Our Top Stories for the Week of October 31, 2022

Updated November 4, 2022 | Infoplease Staff

It’s been a busy week, from missiles and military drafting to changes in social media. 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.

On The International Stage

Photo Source: iStock

Twitter Buyout Complete: On Friday, October 28, 2022, the world's wealthiest man completed his $44 billion (£38.1 billion) takeover of Twitter. Musk tweeted, "the bird is free," which appears to be a reference to the deal's completion. Some top executives, including CEO Parag Agrawal, were fired following Musk's takeover. Musk's takeover of Twitter as the new owner ended months of legal dispute.^[1]
Russia-Ukraine Grain Export Deal Suspended: On Saturday, October 29, 2022, after a drone attack on the Crimean city of Sevastopol, Russia suspended its participation in a United Nations-brokered grain export deal. A top Ukrainian official accused Russia of staging "false terrorist attacks" on its Crimean facilities. Russia promised to open the Black Sea port to allow the safe passage of grain and oilseeds, two of Ukraine's most important exports.^[2]
149 People Dead In Halloween Stampede In Seoul: On Sunday, October 30, 2022, Officials confirmed that more than 149 people, mostly teenagers and young adults in their twenties, were killed when a huge crowd celebrating Halloween in Seoul's nightlife area flared up. The Halloween event was the first in three years after South Korea lifted COVID restrictions and social distancing. Many of those who attended the party dressed up in masks and Halloween costumes. ^[3]
Lula Defeats Bolsonaro To Clinch Brazilian Presidency: On Monday, October 31, 2022, In Brazil, the incumbent far-right President, Jair Bolsonaro, was defeated in the presidential election by a former President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, as the country shifted to the left. After a divisive campaign in which Lula received 50.9% of the vote, the two rivals on opposite sides of the political spectrum square off. He could not run in the 2018 presidential election because he was imprisoned and barred from holding office.^[4]
Russia Suspends Partial Conscription: On Tuesday, November 1, 2022, Russia announced that it had completed its "partial mobilization" of hundreds of thousands of citizens to fight in the country's war against Ukraine, effectively putting an end to a contentious draft that sparked nationwide protests. Officials confirmed that the draft's goal of recruiting 300,000 people had been met as of last week. The draft, which Putin vehemently defended, was carried out in a chaotic manner, prompting hundreds of thousands to flee Russia.^[5]
Twitter To Review Premium Services: On Tuesday, November 1, 2022, following Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter, several developments were proposed, including the verification policy. According to reports, Twitter will start charging $20 for blue check verification and expand its premium subscription services. Since the announcement, many celebrities and political figures have spoken out against it, claiming that Mr. Musk wants to "tax free speech."^[6]
North Korean Missile Lands Off The Coast Of South Korea: On Wednesday, November 2, 2022, North Korea fired at least 17 missiles into the sea, including one that landed less than 60 kilometers (40 miles) off the coast of South Korea, which the South Korean President described as a territorial encroachment by Pyongyang. North Korea launched at least 17 missiles into the sea, one of which landed less than 60 kilometers (40 miles) off the coast of South Korea. South Korea's military responded by launching three air-to-ground missiles north of the Northern Limit Line.^[67

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

Around The States

Photo Source: iStock

House Fire Kills 8 In Oklahoma: On Friday, October 28, 2022, a house fire in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, killed eight people, and police have launched an investigation to determine whether it was a homicide. Police confirm that The Neighbors reported a fire outbreak in a 40,000-person suburb. Ethan Hutchins, a spokesperson for Broken Arrow police, told reporters that preliminary reports indicate that the incident will be investigated as a homicide.^[1]
Paul Pelosi Hospitalized Following Attack: On Saturday, October 29, 2022, the husband of United States House Speaker Paul Pelosi was hospitalized with a skull fracture after being attacked with a hammer by an assailant at the couple's home in California, according to reports. According to Drew Hammill, Nancy Pelosi's longtime spokesperson, Paul Pelosi, 82, is expected to recover fully after successful surgery to repair a skull fracture and other serious injuries sustained during the assault.^[2]
Biden Accuses Oil Companies Of War Profiteering: On Tuesday, November 1, 2022, President of the United States, Joe Biden, accused oil companies of "war profiteering," as the prospect of a windfall tax has been raised if the companies do not increase domestic production. The President promised that if oil companies do not invest in lowering the cost of fuel for American citizens, Congress will levy tax penalties on them.^[3]
White House Announce New Energy Bill Funding: On Wednesday, November 2, 2022, The White House announced on Wednesday that President Joe Biden's administration would make $13.5 billion available to help low-income households in the United States reduce their heating costs this winter. The US Department of Energy is allocating $9 billion in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act to assist up to 1.6 million people in upgrading their homes to reduce energy bills.^[4]
Twitter To Review Premium Services: On Tuesday, November 1, 2022, following Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter, several developments were proposed, including the verification policy. According to reports, Twitter will start charging $20 for blue check verification and expand its premium subscription services. Since the announcement, many celebrities and political figures have spoken out against it, claiming that Mr. Musk wants to "tax free speech."^[5]