Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared to deny that the US had decided to push a Moscow-friendly peace plan on Ukraine, becoming the first Trump administration official to publicly temper expectations on a reported deal that would gut Kyiv’s defense force and give up land to Russia. “Ending a complex and deadly war such as the one in Ukraine requires an extensive exchange of serious and realistic ideas. And achieving a durable peace will require both sides to agree to difficult but necessary concessions,” he wrote in a cryptic post to X on Thursday night. “That is why we are and will continue to develop a list of potential ideas for ending this war based on input from both sides of this conflict.” The comment came after Axios on Tuesday reported a deal had been reached, citing Putin henchman Kirill Dmitriev, who claimed he worked on the plan with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. On Wednesday, The Post revealed details of the 28-point framework, which called for Ukraine to shrink its Army to 2. 5 times smaller than it is now; force Kyiv to turn over long-range missiles “or any kind that can reach Moscow or St. Petersburg”; and ban any international brigades within Ukraine which has long been considered the best way to ensure a halt to Russia’s assault would remain in place, according to sources familiar with the details. Financial Times also reported the deal would include the entirety of Ukraine’s Donbas region including portions of the territory that Russia has been unable to capture in more than 11 years of war there. Politico later reported that a senior White House official said the proposed framework could be agreed to “as soon as this week,” despite including terms experts say were unreasonable to expect of Ukraine, amounting to the near-abandonment of its sovereignty. “Giving up the remainder of the Donbas would enable the Russians to make a run on Kyiv as the territory is flat and reducing the size of the Ukrainianian military, giving up weapons and no international security force would make that an even more likely outcome,” said the Atlantic Council’s Alex Plitsas. “If the plan as described is accurate, it would put $200 billion in US military assistance and aid to Ukraine at risk. Any peace plan needs to protect US taxpayer investments and this proposal is deeply unserious,” he added. While Ukrainian officials confirmed the plan was presented to Kyiv, Rubio’s comments appear to convey that the deal was not set in stone. The White House and State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/20/world-news/rubio-shares-unease-over-reports-of-pro-russian-ukraine-peace-deal/
Tag: administration
Trump urges Treasury Secretary Bessent to take Federal Reserve job
By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER and JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) For the second time in two days, President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he would like to appoint Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to chair the Federal Reserve. Yet Bessent keeps saying he doesn’t want the job, Trump added, in comments to the U. S.-Saudi Investment Forum. “We’re thinking about him for the Fed, but he wants no part of it, he likes being secretary of the Treasury,” Trump said. “I think we’ll leave him so let’s cross your name off right, officially, right?” Trump has been sharply critical of the current Fed chair, Jerome Powell, whose term ends in May, for not cutting interest rates quickly enough. Trump’s pick as a replacement will almost certainly push for rapid interest rate cuts and likely institute wide-ranging changes in how the Fed operates. Bessent earlier this year published extensive criticisms of the Fed’s groundbreaking efforts to shore up financial markets and the economy after the 2008-2009 Great Recession and during the pandemic. Bessent is heading up the Trump administration’s search for a new Fed chair. Yet despite his protestations, he is also widely seen as a leading potential replacement for Powell. “He’s a top-tier candidate right now,” Stephen Moore, a senior economic adviser to Trump in his first term, said. Trump “wants to shake things up, so I think he wants an outsider.” Two of the five candidates Bessent has named are current Fed officials: Governors Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman. The other three would fit the outsider criteria: Kevin Hassett, currently a top White House economic official; Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor who has been highly critical of the Fed; and Rick Rieder, a senior managing director at asset manager BlackRock. Late Tuesday, in an interview By mid-December, “the president will meet the final three candidates and hopefully have an answer before Christmas,” Bessent said. Associated Press Writer Fatima Hussein contributed to this report.
