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October 21: Witkoff in Russia and a Possible Tesla-SpaceX Merger
In business
Elon Musk says Tesla and SpaceX have formed independent director committees to explore a merger, and he supports combining the companies. Musk told investors his ownership stakes prevent him from joining the committees’ discussions. No agreement has been reached, and he says a deal would require support from at least half of Tesla’s shareholders.
Flooding in Spain
Cleanup has begun in eastern Spain after torrential rain triggered flooding that killed at least four people. Officials said Monday that crews carried out more than 400 rescues in the Valencia region.
Britain’s economy and energy
The Office for National Statistics says inflation rose to 3.5 percent in September, up from 3.1 percent in August and above economists’ expectations. Higher gasoline prices were the main driver. Services inflation also exceeded forecasts, reaching 3.7 percent.
The UK government has approved the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea after lobbying by Shell. Labour’s election pledge was to ban new drilling licenses, while Jackdaw sought environmental approval under an existing license. The Rosebank oil project is being considered separately.
A close approach in orbit
Russia’s Kosmos 2612 satellite may have passed within 85 feet of a U.S.-registered commercial imaging satellite, ICEYE-X36, according to TWZ, citing public tracking data. Tracking company LeoLabs says it has high confidence the satellites came within roughly 500 meters, but could neither confirm nor contradict the closer estimate. It describes a controlled approach, close-proximity loitering and a controlled departure. The satellites now appear to be moving farther apart.
Talks on Ukraine
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has arrived in St. Petersburg for talks with Vladimir Putin on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Norway. A U.S. official told AFP that Jared Kushner is expected to join Wednesday’s meeting virtually.
Alabama death sentence commuted
Governor Kay Ivey has commuted Toforest Johnson’s death sentence to life without parole, citing insufficient direct evidence to justify execution. Johnson maintains his innocence in the 1995 killing of Deputy Sheriff William Hardy. District Attorney Danny Carr supports a new trial, citing alibi witnesses and doubts about a key prosecution witness. Ivey said the commutation was not a finding of innocence. Johnson’s attorneys will continue seeking to overturn his conviction.
Australian lawmaker injured
Independent Australian MP Helen Haines has had both legs amputated after an alleged targeted attack near her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria. She was struck by a car Monday afternoon. Surgeons tried to save her right leg, but the severity of her injuries required both amputations. She remains in stable condition.
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