Dems salvage New Jersey, but remain disappointed
Good morning, Daily Briefing readers! Democrat Phil Murphy won the New Jersey governor's race, narrowly defeating Republican Jack Ciattarelli. The judge in the murder trial of the three men accused of killing Ahmaud Arbery said there "appears to be intentional discrimination" in the racial makeup of the jurors. People across the globe are celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights. And, Marvel Cinematic Universe fans unite! "'Eternals" makes its debut in theaters.
It's Steve and Jane, with Thursday's news.
🏚 New this morning: A dad fights sickness as he looks for housing. Can Section 8 find him an affordable home? Orlando Ager Jr. received a coveted "Housing Choice Voucher" last fall, but a lack of affordable options can make for a difficult search.
🔵 The Associated Press late on Wednesday called the New Jersey governor's race for the incumbent, Democrat Phil Murphy, after much of a day in which the race remained too close to call.
✈️ A drunk mechanic, shackled immigrants, a crash landing: ICE told its contractors to increase precautions after airplane accidents and injuries of detained immigrants. But the flights continued.
🔴 They were trusted to train law enforcement officers: A leaked list of people who signed up for the anti-government Oath Keepers group includes 65 who identified themselves as law enforcement trainers.
🏈 The NFL will conduct an investigation into whether Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers properly followed COVID-19 protocols and whether he will be subject to any punishments over the matter. Columnist Nancy Armour writes that Rodgers lied about being vaccinated – and about being a team player.
🛒 Reviewed: Walmart just kicked off its Black Friday 2021 deals — here are the best things to shop.
📢 Join us at 4 p.m. ET today for a Twitter Spaces conversation about the fascinating story of the Negro Leagues and the man keeping the history alive.
🎧 On today's 5 Things podcast, hear the latest from Afghanistan after another violent attack and a Pentagon report on the August U.S. drone strike. You can listen to the podcast every day on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your smart speaker.
Here's what's happening today:
Jury selected in trial of men accused of murdering Ahmaud Arbery
After a lengthy jury selection process, Thursday will be spent on motion hearings and getting "acquainted with the court," said Judge Timothy Walmsley in the trial of three men accused of killing 25-year-old jogger Ahmaud Arbery last year in Georgia. A panel of 16 with 12 jurors and four alternates – and only one Black person – was finalized Wednesday. While Walmsley agreed that there "appears to be intentional discrimination," the judge declined to change the racial makeup. Jurors will be sworn in 9 a.m. Friday, followed by opening arguments. The trial comes two years after Arbery, who was Black, was fatally shot while jogging in his hometown of Brunswick. Three white men – Greg McMichael, 65, his son Travis, 35, and their neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan, 52 – are charged with his murder. Video of the shooting taken by Bryan was leaked two months later, sparking national outrage over a lack of arrests.
Are House votes coming on key domestic bills? It's possible!
Late Wednesday, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer announced House votes are possible Thursday on President Joe Biden's now-$1.85 trillion bill of social services and climate change programs, as well as the slimmer $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package that had stalled amid deliberations on the larger package. Voting could also push until Friday, aides and lawmakers said. With a flurry of late adjustments, Democrats added key provisions to what has grown to a sprawling 2,135-page package — adding back a new paid family leave program, work permits for immigrants and changes to state and local tax deductions. The Democrats are anxious to finish the president's signature package after drawn-out talks on Capitol Hill were partly blamed for the party's dismal election results in bellwether states this week. "Get it to my desk!" Biden said Wednesday.
What else people are reading:
🔴 These products have killed kids. 121, in fact. Yet they're still for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
🎥 "The Harder They Fall": Cowboy culture continues to reign supreme, but it features some twists in the new Netflix movie. The Western puts Black actors – often relegated to supporting roles in the genre – front and center.
🎶 Postponed: ABBA is delaying the promotion of their concert special after the deaths of two fans at a tribute concert in Sweden.
🎤 "The Masked Singer": Beach Ball's debut was no day at the beach. Which two stars were eliminated?