https://www.redbluffdailynews.com/2025/11/19/federal-reserve-bessent/
Trump nominates new CFPB director, but White House says agency is still closing
By KEN SWEET, AP Business Writer NEW YORK (AP) President Trump nominated Stuart Levenbach as the next director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, using a legal maneuver to keep his budget director Russell Vought as acting director of the bureau while the Trump administration continues on its plan to shut down the consumer financial protection agency. Levenbach is currently an associate director inside the Office of Management and Budget, handling issues related to natural resources, energy, science and water issues. Levenbach’s resume shows significant experience dealing with science and natural resources issues, acting as chief of staff of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration during Trump’s first term. Levenbach’s nomination is not meant to go through to confirmation, an administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel matters. Under the Vacancies Act, Vought can only act as acting director for 210 days, but now that Trump has nominated someone to the position, that clock has been suspended until the Senate approves or denies Levenbach’s confirmation as director. Vought is Levenbach’s boss. The CFPB has been nonfunctional much of the year. Many of its employees have been ordered not to work, and the only major work the bureau is doing is unwinding the regulations and rules it put into place during Trump’s first term and during the Biden administration. While in the acting director role, Vought has signaled that he wishes to dismantle, or vastly diminish, the bureau. The latest blow to the bureau came earlier this month, when the White House said it does not plan to withdraw any funds from the Federal Reserve, which is where the bureau gets its funding, to fund the bureau past Dec. 31. The White House and the Justice Department used a legal interpretation of the law that created the bureau, the Dodd-Frank Act, that the Fed must be profitable in order to fund the CFPB’s operations. Several judges have rejected this argument when it was brought up by companies, but it’s never been the position of the government until this year that the CFPB requires the Fed to be profitable to have operating funds. “Donald Trump’s sending the Senate a new nominee to lead the CFPB looks like nothing more than a front for Russ Vought to stay on as Acting Director indefinitely as he tries to illegally close down the agency,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, in a statement. The bureau was created after the 2008 financial crisis as part of the Dodd-Frank Act, a law passed to overhaul the financial system and require banks to hold more capital to avoid another financial crisis. The CFPB was created to be a independent advocate for consumers to help them avoid bad actors in the financial system.
https://www.dailybreeze.com/2025/11/19/trump-cfpb-nomination/
El Salvador Quietly Became the 5th Largest Bitcoin Holder
El Salvador has added $100 million worth of Bitcoin to its national reserves over the past week, purchasing 1, 098 BTC amid declining market conditions. The Central American nation now holds 7, 474 Bitcoin valued at approximately $688 million, according to the country’s Bitcoin office. President Nayib Bukele shared details of the recent acquisition on social media, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building cryptocurrency reserves. The government has implemented a daily purchasing strategy designed to accumulate digital assets gradually while minimizing exposure to price volatility. Strategic Accumulation Through Daily Purchases El Salvador adds one Bitcoin to its reserves each day as part of its long-term investment strategy. This approach allows the government to reduce its average acquisition cost through consistent buying during market downturns. Stacy Herbert, director of El Salvador’s Bitcoin Office, explained that the initiative aims to provide citizens with greater financial autonomy. The government wants to reduce dependence on traditional banking systems and encourage cryptocurrency adoption among its population. Most Salvadorans currently use the U. S. dollar for everyday transactions. El Salvador became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in September 2021. However, public acceptance has progressed slowly. Many citizens remain hesitant about cryptocurrency use despite government incentives and educational programs. The International Monetary Fund has expressed concern about El Salvador’s Bitcoin holdings. The organization warned about potential financial risks associated with maintaining large cryptocurrency reserves. Nevertheless, President Bukele has dismissed these warnings and continued the accumulation strategy. Government Stays Steady While Market Declines Bitcoin prices fell below $90,000 this week, dropping nearly 5% in a single trading session. The decline triggered widespread selling among retail investors who had entered the market within recent months. At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading at $90,635, suggesting a 5. 