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Days after Trump won his way to the White House, becoming the 47th President of the United States, the US Federal Reserve slashed the interest rates by 25 basis points, bringing them within the range of 4.5-4.75%. This is the second time this year that the Fed has lowered the interest rates, after cutting them down by 50 basis points in September 2024. u Fed chair Jerome Powell noted that monetary policy remains tight as inflation remains elevated at 2.4% as of September 2024, slightly above the 2% mark set by the commission. However, the Fed remained optimistic about the current state of the economy. "The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at 2% over the longer run. The Committee judges that the risks to achieving its employment and inflation goals are roughly in balance. The economic outlook is uncertain, and the Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate," the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) noted in its press release. The rate cut was along widely anticipated lines, although experts were wary of the Fed's way ahead, given that Donald Trump has been elected as the US President. In the past, he has, on multiple occasions, expressed his desire to yield greater influence on the Fed, apart from publicly criticizing Powell. However, Powell continued to stand his ground, noting that Trump cannot legally sack him. He believed in keeping the Fed independent, at least until his tenure as governor ends in 2028. He highlighted that even if he is explicitly asked by Trump to quit, he won't do so. <h2>Trump's regime to inch up inflation?</h2> Trump's electoral promises, if translated into policies, could spell disaster for the Fed's effort to curtail inflation. Reportedly, Trump has promised to levy aggressive tariffs against US trading partners, particularly China, and even extend his 2017 tax cuts. This could mean higher levels of the federal deficit, which would push up prices, wages, and hence, inflation, even as the Fed tries to consistently bring it under control. Apurva Sheth, Head of Market Perspectives and Research, SAMCO Securities, notes that it wasn't a surprise when the US Fed cut interest rates by 25 basis points (bps) to 4.75%. The Fed had given enough clues, and the market too had anticipated these rate cuts. "However, what was surprising was how the <keyword id="23863852" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="US-10-year-bond-yields" source="keywords">US 10-year bond yields</keyword> moved over the last one and a half months, which have been rising relentlessly from 3.6% to almost 4.5% despite the 50 bps cut in the last Fed meeting. It seems that the market is anticipating slower rate cuts going ahead, and maybe there are even chances of inflation rising. The bond yields have cooled off and slipped below the 4.335% mark. This should be bullish for emerging markets like India," he added.

US Fed cuts interest rates by 25 bps, Powell notes Trump's victory to have no impact on policy decisions

<ul><li>Donald Trump has won the US presidential elections, beating Kamala Harris.</li><li>Trump’s win may shift the <keyword id="23846166" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-energy-outlook" source="keywords">global energy outlook</keyword> in response to anticipated changes in policy.</li><li>Trump has consistently advocated boosting oil and natural gas production in the US.</li></ul>Trump's win in the US presidential election may shift the global energy outlook in response to anticipated policies says a report by Angel One Wealth. Donald Trump, known for his stance on domestic energy independence, has consistently advocated boosting oil and natural gas production in the U.S., a move likely to put downward pressure on global crude oil prices. According to the report from Angel One Wealth, crude prices could soon see a correction, as Trump is expected to keep prices in check by ramping up domestic production. His emphasis on self-reliance in energy is expected to reduce the U.S. dependency on foreign oil sources, thereby impacting global supply and pricing dynamics. The report said "Donald Trump is likely to keep the crude prices under tight control as Trump has consistently advocated for increasing domestic energy production" The report also noted that Trump's preference for a non-interventionist stance in foreign conflicts might help stabilize oil prices by allowing for quicker de-escalation. However, there is potential for volatility if Trump imposes new sanctions on Iran, which could disrupt the region’s oil supply. In general, the report suggests that Trump's impact on the energy sector may result in lower crude prices, though other external factors will remain influential. In addition to energy, Trump's policies are expected to be expansionary, meaning higher government spending which could increase the U.S. fiscal deficit and, consequently, its national debt. The rise in U.S. debt is anticipated to have a positive impact on gold prices, as heightened debt levels and potential inflationary pressures drive investors towards safe-haven assets. Gold is already experiencing high demand in China, adding further support to its value. While there are some arguments against gold due to reduced volatility in equity markets, a stronger dollar, and a potential "risk-on" rally in equities, the report noted that gold's fundamentals remain strong, making it an attractive asset in the current environment. "A rise in US debt is positive for Gold and this time is likely no different as inflation worries arise. Gold is also seeing unprecedented demand in China which further bolsters the asset class". The report also reiterated its positive outlook on silver, which, like gold, stands to benefit from economic uncertainty and increased demand for safe-haven investments. However, the gold prices on the other hand on Thursday also declined to ₹78,710 / 10gm, a day before it closed at ₹80,500. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/skoda-kylaq-suv-launched-in-india-starting-at-7-89-lakh/articleshow/115013668.cms">Skoda Kylaq SUV launched in India starting at ₹7.89 lakh</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/swiggy-ipo-gmp-risk-factors-and-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/115004939.cms">Swiggy IPO – GMP, risk factors and all you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-ipo-indias-biggest-telco-to-go-public-in-2025-retail-ipo-further-away/articleshow/114944496.cms">Reliance Jio IPO – India’s biggest telco to go public in 2025, retail IPO further away</a>

