A new poll shows that many Americans now think tech company leaders are mainly Republicans. This is a big change because Silicon Valley, where many tech firms are based, was once seen as mostly liberal.
Key Facts
The poll was published by Politico on a Monday.
Americans were asked about the political views of eight current or former tech company leaders.
Many respondents believed these tech CEOs are members of the Republican Party (GOP).
This contrasts with the past view that Silicon Valley tech leaders lean liberal.
The change shows a shift in how people see tech executives’ political opinions.
The poll included questions about both real and made-up tech CEOs.
Even fake names were often linked to the Republican Party by respondents.
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Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger wants to stop electricity rate increases for six years if the merger between NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy is approved. She filed expert testimony asking the State Corporation Commission to reject the merger unless the companies agree to the rate freeze.
Key Facts
Governor Abigail Spanberger supports a six-year freeze on electricity rate hikes in Virginia.
The rate freeze is linked to a proposed merger between NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy.
Spanberger submitted expert testimony to the State Corporation Commission (SCC).
She wants the SCC to reject the merger if the companies do not agree to the rate freeze.
The proposal aims to protect Virginia consumers from rising electricity costs after the merger.
The State Corporation Commission is the authority reviewing the merger proposal.
Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy are two large energy companies involved in the merger talks.
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Billionaire Michael Bloomberg is spending $80 million to help Democratic candidates in the upcoming midterm elections, aiming to win control of the US House of Representatives. At the same time, President Donald Trump plans to spend $400 million to support Republican candidates.
Key Facts
Michael Bloomberg donated $80 million to support Democrats for the midterm elections.
President Trump plans to spend $400 million to help Republican candidates, with $300 million already spent.
Bloomberg focuses on helping Democrats win more than just the 218 seats needed for a House majority.
Bloomberg gave $24 million to Everytown for Gun Safety and $16 million to the House Majority PAC.
Democrats hope to win back the House and gain control of the Senate.
Elon Musk has spent $366 million on conservative groups supporting Republicans.
Controlling Congress would affect Trump's ability to pass laws and approve judges.
Bloomberg also donated money to Super PACs supporting specific Democratic candidates and governors.
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A woman who accused seven Cornell University students of rape said the university president's question about why she waited to report the assault made her feel unsupported. The university disputes her account, saying the president was asking why bystanders had not reported the incident sooner. The controversy has led to campus protests and a possible no-confidence vote in Cornell's leadership.
Key Facts
A woman named Jane Doe accused seven Cornell students of raping her in a fraternity house in October 2024.
She said Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff questioned why she waited to report the assault, making her feel disbelieved.
Cornell disputes her claim, stating the president asked why bystanders had not reported the incident earlier through an anonymous tip line.
The allegations have sparked protests on campus and a state investigation into the assault.
Faculty at Cornell are considering a no-confidence vote in the university's leadership over its handling of sexual assault cases.
The Faculty Senate began debating the no-confidence resolution on October 21, 2024, with a vote expected on October 28.
Jane Doe sent a letter to faculty leaders to provide information for their discussion but did not try to influence their vote.
The university's dean of faculty shared a different account of the president’s conversation and acknowledged faculty frustration.
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President Donald Trump held a rally in Greenville, North Carolina, as part of his efforts to support Republican candidates in the upcoming midterm elections. Early voting began last week in North Carolina, which is an important state for both parties in the fight to control Congress.
Key Facts
President Trump held a Republican rally in Greenville, North Carolina.
The rally is part of his campaign to help Republicans in the midterm elections.
Early voting started last week in North Carolina.
North Carolina is a key state in the race for control of Congress.
Democrats have not won a U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina since 2008.
The midterm elections will influence who controls the U.S. Senate.
Watching the event live was available for the public.
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A new short video targeting Amy Acton is spreading online during the Ohio governor’s race. The video shows Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, calling her a liar and asking people not to vote for her. It is not known who made or shared the video.
Key Facts
Amy Acton is a Democrat running for governor of Ohio.
Vivek Ramaswamy is the Republican candidate for the same race.
A 60-second video featuring Acton’s estranged mother is going viral.
Donna Arthur calls Amy Acton “a liar” in the video.
The video encourages Ohio voters not to support Acton.
The source or creator of the video has not been identified.
The Ohio governor’s race has become more heated and negative recently.
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Elon Musk said merging his two large companies, SpaceX and Tesla, could be a good idea, but the decision depends on shareholders. Both companies are moving toward artificial intelligence projects, and a merger could help them work together on technology like software, chips, and robotics.
Key Facts
Elon Musk mentioned a potential merger of SpaceX and Tesla during SpaceX’s quarterly earnings call.
Special committees of independent directors from both companies are discussing the merger idea.
Musk holds over 82% voting power in SpaceX but only about 20% in Tesla.
Combining the companies could increase Musk’s overall control of the merged company.
SpaceX recently went public with a record-breaking IPO and acquired Musk’s AI company, xAI.
Both SpaceX and Tesla are focusing on artificial intelligence for future growth.
Shareholders from both companies must approve the merger before it can happen.
