Full Episode: Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Digest
The episode begins with breaking news of deadly explosions in Lebanon, where pagers and walkie-talkies detonated at funerals, killing at least 20 people. The explosions are attributed to Israel, who has not claimed responsibility but officials tell ABC News they are behind the attacks. The Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by half a percent, the largest cut in 16 years, signaling that the Fed believes the US has turned a corner on inflation. This will bring relief to millions of Americans struggling with credit card debt and mortgages. Sean Combs returns to court after being denied bail. His attorneys complain about the conditions behind bars, but the judge ignores their pleas and orders Combs back to jail. Combs is facing charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and prostitution. The powerful Teamsters Union announces it will not endorse either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris for president. The union says neither candidate was able to make serious commitments to their interests. New polls show Kamala Harris leading Donald Trump in key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The race for president is tightening, with both campaigns going all out to win over voters. A Delta flight makes an emergency landing after experiencing pressurization problems in the cabin. Passengers reported bleeding from their ears and noses. The FAA is investigating the incident. A woman in France takes the stand to testify against her ex-husband, who admitted to drugging her and recruiting strangers to rape her. The trial has gripped the country and much of Europe. The women of NASA's "Hidden Figures" are honored with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor Congress can bestow. The women, who were black mathematicians and engineers, played a crucial role in America's success in the space race.
Outlines
International News and the Fed's Interest Rate Cut
The episode begins with breaking news of deadly explosions in Lebanon, attributed to Israel. The Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by half a percent, the largest cut in 16 years, signaling that the Fed believes the US has turned a corner on inflation.
Sean Combs in Court and Teamsters Union's Endorsement Decision
Sean Combs returns to court after being denied bail, facing charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and prostitution. The Teamsters Union announces it will not endorse either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris for president.
Election News and Delta Flight Emergency Landing
New polls show Kamala Harris leading Donald Trump in key battleground states. A Delta flight makes an emergency landing after experiencing pressurization problems in the cabin.
French Rape Trial and Congressional Gold Medal for "Hidden Figures"
A woman in France testifies against her ex-husband, who admitted to drugging her and recruiting strangers to rape her. The women of NASA's "Hidden Figures" are honored with the Congressional Gold Medal.
Keywords
Remote Trigger
A remote trigger is a device that allows an explosive device to be detonated from a distance. It is often used in improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and can be activated by a variety of methods, such as a cell phone, radio signal, or timer.
Interest Rate Cut
An interest rate cut is a reduction in the cost of borrowing money. This can stimulate economic growth by making it cheaper for businesses to invest and for consumers to spend.
Economic Terrorism
Economic terrorism is the use of economic means to achieve political goals. This can include disrupting trade, damaging infrastructure, or manipulating financial markets.
Sexual Violence Against Women
Sexual violence against women is a serious problem that affects millions of women around the world. It can include rape, sexual assault, and other forms of sexual abuse.
Congressional Gold Medal
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award that can be bestowed by the United States Congress. It is awarded to individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to the nation.
Supply Chain Interdiction
Supply chain interdiction is a military tactic that involves disrupting the flow of goods and services to an enemy. This can be done by attacking transportation routes, destroying manufacturing facilities, or intercepting shipments.
Q&A
What caused the deadly explosions in Lebanon?
The explosions were caused by pagers and walkie-talkies that were detonated remotely. Israeli officials have told ABC News that Israel is behind the attacks, but they have not claimed responsibility.
What impact will the Fed's interest rate cut have on the US economy?
The interest rate cut is expected to stimulate economic growth by making it cheaper for businesses to invest and for consumers to spend. It will also bring relief to millions of Americans struggling with credit card debt and mortgages.
What are the charges against Sean Combs?
Sean Combs is facing charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and prostitution. He was initially denied bail after pleading not guilty to the charges.
Why did the Teamsters Union refuse to endorse either Trump or Harris?
The Teamsters Union said neither candidate was able to make serious commitments to their interests. They want to know what candidates are doing to help American workers.
What is the significance of the Congressional Gold Medal being awarded to the women of NASA's "Hidden Figures"?
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor Congress can bestow. It is a recognition of the significant contributions these women made to America's success in the space race. They were black mathematicians and engineers who were often overlooked for their achievements.
Show Notes
20 more dead, 450 injured as 2nd round of explosions rocks Lebanon: Health officials; Fed Reserve cut interest for 1st time in 4 years; Judge denies bail for Sean 'Diddy' Combs.
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