Naval Standoff & Border Wall Move

Heyo, reader! We hope you’re having a good Saturday morning!

Fun Fact: Did you know? There's a town in Norway called "Hell" 🏘️. And guess what? It literally freezes over every winter! ❄️😂 So next time someone says, "When hell freezes over," you can tell them it's every year in Norway! 🇳🇴🤷‍♂️

2️⃣ This Morning’s Two Reports:

• 🚢 China & Philippines' Close Call in Contested Waters

• 🇺🇸 Biden's Border Wall Move Causes Backlash

✂️ Market Snippet

• DOW: 🔼 0.87% (33,407.58)

• S&P 500: 🔼 1.18% (4,308.50)

• NASDAQ: 🔼 1.60% (13,431.34)

• BTC: 🔼 1.94% (27,951.20)

• ETH: 🔼 2.18% (1,646.28)

_{*Stock numbers as of market close, cryptocurrency as of 7:50pm EST yesterday.}

🚢 China & Philippines' Close Call in Contested Waters

The South China Sea became the stage for a rising political drama when a Chinese coastguard ship daringly ventured within a mere 4 meters of a Philippine patrol vessel near the contentious Second Thomas Shoal. The audacious move precipitated an intense eight-hour standoff on Wednesday, during which another Philippine vessel was encircled by the Chinese coastguard and militia ships. Despite the blockade, two audacious Philippine supply boats, under escort by their coastguard, managed to navigate through and deliver vital food and supplies to a Filipino marine outpost located at the shoal. This alarming incident has ratcheted up existing tensions, especially since it's the second notable confrontation between the two nations since early August, underscoring the fragility of their territorial relations in the region. 🇨🇳🇵🇭

TL;DR ⏳: The South China Sea sees drama as a Chinese coastguard ship nearly collides with a Philippine vessel. After an intense eight-hour standoff, two Philippine supply boats managed to deliver crucial supplies, stoking tensions between both nations. 🌍

🇺🇸 Biden's Border Wall Move Causes Backlash

President Biden, in a startling move, has opted to proceed with border wall construction—a project previously criticized by many Democrats. The unexpected decision came hot on the heels of an immigration roundtable at the Capitol, where no hint of such intentions was given. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) has expressed their discontent over the move, with CHC Chairwoman, Nanette Díaz Barragán, stating the decision doesn't align with the administration's earlier stance on halting wall construction. Biden's rationale? A need to comply with a legal obligation to use funds appropriated for the purpose, even as he personally doesn’t believe in the wall’s efficacy. 🏗️

TL;DR ⏳: In a twist, Biden decides to continue with border wall construction. The move baffles allies and advocates, especially given the recent immigration discussions. 🗣️

⚡ BulletList Roundup (10 Headlines)

1. 🚫 McCarthy refutes claims of exiting Congress

2. 🚔 Ex-campaign treasurer for Rep. George Santos admits to federal offenses

3. 🤝 Trump backs staunch ally, Jim Jordan, as the next House speaker

4. ✈️ O'Hare Airport refuge overflows with migrants flying into Chicago

5. 🗽 New York court pauses the breakup of Trump enterprises but denies trial halt

6. 🕊️ Imprisoned Iranian advocate Narges Mohammadi receives Nobel Peace Prize

7. 🚀 Rising calls for Germany to supply Ukraine with long-distance missiles

8. 🏛️ American visitor detained for vandalizing ancient statues in Israel's museum

9. 🛰️ Amazon debuts its initial internet satellite prototypes

10. 🎤 Kanye West allegedly instructs wife Bianca to remain silent and don his fashion picks

Tricky Trivia answer: Mercury

If this email was forwarded to you, and you liked what you read, you can subscribe below!