US Election 2024: Key Details

As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are intensifying their campaigns in crucial battleground states. The election is scheduled for **November 5, 2024**, and the outcome could take days to finalize if the race is close, particularly in key swing states.

Election Date and Historical Context The presidential election will be held on **Tuesday, November 5, 2024.This date was established in the 19th century, with a law passed in 1845 to unify federal elections on the first Tuesday of November. The timing was chosen to accommodate the agricultural society of the time, allowing for travel after the harvest season.৳ Where to Watch the Results For live coverage of the election results, visit **TimesofIndia.com**. You can also stream updates on TOI’s YouTube channel and follow real-time updates directly on the website. Announcement of Results Initial results will be available shortly after the first polls close at **6:00 pm Eastern Time** (22:00 GMT). However, it may take several days to determine the final outcome, especially if mail-in ballots significantly influence the results. Current Polling Data - **New York Times:** Harris 49%, Trump 48% - **FiveThirtyEight:** Harris 48.1%, Trump 46.6% Importance of Swing States Seven key swing states are likely to determine the election outcome: - **Pennsylvania (19 Electoral Votes)** - **North Carolina (16)** - **Georgia (16)** - **Michigan (15)** - **Arizona (11)** - **Wisconsin (10)** - **Nevada (6)** These states account for **93 Electoral College votes**, with a candidate needing **270 votes** to win. Potential for an Electoral Tie While unlikely, an electoral tie is possible. For instance, if Harris wins Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona, Nevada, and one electoral vote from Nebraska but loses Pennsylvania and Georgia, a 269-269 deadlock could occur. Various scenarios can be explored on the **270 to Win** website. What Happens in Case of a Tie In the event of a 269-269 tie or if a third-party candidate disrupts the majority, a **contingent election** occurs. The US House of Representatives would decide the winner, with each state delegation casting one vote. The **12th Amendment** mandates that if no candidate achieves a majority, the newly inaugurated Congress selects the president, while the Senate chooses the vice president. The Role of Indian-Americans in the Election Indian-American Congressman **Raja Krishnamoorthi** emphasized the significant impact of the Indian-American community on the upcoming elections. He noted that their votes could be decisive in key states, as the community seeks leaders focused on practical solutions and the American dream. Stay tuned for more updates as the election date approaches!

Kamala Harris Takes a Jibe at Donald Trump on ‘SNL,’ Encourages Americans to ‘Keep Kamala and Carry On-A-La

Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance on "Saturday Night Live" to bring some light-heartedness to the final stretch of the presidential campaign. The current Vice President and presidential candidate featured in the Nov. 2 cold open, which kicked off with a parody of CNN, featuring Chloe Fineman as Kaitlan Collins. The sketch transitioned to a Trump rally, where James Austin Johnson's portrayal of the former president riffed on his recent garbage truck stunt, odd microphone antics, and controversial remarks about Liz Cheney. Bowen Yang also joined in as Trump’s vice presidential hopeful, JD Vance. The scene shifted to a humorous campaign conversation featuring Maya Rudolph as Harris, Dana Carvey as President Joe Biden, Andy Samberg as Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, and Jim Gaffigan as prospective vice president Tim Walz.

Forecast high for Halloween 2024CBS Philadelphia

There's usually a chill in the air by the time Halloween rolls around in the Delaware Valley. But this year, the region is forecast to have its warmest Halloween in nearly 80 years. And that's no trick. On Oct. 31, 2024, the NEXT Weather team is forecasting a high of 82 degrees, which could tie the warmest Halloween record set in 1946. That 82-degree record is the only time Philadelphia has seen a high temperature in the 80s on Halloween since record-keeping began more than 150 years ago. So no need for those heavy coats and winter gear for trick-or-treating. By 4 p.m., when some younger ghouls and goblins start heading out to collect their candy, temperatures will hover around 79. By 6 p.m., temps will dip only slightly to 76 degrees. Around 8 p.m., it'll be a mild and breezy 72. Trick-or-treating forecastCBS Philadelphia On the flip side, the coldest Halloween morning in Philadelphia was in 1966, when temperatures dropped to a frigid 26 degrees. The coldest day was recorded in 1925 at 41 degrees. In 2011 and 2012, our area celebrated Halloween in the wake of a major weather event. During the "Snowtober" of 2011, the area picked up 0.3 inches of snow at Philadelphia International Airport on Oct. 29, but parts of the northern suburbs checked in with as much as 6 inches of snow. This year was also the last time temperatures dipped below freezing on Halloween. The next year, the area had just been hit by Superstorm Sandy. Millions were without power and trees and branches were downed all across the region after Sandy made landfall on Oct. 29. Halloween festivities were postponed or canceled across much of the region.

