Big Decision Day

It's Election Day, and the showdown between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris has set a high tone nationwide. In their last hours, the two candidates toured the most influential battlegrounds—Trump rallied in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. At the same time, Harris pushed in Pennsylvania, a state considered a tipping point in both races.

It's Election Day, and the showdown between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris has set a high tone nationwide. In their last hours, the two candidates toured the most influential battlegrounds—Trump rallied in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. At the same time, Harris pushed in Pennsylvania, a state considered a tipping point in both races.

Here's what's in play:

• Pennsylvania's Influence: Pennsylvania's 19 electoral votes can shape the outcome, as it did in 2016 and 2020. The state could swing the final result since many voters held out until today.

• Control of Congress: Besides the presidential race, every House and 34 Senate seat will be decided. Close House and key Senate races could determine the balance of power in Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

• Economic & Policy Divergences: Each candidate frames their opponent's potential victory as a threat to stability regarding taxes, trade, immigration, and energy.

• Polling Tension: Polls show an unprecedented neck-and-neck race. Millions of votes were cast in early voting, resulting in post-election disputes, particularly in battleground states.

Stay tuned as the nation votes holds its breath, and begins counting the ballots that will shape its future.

Classified Chaos

Leaks can shake a nation, and this one is no exception. There is panic in Israeli politics after classified documents surfaced involving a close associate of Prime Minister Netanyahu. Politics over diplomacy: critics question whether the leaked intel drove Netanyahu's tough stance on a summer ceasefire with Hamas. Now, many are asking: Did political motives prevent the release of hostages?

The leak of classified U.S. documents about Israel's alleged plans against Iran has added fuel to the fire. The sudden leaks of details on munitions movements and air exercises suggest that Israel is preparing for action against Iran. Trust between the U.S. and Israel has already been tested by this leak, with some wondering how it might affect their future collaboration.

Running Out

Scientists in Denmark have developed a pill called LaKe that claims to mimic the effects of a high-speed 10K run. In early studies published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, LaKe simulated fasted exercise benefits by increasing lactate and ketone levels, called BHB. Suppressing appetite and burning fat puts the body in workout mode, and, unlike some early mimetic drugs, it shows no signs of toxicity.

But what does this mean for us? Only rats have been tested for LaKe's effects, but the possibilities are intriguing. LaKe may one day help those who are elderly, recovering from surgery, or in situations where exercise is not feasible, such as space missions.

No Return Point

Here’s one that’ll make you rethink hitting that “return” button! Ever get a refund without actually sending the item back? There's nothing glitchy about that - it's part of a return policy that's quietly gaining traction among retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. With "returnless refunds," you keep the product and get your money back, especially for smaller items that would cost too much to return.

Still, it’s a lucky surprise, not a guarantee. Retailers are finding clever ways to manage costs without shouting about it.

📸 Lens to Life

The finalist photos for Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024.

🧮 Core Count: 31,557,600

Seconds in a year.

🗓️ Flashback:

1937 - Hitler informs his military leaders of his war plans in a secret meeting.

1955 - The Vienna State Opera reopens with Ludwig van Beethoven's "Fidelio" after being destroyed in World War II.

1956 - The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ruhollah Khomeini, accuses the United States of imperialism and corruption and calls it "The Great Satan."

1992 - In an unofficial match in Belgrade, American chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer defeats Russian Boris Spassky.

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

Fatih Taskiran