Global energy outlook will shift once Trump returns to White House: Report

<keyword id="19913110" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Shaktikanta-Das" source="keywords">Shaktikanta Das</keyword>, the Governor of <keyword id="19899810" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reserve-Bank-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Reserve Bank of India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Reserve Bank of India">Reserve Bank of India</keyword> (RBI), on October 26, received award for A+ grade in <keyword id="23702898" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Central-Bank-Report-Cards" source="keywords">Central Bank Report Cards</keyword> 2024, for the second consecutive year. The award, presented by <keyword id="22224722" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Global-Finance" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Global Finance" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Global Finance">Global Finance</keyword> in <keyword id="21459434" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Washington-D-C-" source="keywords">Washington D.C.</keyword>, USA, recognised RBI Governor's excellent performance and effective leadership in steering India's apex bank through complex economic challenges. In a social media post on X, RBI posted, "Governor @DasShaktikanta received the award for A+ grade in Central Bank Report Cards 2024, for the second consecutive year. Presented by Global Finance at an event held today in Washington DC, USA." The Central Bank Report Cards, published annually by Global Finance since 1994, grade the central bank governors of nearly 100 key countries, territories, and districts, as well as the European Union, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the Bank of Central African States and the Central Bank of West African States. Grades are based on an "A+" to "F" scale for success in areas such as inflation control, economic growth goals, currency stability and interest rate management. "A" represents an excellent performance, down through "F" for outright failure. Along with Das, Denmark's Christian Kettel Thomsen and Switzerland's Thomas Jordan were also accorded an A+ grade. Brazil's Roberto Campos Neto, Chile's Rosanna Costa, Harvesh Kumar Seegolam of Mauritius, Morocco's Abdellatif Jouahri, South Africa's Lesetja Kganyago and Sri Lanka's Nadalal Weerasinghe were amongst those who received the <keyword id="22446364" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="A-grade" source="keywords">A grade</keyword>. European Union's Christine Lagarde was given an A- grade. "After a difficult 2023, when geopolitical pressures gathered with tight monetary conditions to create a near-stagflationary environment in the eurozone, the central bank has managed to inch much closer to its 2% target with successive consumer price index (CPI) readings under 3% since February of this year, down to 2.4% in August", Global Finance noted on Lagarde's tenure. <keyword id="19951097" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="US-Fed" source="keywords">US Fed</keyword> Chairman Jerome Hayden Powell received an A- grade. Per the Global Finance website, "The Fed has debated in excruciating, and at times confusing, detail throughout this year when and whether to cut its benchmark rate from a 23-year high of 5.5%, a level held since July 2023. This September, the Fed finally turned the monetary ship toward a policy of easing, with a 50-basis point cut, which was at the higher end of forecasts." "Prior to the rate cut, economists agreed that confusion in the markets was a case of bad communication by the Fed, but Powell’s overall handling of policy has been praised. It is difficult to find much fault with the Fed’s approach to policymaking over the past year. The Fed has appropriately changed its tone in response", it continued. However, it also noted that more-substantial easing in the following months will be crucial to avoid a policy mistake and to secure Powell’s legacy. Powell's term as second-time chair of the Fed Reserve ends on May 15, 2026.

