD Vance always identified with Donald Trump’s disdain for elites and, ultimately, became one of his most steadfast allies when he ran for the US Senate in Ohio a few years later.
Donald Trump declares victory in the US election as he addresses jubilant supporters in Florida.
“America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate,” he says to cheering crowds.
The Republican has picked up the battleground states of Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia, leaving Kamala Harris with only a narrow path to victory.
Just before Donald Trump began speaking, Fox News projected that he had won the election; other US TV networks are yet to do so.
A return to the White House would be an extraordinary comeback for Trump after he lost to Joe Biden in 2020.
Kamala Harris’s campaign says she won’t speak today, as dejected supporters left her watch party earlier.
Meanwhile, Republicans are projected to take back the Senate.
Most probably Donald Trump will be the next president of the United States. He will be only the second man in history to serve two non-consecutive terms as president.
At 78 years old, Donald Trump is facing multiple scandals over his career, multiple court cases – criminal and civil, a conviction, a sentencing in three weeks’ time, and escaping death but a fraction from an assassin’s bullet.
However, it looks like a majority of the American people to send him back to Washington into the White House.
Stocks around the world are rising as Donald Trump appears to be on the cusp of winning back the White House in the US presidential race.
The main stock indexes across Asia were mostly higher on November 6, while the US dollar was also up.
The result of the election is expected to have a major impact on the global economy.
According to a projection from CBS, the Republican Party is set to take control of the Senate but there are still votes left to count.
In Japan, the benchmark Nikkei 225 stock index ended the session up by 2.6%, while Australia’s ASX 200 closed 0.8% higher.
In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite Index was flat, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was down by around 2.5%.
The major US stock indexes also appeared to be set to open sharply higher. That came after the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and Nasdaq all closed more than 1% higher on November 5.
The world’s largest cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, also jumped to a record high of more than $75,000.
Image source: Max Pixel
The US dollar was up by more than 1.5% against a basket of other major currencies, including the euro, pound and the Japanese yen.
Tesla’s Frankfurt-listed shares rallied over 14% at the open on November 6. Elon Musk, Tesla’s top shareholder, has supported Trump throughout his electoral campaign.
Donald Trump has said he would dramatically increase trade tariffs, especially on China, if he became the next president.
The former president’s more isolationist stance on foreign policy has also raised questions about his willingness to defend Taiwan against potential aggression from China.
Taiwan is a major producer of computer chips, which are crucial to the technology that drives the global economy.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s tax-cutting agenda has also been broadly welcomed by big American companies.
If Kamala Harris wins investors expect her trade and foreign policies to be a continuation of Joe Biden’s more predicable approach.
A potential Harris administration is also seen as more likely to tighten regulations on industries like banking and healthcare.
The Democratic party’s renewable energy policies could also boost electric vehicle companies and solar firms.
Investors also have other key issues to focus on this week.
On November 7, the US Federal Reserve is due to announce its latest decision on interest rates.
Comments from the head of the central bank, Jerome Powell, will be watched closely around the world.
On November 8, top Chinese officials are expected to unveil more details about Beijing’s plans to tackle the slowdown of the world’s second largest economy.
Donald Trump has won Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia and taken a lead over Kamala Harris in most of the other four battleground states that will decide the winner of the US presidential election, CBS projects.
According to CBS, Wisconsin is leaning towards Donald Trump and he is ahead in the other so-called Rust Belt state of Michigan. The results are not final.
Incomplete returns also suggest Donald Trump has a lead in Nevada, while the race remains tight in the other sun belt battleground of Arizona.
In more good news for Trump’s fellow Republicans, the party is projected to win majority control of the Senate.
As expected, Donald Trump has swept conservative strongholds from Florida to Idaho, while Kamala Harris won liberal states from New York to California, CBS projects.
Kamala Harris was expected to spend election night at Howard University in Washington DC, where she was an undergraduate, but it emerged after midnight that she would not attend.