21% decline in the last 24 hours. Market data shows approximately 148, 000 BTC changed hands during the selloff, marking the largest short-term transfer since April 2025. Many inexperienced investors sold their holdings at substantial losses to avoid further depreciation. El Salvador maintained its purchasing schedule throughout the downturn. The government’s steady approach contrasts sharply with the panic-driven decisions of individual traders. The Czech National Bank recently announced its first Bitcoin acquisition, signaling growing institutional interest in digital assets. However, government purchases alone cannot prevent retail investor panic from affecting market prices. El Salvador currently ranks as the fifth-largest government holder of Bitcoin globally. The United States, China, the United Kingdom, and the European Union hold larger reserves. Despite having a relatively small economy, El Salvador has distinguished itself through aggressive cryptocurrency accumulation.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/bitcoin/el-salvador-quietly-became-the-5th-largest-bitcoin-holder/
Kristi Noem hands out $10K bonuses to many TSA officers who worked during shutdown
WASHINGTON Kristi Noem, the secretary of Homeland Security, announced Nov. 13 that Transportation Security Administration workers who provided “exemplary” service during the shutdown would receive $10,000 bonuses. “Their unsung patriotism deserves recognition,” Noem said in recognizing two TSA officers Reiko Walker, who worked double shifts, and Ashley Richardson, who canceled a move at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Funding for the bonuses comes from $13. 2 billion Noem said Trump saved in cost-cutting since taking office. About 13, 000 air traffic controllers and 50, 000 TSA officers continued working during the shutdown as essential personnel. But many were absent as they searched for other income during the temporary halt in paychecks. Trump has proposed $10,000 bonuses for air traffic controllers with perfect attendance. The federal government continues to resume operations several days after the end of the longest shutdown in history, but advocates warn of potential continued delays getting back pay out the door, airline flights back on schedule and food benefits. President Donald Trump signed legislation Nov. 12 that ended the 43-day shutdown. For the record book, the White House clocked the shutdown at 42 days, 22 hours and 25 minutes. As the government gets back on its feet, workers expect to get back pay within the next few days, airlines are repositioning crews and planes after flight cancellations and states are scrambling to distribute food benefits heading into the Thanksgiving holiday. DOT Duffy calls air controllers ‘patriots’ who should get bonuses at White House Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy repeated Trump’s pledge to give air traffic controllers with perfect attendance during the shutdown each a $10,000 bonus and said they should get it from the president personally at the White House. About 13, 000 controllers and 50, 000 Transportation Security Administration officers kept working temporarily without paychecks during the shutdown to keep passengers flying. The controllers will get back pay and received paychecks Nov. 14 with 70% of their pay, he said. The number of controllers eligible for bonuses is still being calculated, Duffy said. “Depending on how many we have, they should come to the White House and he should present them with their checks,” Duffy said. “They are patriots. We are grateful to them for the work that they have done.” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said nearly 20, 000 flights were delayed during the shutdown due to short staffing. Vance calls out Senate Democrats over shutdown Vice President JD Vance says Democrats made a “huge political mistake” when they made demands to reopen the government that a group of moderates eventually caved on. “They caused a lot of stress for our troops, they made our air traffic controllers not get paid, and they caused a lot of flight cancellations. They had a lot of people thinking they were not going to get their food benefits, all for literally nothing,” Vance said “We could have struck this exact deal 45 days ago.” Most House and Senate Democrats voted against the GOP-backed bill to reopen the government. It passed with the support of six Democrats in the House and seven Democrats and an independent who caucuses with the party in the Senate. The White House Office of Management and Budget quickly put out guidance following the end of the shutdown that directs federal agencies to open, and furloughed workers to return “in a prompt and orderly manner” starting Nov. 13. OMB Director Russell Vought sent out the letter to department and agency heads Nov. 12 saying “employees we were on furlough due to the absence of appropriations should be directed to return to work on November 13.” An estimated 750, 000 workers were furloughed during the shutdown.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/kristi-noem-hands-10k-bonuses-171532957.html
Best Meme Coins to Buy For Big Gains in 2026 Bull Run: DeepSnitch AI Leads With 100X Potential
**Altcoin Season is Approaching: Top Meme Coins to Watch for the 2026 Bull Run**
The altcoin season is closing in, with many meme coins already gearing up for the anticipated 2026 bull run, as they start to show promising upticks. Notably, PEPE appreciated around 5% in the second week of November after experiencing an 18% downturn in the past month. Similarly, TRUMP surged 22% over the previous month.