2024 Presidential Election Polls: Harris vs. Trump Tightens with 11 Days Remaining

As the 2024 presidential race nears its conclusion, polling continues to show a neck-and-neck contest between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump. Early voting is already underway, and both candidates are locked in a fierce battle for the presidency. < script type="text/javascript"> atOptions = { 'key' : 'f932a9c9f0f141a35556d9d92bcc0036', 'format' : 'iframe', 'height' : 300, 'width' : 160, 'params' : {} }; Latest Polls Show a Close Race In new surveys released Friday morning, Harris holds a slight edge in Tipp’s ongoing tracking poll, while an Emerson College poll also indicates a narrow advantage for the vice president. Meanwhile, the final New York Times/Siena College poll reports a tie in the popular vote. Both candidates are traveling to key battleground states across the U.S. as they make their closing appeals to voters. Key Poll Findings for October 25 • NYT/Siena College: Harris and Trump are tied at 48% in the latest national poll of 2,516 likely voters, conducted from October 20-23. This poll has a margin of error of ±2.2 percentage points, showing the race is even closer than previous findings, which gave Harris a slight lead. • Emerson College Polling in New Hampshire: Harris is leading Trump by three points among likely New Hampshire voters, at 50% to 47%. Accounting for undecided voters, Harris’s support increases slightly to 51%, though her margin of error is ±3.2 percentage points. Harris is underperforming Biden’s 2020 numbers in the state, where he secured 52.8% of the vote. • Tipp’s Tracking Poll: Harris maintains a slim lead over Trump at 50% to 47% among 1,260 likely voters. The poll, conducted from October 21-23, has a margin of error of ±2.8 percentage points. Tipp notes the small margin suggests a volatile electorate. • Bloomberg News/Morning Consult Swing State Poll: The two candidates are in a statistical tie across seven swing states, with Harris barely leading Trump 49.1% to 48.5%, within a one-point margin of error. Harris’s perceived qualities, like mental fitness, honesty, and compassion, have appealed to some swing-state voters, while Trump leads on experience, patriotism, and strong leadership. Gender Gap and Key Issues The gender gap between Harris and Trump has widened, according to a USA TODAY/Suffolk University national poll. Women favor Harris 53% to 36%, while men support Trump 53% to 37%—a potential record-breaking disparity if these margins hold. Both genders rank the economy and inflation as top issues, though women also emphasize abortion and women’s rights as a priority, reflecting ongoing policy debates. Understanding Poll Margins and Accuracy The margin of error in polls represents the confidence interval for how accurately the survey reflects the overall population. A lead within the margin is called a "statistical tie," as seen in many of these recent polls. Pollsters have updated their methods following past underestimations, aiming to improve accuracy as Election Day approaches.

Trump accuses UK's Labour Party of 'foreign interference'

