This weekend brought major developments across American politics, international protests, sports, and global events, highlighted by a surprising political endorsement in a key battleground race. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., announced her endorsement of Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers on Sunday, shaking up the final stages of the high-stakes race.
Michigan Senate Race Shake-Up
The unexpected announcement from Rep. Haley Stevens followed a public dispute with Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed's campaign over an outside ad that Stevens characterized as antisemitic. NBC News reported that El-Sayed's campaign had asked Stevens to stay away from campaign events.
In a video statement, Stevens confirmed she was told she was no longer welcome on the campaign trail. “And he’s right, and that’s why I am endorsing Mike Rogers for the United States Senate today,” she stated.
Golden State Valkyries Claim First WNBA Title
In sports history, the Golden State Valkyries captured their first WNBA championship in just their second season of existence. The Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history on Saturday.
Forward Gabby Williams earned MVP honors after scoring 30 points, rallying with 28 points in the second half after scoring just two points in the first two quarters. This performance set a record for the most points scored in a half in the WNBA postseason. Teammate Kiah Stokes contributed 13 rebounds toward the victory.
“This is just incredible,” Stokes remarked about winning her fourth championship title. “But just my teammates, they’re amazing. The love that we feel is just incredible. I mean, this one just might be as good as my first.”
Key Weekend News Facts
- Rep. Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers for U.S. Senate in Michigan following a dispute with Abdul El-Sayed.
- The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 68-63 to win their first WNBA title.
- Gabby Williams scored 30 points, setting a record for most points in a WNBA postseason half.
- Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., was hospitalized Saturday following a stroke while at his son’s hockey game.
- A Learjet 60 heading to the Bahamas crashed in Florida on Sunday, resulting in nine fatalities, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
- Martha Stewart issued an apology after facing backlash on social media over an Instagram post featuring a Halloween costume depicting a "hungry" homeless person.
International Protests and Incidents
Across the globe, civil unrest and natural disasters drew significant attention over the weekend. In Germany, rioters looted stores and set fire to barricades in Frankfurt on Saturday during demonstrations organized by the campaign group Gen Z Regelt, or Gen Z Takes Charge. Tens of thousands participated in protests across more than 30 cities to demand lower living costs and better education.
Meanwhile, Indonesia continued to battle its worst fire season in more than a decade, fueled by extreme heat and a super El Niño weather pattern. Schoolteacher Natanael Undas described the smoke-filled environment, noting, “It looks like Mars, like we're on another planet.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Rep. Haley Stevens endorse in the Michigan Senate race?
Rep. Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers on Sunday following a dispute with Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed's campaign.
Who won the WNBA Finals?
The Golden State Valkyries won their first WNBA title by defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history.
What happened to Sen. Chris Murphy?
Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., was hospitalized on Saturday after experiencing numbness in his arm during his son's hockey game, which his chief of staff confirmed was a stroke.