However, it was a fairly new AI-powered meme coin, DeepSnitch AI (DSNT), that stole the spotlight by surging approximately 50% to $0.02289 during its presale phase. Though the coin is still in its presale, the momentum building around it is worth noticing. Early investors have already filled their wallets with over $520K in DSNT tokens in the second presale phase alone.
If you’re hunting for the best meme coins to buy and hold for the 2026 bull run, here is what you need to know.
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### Will There Be a Bull Run in 2026, and How Long Could It Last?
According to Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan, 2026 is poised to be the actual bull run for the crypto market. This is based on the observation that 2025 has not shown the projected bullish trend following the Bitcoin halving.
Typically, after every Bitcoin halving, a bull run marks the end of a four-year cycle. However, this cycle appears to have shifted this year, with 2025 not behaving as many analysts expected. If 2025 had been a bull year, then 2026 would mark the beginning of a bear cycle. Instead, the bull run seems delayed by a year this time.
Hougan also told Cointelegraph at the Bridge conference in New York that the recent governance proposal by the Uniswap protocol could revitalize many DeFi protocols. Uniswap has already pumped more than 40% in November following its proposal to burn $100 million in UNI tokens and reward holders with ecosystem fees.
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### Crypto Market Cap Projections for 2026
According to a detailed report by Token Metrics, the total crypto market cap could reach:
– **$8 trillion by March 2026** (even in a bear scenario)
– **$10 trillion by June 2026** (base-case scenario)
– **$14 trillion by November 2026** (moon-case scenario)
With world governments easing regulations and increasing interest from entities such as the Trump administration buying more Bitcoins, the near future looks bright.
Investors who can identify the hottest meme coins to hold could benefit significantly in the long term.
—
## Top 3 Meme Coins to Buy for the 2026 Bull Run
### 1. DeepSnitch AI (DSNT) – #1 Meme Coin to 100x During the 2026 Bull Run
DeepSnitch AI is a market intelligence project planning to introduce five unique AI agents designed to help traders spot the best crypto opportunities ahead of time.
– **SnitchFeed** provides timely alerts on whale movements, market FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt), and shifts in trader sentiment to help users maximize ROI by entering and exiting key coins at the right time.
– **SnitchCast** scans the market and various alpha groups around the clock, delivering the latest news and updates directly to your Telegram or X (formerly Twitter), saving you time and effort in tracking trends.
Unlike many meme coins that rely purely on community hype and viral trends, DeepSnitch AI integrates powerful utility with its meme appeal. This is reflected in its recent 50% price surge—from $0.01510 to $0.02289 during the presale phase 2.
Early investors have already secured over $520K in DSNT tokens, with demand continually growing. The token will be listed once the presale concludes, and those who buy and hold early could potentially see 100x gains upon listing and beyond.
If you’re looking for a meme coin promising reliability and solid returns in the long term, DeepSnitch AI is a strong contender.
—
### 2. PEPE – A Good Long-Term Investment?
PEPE was the first meme coin in years to enter the top 100 cryptocurrencies, following Dogecoin and Shiba Inu. While many meme coins have appeared and disappeared over time, PEPE has stayed relevant largely due to persistent community hype.
As of November 13, PEPE was trading near its lowest price point in a year but had pumped more than **10,000% since launching in 2023**, boasting a market cap of roughly $2.5 billion.
