5 things to know for October 2: Discussions from the debate, Iran missile attack, Helene aid, stock market, dye ban

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1. Debate over takeaways

Senator J.D. Vance and Governor Tim Walz faced off Tuesday in their first and only vice-presidential debate of the 2024 campaign. It was a civil and policy-oriented confrontation in which both were asked about escalating tensions in the Middle East, immigration, inflation , health care, abortion and other important issues for American voters. The two focused largely on substance rather than personal attacks, but they did exchange on a wide range of topics before ending with a tense exchange on January 6, 2021, and the future of democracy. The microphones were turned off during a controversial conversation about Vance’s false claims that Haitian immigrants were eating the pets of residents of Springfield, Ohio. Overall, analysts say the debate is unlikely to change the trajectory of the presidential race. A CNN Instant Poll also found no clear winner in the matchup.

2. Iranian missile attack

Iran launched its largest-ever attack on Israel on Tuesday, firing 200 ballistic missiles in an unprecedented barrage that appears to have been largely blunted by Israel’s defenses with the help of the US and its allies. Israel has vowed to take revenge, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying Iran has made a “big mistake” and “will pay” as fears grow of a wider all-out war between the two regional powers. One person was killed in the attack, but the extent of the damage is still unclear. According to a CNN analysis, many of the Iranian missiles fell on or near the headquarters of Israel’s Mossad intelligence service and two air bases. Iran’s military chief later warned of broader attacks if Israel responded.

3. Helene help

At least 162 people have died and many more are missing as communities work to clean up the catastrophic damage from Hurricane Helene. Six days after the storm hit, North Carolina residents are still struggling to access necessities like food and water. Thousands are without power and travel remains dangerous with hundreds of roads closed. President Joe Biden is expected to fly today over Asheville, North Carolina, where damage from Helene has so severely limited access to the city that the president’s motorcade cannot enter, the mayor said. Officials said at least 20,000 people in the southeastern U.S. have registered for assistance and are anxiously awaiting resources after the storm caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.

4. Stock market

The stock market is off to its best start to a year since 1997, but a massive dockworkers strike in the US could reverse some of that progress, economists say. Investors remain optimistic for now: The S&P 500 has hit 43 record highs so far in 2024. But the ripple effects of the dock workers’ strike could leave tens of thousands of other workers across industries temporarily unemployed if the strike is extended. . These job losses, combined with an ongoing Boeing strike and the fallout from Hurricane Helene, could massively distort the October jobs report (released on November 1) at a time when the Fed is heavily scrutinizing employment data for signs of a weakening labor market, economists say. tell CNN.

5. Ban on food colourings

Six chemicals used in many popular foods and drinks were banned from California public schools this week. The new law makes the Golden State the first in the nation to ban the use of Red Dye No. 40 and other common food colorings in K-12 public school meals. Some of these food colorings can be found in some, but not all, Cheetos, Doritos, Skittles, M&Ms, Starburst, Gatorade, Mountain Dew, Cap’n Crunch, Ruffles and Takis brand products. The bill comes amid concerns that these dyes could harm children’s learning, as some studies show they are linked to behavioral problems and reduced attention in children. If you’re concerned about the potential effects of these dyes, experts recommend avoiding ultra-processed foods and opting for alternatives like fresh produce. For example, foods that are USDA certified organic may not contain artificial food coloring.

BREAKFAST LEAVES

Who will see today’s annular solar eclipse?
An annular solar eclipse will create a ‘ring of fire’ phenomenon in the sky over parts of South America today. There will also be a partial solar eclipse over Hawaii. Enjoy, sky watchers!

Nintendo’s first museum offers a nostalgic journey back in time to video games
Japan’s new Nintendo Museum takes visitors through the levels of the company’s 135-year history with an exhibition of rare consoles and prototypes. Take a look inside.

Startups are competing to become Africa’s best food delivery app
Chowdeck already delivers food, groceries and parcels on demand – one day it wants to be a ‘super app for Africa’. Read how the company is taking a bite out of the Nigerian food delivery market.

Boris Johnson breaks royal protocol
The former British Prime Minister claimed in his upcoming memoir that Queen Elizabeth II had bone cancer before her death. As per standard policy, Buckingham Palace has neither confirmed nor denied Johnson’s claims.

‘Diddy’ will soon face new accusations
More than 100 men and women plan to pursue new allegations against embattled media mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in the coming weeks, according to an attorney representing the individuals.

TODAY’S ISSUE

500,000
That’s about the number of votes already cast in 27 states in the 2024 presidential election as of Tuesday, according to election officials and research groups. Data shows pre-election voting appears likely to decline from the pandemic-era highs of 2020, when some voters were wary of voting in person because of CDC guidelines recommending social distancing.

TODAY’S QUOTE

“I am a mother, a grandmother, a scientist and a woman of faith, and from today, by the will of the Mexican people, the president.”

– Claudia Sheinbaumwho delivered a speech on Tuesday after being sworn in as Mexico’s first female president. Sheinbaum made promises to cap gasoline and food prices, expand cash handout programs for women and children, support business investment and crack down on the drug cartels that have tightened their grip on much of the country.

TODAY’S WEATHER

Check your local forecast here>>>

AND FINALLY…

Historians unravel a 130-year-old mystery after five minutes of searching
A lucky bunch of maritime historians quickly found a Wisconsin shipwreck that had been missing for 130 years. Watch the video here.

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