Following the announcement by campaign co-chairman Cedric Richmond, the crowd all but disappeared from Harris HQ at the historically black college.
The party-like atmosphere of a few hours earlier at Howard had already turned sour as two swing states were called for Donald Trump.
Donald Trump was expected to appear shortly at his campaign watch party in West Palm Beach, Florida, where the mood was celebratory.
Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and Trump mega-donor, is spending election night with the Republican nominee. The billionaire posted a photo showing him locked in discussions with Trump overnight.
The result appears to be moving towards a seismic political comeback for Donald Trump.
The Republican may also have a friendly Congress with which to push his agenda though, Congress, with both chambers also up for grabs in Tuesday’s vote.
CBS projects Republicans will win control of the Senateafter wresting two seats in West Virginia and Ohio from the Democrats and beating off a stiff challenge in Texas.
Neither party seemed to have an overall edge in the House, which Republicans narrowly control.
Around 86 million voters cast their ballots early amid one of the most turbulent campaigns in recent American history.
Kamala Harris, 60, only became the Democratic Party candidate in July, after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race under pressure from within the party.
Donald Trump, 78, was the target of two assassination plots – narrowly avoiding a sniper’s bullet in Pennsylvania.
Donald Trump would become the first president to win non-consecutive terms in more than 130 years. He is also the only president to be impeached twice and the first former president to be criminally convicted.
Quincy Jones, the celebrated musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and many others, has died at the age of 91.
Quincy Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, said he “passed away peacefully” on November 3 at his home in Bel Air.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him,” the family said in a statement.
Quincy Jones was best known as the producer of Michael Jackson’s Thriller album.
Over a career spanning more than 75 years, he won 28 Grammy Awards and was named as one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century by Time magazine.
Quincy Jones worked closely with Frank Sinatra and reworked the crooner’s classic Fly Me To The Moon, taking it from a waltz to a swing.
For the film The Wiz, Quincy Jones found himself working alongside a 19-year-old Michael Jackson. He went on to produce Michael Jackson’s album Off the Wall and the pop star’s follow-ups Thriller – which sold 34 million copies int he US alone – and Bad.
In 1985, Quincy Jones gathered 46 of America’s most popular singers of the time, including Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner and Cyndi Lauper, to record We Are the World.
Quincy Jones co-wrote the song to raise money for those suffering from a devastating famine in Ethiopia. The record was the US equivalent to Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas.
Quincy Jones also composed the soundtrack to more than 50 films and TV programs including the 1969 British film, The Italian Job.
Misleading allegations, rumours and outright lies about voting and fraud are flooding online spaces in unprecedented numbers in advance of the US election.
Hundreds of incidents involving purported voting irregularities are being collected and spread by individuals, as well as both independent and Republican-affiliated groups. A small number of posts are also coming from Democrats.
The whirlwind of claims spreading online poses a challenge to election officials who are having to debunk rumours and reassure voters, while preparing to administer election day on November 5.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
In nearly every case, the posts support the Trump campaign’s false claim that the former president won the 2020 election and suggestions that he will potentially be cheated out of victory again on November 5.
When asked whether he will accept the 2024 election result, Donald Trump said during the presidential debate in September that he would if it was a “fair and legal and good election”.
A majority of Americans – 70% – expect him to reject the result if he loses, according to a CNN/SSRS poll released Monday.
Just this week, Donald Trump himself claimed widespread fraud in a key swing state.
“Pennsylvania is cheating, and getting caught, at large scale levels rarely seen before,” Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social network. “REPORT CHEATING TO AUTHORITIES. Law Enforcement must act, NOW!”
The allegation followed officials in three Pennsylvania counties saying they were working with local law enforcement to investigate some voter registration applications for potential fraud.
While Donald Trump and allies seized on the announcements, the state’s top election official, Republican Al Schmidt, has urged caution and warned voters to be aware of “half-truths” and disinformation circulating on social media.