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Donald Trump's campaign has filed a Federal Election Commission (FEC) complaint against the UK's Labour Party, accusing it of "blatant foreign interference" in the US election in aid of the Harris-Walz campaign. The complaint cites media reports about contact between Labour and the Harris campaign as well as apparent volunteering efforts, arguing that this amounts to illegal "contributions". The BBC understands that Labour activists campaigning in the US presidential election are doing so in a personal capacity. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, has sought to play down the row - pointing out that Labour has long sent volunteers to US elections. It is considered normal for party officials from the UK to be in contact with counterparts in the US. This has also has taken place previously between Trump's Republican Party and the UK's Conservative Party. Asked by BBC political editor Chris Mason whether the row risked jeopardising his relationship with any future Trump administration, the UK PM said "no". Sir Keir pointed to a dinner the two men had together at Trump Tower in New York last month, saying they "established a good relationship". The dispute appears to have begun with a LinkedIn post which asked for people to travel to the US and said nearly 100 were signed up to go. The post, from Labour Party head of operations Sofia Patel, added that 10 "spots" are available and that "we will sort your housing". The Trump campaign complaint cites this, as well as newspaper reporting that Labour-linked individuals have travelled to the US to campaign for Harris. That reporting, the complaint alleges, creates a "reasonable inference that the Labour Party has made, and the Harris campaign has accepted, illegal foreign national contributions". The complaint also refers to Washington Post reporting that communications were exchanged between the parties and that senior officials have met in private. The Trump campaign has also made comparisons with an international programme in 2016 in which the Australian Labor Party, or ALP, sent delegates to help with Bernie Sanders' campaign. In that instance, however, the ALP paid for flights and daily stipends. The party and the campaign were each handed down civil penalties of $14,500. Activists' trips by the UK Labour Party have not been organised or funded by the party, it is understood from party officials. Foreign nationals are permitted to serve as campaign volunteers as long as they are not compensated, according to FEC rules. A former Labour activist who volunteered for Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2008 called Trump's allegations "nothing more than a political stunt". Matthew McGregor told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the most a foreign volunteer could receive was a bottle of water or some pretzels. In reference to Patel's offer to "sort" the housing of those who went on the trip, Mr McGregor said it was common for Democratic activists to offer their spare rooms or sofas to volunteers. Speaking to the Today programme himself, one Trump ally said the suggestion of interference was more of a "perception problem than a legal one". Chris Ruddy, CEO of Newsmax Media, added that story was more important in the UK than in the US currently, but as the election got closer it "could become a bigger issue". •

LeBron and Bronny James Make NBA History as First Father-Son Duo to Play Together

LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James and his 20-year-old son Bronny stepped into NBA history during the Lakers' season opener, becoming the first father-son duo to play in the league together. As they rose from the bench to a roaring crowd, LeBron, the NBA’s all-time top scorer, shared a special moment with his son before they checked into the game. “That moment, both of us standing at the scorer’s table together, is something I’ll never forget,” said LeBron. “No matter how old I get, it’ll stay with me.” The two entered the game against Minnesota late in the second quarter, earning a huge ovation from the crowd. LeBron had already played 13 minutes, but the 39-year-old was thrilled to join his son for 2 1/2 minutes of play. LeBron finished the night with 16 points, while Bronny grabbed an offensive rebound and narrowly missed his first NBA jump shot, a 3-pointer. Although Bronny didn’t play again in the Lakers’ 110-103 victory, the moment was monumental for both father and son. “I tried not to focus on the crowd or the energy, just wanted to go in as a rookie and not mess up,” said Bronny. “But the support from Laker Nation for me and my dad was incredible.” LeBron first shared his dream of playing with his son years ago. That dream came true after Bronny, following a season at USC, was drafted by the Lakers with the 55th overall pick. The family’s history-making night was witnessed by LeBron’s wife, Savannah, and his daughter, Zhuri, who was celebrating her 10th birthday. Also in attendance were Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., the first father-son duo to play in Major League Baseball together. The Griffeys played for the Seattle Mariners in the 1990s, setting a precedent for what the Jameses achieved on the basketball court. LeBron, now in his 22nd NBA season, shows no signs of slowing down, still playing at an elite level. Bronny, who overcame a health scare in 2023 after suffering cardiac arrest and undergoing surgery, is es own legacy in the league. The Lakers are still determining Bronny’s role, with the possibility that ager to carve out hi he may spend time with their G League affiliate to gain experience. Regardless, the historic pairing of LeBron and Bronny has already left a lasting mark on the sport. “It’s been an incredible experience,” LeBron said. “To share the court with my son, it’s something special.”

