Our Top Stories for the Week of November 14, 2022

Updated November 18, 2022 | Infoplease Staff

It’s been a busy week, from high-profile crimes to democratic wins. Who has time to keep track of it all? That’s why we’ve boiled it all down to our top stories of the week.

International Havoc

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Police Stabbed To Death In Brussels: On Friday, November 11, 2022, During a knife incident in Brussels, one police officer was killed, and another was injured. The two officers were attacked near Brussels' North railway station. One of the officers was only 20 years old when he was fatally stabbed in the neck. When another patrol arrived, the attacker was neutralized. The investigation into the incident has been taken up by anti-terrorist officials.^[1]
Taiwanese President Emphasizes Independence: On Saturday, November 12, 2022, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wan stated in a heated pre-election rejection of China that her life's mission was to assure the island's continuing sovereignty along with its people and that Taiwan's existence was a provocation to no one. This occurs amid increased military pressure by President Xi Jinping, who was elected for a record-breaking third term.^[2]
Six People Killed In Istanbul Blast: On Sunday, November 13, 2022, The Turkish government reported that at least six people were killed and 81 were injured in an explosion in a busy location of central Istanbul. Bekir Bozdag, Minister of Justice, told the media that a woman had been on a bench in the area for more than 40 minutes before leaving minutes before the explosion.^[3]
Full Sharia Law To Be Implemented In Afghanistan: On Monday, November 14, 2022, Taliban Supreme Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada ordered Afghan courts to enforce Islamic law properly. According to the Taliban, this includes public executions, stoning, flogging, and amputation of limbs for thieves. The Taliban promised a gentler version of the law that marked their first term in office, from 1996 to 2001, but they have gradually tightened restrictions on rights and freedom.^[4]
Missile Misfire Not From Russia: On Wednesday, November 16, 2022, following a few hours of escalated tension in the Russia-Ukraine war, NATO and Poland determined that the missile that exploded in Poland was most likely a stray fired by Ukraine's air defenses. According to the Polish President, "it was an S-300 rocket built in the Soviet Union, an ancient rocket, and there is no evidence that it was launched by Russia."^[5]
UK Inflation Reaches 41-Year High: On Wednesday, November 16, 2022, The 12-month annual rate of inflation increased to 11.1%, up from 10.1% in September. Despite a government, energy price guarantee that caps energy bills at £2,500 ($2,970), rising gas and electricity rates have caused a substantial increase in living expenditures. The ONS data released last week indicated that the UK economy decreased in the third quarter.^[6]
Pollution In Remote Island: On Thursday, November 17, 2022, Researchers reported that thousands of pieces of plastic trash from all over the world had washed up on a remote South Atlantic island. Litter collected on the southwestern coast of Ascension Island has been traced back to China, Japan, and South Africa. Only a small portion of the plastic that washes up on its beaches comes from the island.^[7]
FTX Crashes, Millions Lose Their Money: On Wednesday, November 17, 2022, over a million consumers and businesses lost their money as a result of FTX's demise. There have also been reports that FTX has been hacked, resulting in theft. According to experts and financial watchdogs, customers have little security because crypto assets are mostly unregulated. Despite several warnings, around 6.7 million people in the United Kingdom own or have purchased crypto assets, accounting for roughly one-tenth of the population.^[8]

Sources: [1] BBC [2] Reuters [3] BBC [4] The Guardian [5] Reuters [6] CNN [7] BBC [8] BBC

US Political Advances

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Possible Senatorial Run-Off Elections In Georgia: On Friday, November 11, 2022, after about 99% of ballots were counted, Georgia might again determine who controls the United States Senate. A runoff election between Democratic incumbent Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Herschel Walker was set for December 6. According to Edison Research data, Warnock has failed to reach the 50% level required to avoid a runoff.^[1]
Possible Nevada Win Could Give Democrat The Control Of Senate: On Saturday, November 12, 2022, Americans focused on the Senatorial race of Nevada, where the Democrats are only one seat away from regaining control of the United States Senate. Democrats now possess 49 Senate seats, but Republicans hold 49 as well, implying that Democrats just need one more seat to secure a majority in the Senate (with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking vote).^[2]
Democrats Win Secretary Of States Seat In Arizona: On Saturday, November 12, 2022, Adrian Fontes, the Democratic candidate for Secretary of State in Arizona, secured one of the most significant victories of the 2022 midterm elections. Mark Finchem, a state legislator, has been a far-right Oath Keepers militia member and was present at the US Capitol on January 6, 2020.^[3]
Democrats Win In Nevada: On Sunday, November 13, 2022, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto was re-elected in Nevada, ensuring that the Democrats now control the United States Senate. This is a significant victory for the President of the United States, Joe Biden. Democrats will control at least 50 Senate seats after Masto's victory, with Vice President Kamala Harris able to break ties in the 100-member chamber.^[4]