Regulators and some political leaders may review or challenge the merger proposal.
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The U.S. housing market declined in September as mortgage rates rose sharply, slowing down home sales. Rising borrowing costs have made buying homes less affordable, adding economic worries ahead of the midterm elections.
Key Facts
Pending home sales fell 7.3% from August and 11.3% from a year ago in September.
Mortgage rates rose from about 6.8% at the start of September to 7.6% by the end of the month.
The median price of existing homes reached $417,500 in September, a record high for that month.
President Donald Trump promised to lower borrowing costs during his 2024 campaign, but mortgage rates have increased instead.
Freddie Mac’s average 30-year mortgage rate hit 7.40% in early October, the highest since November 2023.
The National Association of Home Builders reported the lowest homebuilder sentiment in 14 years due to high mortgage rates and construction costs.
Housing inventory rose to 1.60 million homes, the highest since November 2019, meaning more homes are available but fewer are being sold.
Inflation and other economic factors are expected to keep mortgage rates high for the near future.
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The FAA has approved Boeing's 737 Max 10 for passenger flights, allowing the plane to be sold and delivered to airlines. This approval ends years of delays and is important for Boeing as it works to improve its reputation and finances after safety problems with earlier 737 Max models.
Key Facts
The FAA announced approval of the Boeing 737 Max 10 on Tuesday after extensive safety checks and test flights.
The Max 10 is the largest version in Boeing’s 737 Max family and can seat 185-210 passengers.
Boeing expects to start delivering Max 10 jets in 2027, after several years of delays.
Over 30 airlines worldwide have ordered 1,555 Max 10 planes, including United, Delta, American Airlines, Ryanair, and Alaska Airlines.
The Max 10 competes with Airbus’s A321neo model, which can carry more passengers and fly farther.
This certification completes the approval for all four 737 Max models.
Safety concerns arose after crashes of the Max 8 model in 2018 and 2019, killing 346 people.
The FAA has reformed its safety rules for Boeing planes since those crashes but is gradually easing some restrictions.
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Sixty years ago, on October 21, 1966, a coal mine waste tip collapsed in Aberfan, Wales, causing a landslide that buried a school and nearby homes. This disaster killed 144 people, including 116 children. Survivors and witnesses remember the tragic event and its impact on the community.
Key Facts
The Aberfan disaster happened on the morning of October 21, 1966.
A coal tip (a pile of mining waste) above Aberfan collapsed and swept into Pantglas Junior School and nearby houses.
144 people died, including 116 children, making it one of the worst school disasters in the UK.
The disaster occurred just before the school's half-term holiday.
Survivors recall hearing a loud rumbling noise before the landslide struck.
Many were trapped under debris, and rescue efforts saved some lives.
The tragedy led to changes in safety rules at mining sites across Britain.
The event remains an important part of Wales’ history and memory.
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Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Robert Garcia, both Democrats, reported receiving suspicious letters at their offices. These incidents are part of a series of similar events happening before the midterm elections.
Key Facts
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's office in Hunts Point, New York, received a suspicious letter.
Robert Garcia, a Congressman from California, also received a suspicious package.
Multiple officials around the country have reported similar suspicious mail.
These reports have increased as the midterm elections approach.
The authorities are investigating the nature of these letters.
No confirmed harm or threats have been publicly reported related to these packages.
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Elon Musk said he thinks merging his two companies, Tesla and SpaceX, would be a good idea. Both companies have special committees looking into the possibility, but no final decision has been made yet.
Key Facts
Elon Musk is considering merging Tesla and SpaceX.
He described the merger as a good idea during a call with financial analysts.
Both companies have formed special committees to review the idea.
The committees have not yet agreed on any terms for a merger.
Any merger would require approval from the companies’ shareholders.
Musk emphasized that a merger is possible but not certain.
The discussion happened during an update on SpaceX’s quarterly business results.
More details about the merger consideration will be shared as they become available.
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Police in Guinea-Bissau raided the offices of Danish researchers who planned a hepatitis B vaccine trial on newborn babies. The trial faced strong criticism and has not been approved by local health officials. Guinea-Bissau authorities are now investigating the researchers’ work.
Key Facts
Guinea-Bissau police seized hepatitis B vaccine doses intended for a newborn trial.
The Danish researchers, Peter Aaby and Christine Stabell Benn, lead the Bandim Health Project.
The researchers have received $1.6 million in funding from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The vaccine trial was criticized as “unethical” because it might expose babies to health risks.
Guinea-Bissau’s government has not approved the trial and says no research will start without strict legal and ethical review.
The Danish researchers are also under investigation in Denmark for alleged scientific misconduct.
The police say the vaccine seizure is part of an investigation and does not prove any problems with the vaccines themselves.
Health officials in Guinea-Bissau publicly denied that the trial would move forward after media reports suggested otherwise.
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SpaceX's revenue rose 161% in the latest quarter compared to a year ago, reaching $5.2 billion from its Starlink internet service and AI business. The company made a $4.4 billion profit, recovering from losses in previous quarters.
Key Facts
SpaceX’s revenue grew 161% in the quarter ending September compared to the same quarter a year ago.