Hundreds of allegations of election fraud online, on social networks and on message boards and in chat groups. Some of these posts have been viewed millions of times each.
The posts have implied it’s easy for non-citizens to vote, made false claims about voting machines and sowed distrust in the ballot-counting process.
One video claimed to show recently-arrived Haitians voting in Georgia.
Meanwhile in Northhampton County, Pennsylvania, a video was posted on X showing a man dropping off a container of ballots at a courthouse, alleging suspicious activity. It turned out he was a postal worker delivering mail-in ballots, but the video was seen more than five million times.
At least 158 people have died in Spain’s worst flooding disaster in generations.
On October 31, more than 1,200 workers, aided by drones, were deployed to the rescue mission as rains continued to threaten parts of the country.
“Right now the most important thing is to save as many lives as possible,” PM Pedro Sánchez told victims in a visit to affected communities.
In some of the towns worst- hit in October 29 floods, people were left to the task of recovering bodies from the mud and wreckage.
A least 155 deaths were recorded in Valencia, while another two have been recorded in Castilla-La Mancha to the province’s west, and another, a British man, in Andalusia.
In the town of Paiporta, Valencia where a river burst its banks, at least 40 deaths have been recorded so far.
Officials haven’t disclosed the number of people still missing but said there are “many”, as the toll rose by about another 60 deaths on October 31.
More than 90 deaths were recorded on October 30 alone in the immediate aftermath of the torrential rains and flash floods, which largely affected Valencia, as well as Castilla-La Mancha in Andalusia, and as far south as Malaga.
The town of Chiva near Valencia received the equivalent of one year’s rainfall in just eight hours according to the Spanish meteorological agency Aemet.
Image source: AP
As further rain warnings were issued for the south and east of the country on October 31, King Felipe VI warned the emergency was “still not over” and PM Sánchez warned citizens to take shelter where necessary.
Meanwhile in flood-affected areas, hundreds are sheltering in temporary accommodation and beginning the slow, arduous task of clearing streets and recovering homes and businesses.
Many roads and the rail network connecting Valencia to the rest of Spain remain cut off.
Spain began an official three-day national mourning period on October 31 with flags at half-mast on government buildings and minutes of silence held.
Public anger is growing over how a developed European country appeared to fail to warn many communities of the flood danger in time.
Questions have been asked over whether disaster management services issued warnings too late.
The civil protection agency, deployed during national disasters, did not issue an alert until 20:15 local time on October 29, by which time several places in Valencia had been flooded for hours.
Authorities have called the downpours and flooding “unprecedented”.
Many factors contribute to flooding, but a warming atmosphere caused by climate change makes extreme rainfall more likely.
Google has been fined two undecillion (a two followed by 36 zeroes) roubles by a Russian court for restricting Russian state media channels on YouTube.
In dollar terms that means Google has been told to pay $20,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.
Despite being one of the world’s wealthiest companies, that is considerably more than the $2 trillion the tech giant is worth.
In fact, it is far greater than the world’s total GDP, which is estimated by the International Monetary Fund to be $110 trillion.
The fine has reached such a gargantuan level because – as state news agency Tass has highlighted – it is rapidly increasing all the time.
According to Tass, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov admitted he “cannot even pronounce this number” but urged “Google management to pay attention.”
Image source: Google
Russia media outlet RBC reports the fine on Google relates to the restriction of content of 17 Russian media channels on YouTube.
While this started in 2020, it escalated after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years later.
That saw most Western companies pull out of Russia, with doing business there also tightly restricted by sanctions.
Russian media outlets were also banned in Europe – prompting retaliatory measures from Moscow.
In 2022, Google’s local subsidiary was declared bankrupt and the company has stopped offering its commercial services in Russia, such as advertising.
However, its products are not completely banned in the country.
This development is the latest escalation between Russia and the US tech giant.
