High Stakes on Election Eve

One day before the election, tensions are high, with 75 million Americans casting early ballots and the race still neck-and-neck in key battleground states. In national polls, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are in a statistical tie, with Harris edging out Trump in Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Georgia will determine the final push for 270 electoral votes.

Female voters lead the charge in early voting data, with an even split between the parties. Yet, the swing states hold the key, and even seasoned analysts call this election unpredictable. Voters will decide by tomorrow whether a united or divided Congress will be decided, with 34 Senate seats up for grabs and several competitive House districts.

The campaigns have different strategies: Harris appeals to unity with church visits in Detroit and a lighthearted appearance on SNL. Meanwhile, Trump has used his rallies to rally his supporters by claiming any loss was the result of "cheating." The narratives may continue after Election Day, keeping the nation on edge.

Escalating Shadows

Middle East tensions rise before election day as international issues take center stage. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has threatened Israel and the United States with a "crushing response" to recent Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian-linked sites.

It is unclear when and how Iran will respond, but this is no idle threat. With the U.S. positioning additional defense systems in Israel, such as THAAD batteries, and thousands of troops there, the stakes are high. This comes as Gaza’s youngest citizens face unimaginable hardships. Despite ongoing bombings and a strained healthcare system, nearly 94,000 Gaza City children received delayed polio vaccinations over the weekend. Between Hezbollah's influence and Israel's military might, the region remains unstable.

Farewell to a Maestro

At 91, Quincy Jones left us with a legacy that redefined American music. Jones' career covered a variety of genres and generations, from producing Michael Jackson's Thriller to arranging for jazz icons like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. By seamlessly fusing jazz, R&B, and rock, Jones took sounds to new heights and brought people together through music.

Through his philanthropic endeavors, he introduced stars like Oprah and Will Smith to the screen and shared his "criminal level of optimism." His family’s statement reflects the sentiment of millions: “There will never be another like him.”

Tipsy Tails

We might have more in common with the animal kingdom than we realized! Animals regularly consume alcohol through the consumption of naturally fermented fruits and nectar, according to new research. Some animals might enjoy the effects of the effects, even if they aren't partying on purpose.

A surprising variety of animals have been observed indulging in alcohol-rich foods. It's still unclear if these animals are simply taking what they can find or seeking that "buzz" we humans know so well. Some animals have evolved to handle alcohol better than others—just think of nature's “designated drinkers!”

Researchers are investigating whether ethanol benefits animals psychologically. It may not just be your imagination when you see a bird wobbling around after eating overripe berries!

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

Natural Landscape Photography Awards 2024 winners.

🧮 Core Count: 3,995

The Great Wall of China's approximate length in miles.

🗓️ Flashback:

1845 - The first uniform election day is observed in the United States on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November.

1879 - African American inventor Thomas Elkins patents the Refrigerating Apparatus.

2001 - “Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone,” the first movie adaptation of J. K. Rowling's book series, premieres in London.

2008 - Barack Obama was elected the first African-American President of the United States.

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

Fatih Taskiran