Hurricane Oscar Makes Landfall in Cuba, Sparking Fears of Humanitarian Crisis

Hurricane Oscar, a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph, made landfall in Cuba on Sunday evening, shortly after impacting the Bahamas. The hurricane hit near Baracoa just before 6 p.m. ET, coinciding with widespread power outages across the island. By 8 p.m., Oscar's winds had decreased to 75 mph. As millions in Cuba faced a blackout, the electrical grid collapsed for the fourth time in just 48 hours, exacerbating the existing crises of food, medicine, and fuel shortages. In response, the government canceled school through Wednesday—a rare measure—urging only essential workers to report on Monday. Forecasters from the National Hurricane Center anticipate that Oscar will weaken over the mountainous terrain of eastern Cuba, though it could still remain a tropical storm as it moves northward late Monday and across the central Bahamas on Tuesday. Rainfall amounts of 6 to 12 inches are expected through Wednesday morning, with some areas potentially receiving up to 18 inches. The center also warned of a dangerous storm surge along Cuba's north shore, with tides reaching 1 to 3 feet above normal, accompanied by large and destructive waves. #### Concerns of a Humanitarian Crisis A dangerous storm surge is expected in southeastern Bahamas, particularly around Great Inagua Island, and later along Cuba's north shore. There are worries that Oscar could strengthen to a Category 2 storm. Jon Porter, chief meteorologist for AccuWeather, emphasized the risks associated with heavy rainfall in the steep terrain of southeastern Cuba, which could lead to severe flash flooding, mudslides, and rockslides. He warned, "The combination of these factors may result in a humanitarian crisis in parts of southeast Cuba if Oscar makes landfall or passes closely." The ongoing power crisis in Cuba raises additional concerns about the storm's impact. On Saturday, authorities managed to restore power to about 20% of the nation’s 10 million residents after multiple grid failures. Porter stated, "Hurricane impacts in Cuba are particularly alarming due to the existing power grid crisis. The added strain of a hurricane will worsen the situation, jeopardizing lives and complicating efforts to prepare for, respond to, and recover from the storm." The island's electrical grid first collapsed on Friday after the shutdown of its largest power plant, leading to further outages throughout the weekend.

How Trump 2024 is Dividing the Pro-Wrestling Community

In 2007, Donald Trump famously shoved Vince McMahon over a table during a WWE live event, a moment that solidified his connection to the wrestling world. Now, more than a decade later, his 2024 presidential campaign is drawing retired wrestlers back into the spotlight. Recently, Trump shared a video on Truth Social featuring former WWE stars The Undertaker and Kane, urging viewers to "choose wisely" in the upcoming election. The Undertaker emphasized that "the nation depends on it." This summer, Hulk Hogan embraced the "Trumpamania" theme at the Republican National Convention, while Dave Bautista took a jab at Trump, calling him "a weak, tubby toddler." The Undertaker is also set to join Trump on his podcast, further blurring the lines between politics and wrestling. Before his political career, Trump was deeply involved with WWE, hosting events at his hotels and even making it into the company's Hall of Fame. Key figures supporting his 2024 bid include Hogan, former WWE executive Linda McMahon, Glenn Jacobs (Kane), and musician Kid Rock. In a recent interview, Trump expressed concerns about "manhood being under attack," echoing sentiments shared by Tyrus, a former WWE star. This aligns with a larger cultural conversation about masculinity in America. While WWE has shifted toward a more family-friendly image, Trump's brash persona resonates with the edgier audience of the UFC, where he often makes appearances. This cultural divide has led late-night host Jimmy Kimmel to recruit Bautista to take comedic shots at Trump's tough-guy image, highlighting the ongoing polarization within the wrestling community.

Israel Confirms Killing of Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza

 Hamas terror chief Yahya Sinwar has been killed during an Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip, as confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday.

