Donald Trump delivered his final campaign speech in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on November 5, 2024, receiving enthusiastic cheers from supporters. The former president, who arrived nearly two hours late, engaged the crowd by questioning if they were better off than four years ago, prompting boos from the audience. He emphasized the importance of their support during his campaign.
Polling stations opened across the United States as voters began casting their ballots to choose between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris for the presidency. Approximately 244 million citizens aged 18 and older are eligible to participate in this significant electoral event, which also includes elections for all members of Congress. Voters can cast their ballots in person or by mail, with early voting having commenced in several states weeks prior to Election Day.
U.S. intelligence agencies warned of increased Russian interference in the electoral process, predicting that disinformation campaigns would intensify on Election Day. The FBI, ODNI, and CISA highlighted that Russia remains the most active foreign threat, with efforts to undermine the legitimacy of the elections through fabricated content and instigating fear among voters.
In Michigan, authorities confirmed a threat made to a polling site in Detroit, prompting heightened security measures. The threat, reported as a potential shooting, is under investigation by the Detroit Police Department's cyber crimes division. The city is critical in determining the outcome of the presidential race, with both candidates closely competing for votes.
In economic news, Philippine inflation rose by 2.3% year-on-year in October, driven by increased food prices, particularly rice. This figure aligns with market expectations and allows the central bank to continue its easing cycle.