In May, 2021, Russia’s media regulator Roskomnadzor accused Google of restricting YouTube access to Russian media outlets, including RT and Sputnik, and supporting “illegal protest activity”.
Then, in July, 2022, Russia fined Google 21.1 billion rouble for failing to restrict access to what it called “prohibited” material about the war in Ukraine and other content.
There is virtually no press freedom in Russia, with independent news outlets and freedom of expression severely curtailed.
Embarking on a home remodel is an exciting journey, promising enhanced comfort, increased property value, and an updated aesthetic. However, financing this endeavor can pose a significant challenge, especially when navigating the myriad of available options. Understanding the intricacies of financing is crucial to ensure a smooth remodeling process and to prevent financial strain.
Set a Realistic Budget
Setting a realistic budget is the cornerstone of any successful home remodel. It’s essential to account for all potential expenses, such as materials and labor, while also leaving room for unforeseen costs. For instance, tile is commonly used in four places: the kitchen, bathroom, shower, or floor, and understanding the costs associated with these can help avoid budget overruns.
Once your budget is outlined, it provides a framework that guides your decision-making process throughout the remodel. Regularly revisiting your budget helps ensure you remain on target financially. Being flexible and prepared to adjust your budget as necessary is key to handling unexpected expenses without derailing your project.
Tech can play a beneficial role in budgeting by using apps and software to track and organize expenses. This not only improves accuracy but also offers real-time insights into your spending habits. By leveraging technology, homeowners can maintain clearer control over their budgets, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
Explore Loan Options
Securing the right loan option is a critical step in financing your home remodel effectively. There are various types of loans available, including personal loans, home improvement loans, and specific renovation loans, each with distinct terms and interest rates. It is essential to compare these options thoroughly to find the most suitable arrangement for your particular financial situation.
Understanding the terms of your loan and how they relate to your financial capability is essential for managing long-term financial health. It’s wise to consult with financial advisors who can provide insights into how different loans could impact your future finances. Choosing the right loan can prevent financial headaches down the road and ensure your remodeling project reaches completion smoothly.
Furthermore, with the help of tech advancements, you can easily research and apply for loans online. Many lenders offer online calculators and application systems, streamlining the process. This approach saves time and often provides more competitive offers due to the ease of comparing various loan options.
Consider a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can be an attractive option for financing a remodel, offering flexibility in how funds are accessed and used. This option allows homeowners to borrow against the equity of their home, often with lower interest rates than traditional loans. 86% report that remodeling one area of their home made them want to remodel other areas of their home, which makes flexibility in financing particularly beneficial.
With a HELOC, you’re given a credit limit determined by your home’s equity, which you can draw from as needed within the set period. This flexibility is ideal for ongoing projects where costs may fluctuate or if additional remodels are considered down the line. Homeowners must be diligent in understanding the terms and repayments required to avoid any future financial strain.
Tech can simplify managing a HELOC through online banking and mobile apps, allowing homeowners to track their borrowings and repayments with ease. Many financial institutions provide comprehensive digital services for HELOC management, enabling better financial planning. By integrating technology, homeowners can ensure they are making informed financial decisions throughout the course of their remodel.
Research Government Programs
Government programs can provide substantial aid in financing a home remodel, particularly for those improving energy efficiency. Programs like the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) 203(k) Rehab Loan could be exactly what you need. Researching these options thoroughly can uncover opportunities for grants or reduced-interest loans that significantly reduce the financial burden.
In addition to national programs, many state and local governments offer similar incentives to encourage specific kinds of home improvements. Some might focus on energy efficiency, while others could target historical preservation or support for low-income families. Researching these programs can take some time but can prove well worth the effort for the financial relief they provide.
Technology can aid in this research by utilizing government databases and online resources to efficiently identify applicable programs. Consider subscribing to relevant newsletters and alerts from government websites to stay updated on new initiatives. This proactive approach ensures you won’t miss beneficial opportunities as they become available.
