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Election Day is almost here, and the headlines are arriving fast and furious. From a tragedy in Florida to a Democratic civil war in Michigan, here are the six stories shaping your morning.
Nine Killed as Private Jet Plunges Into Florida Neighborhood in Fiery Crash
Nine people died Sunday when a private Learjet 60 nose-dived into a South Florida neighborhood in Greenacres, exploding into a fireball just feet from homes and passing cars. The Bahamas-bound jet had left Austin, Texas, and was cruising near 35,000 feet when its crew reported icing and turbulence, then began descending at rates that reached 30,000 feet per minute. Air traffic recordings captured the pilot declaring an overspeed condition before saying, “We’re going to crash into the ground.” Authorities evacuated about 600 residents from a nearby mobile home community, and Gov. Ron DeSantis said there were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths on the ground. The NTSB is investigating, and officials say no cause has been established.
Source: Associated Press
Democrats Gain Ground in Final House Battleground Map as Republicans Scramble to Defend Seats
Democrats are entering the final days before Tuesday’s midterms with an increasingly favorable path to retaking the House. The Cook Political Report says the field of competitive districts has expanded into once-safe Republican territory in Indiana, Ohio, Florida, Colorado, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and Democrats need a net gain of just three seats. High prices, the unpopular war in Iran, and President Trump’s low approval rating are weighing on Republicans, while Democrats must also defend vulnerable incumbents in Trump-friendly districts. With 18 toss-ups and dozens more races in play, favorable forecasts still have to turn into actual votes.
Source: The Washington Post
Michigan Democrat Haley Stevens Endorses Republican Mike Rogers, Igniting Party Firestorm
Michigan Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens has endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, igniting a Democratic civil war just days before the election. Stevens, who narrowly lost the primary to Abdul El-Sayed, acted after a dispute over an outside group’s ad blaming rising costs on U.S. support for Israel and after El-Sayed’s campaign disinvited her from an event. Chuck Schumer called the move “a despicable betrayal,” Nancy Pelosi accused her of abandoning Michigan families, and state party chair Curtis Hertel said she is no longer a member of the party. Trump celebrated on Truth Social and, at a rally in Dubuque, Iowa, invited Stevens to join the Republican Party.
Source: The Guardian
Federal Appeals Court Blocks Trump Administration’s Attempt to Set Aside California Ballots
A federal appeals court has rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to force California to set aside ballots from roughly 20,000 voters suspected of being noncitizens. In a 2-1 ruling, the 9th Circuit found no feasible way to separate individual ballots without “potentially catastrophic effects on the entire system,” with Trump appointee Mark J. Bennett joining Biden appointee Gabriel P. Sanchez in the majority. Another panel ordered federal noncitizen-voting investigations in nine states to remain suspended until after Election Day, while the Justice Department plans to take the dispute to the Supreme Court and has subpoenaed Los Angeles County election officials. California officials say the federal list is unreliable and likely includes American citizens.
Source: Associated Press
Trump Administration Pushes Russian Gas Deal With Europe as Ukraine War Continues
The Trump administration is pushing a plan to restart Russian natural gas exports to Europe through pipelines crossing Ukraine, hoping to secure an energy ceasefire before winter. Envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff introduced the idea during September talks, and it would route gas through a U.S. intermediary, with revenue held in a third-country escrow account. The proposal reverses Trump’s first-term warnings about Nord Stream 2 and faces fierce European resistance, since the EU has legislated an end to Russian gas imports by December 2027. Pressure is growing, however, as the Iran war has driven up energy costs and European gas storage is only about 75% full. Three-way talks among the United States, Russia, and Ukraine are planned for mid-November in Abu Dhabi.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
Trump: The New Drag King? Mar-a-Lago Halloween Bash Features Glitter, Drag, and Caviar
President Trump celebrated Halloween with a lavish jungle-themed party at Mar-a-Lago, complete with glitter, animal-print costumes, a king crab and caviar bar, and a skirt-wearing performer, just three days before the midterms. Trump arrived around 8 p.m., told reporters he spent only about 10 minutes preparing, and attended as himself. The party drew criticism for its optics as voters struggle with grocery and fuel prices, and Mar-a-Lago membership is believed to cost at least $200,000 a year. It also echoed last year’s Great Gatsby-themed bash, held during a federal government shutdown.
Source: The Daily Beast
That’s your Morning Sixpack: a tragedy, a shifting map, a party at war with itself, a courtroom check, a gas gamble, and a caviar bar. Stay informed, stay curious, and we’ll see you tomorrow.
Remember, tomorrow is Election Day! If you didn’t vote by mail, drop off, or early, tomorrow is YOUR DAY! Don’t miss it!!!
One more thing: Don’t miss my 11-part series on Donald Trump’s sexual assault victims. First one was last Friday. New one drops today.
She Came to New York for a Beauty Pageant. She Says Donald Trump Raped Her.
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