In the marathon's eleventh hour, a silhouette emerged on the iconic Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. It was Kathrine Switzer, the "First Lady of Running" and relentless advocate for women's rights. Despite a grueling race, she seemed more jubilant than weary. Her indomitable spirit mirrored the heart of "The Final Finishers," runners who defy the clock and conquer the 26.2-mile beast long after the victors have crossed the finish line. They push onward, not for glory, but personal triumph and the camaraderie that fuels them. Their arrivals may garner fewer cheers, but they represent the true essence of marathon: the indomitable human spirit that proves - Last Can Still Be First.

In the depths of Patagonia, where wind-swept plains paint a harsh landscape, a scientific revelation unfolded. Scientists uncovered the fossilized remains of a towering behemoth, Phorusrhacos, a terror bird of extraordinary proportions. This ancient predator, reaching heights of nearly 10 feet, possessed a formidable beak capable of crushing bone. Its discovery raised eyebrows and questioned traditional understandings of the avian family tree. Phorusrhacos, once a terror on the Patagonian plains, stood as a testament to the remarkable diversity and resilience of life on Earth.

As the curtains draw to a close on the electoral race, the final polls reveal a tightrope walk between the candidates, stirring anticipation for the impending results. Amidst this political tempest, the music world mourns the passing of legendary producer and visionary, Quincy Jones. Jones, a titan of the industry, whose musical alchemy graced albums by the likes of Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, left an enduring imprint on our collective soundscape. His absence will be deeply felt by musicians and fans alike, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

In the final stretch of the 2020 US presidential campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris and President Donald Trump took to the airwaves with contrasting closing messages. Harris's ads emphasized unity, healing, and a return to normalcy. She portrayed herself as a bridge-builder and a champion for all Americans. Trump's ads, on the other hand, focused on law and order, economic recovery, and the threat of socialism. He painted himself as a strong leader fighting to protect the country. Harris's ads aimed to appeal to voters who yearned for a break from the chaos of the Trump presidency. Trump's ads sought to energize his base and mobilize his supporters to vote. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these closing messages will be determined on Election Day, but they provide a glimpse into the candidates' visions for the future of the United States.

In the wake of Nikki Haley's departure from the presidential race, political pundits and analysts alike are eager to dissect the motivations of her supporters. To illuminate where her voters may go, exit polls and expert opinions provide valuable insights. While some suggest a shift towards Tim Scott or Vivek Ramaswamy, others speculate on potential crossovers to Donald Trump or Ron DeSantis. Yet, a significant portion of Haley's electorate remains undecided, leaving the political landscape in a state of uncertainty as the 2024 election draws near.

Last Monday saw the final polls before the Battleground elections, revealing some surprises. Surprisingly, the traditionally Republican-leaning states of North Carolina and Colorado currently show leads for the Democratic candidates. However, the much-anticipated "blue wave" does not seem to be materializing, with most other key states still too close to call and showing a deadlock between the two major parties. The West Virginia gubernatorial race in particular is expected to be neck-and-neck, with Democrat Richard Ojeda making strong gains against incumbent Republican Jim Justice. As Election Day approaches, it seems that control of Congress will come down to a few closely contested races.