Intel shares fell 29% as a tech sell-off hit the Nasdaq, Exxon and Chevron reported soaring profits, a nationwide strike filled Italy's streets, Minnesota set a midterm early-voting record, and Pope Leo XIV voted by mail.
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Intel shares fell about 29% Friday after the chipmaker gave a weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter forecast, citing a PC slump and an explosion that shut its factory in Kiryat Gat, Israel. Reddit also fell about 29%. The Nasdaq Composite fell 2.84%, its biggest decline since June, and the S&P 500 fell 1.83%, as investors worried about big tech companies' AI spending.
ExxonMobil reported a third-quarter profit of $15.4 billion, more than double a year earlier, and Chevron's profit nearly tripled, driven largely by refining. Fuel prices have stayed high since the U.S.-Iran war began; AAA's national average for regular gas is about $4.20 a gallon, up from $3.03 a year ago. Exxon CEO Darren Woods said, "We recognize the impact high prices have on people's lives and economic growth."
Tens of thousands of students and workers marched in dozens of Italian cities Friday during a one-day nationwide strike called by the Unione Sindacale di Base union over wages, public services, living costs and military spending. Friday's protests were largely peaceful; police used a water cannon in Turin, and protesters planned to camp near Rome's Colosseum through the weekend. After earlier riots, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government deployed 500 army troops in Milan and proposed tougher penalties for rioters.
Nearly 729,000 Minnesotans had voted in person or by mail as of Friday morning, according to Secretary of State data, topping the previous midterm early-voting record set in 2022. More than 938,000 voters had requested absentee ballots. Secretary of State Steve Simon predicted "really high turnout." In-person early voting is open this weekend and Monday; on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, polls open at 7 a.m. and anyone in line by 8 p.m. can vote.
The Vatican confirmed Friday that Pope Leo XIV, who was born in Chicago, submitted a mail-in ballot in the U.S. midterm elections. He is registered in New Lenox, Illinois, in Will County, and requested the ballot on Oct. 3. He is believed to be the first pope to vote in a U.S. election. The Vatican said he "expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes." How he voted was not disclosed.
1. In which Illinois town is Pope Leo XIV registered to vote?
From story 5: Pope Leo XIV votes by mail in the U.S. midterms
2. How much did ExxonMobil earn in the third quarter of 2026?
From story 2: Exxon and Chevron profits soar as fuel prices stay high
3. How many army troops did Italy's government deploy in Milan after riots earlier this month?
From story 3: Nationwide strike brings tens of thousands to Italy's streets
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