With less than 36 hours until polls open for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are intensifying their campaign efforts across key swing states. Amidst heightened tensions surrounding the ongoing Gaza conflict, Harris aims to connect with voters dissatisfied with the U.S. response, while Trump continues to double down on his controversial rhetoric. Harris spent the day rallying support in Michigan, emphasizing her commitment to addressing the concerns of the Arab-American community, which has been vocal about the U.S. handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. At a rally at Michigan State University, she declared, “As president, I will do everything in my power to end the war in Gaza,” before urging attendees to vote. “We got two days to get this done,” she said, rallying her supporters with a message of unity and action.
On the other hand, Trump held rallies in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia, where he maintained his aggressive stance, making alarming comments about journalists and accusing Democrats of trying to “steal” the election. In Lititz, Pennsylvania, he remarked jokingly that he wouldn’t mind if journalists were shot, reflecting his increasingly confrontational tone. Trump also reiterated his belief that he should not have left the White House after losing the 2020 election. As early voting continues to surge, with over 77.6 million ballots cast so far, both candidates are working to solidify their bases. Polls indicate a remarkably close race, with many key states remaining tightly contested. Harris received a boost from a recent poll in Iowa, where she is now leading—a state Trump won easily in the last two elections.
As the campaign enters its final stretch, both Harris and Trump are making desperate appeals to undecided voters, while Harris’s campaign highlights the high turnout of women among early voters, a critical demographic for her candidacy. The stakes are high as both candidates aim to secure victory in what is shaping up to be a historically tight election.
Top Slovak mountaineer dies in Nepal after historic ascent
A top Slovak mountaineer, Ondrej Huserka, tragically lost his life during the descent of Langtang Lirung peak in Nepal, following a historic first ascent of its east face. The Slovak climbers association confirmed the news on Sunday, reporting that Huserka, 34, fell into a crevasse on Thursday. Huserka, a member of the Slovak national mountaineering team, was known for his climbing achievements in the Alps, Patagonia, Pamir Mountains, and the Himalayas. His Czech climbing partner, Marek Holecek, stated that the two had just completed the ascent when the accident occurred.
According to Holecek, Huserka fell eight meters and hit an angled surface before continuing into the glacier’s depths. Despite his desperate attempts to rescue Huserka, who was trapped head down and apparently paralyzed, Holecek could not reach him in time. He shared an emotional tribute on Facebook, revealing he had stayed with Huserka for four hours as his light faded. The Slovak climbers association SHS James initially called for a rescue operation, but efforts were hampered by severe weather conditions in the area, preventing any helicopter operations. In a statement, SHS James noted that family and friends would have to come to terms with Huserka’s death given the challenging weather.
Described by the Slovak daily SME as “one of the best Slovak mountaineers,” Huserka was particularly noted for his focus on rock and ice climbing. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the climbing community, mourning the loss of a passionate and skilled athlete.