Shaktikanta Das receives award for A+ grade in Central Bank Report Cards 2024 in USA

Meet the 6 contestants making history at Miss USA and Miss Teen USA 2024

Meet Miss USA 2024 Alma Cooper, the Army officer who hopes to become the 10th American woman to win Miss Universe

<ul class="summary-list"><li>TSMC has begun producing chips for Apple at its Phoenix fab, people familiar with the matter said.</li><li>This development bodes well for the future of the US semiconductor industry, to which the Biden administration pledged $52 billion.</li></ul>The US's efforts to produce more <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-china-tech-war-computer-chips-semiconductor-plants-costing-americans-2023-1">semiconductor chips</a> have encountered some challenges over the past few years, but the tide may be turning.TSMC, the world's leading chipmaker, has begun producing A16 chips for Apple at one of its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tsmc-phoenix-chip-semiconductor-factory-biden-global-economy-china-taiwan-2022-12">Phoenix semiconductor chip fabs</a> (or factories), two people familiar with the matter told Business Insider. One of the people said that full production levels have not yet been reached. Their identities are known to BI.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://timculpan.substack.com/p/apple-mobile-processors-are-now-made">Tim Culpan</a>, an independent journalist who covers technology and is based in Taiwan, first reported the news last month.The chips, which Culpan reported are being produced in "small, but significant, numbers," mark a major development for the company, which <a target="_blank" href="https://pr.tsmc.com/english/news/2033">announced</a> plans in 2020 to invest billions of dollars in Arizona and create thousands of jobs. Additionally, it comes two years after Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, announced that the company would be the "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-tim-cook-america-us-made-chips-first-time-decade-2022-12">largest customer</a>" of TSMC's first Arizona fab and use US-made chips for the first time in nearly a decade.A TSMC spokesperson declined to comment on the company's US work with Apple. When asked about the progress on the company's first chip fab, the spokesperson said that the project is "proceeding as planned with good progression," and that the company is on track to be fully operational in the first half of 2025.Apple didn't respond to BI's request for comment.<h2 id="1819bf24-3dc2-49d1-a9d0-42044a61e24c">'A success story'</h2>Dylan Patel, a chief analyst at the semiconductor research and consulting firm SemiAnalysis, said stateside chip production for Apple is a key milestone."Despite many negative stories early on, this shows the fabs are on track and operating as expected — a success story," he told BI.Mark Muro, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, told BI that beginning the production of A16 chips — which have been used in some recent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/iphone-15-plus-review">iPhone models</a>, though not the new <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/iphone-16">iPhone 16</a> — is a very positive signal for the Apple-TSMC partnership."It suggests Apple has enough belief in the new US facility to dive right in with US production of one its most advanced mobile processors," he said, adding, "This is encouraging given some observers' skepticism US sites could reach TSMC standards anytime soon."TSMC's commitment to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tsmc-arizona-semiconductor-chip-fab-taiwan-china-president-joe-biden-2024-4">building three</a> chip fabs on its Phoenix campus is key to the Biden-Harris administration's efforts to boost the US's production of the chips that power everything from iPhones to washing machines. In 2022, President Joe Biden signed the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chips-act-bill-to-boost-us-chipmaking-competition-with-china-2022-7">CHIPS Act</a> into law, which included <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-taiwan-china-semiconductor-chips-us-economy-trade-biden-election-2024-7">$39 billion</a> in manufacturing incentives for chip production in the US. In addition to creating US jobs, the administration hopes to secure supply chains and make the US <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/asml-tsmc-semiconductor-chip-equipment-kill-switch-china-invade-taiwan-2024-5">less reliant</a> on advanced chips in Taiwan.