Save for a Down Payment
If securing financing is a necessary part of your remodel, having a substantial down payment can significantly benefit the overall cost structure. Saving diligently over time allows you to potentially secure better loan terms and interest rates. Strategies such as setting up a dedicated savings account or automatic transfers can streamline this saving process.
It’s crucial to incorporate realistic saving goals and time frames into your financial plan. Understanding your current financial landscape and adjusting lifestyle choices can further aid in accumulating the necessary funds. The discipline involved in saving not only prepares you for your remodel but also strengthens your financial competency overall.
Technology aids saving efforts through financial planning apps that help set goals and track progress. Many apps provide dashboards that give a clear overview of your financial health, allowing you to make adjustments proactively. Leveraging these tools aids disciplined savings efforts, potentially accelerating your journey to a successful remodel.
Compare Contractor Bids
One of the most effective ways to manage remodel costs is by comparing bids from multiple contractors. Different contractors may charge varying amounts for similar jobs, so obtaining multiple quotes is crucial. Your builder will handle permits and inspections, making sure everything is up to code. In Connecticut, the average cost for permits is around $2,500, and knowing this helps avoid unexpected additional costs.
Beyond just costs, consider the reputation and experience of the contractor, as this can heavily impact the quality and timeliness of your remodel. Evaluating previous work and reviews can provide insight into what to expect in terms of quality and accountability. Making an informed decision largely reduces potential disruptions and ensures the desired outcome for your remodel.
Utilizing technology can streamline this process by enabling you to research, gather reviews and testimonials, and even communicate with contractors through digital platforms. Many websites offer resources to connect with trustworthy contractors and compare their offers efficiently. Integrating tech during the contractor comparison phase facilitates a smoother selection process and guarantees better results.
Monitor Expenses Closely
Keeping a close eye on expenses throughout the remodeling process is crucial for staying within budget. Regularly updating your financial plan to account for expenditures provides a clear picture of where your project is financially heading. This proactive oversight prevents overspending and allows for timely adjustments as needed.
Tracking expenses can be simplified by maintaining detailed records and using digital tools to categorize and visualize spending. Many apps are designed specifically to aid in tracking project costs, offering notifications and alerts for budget deviations. Such comprehensive monitoring ensures you remain financially aligned with your remodeling goals.
Additionally, tech solutions can offer predictive insights, helping homeowners anticipate potential financial hurdles before they arise. By keeping expenses at the forefront with the help of technology, homeowners can avoid financial missteps and achieve a successful remodeling outcome seamlessly. Integrating technology not only optimizes resource allocation but also enhances financial confidence throughout the project.
Financing a home remodel doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task if approached correctly. By adhering to a comprehensive financial strategy that includes setting budgets, exploring financial products, and leveraging technology, homeowners can navigate this process with ease. It’s essential to embrace thorough research and planning to ensure that your financial goals align with your home remodeling vision!
The US presidential candidates continued to campaign across key swing states on October 20.
Footage shows a Church congregation in Georgia sing Happy Birthday to Vice-President Kamala Harris as she turns 60, and Donald Trump working the fryer and drive-thru at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania.
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have been ramping up personal attacks on each other as the White House rivals blitzed battleground states 16 days before the election.
In Pennsylvania, Donald Trump served fries at a McDonald’s as he sought to cast doubt on Kamala Harris’s biographical detail about having worked decades ago at the fast-food chain.
Kamala Harris was in Georgia, where she tweeted that Donald Trump was “exhausted, unstable, and unfit to be President of the United States”.
Polls show the two locked in a razor-tight race across the US, including in the seven battleground states that could swing the election.
Donald Trump visited a McDonald’s in Feasterville-Trevose, a suburb of Philadelphia, where he learned to make fries, dunking the wire basket in sizzling oil, and serving meals at a drive-through window.
The restaurant itself was closed to sit-in diners during Donald Trump’s visit.
