By Sohaib Shams
The weekend's major political developments include a stunning cross-party endorsement in a pivotal Michigan Senate race, widespread protests across Europe over living costs, and a historic first WNBA title for the Golden State Valkyries.
Michigan Democrat Endorses Republican Senate Candidate
Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers on Sunday, a dramatic shift in a battleground race that could decide Senate control. Stevens announced her endorsement after Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed asked her to stay away from his campaign following a dispute over an outside ad she called antisemitic.
NBC News Poll Shows Democratic Advantage in Congress Battle
A new national NBC News poll finds registered voters prefer a Democratic-controlled Congress by a 7-point margin, 52% to 45%, with Democrats holding a 21-point lead among independents. President Trump's disapproval rating reached 60%, a new high, while more voters report dissatisfaction with their financial situation than satisfaction for the first time in 30 years of polling.
Federal Judge Dismisses Trump Lawsuit in Alaska Senate Race
U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason dismissed the Trump administration's lawsuit seeking to separate and preserve ballots for a same-named candidate in Alaska's Senate race. The suit argued that votes for Dan J. Sullivan, recruited by Democrats, could be confused with incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan. The judge cited concerns about voters' right to a secret ballot.
Senator Chris Murphy Hospitalized After Stroke
Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., was hospitalized Saturday after experiencing numbness in his arm during his son's hockey game. His chief of staff confirmed he suffered a stroke.
Protests Over Living Costs Spread Across Germany and Europe
Tens of thousands demonstrated in more than 30 German cities, including Berlin and Frankfurt, where rioters looted stores and set fires. The protests, organized by the group Gen Z Regelt, demand lower living costs and better education. Similar cost-of-living protests occurred in France, Italy, Serbia, and Spain.
Martha Stewart Faces Backlash Over Halloween Costume
Martha Stewart responded to criticism of her Halloween costume depicting a "hungry" homeless person, saying she was "distressed" by the offense caused. The costume, part of an Instagram promotion for her candle collection, was widely condemned as mocking poverty.
Golden State Valkyries Win First WNBA Championship
In only their second season, the Golden State Valkyries captured their first WNBA title by defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in the first Game 7 in Finals history. Forward Gabby Williams scored 30 points, including a postseason-record 28 in the second half, and was named MVP.
Other Notable Developments
Extreme heat and drought fueled Indonesia's worst fire season in over a decade, affecting millions across the region. A Learjet 60 crashed in Florida, killing all nine aboard. Kimi Antonelli became the youngest Formula One world champion at age 20. A shooting at a Spirit Halloween store in Fairfield, California, left one dead and six injured. The FBI attributed a $6.3 billion Binance crypto hack to North Korea. Ukrainian residents evacuated from Russian-controlled Oleshky crossed from Belarus into Ukraine. Congo's Ebola death toll surpassed 5,000. Actors Margaret Qualley and Jack Antonoff filed for divorce.