<h2 id="8f73c768-4752-403c-b6e5-a20430cb553e">TSMC faced construction slowdowns and worker tensions in Arizona</h2>TSMC's investment in Arizona hasn't always been smooth.Last year, TSMC announced that the official opening of its first Arizona fab would be <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tsmc-taiwan-semiconductor-phoenix-arizona-factory-chipmaker-job-qualification-debate-2023-8">pushed back</a> from 2024 to 2025. And when the company announced plans to send technicians from Taiwan to train US workers, a local <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tsmc-taiwan-semiconductor-phoenix-arizona-factory-chipmaker-job-qualification-debate-2023-8">Arizona labor union</a> protested due to concerns that American jobs would be threatened.Management and safety concerns have also led to some frustrations among TSMC's construction workforce in Arizona. Workers <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tsmc-phoenix-arizona-chip-factory-taiwan-semiconductor-management-safety-workers-2023-8">previously told BI</a> that managerial challenges had fueled construction delays, and some have accused the company of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tsmc-phoenix-arizona-chip-factory-taiwan-semiconductor-management-safety-workers-2023-8">safety violations</a>. TSMC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tsmc-phoenix-arizona-chip-factory-taiwan-semiconductor-management-safety-workers-2023-8">previously told BI</a> that it's committed to ensuring that its working conditions are safe.In 2022, TSMC's founder and former CEO Morris Chang told the Brookings Institute that the US's efforts to boost <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-tsmc-chipmaker-investing-billions-us-cost-more-make-chips-2022-12">domestic chip production</a> would be "a wasteful, expensive exercise in futility," citing labor force and cost challenges.Despite these hiccups, TSMC said in April during an earnings call that the progress on its first Arizona fab was "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tsmc-arizona-semiconductor-chip-fab-taiwan-china-president-joe-biden-2024-4">well on track</a>."TSMC's production of Apple chips is good news for Americans <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/semiconductor-industry-jobs-salary-chips-phoenix-arizona-tsmc-students-2023-10">hoping to land jobs</a> in the industry, Patel said. That's because TSMC's early success suggests it will continue to invest in the US."This drives job growth not just at TSMC but for the entire ecosystem — fab construction, equipment vendors, etc. that are all needed to support the fab," Patel said. "While modern fabs are not especially labor intensive, they require highly-skilled workers and will operate for decades, meaning many high-quality, long-term jobs are being created."TSMC has said that it will <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tsmc-arizona-semiconductor-chip-fab-taiwan-china-president-joe-biden-2024-4">charge customers more</a> for chips made outside Taiwan due to higher manufacturing costs. But Patel said he doesn't expect this to have a material impact on the prices of Apple's products."US government subsidies were meant to offset differences in construction and other costs between Taiwan and the US to make the business viable for TSMC," he said, adding, "Neither Apple nor consumers should expect a price difference for these US-produced chips.Going forward, chip makers like TSMC will face another challenge once they're operating at full capacity: <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/semiconductor-certification-program-chipmaker-manufacturing-jobs-new-career-intel-tsmc-2023-8">finding workers</a>.According to a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.semiconductors.org/america-faces-significant-shortage-of-tech-workers-in-semiconductor-industry-and-throughout-u-s-economy/">report</a> published last year by the Semiconductor Industry Association, the US semiconductor industry faces a worker shortage of 67,000 workers by 2030, including technicians, computer scientists, and engineers. However, Patel said that he doesn't expect labor force challenges to materially impact production at TSMC specifically.Muro was also optimistic. He said he thinks TSMC's production of Apple chips would bode well for the future."This is an important signal that the American drive to re-shore high-quality chipmaking is well founded," he said.Do you work in the semiconductor industry and have a story to tell? Reach out to this reporter at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:jzinkula@businessinsider.com">jzinkula@businessinsider.com</a>.