“I like this job,” said the Republican, who is himself fond of Big Macs and Filet-o-Fish sandwiches.
He again accused Kamala Harris of “lying” about having once worked at the fast-food chain.
“I’ve now worked [at McDonald’s] for 15 minutes more than Kamala,” said Trump.
The Harris campaign said that the vice-president had worked on the cash register, ice cream machine and fry machine at a McDonald’s on Central Avenue in Alameda, California, in the summer of 1983.
McDonald’s placed an ad in the 1983 edition of the yearbook at a local high school, with pictures featuring a couple of students who worked there at the time.
Elon Musk has said he will give away $1 million a day to a registered voter in key swing states until the presidential election on November 5.
The winner will be chosen at random from those who sign a pro-US Constitution petition by Elon Musk’s campaign group AmericaPAC, which he set up to support Republican nominee Donald Trump’s bid to return to the White House.
The first lottery-style cheque was given away to a surprised attendee at a town hall event in Pennsylvania on October 19. Another cheque was handed out on the next day.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat who supports Kamala Harris, called Elon Musk’s strategy “deeply concerning.”
Josh Shapiro told NBC News’ Meet the Press that law enforcement should potentially look at the payments.
The contest is open to voters in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin and North Carolina, all key battleground states that will ultimately decide the White House election.
Federal law states that anyone who “pays or offers to pay or accepts payment either for registration to vote or for voting” faces a potential $10,000 fine or a five-year prison sentence.
Though the tech billionaire is technically asking voters to sign a form, the intent behind the strategy seems controversial to experts.
Those who sign the petition – which pledges to support free speech and gun rights – must submit their contact details, potentially allowing AmericaPAC to contact them about their vote.
Campaigns and political action committees rely on tactics like petition signing, survey requests, or merchandise purchases to build massive databases of voter information. That data can then be used more accurately to target voters, or raise funds from supporters who are already onboard.
In Pennsylvania, Elon Musk is giving voters $100 for signing the petition, plus another $100 for each person they refer who signs. Voters in other battleground states get $47 per referral.
However, the strategy may be covered by a loophole under US election law because no-one is being directly paid to vote – despite introducing money into a process that could identify likely Trump voters.
In the US, it is illegal to provide payments to get people to vote – not only for a certain candidate, but to simply cast a ballot.
The rule prompted icecream-maker Ben & Jerry’s to give its product free to everyone on election day in 2008, having initially planned to limit it just to those with an “I voted” sticker.
While campaigning on October 20, Donald Trump was asked about Elon Musk’s giveaway.
“I haven’t followed that,” the former president said, adding that he speaks to Elon Musk often and he is a “friend”.
Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of X, formerly Twitter, has emerged as a key Trump supporter.
He launched AmericaPAC in July with the aim of supporting the former president’s campaign.
He has so far donated $75 million to the group, which has quickly become a central player in Trump’s election bid.
The Trump campaign is highly reliant on outside groups such as AmericaPAC to canvas voters.
Image source: theamericapac.org
A statement on the group’s website reads: “AmericaPAC was created to support these key values: Secure Borders, Safe Cities, Sensible spending, Fair Justice System, Free Speech, Right to Self-Protection.”
Elon Musk said he wants to get “over a million, maybe two million, voters in the battleground states to sign the petition in support of the First and Second Amendment”.
“I think [it] sends a crucial message to our elected politicians,” he added.
Elon Musk is currently the world’s richest man, with an estimated net worth of $248 billion, according to Forbes.
India and Canada have decided to expel their top envoys along with other diplomats as Justin Trudeau’s government accused Indian agents of involvement in “homicides, extortion and violent acts” on Canadian soil.
Canadian police said the criminal activity had particularly targeted supporters of the pro-Khalistan movement which seeks a separate homeland for Sikhs in India.
