Week in 5: Nov 3-9, 2024
Donald Trump won the 2024 election, Republicans reclaimed Senate control, Russia suspected of planting explosives on planes, Boeing workers ended a seven-week strike, and more...
Top 3
🏛️ Trump Wins 2024 Election
Donald Trump has achieved a historic comeback to reclaim the White House, becoming the first president to serve nonconsecutive terms since Grover Cleveland in the late 19th century and the second in U.S. history. At 78 years old, Trump will also be the oldest person sworn in as president and the first with a criminal conviction. Trump tapped into voter concerns over issues like inflation and immigration, gaining strong support from working-class voters, especially in rural areas, as well as from young voters and Latino men.
Vice President Harris, who took over the Democratic nomination after President Biden stepped aside, was unable to reassemble the diverse coalition that backed Biden in 2020. Her concession speech emphasized loyalty to the Constitution and the ongoing need for political engagement, while Trump, in his victory speech, pledged to usher in a "golden age" for America, focusing on economic growth and strong national policies. WSJ
🔴 Republicans Reclaim Senate Control
Republicans also regained control of the U.S. Senate by flipping key seats in West Virginia, Montana, and Ohio and holding off Democratic challengers in states like Florida, Nebraska, and Texas. With a strong Senate majority, Republicans will guide policy and appointments, emphasizing economic priorities and countering progressive moves as Trump takes office. WSJ
✈️ Russia is suspected of attempting to place incendiary devices on U.S.-bound planes, using modified electric massagers that ignited at DHL hubs in Germany and the U.K. European authorities have arrested suspects allegedly tied to Russian spy agencies, with officials warning that the devices, if successful, could have caused catastrophic fires aboard cargo or passenger aircraft. WSJ
🇺🇸 U.S.
A Kentucky jury convicted former Louisville police detective Brett Hankison of using excessive force in the 2020 raid that resulted in Breonna Taylor’s death, a landmark decision bringing justice in the high-profile case. The verdict, reached after days of deliberation, marks the first conviction of an officer involved in Taylor’s death. Taylor’s mother and supporters celebrated the decision, while Louisville police highlighted reforms made since 2020. Hankison faces sentencing in March 2024, with a possible life sentence, for his role in the raid that helped spark nationwide protests for racial justice. AP
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter-point to a range of 4.5%-4.75%, aiming to ease economic pressures while balancing inflation risks. Fed Chair Jerome Powell, who confirmed he will stay on through his term ending in 2026, noted that while the Fed expects inflation to cool, future rate decisions will depend on economic performance rather than anticipated policy shifts under the incoming Trump administration. WSJ
Boeing workers ended a seven-week strike by accepting a new contract with a 38% wage increase over four years, allowing production to resume. Despite this resolution, Boeing still faces major challenges, including financial strain, supply chain disruptions, and ongoing safety concerns with the 737 Max. CEO Kelly Ortberg emphasized the need to rebuild Boeing's reputation and strengthen relationships with employees and suppliers. AP
🌎 World
Three individuals have been charged in Iran-linked murder plots, including an attempt to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump, as well as targeting an Iranian-American activist and two Jewish Americans in New York. Two suspects are in custody, while a third, identified as an IRGC "asset," remains in Tehran. ABC News
Ukrainian troops have engaged North Korean units for the first time in Russia’s Kursk region, where North Korean soldiers were deployed to support Russia’s war effort. Up to 12,000 North Korean troops are expected under a pact with Moscow, a development that raises security concerns across Europe and Asia. Meanwhile, Ukraine faces increasing pressure as Russian forces advance in the eastern Donetsk region. AP
Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm, left extensive damage in Cuba, including power outages and severe impacts to infrastructure in Havana and nearby provinces. After weakening to a Category 2 and moving into the Gulf of Mexico, Rafael is expected to continue away from Cuba, but heavy rain remains a risk for parts of the island as recovery efforts begin. CBS News
🧪 Tech & Science
Meta canceled plans to power a new AI data center with nuclear energy after rare bee species were found on the proposed site, marking a setback in tech companies' push for nuclear solutions to meet high AI energy demands. Link
Apple has expanded its satellite service partnership with GlobalStar, committing an additional $1.1 billion to increase satellite capacity and acquiring a 20% stake in the company. This investment aligns with Apple’s growing interest in satellite-enabled iPhone features, allowing users to send SMS via satellite in iOS 18 when out of cellular or WiFi range. Though currently free, Apple has indicated it may begin charging for these satellite features in the future, potentially bundling them with Apple One or mobile carrier add-ons. Link
Vampire bats rely on a unique metabolism, using amino acids from recent blood meals to fuel their exercise rather than the carbohydrates or fats typically used by other mammals. This was discovered by observing bats on a treadmill, revealing they process nutrients similarly to certain blood-feeding insects, a trait that might make them more vulnerable to starvation due to limited nutrient reserves. Link
📺 Sports & Culture
Quincy Jones, iconic music producer, has died at 91. Renowned for collaborations with stars like Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Michael Jackson, Jones earned 28 Grammys and influenced generations across music, film, and TV. AP
Dorothy’s iconic Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz, worn by Judy Garland, are now up for auction with bids exceeding $1 million. This rare pair, originating from sets used in the 1939 film, were stolen in 2005 and later recovered by the FBI in 2018. Link
Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” ties the longest No. 1 Hot 100 run of the decade at 16 weeks, matching Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night.” Billboard
🏎️ Fast Five
Pew Research shows Fox News and CNN lead as Americans' top 2024 election news sources, with older adults favoring Fox. Republicans are more likely than Democrats to see their sources as outside mainstream media, and a third of Americans use sources beyond the top ten. Link
$85 million was earned by Polymarket trader Théo betting on Trump’s win, a profit far exceeding initial estimates, achieved through up to 11 linked accounts, according to Chainalysis. Link
Australia plans a ban on social media access for children under 16, aiming to address concerns about mental and physical health impacts, especially regarding body image and exposure to harmful content. Reuters
The FDA plans to remove oral phenylephrine, a common ingredient in many over-the-counter cold medicines, citing its ineffectiveness as a nasal decongestant. WSJ
After seeing a sign about a hospitalized boy, kids left some of their Halloween candy at his door instead of taking it all home. Link
Thank you for reading. Have a great week!