Week in 5: Sep 29-Oct 5, 2024
Israel-Hamas war hits its one-year, with Iran launching 180 missiles at Israel following the assassination of a Hezbollah leader. Also, a major strike at U.S. ports puts the supply chain at risk...
Top 3:
🇮🇱 Israel-Hamas War Hits One Year
This week, air raid sirens sounded across Israel as people temporarily sought safety from bomb shelters. Following the assassination of key Hezbollah leader last week, Iran launched a missile attack at Israel. Around 180 ballistic missiles were fired and while most were intercepted, the attack demonstrates the rising tensions between the two nations. WSJ
After two weeks of Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, Israel launched a limited ground invasion into southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah military sites near the border. This operation remains limited for now, but it could expand based on how the conflict develops. Meanwhile, President Biden is sending additional U.S. troops to the Middle East to bolster security and support Israel. NYT
The U.S. was blindsided by Israel's airstrike killing Hezbollah's leader without prior notice, raising concerns over coordination between the allies. Now, Israel targets Hezbollah's successor amid rising tensions with both Hezbollah and Iran. Hezbollah has continued launching rocket fire into Israel in response. WSJ
🚢 Massive Strike at U.S. Ports Puts Supply Chain at Risk
Led by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), around 45,000 workers walked off the job in East and Gulf Coast ports after failed contract negotiations. This is the largest strike for the ILA since 1977, as workers seek significant pay raises, increased contributions to their retirement plans, and to establish limits on automation to protect job security. The strike is currently paused as the two sides returned to negotiations. Vox
Dock workers play a critical role in unloading and managing goods from massive cargo ships. In this case, the affected docks make up about 50% of imported goods. A prolonged strike could lead to shortages, price increases, and delays, especially for perishable items and car parts.
⚖️ VP Debate Highlights Vance’s Confidence, but No Clear Winner
Republican JD Vance appeared more polished and confident against his opponent, Democrats Tim Walz. Vance attempted to soften some of Trump’s more controversial positions on issues like immigration and abortion. He is appealing to voters looking for balance to what Trump brings to the table. However, questions remain about what version of Vance voters should trust since he was a former Trump critic and is now a devoted ally.
Walz appeared more nervous and struggled initially, especially on issues like foreign policy, but did well on issues like climate change and abortion. His strongest moment was when he pressed Vance on Trump’s claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Vance dodged it focusing instead on threats of censorship to democracy.
While both candidates avoided any major mistakes, there was no decisive winner, and unlikely to significantly impact the course of the race. WSJ, NPR
🇺🇸 U.S.
Hurricane Helene clean-up efforts continue and death toll rises to 227 as more bodies are recovered. U.S. officials also battle conspiracy theories including claims the storm was engineered for corporate gain and that disaster funds are aiding illegal immigrants. This complicates relief efforts as FEMA works to dispel misinformation along with critical relief work. AP, Reuters
254,000 jobs were added in September and unemployment fell to 4.1% from 4.2%. This beat expectations and signals resilience in the economy, potentially causing the Federal Reserve to hold off on any large interest rate cuts for the rest of the year. Reuters
Spirit Airlines is suffering after significant financial losses. Shares dropped 30% after reports it might file for bankruptcy. Forbes
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🌎 World
The U.S. launched airstrikes targeting more than a dozen sites belonging to the Houthi (Iranian-backed rebels) in Yemen on Friday. This follows escalated Houthi attacks on U.S. ships amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. AP
The U.K. agreed to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This ends a decades long territorial dispute and could have some impact on strategic military interests in the U.S. who uses Diego Garcia (part of the archipelago) as a key base for operations in the Indian Ocean. BBC
China could employ economic warfare through cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns to force Taiwan into surrender. This comes from a report by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and also suggests Taiwan strengthen its financial resilience and urges the U.S. to prepare responses to counter these non-military tactics. ABC
🧪 Tech & Science
Medical Breakthroughs: Type 1 diabetes was successfully treated in a woman using bioengineered stem cells. This is a significant breakthrough that could change the course of diabetes treatment. China also successfully treats autoimmune diseases using CRISPR. Stem cells, CRISPR
Tesla issues it’s 5th recall for Cybertrucks. This time it is due to issues with the rearview camera. AP
Huawei announced a $3,000 triple-folding phone a day after Apple’s iPhone event. It is more of a symbolic achievement than a true competitor, but Huawei may be making a comeback in China after being pushed out of the US market due to sanctions. Link
📺 Sports & Culture
2024 MLB playoffs officially kick off as teams compete for the World Series title. CBS
Garth Brooks accused of sexual assault and battery from hair-and-makeup artist that worked for him. USA Today
Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing team filed a lawsuit against NASCAR, alleging anti-competitive practices in the league. NYT
🏎️ Fast Five
President Jimmy Carter turned 100, making him the longest-living former president in US history.
The largest solar flare since 2017 erupted this week, potentially disrupting telecommunications and power grids. WP
Merriam-Webster added 200 new words to its dictionary, including popular Gen Z slang like “rizz” and “thirst trap.” NPR
Credit: Unsplash.com A heroic North Carolina man jumped into floodwaters to rescue a woman trapped in her car during Hurricane Helene. CNN
A United Airlines pilot made headlines after buying pizza for passengers during a seven-hour layover caused by an emergency landing. Link
Thank you for reading. Have a great week!