3 Days to Go

In the final days before the election, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are trying to rally last-minute support in critical battleground states. Over 68 million votes have already been cast early, nearly 42% of the total ballots in 2020. The candidates hold rallies in North Carolina and Wisconsin, which are must-win states. While Harris emphasizes unity, Trump takes a combative tone, blaming Biden's recent comments about his supporters as "garbage," even appearing on stage dressed as a garbage collector.

Trump's fraud threats and the new network of allies and influencers, including Elon Musk, are intensifying the countdown. Musk has transformed X (formerly Twitter) into an outlet for pro-Trump messages.

The stage is set, and every move and message can make a big difference.
Bonus: Check out the pols: RCP, 538, Siena, Nate Silver.

Walls of Water

Over 200 people died when a powerful storm unleashed flash floods across Valencia, causing one of Spain's deadliest floods ever. Water levels rose so quickly that many compared it to a tsunami. Streets turned into rivers, sweeping away cars and trapping residents in homes and underground garages within minutes.

The storm’s severity surprised many. In just eight hours, some areas received a year’s worth of rainfall, with Chiva seeing record-breaking levels. Authorities were slow to react, sending alerts too late for many already on the road. Experts say climate change will likely contribute to extreme weather's increasing intensity and randomness.

While volunteer teams are clearing mud-filled streets and providing aid, the question looms: How can Spain and the world prepare as storms intensify?

Peanut Plight

New York's Instagram squirrel Peanut is involved in a legal battle worthy of a movie. Mark Longo has been caring for Peanut since his mother was tragically killed by a car seven years ago. Peanut's antics, such as wearing tiny cowboy hats and hanging out with Longo's cat, have delighted fans, who have hundreds of thousands of followers.

But, a recent raid by New York’s DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) changed everything. Peanut and Fred were seized after authorities received anonymous tips and concerns about their safety. The small animal sanctuary owner fears Peanut may have been euthanized and is rallying public support to bring him back.

With nearly 20,000 supporters already signed up, Longo's plea raises questions about how authorities handle pets. It also reminds us of the complicated regulations surrounding keeping wildlife, even when it's just a cute squirrel.

What We Learned This Week?

1. In the high-stakes 2024 election, women are set to play a decisive role.

2. The U.S. military is actively preparing for a future conflict with China.

3. U.S. Economy Soars High, But Are Politics the Gravity?

4. Market fears lurk behind Wall Street's ghosts and goblins this Halloween.

5. Identify and protect victims before labeling someone as a criminal.

6. “Grate Cheese Robbery" sparked comparisons to art thefts.

7. Apple's Mac lineup is about to take a giant leap forward.

8. It was their dream home, and thousands of bats thought the same.

9. There's no perfect time for daylight saving time.

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

Images from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024 contest.

🧮 Core Count: 26

Number of bones in your feet.

🗓️ Flashback:

1906 - The Berlin International Radiotelegraph Conference selects "SOS" as the worldwide distress signal.

1957 - The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2 with a Siberian Husky named Laika, the first animal in space.

1970 - President Nixon promised a gradual withdrawal of US troops from Vietnam.

I'm glad we could get together here. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Fatih Taskiran