PEPE’s liquidity and widespread recognition make it ideal for traders who need to quickly enter and exit positions. However, its price moves are predominantly driven by viral narratives rather than fundamental factors. Compared to coins with tangible use cases, PEPE may show limited price appreciation during a general market upside unless new hype emerges.
—
### 3. TRUMP – Will It Stay Relevant After Trump’s Retirement?
The official TRUMP coin gained popularity in early 2025 when Donald Trump took office as the 47th US President. This period also ushered in a new crypto category known as “PolitFi” coins.
What set TRUMP apart and kept it relevant was its direct connection to Trump’s business team, which launched the coin.
As of November 13, TRUMP traded at approximately $7.60 with a market cap exceeding $1.5 billion. The coin’s 22% appreciation over the last week might be linked to news surrounding the US government reopening.
However, TRUMP’s value remains tied closely to sentiments and news regarding Donald Trump. After his second and final term concludes, the coin’s hype may diminish significantly. Therefore, while TRUMP could be good for short-term gains, its long-term relevance is uncertain.
—
## Final Verdict
With growing buzz around the 2026 bull run, meme coins present an exciting opportunity for investors to maximize profits, thanks to their low price and sharp price volatility.
If you’re searching for a viral meme coin with genuine community hype that offers both promising short-term returns and long-term relevance, **DeepSnitch AI** stands out due to its innovative AI-driven utility and rapidly growing popularity.
The coin’s price has surged about 50% during the second presale phase and is likely to continue rising as the token listing approaches. At this pace, DeepSnitch AI could be the next meme coin to deliver potential 100x returns in 2026.
Stay updated by visiting the [official DeepSnitch AI website](#) and joining their communities on [Telegram](#) and [X](#).
—
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q1: What are the trending meme coins to buy right now?**
A: While established coins like TRUMP and PEPE have shown strong returns, DeepSnitch AI is emerging as a promising 100x meme coin due to its rapidly selling presale and solid AI use cases.
**Q2: How do I find the next meme coin that might explode?**
A: Look for coins with growing demand during presales, strong utilities, and active communities. DeepSnitch AI fits this profile with its innovative approach and presale momentum.
**Q3: How do I discover new meme coins?**
A: Monitor popular crypto news websites, coin aggregators, and social media platforms like Telegram and X. Pay attention to coins gaining frequent mentions and conduct your own research (DYOR) before investing.
—
*Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency investments carry risk. Always do your own research (DYOR) and consult financial advisors before investing.*
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/best-meme-coins-to-buy-for-big-gains-in-2026-bull-run-deepsnitch-ai-leads-with-100x-potential/
U.S. military expands in Caribbean as Trump administration weighs action in Venezuela
The U.S. military is expanding its operations in the Caribbean and Puerto Rico amid a surge in deadly boat strikes targeting alleged drug-smuggling vessels.
These increased activities come as the Trump administration considers potential military action against Venezuela, heightening tensions in the region.
The focus on curbing drug trafficking underscores the strategic importance of the Caribbean and Puerto Rican waters in combating illicit activities.
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/u-s-military-expands-in-caribbean-as-trump-administration-weighs-action-in-venezuela/
The SAG Awards get renamed as The Annual Actor Awards before March 2026 broadcast
The SAG Awards, one of Hollywood’s primary peer-judged honors, will undergo a formal rebranding ahead of its next broadcast. Beginning with the 32nd ceremony on March 1, 2026, the event will be known as **The Annual Actor Awards**. Organizers state that the new name better reflects the ceremony’s identity for viewers in the United States and worldwide.
As reported by Deadline, the decision was announced jointly by Jon Brockett, the telecast’s showrunner and executive producer, and JoBeth Williams, an actress and chair of SAG-AFTRA’s Awards Committee. They described the shift as “a perfect next step in the show’s evolution” and emphasized that the core purpose of the awards remains unchanged: actors honoring actors.