Officials said a dozen agents had been involved, but did not confirm if they were directly linked to the June 2023 murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
Delhi rejected the allegations as “preposterous”.
Relations between Delhi and Ottawa have been strained since Trudeau said Canada had credible evidence linking Indian agents to Nijjar’s murder.
India has accused Trudeau of pandering to Canada’s large Sikh community for political gain.
The row led to a deterioration in ties, with India asking Canada to withdraw dozens of its diplomatic staff and suspending visa services.
On October 14, a furious statement from India’s foreign ministry said Canada’s allegations were influenced by Sikh separatist campaigners and warned of action.
Later in the day, it announced six Canadian diplomats, including acting High Commissioner Stewart Ross Wheeler, had been asked to leave India by 19 October.
Ross Wheeler was also summoned by India’s external affairs ministry to explain Canada’s move.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ross Wheeler said Canada had given India the evidence it had demanded, it now needed to investigate the allegations.
Delhi has defended its High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, referring to his “distinguished career spanning 36 years”.
The Indian foreign ministry also said it was “withdrawing” its top envoy and other diplomats.
“We have no faith in the current Canadian government’s commitment to ensure their security. Therefore, the government of India has decided to withdraw the High Commissioner and other targeted diplomats and officials.”
On October 14, Canadian police said they had taken the unusual step of publicly disclosing information about ongoing investigation “due to significant threat to public safety in our country”.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot and killed by two masked gunmen outside a Sikh temple he led in Surrey, British Columbia.
He had been a vocal supporter of the Khalistan movement, which demands a separate Sikh homeland, and publicly campaigned for it.
India has in the past described him as a terrorist who led a militant separatist group – accusations his supporters called unfounded.
Canadian police called his killing a “targeted attack”.
In September 2023, PM Justin Trudeau had told Canada’s parliament that allegations of Indian involvement in the killing were based on Canadian intelligence.
He called the act a violation of Canada’s sovereignty.
India has vehemently denied all allegations and maintained that Canada has provided no evidence to support its claims.
Frosty ties between the two countries seemed to have thawed slightly after India resumed processing visas in October 2023.
Vice-presidential debate between Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz on October 1st felt like a civil and relatively restrained conversation about the issues at the top of American voters’ minds going into the November 5th election.
In that, it was unlike the two presidential debates earlier this year.
The two men spent much more time attacking the other’s running mate than each other during 90-plus minutes on the CBS News stage in New York.
Tim Walz had a shaky start but hit his stride when talking about abortion and the Capitol riot.
But the even-tempered, policy-focused debate, with few political body blows, probably served JD Vance – a polished public speaker – best in the end.
If JD Vance was picked because he puts ideological meat on the bones of Donald Trump’s conservative populism, on Tuesday night he put a polite, humble face on them, as well.
“Something these guys do is they make a lot of claims about if Donald Trump becomes president, all of these terrible consequences are going to ensue,” he said.
“But in reality, Donald Trump was president. Inflation was low. Take-home pay was higher.”
Image source: CBS News
There were moments when the Republican candidate bristled at what he thought was unfair fact-checking from the two CBS moderators, and at one point microphones of both candidates were temporarily muted.
But for the most part, the exchanges on stage were even-tempered.
And there were several moments when the two men agreed on issues – and said so.
The most vigorous disagreements came toward the end of the debate, on the topic of Donald JD Trump’s repeated and false claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him.
Vance, when asked if Donald Trump lost the last presidential election, dodged the question and criticised what he said was Kamala Harris’s censorship.
Tim Walz quickly noted that it was a “damning non-answer”.
“To deny what happened on January 6, the first time an American president or anyone tried to overturn an election, this has got to stop,” he said.
“It’s tearing our country apart.”
Tim Walz went on to say that the only reason Mike Pence, Donald Trump’s previous vice-president, was not on stage was because he certified President Joe Biden’s victory.
JD Vance had no answer to that, highlighting that beyond his friendly demeanour and agreeability, he would not break from Trump’s position.