Apple's Made-in-the-USA chips signal a turnaround for the US' big semiconductor bet

Meet the 51 women competing to be the next Miss USA

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<ul class="summary-list"><li>Miss Michigan <keyword id="22766960" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Alma-Cooper" source="keywords">Alma Cooper</keyword> was crowned the <keyword id="22766965" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-Miss-USA" source="Orion">new Miss USA</keyword> on Sunday night.</li><li>Cooper, 22, is a <keyword id="22766963" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="second-lieutenant" source="keywords">second lieutenant</keyword> and <keyword id="22766964" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="military-intelligence-officer" source="keywords">military intelligence officer</keyword> in the US Army.</li></ul>A new <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/miss-usa">Miss USA</a> has been crowned. Alma Cooper was named the winner of the 73rd <keyword id="21099090" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Miss-USA" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Miss USA" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Miss USA">Miss USA</keyword> <keyword id="20535570" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pageant" source="keywords">pageant</keyword>, which was held at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night. She was crowned by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/miss-usa-new-queen-miss-hawaii-savannah-gankiewicz-2024-5">Savannah Gankiewicz</a>, who assumed the title of Miss USA 2023 after <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/miss-usa-noelia-voigt-resigned-from-title-2024-5">Noelia Voigt resigned</a> in May. Cooper, 22, is a second lieutenant and military intelligence officer in the US Army. <div type="image" title="Miss USA 2024 Alma Cooper" height="1333" width="2000" msid="112275602" hostid="261"></div>According to her Miss USA bio, Cooper graduated in the top 5% of her class from <keyword id="22766962" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="West-Point-Military-Academy" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="West Point Military Academy" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="West Point Military Academy">West Point Military Academy</keyword> and is a Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford University, where she's pursuing a master's in data science. Before taking the crown, Cooper competed in the evening gown, swimsuit, and interview rounds. The top five contestants all had to answer the same question: "How can we bridge the gap between different cultures and foster understanding and respect?" "As the daughter of a migrant worker, a proud Afro-Latina woman, and an officer of the United States Army, I'm living the American dream," Cooper responded. "If there's anything that my life and my mother have taught me, it's that your circumstances never define your destiny." <div type="image" title="Miss USA 2024 Alma Cooper" height="3000" width="2000" msid="112275595" hostid="261"></div>During a video that played during her final walk, Cooper also revealed what winning the Miss USA title would mean to her. "I would have the opportunity to show that if you can see me, you can be me," she said. "I want to show that through demanding excellence, success is accessible." Cooper is taking over the title during a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/miss-usa-pageant-scandals-queens-laylah-rose-organization-2024-7">tumultuous time for Miss USA</a>. The pageant made headlines in May after both Voigt and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/miss-teen-usa-resigns-after-miss-usa-gives-up-crown-2024-5">Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava</a> gave up their crowns. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/miss-colorado-arianna-lemus-resigns-in-support-of-miss-usa-2024-5">Miss Colorado Arianna Lemus</a> resigned that same week in solidarity. Voigt and Srivastava haven't publicly disclosed many details surrounding their resignations, citing nondisclosure agreements. But their mothers, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/miss-usa-miss-teen-usa-mothers-speak-out-resignations-2024-5">Jackeline Voigt and Barbara Srivastava</a>, told Business Insider during an interview in May that it was due to harassment they experienced under the leadership of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/miss-usa-changes-after-rigging-controversy-2023-9">Miss USA CEO Laylah Rose</a>. "Our daughters were happy and excited to have the job of their lives when they won those crowns," Barbara Srivastava said. "And to expect this is the payment on their self-esteem and their confidence, being bullied by a 46-year-old woman who just wants to be in the limelight herself — this is unacceptable." "She said, 'Mom, I have to do this because I cannot let her keep hurting me or hurting other girls,'" Jackeline Voigt recalled. <div type="image" title="Alma Cooper and Savannah Gankiewicz" height="1429" width="2000" msid="112275603" hostid="261"></div>Multiple people who worked behind the scenes at Miss USA also walked away from the organization this year. Kimberly Nicewonder and Paula Miles — state pageant directors who had been with the Miss USA organization for over three decades — both blamed Rose's leadership for their resignations. Rose did not respond to previous requests for comment. Before her final walk as Miss USA 2023, Gankiewicz — who has spoken out in support of the organization and Rose — told the audience that she'd had "the most unique reign in history." It remains to be seen what the year will hold for the new Miss USA. Correction: August 5, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misspelled the name of the Miss Colorado titleholder who resigned in May. She's Arianna Lemus, not Ariana Lemus.

