Election Bomb Threats

Hi Global Recap readers,

It’s finally November 5.

The day kicked off with a little drama—nothing major, just a couple of bomb threats. But other than that, it’s been smooth sailing.

We can’t report the winner just yet, but here’s where we stand as of now: 👇

🤔 In My Opinion: Axios has one of the best election map UIs. You can easily see when the latest results were updated, and the vote breakdown is really clear on the map.

This is the 2020 map for comparison:

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Russia-Linked Bomb Threats Deemed “Not Credible”

💣 Well, we saw this coming, didn’t we? The FBI has determined that a series of bomb threats targeting US polling stations on Election Day originated from Russian email domains, but were ultimately deemed not credible.

🤔 Personally: At first, I tried to figure out which candidate Russia was supporting. But I quickly realized they aren’t backing anyone—they just want to create division and stir up chaos.

Bomb Threats in Georgia

According to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a bomb threat was made against multiple polling places in the state.

✍️ Note: Georgia has traditionally leaned Republican, but recently it’s become more of a battleground state.

• Raffensperger, a Republican, said the threat originated from Russia and was not considered credible.

• The threat affected between 5-7 precincts in multiple Georgia counties.

• Law enforcement addressed the threat on Tuesday morning.

Similar Incidents

This is not the first time Georgia has faced threats from Russia during elections.

• A video circulating on social media that falsely claimed a Haitian immigrant voted multiple times was blamed on Russian "troll farms."

• Russia was also blamed for a cyberattack on Raffensperger's office website in October.

• Despite these threats, US officials remain confident in the security of the nation's election infrastructure.

Ongoing Concerns

While the bomb threats were not credible, the potential impact on public perception remains a significant concern.

• Microsoft's threat intelligence division has warned that foreign adversaries are ramping up efforts to meddle in the 2024 US presidential election.

• Russia, China, and Iran have all been accused of seeking to disrupt the democratic process through coordinated disinformation campaigns.

• As Clint Watts of Microsoft said, "History has shown that the ability of foreign actors to rapidly distribute deceptive content can significantly impact public perception and electoral outcomes."

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Maddow Calls for Cutting Ties with Musk

MSNBC host Rachel Maddow claims the US government should stop doing business with Elon Musk's companies due to his ties with Russia.

🛜 Social Media: This isn’t going over well on X, where people are saying the Left is using law and government power to shut down businesses that don’t align with their views.

Maddow's Concerns

Maddow says Musk's relationship with the US is an "untenable reality" for national security.

• She claims the Department of Defense and NASA will need new contracts, breaking ties with Musk's companies.

• Maddow argues the US can't associate with the head of a company that's the "primary rocket launcher" if he's secretly talking to Russia.

• She points to a Wall Street Journal report that Musk has been in "regular contact" with Putin since late 2022.

Musk's Alleged Russia Ties

According to reports, Musk has restricted Starlink's use in Ukraine's offensive against Russia.

• The Wall Street Journal says Musk has been communicating with Putin while Russia wages war on Ukraine.

• Maddow claims Musk is using his businesses to "help the other side, to help Russia in that war."

📊 Poll

🤔 Personally: I think this is absurd, especially considering the outstanding service SpaceX is providing NASA and the US government right now.

• SpaceX is a global leader in rocket technology—this is true regardless of Musk’s political views.

• NASA depends on SpaceX for many missions, especially crewed and cargo resupply to the ISS, thanks to its cost-effective and reliable technology. With the end of the space shuttle program and expensive older rockets, SpaceX’s services are crucial.

• And the US is supposed to walk away from this innovation over a claim? Personally, this is a fat no.

What are your thoughts?

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Netanyahu Fires Defense Minister

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has abruptly fired his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, over differences on the Gaza war.

Of course, disagreements between Netanyahu and Gallant are well known, especially on issues like Gaza, the West Bank, Hezbollah, and now Iran.

Gallant's Dismissal

Netanyahu fired Gallant on Tuesday, citing "significant gaps on handling the war" between them.

• Gallant had been pushing for a ceasefire deal in Gaza to secure the release of hostages.

• Gallant also clashed with Netanyahu over the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Israelis.

• He was seen as a more moderate voice within the government on security issues.

🚨 My Suspicion: This “moderate voice” is likely why Israel appeared relatively “restrained” in its rhetoric and actions against Iran. Perhaps Netanyahu wanted to take a tougher stance. With the US elections wrapping up soon, Israel might feel freer to go more… ham.

Protests Erupt

Gallant's dismissal sparked large protests across Israel.

• Thousands of Israelis blocked traffic and lit bonfires in Tel Aviv.

• Protesters gathered near the prime minister's residence in Jerusalem.

• The crowds were opposing Gallant's firing, seen as a risky move amid the Gaza conflict.

New Defense Minister

Netanyahu named Israel Katz, the foreign minister, as the new defense minister.

• Katz has limited security experience compared to Gallant.

• Netanyahu also offered Gideon Saar, a hardliner, to replace Katz as foreign minister.

Looks like Bibi is tightening his grip on power, even if it means ousting his own defense minister. This is possibly going to make an already tense situation in the region even more combustible.

🇬🇧 UNITED KINGDOM
UK Moves to Ban Cigarettes

The UK government has unveiled a groundbreaking bill that could make buying cigarettes illegal for future generations.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill

This proposed law is designed to gradually phase out cigarette sales across the UK.

• It would raise the minimum age to buy tobacco by one year annually, so those born after 2009 could never legally purchase cigarettes.

• The bill also seeks to restrict vape flavors and packaging to combat youth vaping.

• 🚬 Glimmer of Hope for Smokers: However, a plan to ban smoking in pub beer gardens was dropped due to opposition from bar owners.

Tough Anti-Smoking Measures

If passed, the bill would make the UK a global leader in anti-smoking policies.

• Smoking rates in the UK have declined by two-thirds since the 1970s, but 13% of the population still smokes.

• Authorities say smoking causes 80,000 deaths per year and is the top preventable cause of poor health.

Health Secretary's Rationale

Health Secretary Wes Streeting justified the proposed measures, saying the government aims to "break the cycle of addiction."

• He acknowledged the hospitality industry's struggles, which is why the beer garden ban was scrapped.

• Streeting vowed to combat the "cynical industry" that has "sought to addict a new generation of children to nicotine."

🇨🇳 CHINA
China's New Stealth Fighter Unveiled

China has officially revealed its latest stealth fighter jet, the J-35A, showcasing the country's rapid military aerospace advancements.

🤔 But hold on a sec: Why does it look so similar to the US’s F-35? Wait… J-35? F-35? Why do they sound similar too?

Similarities and Differences to the F-35

While the J-35A shares some design cues with the US-made F-35, it's not a direct copy (supposedly). Key differences include a twin-engine setup and the lack of a short takeoff and vertical landing capability.

• The J-35A has a more streamlined, slender look compared to the F-35.

• It lacks the F-35's STOVL features, likely impacting its internal fuel capacity and weapons load.

• The engines and avionics are also expected to differ significantly from the American fighter.

Complementing the J-20

The J-35A is set to serve as a more affordable, medium-weight complement to China's larger, more advanced J-20 stealth fighter.

• The J-35A will allow the Chinese air force to field greater numbers of low-observable fighters.

• Its lower cost means the PLAAF can boost its "combat mass" in a way the pricier J-20 cannot.

• The J-35A also has export potential, which could help offset development costs.