United States
🇮🇱 The Washington Post: Trump signals support in call with Netanyahu: ‘Do what you have to do’
Trump told Benjamin Netanyahu in one call this month, “Do what you have to do,” according to six people familiar with the conversation who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive and confidential information. Trump has said publicly that the two have spoken at least twice in October, with one call as recently as Oct. 19.
🇺🇸 The NYT: Donald Trump Says He Will
Donald Trump has described at length the dangerous and disturbing actions he says he will take if he wins the presidency. His rallies offer a steady stream of such promises and threats — things like prosecuting political opponents and using the military against U.S. citizens. These statements are so outrageous and outlandish, so openly in conflict with the norms and values of American democracy that many find them hard to regard as anything but empty bluster. We have two words for American voters: Believe him.
🇺🇸 In response to China’s hypersonic missile advances, the U.S. Navy plans to arm its ships with Patriot PAC-3 missiles, aiming to counter Beijing’s rapidly modernizing arsenal. This strategic upgrade signals growing fears over the Indo-Pacific’s security landscape and the need to fortify defenses.
🇰🇵🇷🇺 The U.S., South Korea, and Japan express deep alarm over North Korean troops stationed in Russia to join the fight in Ukraine. This brazen alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang widens the war beyond Europe, defying global sanctions as troops and weapons mobilize to fuel Putin’s vanity conflict.
🇺🇸 President Biden’s formal apology for the U.S. role in boarding schools that abused Native Americans was sharply disrupted by a Gaza protester, a jarring interruption that many saw as poorly timed, overshadowing a long-awaited acknowledgment of historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities.
🇺🇸 Iranian hackers breached Trump’s 2024 campaign, leaking emails that American Muckrakers PAC swiftly published. A chilling display of coordinated meddling in U.S. politics—this leak not only exposes Trump’s vulnerabilities but underscores a deeply fractured election system ripe for exploitation.
🇺🇸 Jeff Bezos’ choice to kill the Washington Post’s Harris endorsement breaks a 30-year precedent, revealing how billionaires’ influence can silence newsroom independence. The message is clear: even respected media isn’t immune to unchecked power.
🇺🇸 NYT: 82 American Nobel Prize Winners Endorse Kamala Harris
More than 80 American Nobel Prize winners in physics, chemistry, medicine and economics have signed an open letter endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president. “This is the most consequential presidential election in a long time, perhaps ever, for the future of science and the United States,” reads the letter, a copy of which was obtained by The New York Times. “We, the undersigned, strongly support Harris.”
82 Nobel laureates - literally some of the brightest minds in physics, chemistry, medicine, and economics - signing a letter that will immediately be dismissed by the very people it needs to persuade. It’s like having the world’s finest chefs prepare an exquisite meal for a group that’s already decided they’ve got a craving for a gas station microwave burrito.
🇺🇸 A Reuters Exclusive reveals Dem lawmakers demand special counsel probe into Kushner over Saudi ties, citing Reuters report of post-WH talks with Crown Prince MBS while managing $2B Saudi-backed fund. Wyden and Raskin say he “may” be acting as unregistered foreign agent.
🇺🇸 Cargo ship owner agrees to massive $102M settlement with DOJ over Baltimore’s Key Bridge collapse that killed six people in March. Deal marks major financial resolution in catastrophic maritime disaster that destroyed critical infrastructure.
🇷🇺 Putin dodges but does not deny U.S. claims of 3,000 North Korean troops in Russia, citing mutual defense clause with Pyongyang as “our business.” Putin welcomes Trump’s rhetoric of “peace” (at Ukraine’s expense) and accuses NATO of escalating a war that Russia started.
🇺🇸 LA prosecutor seeks Menendez brothers' resentencing after 34 years, citing new evidence of father’s sexual abuse. DA Gascon recommends reducing life terms to 50 years-to-life with parole eligibility, declaring “they have paid their debt to society.”
🌍 US and Israeli negotiators head to Doha for crucial Gaza ceasefire talks, as CIA’s Burns joins Mossad chief Barnea after Hamas leader Sinwar’s death. Qatar confirms recent meetings with Hamas political office, while Egypt pursues parallel diplomatic track.
🇰🇵 The U.S. reports evidence that North Korea has sent 3,000 troops to Russia, possibly for deployment in Ukraine, an escalation in the conflict. South Korea claims North Korea plans to send a total of 10,000 troops. U.S. officials warn of consequences if NK troops join Russia in combat.
🇺🇸 Chinese-controlled bots are targeting U.S. down-ballot races in Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee, spreading antisemitic messages and false corruption claims against lawmakers including Senators Marco Rubio and Marsha Blackburn.
🇺🇸 The U.S. Justice Department has charged Venezuelan TV network owner Raul Gorrin Belisario in a $1.2 billion money laundering scheme involving bribes to officials in exchange for corrupt funds from Venezuela’s state oil company, PDVSA. This indictment adds to scrutiny of Venezuela’s corruption.
🇺🇸 The U.S. aims to provide Ukraine with $10 billion in military aid, part of a $20 billion loan package coordinated with the G7 and EU. Funded by interest on frozen Russian assets, the aid package balances military and economic support, but hinges on Congress’ approval before December.
🇺🇸 Yellen: US to lead $50B Ukraine aid package with $20B contribution, funded by frozen Russian assets, not taxpayers. G7 racing to finalize deal before US election as new sanctions against Russia’s war suppliers loom.
🇺🇸 US intel warns Russia, China, and Iran plot to inflame post-election chaos with AI-generated disinfo and potential violence, as Harris leads Trump 46-43% in latest poll. Foreign actors seen targeting swing states through sophisticated social media ops.
🇺🇸 Ex-Abercrombie CEO Jeffries faces life in prison over shocking sex trafficking charges. Feds allege he and partner lured young men with modeling dreams into global abuse ring, using NDAs and company power to maintain decade-long silence.