The company earned $4.4 billion in profit, switching from a loss of $1.05 billion the previous year.
Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, brought in $5.2 billion revenue, up 69% year-over-year.
SpaceX’s AI unit turned profitable with $431 million income from operations after a big increase in AI spending.
The company’s shares rose nearly 4% after the earnings announcement, valued at about $153.30 per share.
SpaceX has a valuation of nearly $1.95 trillion as of the latest report.
Elon Musk announced plans to give one SpaceX stock share to every U.S. child next year.
This is SpaceX’s second quarterly earnings report since going public in June 2026.
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SpaceX and Tesla have set up special groups to study a possible merger. Elon Musk, CEO of both companies, said the idea is promising but not guaranteed, as many Tesla shareholders would need to agree.
Key Facts
SpaceX and Tesla formed committees with independent directors to explore merging.
Elon Musk leads both companies but cannot be part of the merger talks due to conflict of interest.
Musk said combining the companies could improve work on AI, chips, robotics, and connectivity.
The merger is not certain and would need approval from about half of Tesla shareholders.
Analyst Gene Munster believes there is a 95% chance of a merger within two years.
SpaceX’s estimated value is over $2 trillion, Tesla’s is nearly $1.5 trillion.
Tesla will share its latest financial results soon, which could impact merger decisions.
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A federal judge allowed North Carolina to keep its strict mail-in voting rules for the November midterm elections. The judge said it was too late to change the rules after they were altered just before ballots were sent out in September.
Key Facts
A federal judge made the ruling about North Carolina’s mail-in ballot rules.
The decision allows the state to use strict mail-in voting rules in the midterms.
The rules had been changed shortly before ballots were mailed in September.
The judge said it was too close to the election to make more changes.
The ruling applies to the November midterm election.
The case involves how voters can submit mail-in ballots in North Carolina.
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In Illinois, Democratic Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton and Republican Don Tracy took part in a forum as they compete to replace retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. Durbin announced he would not run again after nearly 30 years in the Senate, and early voting for the election is now underway.
Key Facts
Juliana Stratton is the Democratic candidate running for U.S. Senate in Illinois.
Don Tracy is the Republican candidate and former Illinois GOP chair.
The candidates participated in a live forum on Tuesday evening.
Senator Dick Durbin is retiring after serving almost 30 years.
Early voting has started for the Illinois Senate race and other elections.
The Cook Political Report rates this Senate race as Solid Democratic.
Illinois voters are also deciding on Governor JB Pritzker’s third-term bid.
The forum was broadcast live by WTTW.
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Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has changed the death sentence of Toforest Johnson, who was convicted of a 1995 murder, to life in prison without parole. Doubts about Johnson’s guilt and weak evidence led to this decision, though it does not declare him innocent.
Key Facts
Toforest Johnson was convicted of killing Deputy Sheriff William Hardy in 1995.
Governor Ivey commuted his death sentence to life imprisonment without parole.
Johnson has always claimed he was innocent and had an alibi placing him elsewhere.
The district attorney and some former public officials doubt the key evidence against Johnson.
The main witness against Johnson said she overheard a confession but was paid $5,000 and may have had a motive to lie.
Governor Ivey has approved 27 executions but has commuted three death sentences during her time.
There is an ongoing legal effort to overturn Johnson’s conviction and grant a new trial.
The case has attracted national attention and was featured in a podcast.
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Nigeria has confirmed its first case of Ebola during an outbreak that started in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in May 2026. The outbreak is part of ongoing health concerns in the region.
Key Facts
Nigeria reported its first Ebola case amid a larger outbreak in Central Africa.
The outbreak began in the Democratic Republic of Congo in mid-May 2026.
Ebola is a serious viral illness that can spread through contact with infected people or animals.
Health officials are monitoring the situation to prevent further spread.
Other news included South African police officer denied bail on sexual assault charges.
São Tomé and Príncipe grows unique vanilla pods thanks to volcanic soil.
This article is part of broader news coverage focusing on Africa and its current events.
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President Donald Trump has announced plans to spend over $400 million to help Republican candidates in the November 3 midterm elections. Much of this money has already been spent on campaign activities like advertising, rallies, and voter outreach as the Republican Party fights to keep control of Congress.
Key Facts
President Trump stated more than $300 million has already been spent on advertising, rallies, and voter programs.
The total planned spending exceeds $400 million for the midterm elections.
Trump calls these midterms the most important in U.S. history.
The spending aims to support Republican candidates amid tough challenges like economic issues and the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Trump’s approval rating is currently low, with about 31% of Americans approving his job performance.
Some Republicans are distancing themselves from Trump, while others want more support for close races.
MAGA Inc, a super PAC linked to Trump, had over $415 million in cash reserves at the start of September but must legally spend independently from Trump’s campaign.
Trump has claimed control over MAGA Inc’s funds, which has raised legal concerns.
Other Trump-related groups, including PACs and Elon Musk’s America PAC, are also spending heavily on Republican campaigns.
Trump is actively campaigning with stops planned in states like South Carolina and Iowa.
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