The new Miss USA is a US Army officer from Michigan

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Alma Cooper, a US Army military intelligence officer, is the new Miss USA.</li><li>Cooper told BI she competed in her first pageant in a dress she found on Facebook Marketplace.</li></ul>Before competing at her first pageant, all <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-miss-usa-michigan-us-army-officer-2024-8">Alma Cooper</a> had was just her mom and a dream.She competed at Miss Michigan Teen USA 2016 in a dress from Facebook Marketplace, which her mother had bejeweled with hundreds of beads.Eight years later, Cooper was named the new <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/miss-usa">Miss USA</a>.<div type="image" title="Alma Cooper holding flowers and wearing a crown at Miss USA 2024, with other women standing behind her." height="1333" width="2000" msid="112356573" hostid="261" sizebytes="213288"></div>"I can't even put into words this surreal feeling," Cooper told Business Insider after she won the crown in Los Angeles on Sunday night. "I have so much gratitude toward the shoulders that I stand upon and all the people who have supported me to get to this point."<h2 id="58a544b2-04aa-42aa-9a3e-acfb88fc9fe5">A longtime pageant fan</h2>Cooper, a second lieutenant and military intelligence officer in the US Army, had always dreamed of walking across the Miss USA stage."Pageants were like the Super Bowl in my household," she recalled with a laugh.Cooper's mother had also competed in state pageants when she was young, saving up for the fees by teaching dance classes in her community. When Cooper set her sights on Miss Michigan Teen USA, she followed in her mother's footsteps.<div type="image" title="Alma Cooper posing onstage with her hands on her hips and wearing a silver floor-length dress." height="3000" width="2000" msid="112356583" hostid="261" sizebytes="285246"></div>"I got a job at Auntie Anne's, the pretzel shop, so I could pay my own pageant fees because I wanted to compete so badly," Cooper recalled. "I didn't have a coach or anything."Cooper placed first runner-up the second year she competed at Miss Michigan Teen USA in 2017 and she still remembers the calm she felt onstage when she heard her name. It was a moment she reflected on as she and Miss Kentucky Connor Perry clutched hands on Sunday, waiting to learn which one of them would become <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/miss-usa-pageant-contestant-photos-2024-8">Miss USA 2024</a>."This really all started from watching at home and being inspired by other women who have walked that same stage," Cooper said. "It's a moment that I truly will never forget."<h2 id="182a81a4-663e-42df-84e7-b1cd67c06f6c">Discipline in the military and pageantry</h2>Cooper had carried her pageant dreams through her time at West Point, the US Military Academy. She arrived with a vision board filled with photos of former Miss Michigan USA winners, hoping she'd become the first active-duty Army officer to win the title.<div type="image" title="Miss USA 2024 Alma Cooper" height="1500" width="2000" msid="112356578" hostid="261" sizebytes="246840"></div>"Being at West Point, it built my character," she said. "It's the premiere leadership institution in the world. It's a place where every single person is committed to a culture of excellence, to being part of something bigger than themselves."Cooper became passionate about research in food insecurity. Her undergraduate thesis, published in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://academic.oup.com/milmed/advance-article/doi/10.1093/milmed/usad450/7445679">Military Medicine</a>, explores the relationship between the body-mass index and how it has affected the US Army's recruitment crisis. Cooper told BI that her research was inspired by her mother, who had struggled with poverty and food insecurity after coming to the US as a migrant worker when she was 6 years old."My platform and what I'm passionate about, my education and study, is rooted in my family," she told BI.The only female mathematical science major in her class, Cooper graduated in the top 5% and is now a Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford University, where she's pursuing a master's in data science."I can't explain how grateful I am to be a graduate and also have had my character develop at such a unique place," Cooper said. "I carry that with me throughout every aspiration and pursuit that I go through — whether that be at Stanford, whether that be an officer in the Army, whether that be at Miss USA."<div type="image" title="Miss USA 2024 Alma Cooper" height="1001" width="1500" msid="112356581" hostid="261" sizebytes="188350"></div>Cooper believes the military and pageantry go hand in hand. After all, the current <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/madison-marsh-air-force-miss-america-duties-photos-2024-5">Miss America is a US Air Force pilot</a>."I think discipline is a firm aspect between pageantry and the military," she said. "Being able to be intrinsically motivated, to have personal courage, is one of the Army values.""And to get onstage in front of millions of people, a nationally televised audience, and wear a swimsuit — that, in and of itself, is one way to display personal courage and believe in oneself," she added.Now, Cooper hopes to use her role as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/miss-usa-pageant-scandals-queens-laylah-rose-organization-2024-7#:~:text=In%20her%20official%20resignation%20letter,%2C%20and%20loss%20of%20hair.%22">Miss USA</a> to be a "force for good.""This is not about me," she said. "This is about uplifting the voices of individuals whose stories may not be heard, whose stories may not be shown. I know this is bigger than myself.""I think the biggest thing that can be taken away from my story is that if you are someone who wants to do it all, you truly can," she added. "There are no limits on yourself except the ones that you accept."

