An Ignoble Experiment: People are voting with their wallets

Only fascinating stories

Nicholas Carlson November 2, 2022

Hello, Insiders. War in Europe, political violence in California, epochal elections in South America, and Elon Musk's shenanigans are dominating headlines — but everyone on social media is talking about the viral story of one woman who refused to give up her first class seat in order to help a family sit together on an airplane. People on both sides of the debate are outraged. Was she in the wrong? Or was the family?

My view: It's always nice to help families out, but it seems like they were asking her to switch out of the seat she paid for and take a seat in a different cabin. Tickets are expensive! (While we're talking airplane etiquette, let me say here and now that it's always OK to lean your seat back.) Just some airplane food for thought as we gear up for Thanksgiving travel. But now, let's get to the news.

The latest

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The news that Migos rapper Takeoff was shot dead in Houston, Texas, sent shockwaves through the music world. Take a look through his life in photos.

The big story

Manuel Balce Ceneta, File/AP Photo

It's becoming increasingly clear that one thing will dictate the midterm elections: Americans' wallets.

But right now, people — and their wallets — aren't happy. Inflation is high, rent is high, and gas prices are high. That's bad news for Democrats, who are fighting to maintain a slim majority as poll after poll shows voters may end up turning to Republicans to fix it all.

Of course, the economy as a focal point for an election isn't a novel occurrence. It's usually one of the key issues Americans factor into their votes. But the timing couldn't be worse for the Democrats as the midterms approach.

While Democrats have notched some economic wins, the picture is still grim, and might only be getting worse as the likelihood of a recession in 2023 intensifies. For Democrats, soaring prices might not just chip away at their wallets — it could cost them the election.

Read the full story here.

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Anna Kim/Insider

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A small group of Goldman Sachs employees are about to get the call of a lifetime. Under 100 people are named partner at the bank every other year — and this round of promotions stands to be among the most selective. The position comes with a salary of around $1 million, access to a special bonus pool, and other perks. Here's how people make the cut.

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A leg-lengthening surgeon shares what it's like to make people taller. For anywhere between $75,000 and $90,000, orthopedic surgeon Shahab Mahboubian can add six inches to patients' heights. See what it's like to work as a leg-lengthening surgeon.

A couple bought a private island and turned it into a $2,400-a-night getaway. After a five-year search on Google Maps, the pair bought an island at the edge of Finland's Archipelago National Park, and built an off-the-grid luxury cabin. Here's a look at how they found the escape.

Today's sound bite

"Amazon's way doesn't always create happy employees or even functional young companies."

Editor at Large Julie Bort on the Amazonification of the tech industry. Check out the full segment in today's episode of The Refresh from Insider.