JD Vance and Tim Walz entered this debate with different skill sets. Vance has sparred with journalists on television in heated exchanges. Walz is at home on the campaign stump, using his folksy style in contrast to more polished politicians.
In the early part of this debate, with both candidates standing behind podiums in a New York City television studio, JD Vance seemed much more comfortable. His answers were smooth, and relentlessly on-message, constantly reminding the audience that for all of Vice-President Harris’s promises, Democrats have held the White House for the past three and a half years.
Tim Walz, for his part, seemed halting and unsure on the opening topic, dealing with October 1st Iranian missile attack on Israel and if the candidates would support an Israeli pre-emptive strike on Iran. The Minnesota governor rarely talks about foreign policy, and his discomfort on the subject was apparent.
Ryan Routh, who was accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at his Florida golf course, has pleaded not guilty to the charges in a federal court.
According to prosecutors, Ryan Routh, 58, was spotted with a rifle as he hid in the bushes near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach earlier this month.
A Secret Service officer protecting Donald Trump allegedly spotted his rifle barrel poking through a fence and opened fire. Ryan Routh fled and was later arrested on Interstate 95, a main highway through the state.
In addition to the attempted assassination of Trump, Ryan Routh has been charged with firearms offences and assaulting an officer.
Image source Wikipedia
On September 30, Ryan Routh appeared in court handcuffed and wearing a brownish prison jumpsuit, according to CBS News.
After each count was read to him, he shook his head in acknowledgment of the charges.
His attorneys entered a plea of not guilty and requested a trial by jury. The hearing lasted around five minutes.
If convicted, Ryan Routh faces a maximum sentence of life in prison on the assassination charge.
An earlier court filing showed that Ryan Routh had written a note months ago saying he intended to kill the former president.
In a pre-written letter addressed to “The World” and sent to an unnamed witness months earlier, Routh appears to pre-empt a failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
“I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster,” the letter reads, with the offer of a cash reward to anyone “who can complete the job”.
Ryan Routh has been held in prison in Florida since his arrest on September 15.
He has a long criminal record, including a felony gun conviction for owning a fully automatic machine gun, and was barred from owning firearms as a result.
He was active in recruiting volunteers to fight in Ukraine’s war against Russia, and had a range of eclectic political views, although he was registered as a Democrat and made anti-Trump posts online.
Ryan Routh’s alleged plot was the second attempt on Trump’s life after Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old armed with an AR-style rifle, opened fire on the former president during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania in July.
Thomas Matthew Crooks was shot dead by counter-snipers.
The Secret Service, the government agency tasked with protecting the president and other politicians and their family members, came under heavy criticism for allowing a gunman to get so close to the former president.
The agency is also responsible for protecting foreign leaders during US visits.
NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo has died from brain cancer at the age of 58.
The eight-time NBA All-Star, who retired in 2009, spent 18 years playing in the league for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets.
Dikembe Mutombo began treatment for a brain tumor in October 2022.
Standing 7ft 2in (2.18m) tall, DR Congo-born center Dikembe Mutombo was discovered while studying at Georgetown University and was selected by the Nuggets with the fourth overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft.
He twice reached the NBA Finals, first for the 76ers in 2001 and then the Nets (now Brooklyn Nets) two years later.
Known for his defensive game, he led the NBA in blocked shots for five consecutive seasons and blocks per game for a record three consecutive seasons.
Following his retirement both the Hawks and Nuggets retired his number 55 shirt, and in 2015 he was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame.
Dikembe Mutombo was a global ambassador for the NBA and carried out humanitarian work in his home country.
Among those to pay tribute were the Houston Rockets, where Dikembe Mutombo spent the last five years of his playing career.
Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta added: “Dikembe was beloved by the entire NBA community and his tireless humanitarian efforts left an indelible mark on our league. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Rose, and their children.”
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