Deep Dive
Why are people in Gaza facing severe winter conditions without proper shelter?
Aid groups have warned that insufficient aid is being distributed, and the destruction from airstrikes has left Gaza in ruins. Israel's military claims to facilitate humanitarian response but aid workers say it will take at least two years to get the supplies needed for this winter.
What challenges are aid groups facing in providing assistance to Gaza?
Aid groups report that only a fraction of the aid is being distributed. Many tents are damaged by the time they arrive or are stolen by armed gangs near the Gaza border. The looting of U.N. aid trucks has driven up prices and forced bakeries to shut down due to lack of flour.
How is the Black Friday shopping season expected to impact the U.S. economy?
Despite financial pressures, retailers are expecting a record-breaking holiday shopping season. Online shoppers have already spent nearly 10% more this year compared to last year, and a growing number of people plan to spend more than they did last year.
What factors are influencing consumer spending during Black Friday?
Deals and discounts are a significant draw for shoppers feeling financially strained. The late Thanksgiving date this year has led to fewer shopping days until Christmas, prompting some experts to predict rolling sales and price drops to clear inventory.
What are the most popular items being purchased during this Black Friday season?
Classic toys like Legos, Hot Wheels, and Barbies are top sellers, along with slime kits, hair devices, fitness trackers, gaming consoles, and pickleball paddles. Higher costs of food and bills are causing people to change their shopping habits, buying fewer or cheaper gifts.
Why did third-party presidential candidates receive fewer votes in 2024 compared to recent years?
Third-party candidates received less than 2% of the vote, with the Green Party's Jill Stein earning the most at around 800,000 votes. The Libertarian Party nominee, Chase Oliver, earned about 640,000 votes. The decline is attributed to shifts within the Libertarian Party towards supporting Trump and opposition to Democrats.
How did Donald Trump's campaign influence the performance of third-party candidates?
Trump's campaign courted the Libertarian Party's endorsement and support, leading to internal party politics that took a hard turn towards Trump. This shift, along with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s decision to leave the race and endorse Trump, significantly reduced interest in third-party candidates.
What is the outlook for third-party options in future elections?
While some Libertarians view Trump's appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services as a win, others feel bamboozled by Trump's policy picks. The overlap in ideology between Trump's base and the Libertarian base validates the idea of existing outside the two-party system and gaining concessions from the dominant parties.
- Thousands of families in Gaza are living in tents made of used flour bags and wooden sticks.
- Armed gangs are looting aid trucks, leading to increased prices and food shortages.
- Israeli military restrictions are hindering the distribution of aid.
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