## A Legacy of Celebrating Outstanding Performances
For over three decades, the Screen Actors Guild Awards, commonly referred to as the SAG Awards, have honored outstanding performances in film and television. As the show expanded, particularly after its move to Netflix in 2024, organizers increasingly found that the name did not translate clearly to international audiences.
### Reason for the Name Change
Organizers noted that the acronym ‘SAG’ is widely recognized within the entertainment industry but may be less clear to international audiences unfamiliar with the history of the Screen Actors Guild. The new title is intended to eliminate this ambiguity.
Officials explained that the new name aligns more directly with the award itself, making it easier for audiences to understand what it represents. Jon Brockett, executive producer of the telecast, said:
> “Since the beginning, our statue has been called ‘The Actor,’ and we’re a show that’s entirely about actors, so this new name is a perfect next step in the show’s evolution. The Actor Awards presented by SAG-AFTRA gives viewers in 190-plus countries an immediate understanding of who we are and what we’re about.”
The renaming also reflects the awards’ expanding global reach. Since the move from basic cable to Netflix starting with the 30th edition, the ceremony has drawn viewers from around the world.
## Continuity in Administration and Format
Aside from its new name, the format and process behind the SAG Awards will remain the same. Organizers made it clear that all processes—including submissions, eligibility, voting, and presentation—will remain unchanged.
The show is still to be produced and presented by SAG-AFTRA, the union created in 2012 from the merging of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA).
JoBeth Williams emphasized:
> “The Actor Awards makes that crystal clear to audiences everywhere: when they tune in, they know they’re going to see their favorite actors celebrated by those who truly know the craft.”
The peer-voting model, in which actors recognize the work of fellow actors, remains a defining feature. Organizers note that this element has contributed to the ceremony’s industry respect for more than three decades.
The 32nd edition of The Annual Actor Awards will mark the official launch of the new title. Organizers state that the updated name modernizes the ceremony while preserving its established purpose—to celebrate outstanding performances in film and television through peer recognition.
—
**Also read:** [Pamela Anderson stuns at 2025 SAG Awards embracing natural beauty and elegance]
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/movies/the-sag-awards-get-renamed-the-annual-actor-awards-march-2026-broadcast
Newsom’s Prop 50 Redistricting Measure Faces New Lawsuit from DOJ
The Justice Department on Thursday filed a lawsuit to block California’s newly approved congressional districts, escalating a legal battle that could impact which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in California, targets the redistricting map advanced by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. This move comes after Republicans pursued a similar redistricting effort in Texas, which was backed by former President Donald Trump.
This case sets up a high-stakes clash between the GOP-led administration and Governor Newsom, a Democrat widely viewed as a potential presidential candidate in 2028.
This is a breaking news story. Updates will follow.
https://www.newsweek.com/newsom-prop-50-california-doj-lawsuit-trump-congress-redistricting-11043732
HKES holds entertaining competition in “Survivor”-themed fall banquet
Dozens of people gathered in the Mandela Room on Sunday for an entertaining Hong Kong Exchange Square (HKES) banquet themed “Survivors.”
Founded in 1994 at Binghamton University, the HKES aims to bring people together to foster a better understanding of Hong Kong culture through social and cultural events. Sunday evening was filled with engaging challenges, audience participation, performances, food, and auctions.
The room was festively decorated with red, blue, and green banners, and many attendees took photos in front of the “HKES Survivor EST. 1994” backdrop. Fake leaves and flames adorned each table to replicate the “Survivor” theme, complemented by creatively designed brochures available to guests.
Energy simmered as guests mingled, enjoying food catered by Mein Bowl, which offered made-to-order Asian cuisine. Attendees eagerly anticipated a game where contestants would “outwit, outplay, and outlast” their opponents—an homage to the famous “Survivor” tagline.