The new Miss USA went from West Point to the pageant stage

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Kaylor Martin and Aaron Evans coupled up on their first day in the Villa on "Love Island USA" season 6.</li><li>They left still together when they were dumped from the Villa before the finale.</li></ul>Aaron Evans and Kaylor Martin coupled up on their very first day in the "Love Island USA" Villa. But their journey wasn't smooth sailing.Their relationship was largely marked by Kaylor crying a lot, and the two were ultimately dumped from the Villa right before the finale.While they were attempting to make a go of their relationship when they left Fiji, hints on social media suggested things quickly went south once Kaylor started watching back the show. During an appearance on <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@bffspod/video/7397927696707177759?q=kaylor%20and%20aaron&amp;t=1724104277918">BFFs Pod</a>, Kaylor said her perspective had changed after watching the Casa Amor episodes, where Aaron flirted heavily with newcomer Daniela N. Ortiz Rivera.Their costar and Aaron's best friend in the Villa, Robert Rausch, later said on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast that Aaron had encouraged Rob to bring Daniela back to the Villa.Here's what we know about Kaylor and Aaron's relationship status today.<h2 id="86d7c51a-7606-4968-bf9d-04ddcbccb67e">Kaylor says she and Aaron broke up after the show</h2>Rumors swirled for weeks about whether Aaron and Kaylor would remain together after Aaron's behavior during Casa Amor was fully exposed while the show aired. Kaylor posted a lot of cryptic TikToks, but confirmed once and for all after the reunion taping that she and Aaron weren't together. According to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://people.com/love-island-usa-kaylor-reveals-shes-single-amid-split-from-contestant-aaron-8697039">People</a>, she also explicitly confirmed that she's single on Friday during an appearance at the 92NY event attended by several season six cast members in New York City.During the same event, per People, her costar JaNa Craig also teased that one of her favorite moments at the reunion was "Kaylor standing on business." That seems to suggest there was some kind of confrontation where Kaylor laid into Aaron for his Casa behavior.The "Love Island USA" season six reunion streams on <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=f310a4b772cde7085b2f7fc231ed558bb6689e0da5e367867ad5da3c0a0ef51a&amp;postID=66c3a8684add317a03d25499&amp;postSlug=aaron-kaylor-love-island-usa-still-together-relationship-status-2024-8&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.peacocktv.com%2F">Peacock</a> Monday, August 19 at 9 p.m. ET.

Are Aaron and Kaylor still together? They were one of the messiest 'Love Island USA' couples

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Miguel Harichi and Leah Kateb were the runners-up on "Love Island USA" season six.</li><li>Leah, who quickly became a fan favorite, coupled up with Miguel midway through the season.</li></ul>Leah Kateb and Miguel Harichi bested other couples in the villa who had been together far longer to take second place in "Love Island USA" season six.Leah, who entered the villa on Day 1, became the season's breakout star early on amid her tumultuous relationship with Robert Rausch, who ended up dumping Leah for Andrea Carmona.Despite the initial heartbreak, Leah came out the winner in the end. She's amassed over 3 million followers apiece on Instagram and TikTok and ultimately did find love in the Villa with Miguel, a 27-year-old British model who joined on Day 9, just after Rob dramatically picked Andrea over Leah.Miguel and Leah's relationship gradually developed, and they coupled up midway through the season. Despite being a relatively new couple, enough fans voted for them to make them the runners-up (only Serena Page and Kordell Beckham, a Day-1 pairing, got more votes than them to clinch the win).Here's what we know about their relationship status today.<h2 id="7e3f89ec-8d10-41fa-a92c-a323a5bc0472">Leah and Miguel appear to be making a long-distance relationship work</h2>Much like the time they took to get together on the show, Leah and Miguel are gradually developing their relationship now that they're out in the real world.After the July 21 finale aired, Leah told <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://people.com/love-island-usa-leah-kateb-reveals-if-her-relationship-with-miguel-harichi-is-official-yet-exclusive-8685432">People</a> that she and Miguel were "on the way" to making their relationship official."I wouldn't be worried about us. We're really locked in," she said.Around the same time, Miguel gave his own <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/love-island-usa-miguel-leah-post-villa-plans">interview</a> where he said he intended to spend a couple of months in Los Angeles, where Leah lives.Things seem to have progressed even further in the weeks since. Less than a week ago, Serena shared a video from Leah's birthday showing that Miguel, who lives in London, flew to LA to surprise her.Over the weekend, both Leah and Miguel posted multiple videos on TikTok of the two of them spending time together. Miguel even called Leah "my queen fr" in reply to a fan's comment on one of their posts. Unlike other "Love Island USA" couples who are playing it coy, Leah and Miguel have been open on their social media about getting more serious, despite Leah admitting she was "exhausted" from her experience on the show and wanting to move on from it.We'll just need to tune into the "Love Island USA" season six reunion, which streams on <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=f310a4b772cde7085b2f7fc231ed558bb6689e0da5e367867ad5da3c0a0ef51a&amp;postID=66c39b9e7d61a86c186d2c7a&amp;postSlug=leah-miguel-love-island-usa-still-together-relationship-status-2024-8&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.peacocktv.com%2F">Peacock</a> Monday, August 19 at 9 p.m. ET, to see what's next for these two.

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