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The IDF and Shin Bet intelligence agency stated that Sinwar was eliminated on October 16, 2024, following a year-long pursuit. He was described as responsible for orchestrating the October 7th Massacre, which resulted in the deaths and abductions of numerous Israelis. The statement emphasized that Sinwar had been hiding among the civilian population in Gaza and in Hamas tunnels.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized Sinwar's death as a significant blow to Hamas but indicated that the conflict is not yet resolved. He urged the residents of Gaza to seize the opportunity to free themselves from Hamas's rule, asserting that "Hamas will no longer govern Gaza."

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Netanyahu further claimed that Sinwar was "hiding in fear" from Israeli forces at the time of his death. He referred to Sinwar as the "Butcher of Khan Younis" for his violent tactics against both Israelis and Palestinians.

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Reports indicate that Sinwar was killed during a clash with Israeli soldiers after suspected terrorists were spotted in Gaza. Following a tank shelling that collapsed a building, soldiers discovered three bodies, one of which was identified as Sinwar.

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This development marks a critical moment in the ongoing conflict, with Israeli military leaders gathering to discuss the implications of Sinwar's death

Williams Poses a Threat with Playmaking Ability, Putting Pressure on Jaguars' Defense

 

The Jaguars will need to make some adjustments after their late-game collapse against the Colts. Caleb Williams' ability to extend plays will stress the defense, and Jacksonville must perform at a high level on both sides of the ball to get the win.

The Jaguars will win if: They control time of possession. Though the Jaguars have yet to win this battle in 2024, their big-play ability has been a bright spot. However, this game might require sustained drives. If Jacksonville can capitalize on the Bears’ weak run defense, they should be able to control the tempo and take home the win.

The Bears will win if: They score 24 points or more. For Chicago, 21 points has been a magic number; their defense generally doesn’t allow more than that. The Jaguars, meanwhile, have given up a touchdown on the opening drive in four consecutive games. If the Bears can keep the scoreboard moving, they have a strong chance to win.

Martineau’s take: This is a close call, but based on trends, the Jaguars may have found a spark last week. They should be better than their 1-4 record suggests. While the Bears are solid, they’re not unbeatable, and missing key defensive players gives Jacksonville an edge. With tight end Evan Engram back, the Jaguars do enough to win their seventh straight October game, 27-22.

Running Game and Pocket Protection Key for Jaguars Victory

 

The Jaguars will win if: They run the ball as effectively as they did against the Texans and Colts in recent weeks. The offensive line has excelled in protecting Trevor Lawrence and dominating on the ground, with running backs Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby averaging nearly six yards per carry. If the line can maintain this level of play, the Jaguars should control the game’s tempo and neutralize the Bears' aggressive defense.

The Bears will win if: Caleb Williams feels comfortable at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He’s already proven why he was the No. 1 pick, showing poise and playmaking ability inside and outside the pocket. If the Jaguars can't contain him, he has the tools to lead the Bears to victory.

Sexton’s take: The Jaguars are a more experienced team with a history of success in London. This is a crucial stretch, and if they want to stay in playoff contention, they need to capitalize on games like this. I believe they understand the stakes and are prepared to rise to the occasion.

Williams’ Playmaking Ability Could Spell Trouble for Jaguars

 The Jaguars will need to make some adjustments after their late-game collapse against the Colts. Caleb Williams' ability to extend plays will stress the defense, and Jacksonville must perform at a high level on both sides of the ball to get the win.

The Jaguars will win if: They control time of possession. Though the Jaguars have yet to win this battle in 2024, their big-play ability has been a bright spot. However, this game might require sustained drives. If Jacksonville can capitalize on the Bears’ weak run defense, they should be able to control the tempo and take home the win.

The Bears will win if: They score 24 points or more. For Chicago, 21 points has been a magic number; their defense generally doesn’t allow more than that. The Jaguars, meanwhile, have given up a touchdown on the opening drive in four consecutive games. If the Bears can keep the scoreboard moving, they have a strong chance to win.

Martineau’s take: This is a close call, but based on trends, the Jaguars may have found a spark last week. They should be better than their 1-4 record suggests. While the Bears are solid, they’re not unbeatable, and missing key defensive players gives Jacksonville an edge. With tight end Evan Engram back, the Jaguars do enough to win their seventh straight October game, 27-22.