Katty Ho Fang, vice president of HKES and a junior majoring in accounting, explained how the “Survivor” theme reflects the organization’s values. “The fall banquet stands as our most important tradition, and this year’s ‘HKES Survivor’ theme demonstrates teamwork and resilience combined with entertaining competition,” Fang said via email. “The event aims to provide enjoyment for all attendees through performances, games, and a lively atmosphere. It highlights the hard work of our E-Board members, who crafted a night focused on community pride. The event fosters family bonds and friendships while creating shared memories.”
This year’s game featured six contestants competing in various challenges. Leo Chung, fundraising chair and a sophomore majoring in computer engineering, and Izzy Young, a fall representative and freshman majoring in business administration, hosted the event.
Challenges included quick games like telephone charades, “What’s in the Box,” and a blindfolded eating contest. After each contest, the winners prevailed while the others faced dramatic voting rounds, where one contestant was “voted out” by their peers, echoing the “Survivor” experience.
The first game, telephone charades, emphasized teamwork. The six contestants split into two groups, each aided by two audience members. A prompt was acted out by one person and then passed down the line, with the last person guessing the original prompt.
The second challenge, “What’s in the Box,” tested individual skill. Contestants reached blindly into a box for ten seconds, guessing the item inside—ranging from cold sausage to aluminum foil. The contestant with the most correct guesses earned immunity from the following voting round.
Between games, the E-Board members performed a variety of dances, including a women’s hip hop dance, a cultural dance, and an all-men’s routine. Chung and Katherine Chan, social chair and a sophomore majoring in biology, performed a duet, while Iris Lin, a sophomore majoring in chemistry, played the piano.
The dances were lighthearted, with many guests laughing at the unexpected explicit moves in the boys’ routine, while the girls’ dance impressed with synchronized hair flips. Lin’s piano performance featured beautiful adaptations of Cantonese folk songs that captured the essence of Hong Kong’s cultural beauty. Guests joined together, illuminating the room with phone flashlights as they swayed to the music.
Fang discussed the extensive preparation behind the event’s seamless transitions between activities. Starting planning in June, the E-Board held multiple rehearsals to coordinate lighting, sound, prop changes, and performance cues. “The smooth operation depends on various hidden elements, including stage setup, game timing, and clear roles for participants and spectators,” Fang noted. “Our members’ success demonstrates their ability to work effectively as a team.”
After the blindfolded eating contest, freshman mechanical engineering major Irene Li emerged as the final victor. Li shared her winning strategy during intermission, explaining she aimed to befriend as many fellow contestants as possible to stay safe during voting rounds. However, she acknowledged that betrayal was inevitable in the game’s competitive spirit, where only one survivor prevails.
An auction towards the evening’s end, along with continued voting, kept the audience engaged through performances and contests. Guests held onto raffle tickets received at the start of the night, cheering as their numbers were called by the hosts. Prizes were generously sponsored by Moshi, CHICHA San Chen, LAFCO New York, and Uncle Lou.
The final voting round allowed the audience to select the ultimate winner from the three remaining contestants via a Google Form. The night concluded with a heartfelt speech from Christopher Chin, HKES president and a senior majoring in business administration. He thanked attendees and praised the E-Board’s efforts in organizing this year’s unique fall banquet.
With warmth and gratitude, the E-Board exchanged flowers and the audience applauded the performers, organizers, and the victorious survivors. Chin expressed hope to “continue to be blown away” by the E-Board’s dedication and creativity.
“To my amazing E-Board, you guys are the HEART and SOUL of HKES,” Chin wrote in the event brochure. “Through countless days of decorating, you not only pulled through but made every minute more fun than the last. I cannot express how appreciative I am that you spent your weekends creating something so exciting!”
The “Survivors” banquet was a memorable celebration of teamwork, culture, and community spirit, leaving lasting impressions on all who attended.
https://www.bupipedream.com/ac/hkes-holds-entertaining-competition-in-survivor-themed-fall-banquet/172964/