💉 Everything to know about COVID-19 vaccine and children: Now vaccines will be available to eligible children across the country. Where can they get them?
NFL faces congressional deadline to turn over findings on Washington Football Team
For months, the NFL has resisted calls to release a detailed report on the findings of its investigation into a toxic workplace culture within the Washington Football Team. Now, under a deadline imposed by Congress, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has until Thursday to release a detailed report on the findings of its investigation as well as the league's general use of non-disclosure agreements. Goodell said last week that the league would be "cooperative" with the request but did not specify whether the NFL would turn over all of the requested documents by the deadline. Tom Davis, a former chair of the House Oversight Committee, said that the next steps in the NFL inquiry "depends on what’s in the documents, and how forthcoming everybody is."
Newsmakers in their own words: Carbon emissions dip was temporary
Global emissions of carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas that's most responsible for global warming, have returned to near pre-pandemic levels, scientists announced in a new report published Wednesday. "We expected this rebound when the world’s economy returned close to normal," said Rob Jackson, of Stanford University.
This year saw a 4.9% increase in emissions over 2020. About 36.4 billion tons of carbon dioxide were released into the atmosphere in the past year, the report estimates. Carbon dioxide — emitted from burning fossil fuels such as oil, gas and and coal — stays in the atmosphere about a century before dissipating.
Diwali celebrations begin across the globe
On Thursday, Diwali celebrations will begin all over the world across various religions and cultures, especially in South Asia. Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is observed differently by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, creating a rich tapestry of cultural traditions and customs. People will often line candles and lamps throughout their house and along their driveway to illuminate their surroundings. They might also buy colorful new clothes and host gatherings of friends and family to celebrate together. For Hindus, Diwali is a time for dana (charitable giving) and seva (selfless service). And for Sikhs, Diwali celebrates the release from prison of the sixth Guru. Diwali typically takes place in October and November, with festivals and celebrations usually lasting for several days.
'Eternals' makes its first appearance in theaters
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will soon expand significantly with the introduction of 10 new cosmic personalities with a history that spans more than 7,000 years. "Eternals," which opens in theaters with showings Thursday night before going wide Friday, stars Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek, as well as Kumail Nanjiani, Gemma Chan and Brian Tyree Henry. The Eternals are immortal superpowered beings sent to Earth by the Celestials to protect humans from menacing alien monsters called Deviants. In his ★ ★ ½ (out of four) review, movie critic Brian Truitt writes "Eternals" favors "mythology creation over forcing itself into the grander (MCU) plan," But "unfortunately, the exceedingly earnest narrative struggles to juggle its many subplots and tries to do too much in its hefty two hours and 37 minutes."
Also on Thursday: Pay attention, fans of fast food chains
☕ You're out, pumpkin spice: Starbucks' holiday season drinks, treats and signature red cups return along with a brand new item. Joining the coffee chain's traditional holiday lineup is its new "Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte."
🌮 Hooray, free tacos: For the 10th year, Taco Bell is giving away free tacos with its "Steal a Base, Steal a Taco" World Series promotion. The chain declared Atlanta Braves Ozzie Albies this year's "Taco Hero" after he stole second base early in Game 1 against the Houston Astros. The giveaway is scheduled all-day at participating restaurants nationwide, while supplies last. There's a limit of one taco per person.
ICYMI: Some of our top stories yesterday
🚨 Henry Ruggs DUI arrest and release:What we know about the former Raiders wide receiver's fatal crash.
🏈 Unvaccinated Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 and won't play in Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
🔵 Gwyneth Paltrow does "oil pulling" every morning. What is it and should you be doing it?
📸 Photo of the day: Kids get vaxxed against COVID-19 📸
Young children — 5- to 11-year-olds — began receiving COVID-19 vaccines Wednesday in what was a moment of joy not only for their parents but for the kids themselves. Carter Giglio who is at a higher-risk for complications because of Type 1 diabetes, got his shot in Washington, D.C. "I'm ready to trash it," he said of his face mask, adding that he's ready to smell things he couldn't with the face covering.
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Contributing: The Associated Press