Former Abercrombie and Fitch CEO Mike Jefferies has been arrested and charged with 16 counts of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution in New York, with misconduct occurring between December 2008 and March 2015. The I-D-F confirmed the death of Hashem Safieddine, Hezbollah’s new leader, in an airstrike near Beirut, coinciding with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Israel, where he urged for a ceasefire amid ongoing violence. With less than two weeks until the November 5th presidential election, polls show a tight race, with recent surveys indicating a slight lead for Kamala Harris despite Trump's recent uptick. The BRICS summit has commenced, with Russian President Vladimir Putin hosting leaders from 36 nations, while Indian Prime Minister Modi called for peace in Ukraine. Lastly, former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani has been ordered to surrender valuable possessions to two defamed Georgia election workers after a jury ruled he owes them $150 million.

Former Abercrombie and Fitch CEO charged with sex trafficking (NBC)

IDF confirms death of Hezbollah successor (New York Times)

Harris leads in four national polls as election day gets closer (Forbes)

Putin hosts world leaders as BRICS summit kicks off (Reuters)

Rudy Giuliani ordered to turn over millions of dollars in possessions to GA election workers (CNN)

In the final weeks before the election, Trump and Harris campaign in key states, with Harris visiting Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania alongside Liz Cheney, while Trump rallies in North Carolina and discusses hurricane relief, criticizing FEMA and making debunked claims about immigrant aid. The exonerated Central Park Five have filed a defamation lawsuit against Trump following his false claims during the presidential debate about their involvement in a crime they did not commit. The IDF conducted airstrikes on Lebanese bank buildings linked to Hezbollah, causing panic in Beirut, according to Israeli officials. Sean “Diddy” Combs faces seven new lawsuits from anonymous accusers, including minors, while his legal team seeks to prevent prejudicial statements as he remains jailed pending trial. The Biden administration proposed a rule to make contraceptive products, including condoms and over-the-counter birth control, free for women with private health insurance, potentially effective by 2025.

Harris, Trump campaigning in swing states as election quickly approaches (USA Today, AP)

Exonerated Central Park Five announce defamation lawsuit against Trump for debate remarks (NBC)

Israeli military launches new airstrikes on Lebanon and Hezbollah financial institution (NPR)

Rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs hit with seven new lawsuits (AP)

Biden administration proposes plan for free over-the-counter birth control (NPR)

Former President Trump made headlines by working a shift at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s and holding a drive-thru news conference, where he addressed the election and took a jab at Kamala Harris. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has called for an investigation into Elon Musk's offer of a million dollars a day to registered voters, raising concerns about potential illegalities in voter registration practices. A pro-Iranian Telegram account leaked classified U.S. intelligence regarding Israel's plans to strike Iran, leading House Speaker Mike Johnson to announce an investigation into the leak. In Cuba, a nationwide blackout continues as Hurricane Oscar struck, with hopes for power restoration by early next week despite ongoing energy issues. Lastly, severe flooding in Roswell, New Mexico resulted in at least two deaths and hundreds of rescues, following record rainfall that broke a 123-year-old record.

Trump preps fries at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s, hold drive-thru news conference (ABC)

PA governor calls for investigation into Elon Musk for promise to pay voters to sign petition (Reuters)

U.S. investigates leak of alleged Israeli plans to attack Iran (USA Today)

Cuba’s island-wide power outage continues as Hurricane Oscar makes landfall (AP)

At least 2 dead after catestrophic flooding in New Mexico (CNN)

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has been killed in an exchange of gunfire with Israeli soldiers in Gaza, as confirmed by the IDF, with Prime Minister Netanyahu asserting the conflict is not over. President Biden announced an additional $4.5 billion in student loan forgiveness, raising the total to $175 billion and benefiting nearly five million borrowers. During a Florida town hall, former President Trump called January 6th a “day of love” and reiterated false claims about the 2020 election being rigged. The FBI is seeking information on former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding, who is wanted for allegedly participating in a large-scale drug trafficking operation. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against a doctor for providing gender-affirming care to minors, marking a significant legal action under state law.

Hamas leader killed, confirmed by IDF (New York Times)

Biden announces more student loan forgiveness, bringing total to $175 billion (CNN)

Trump refers to Jan. 6 as a “day of love (BBC)

Former Olympic snowboarder wanted by FBI for alleged drug trafficking involvement (Yahoo)

TX Attorney General sues doctor for allegedly providing gender-affirming care to minors (NBC)

Liam Payne, former One Direction member, tragically died at 31 after falling from a hotel window in Buenos Aires. In a Fox News town hall, Donald Trump called himself the “father of IVF,” sparking criticism from Kamala Harris about his judicial appointments affecting reproductive rights. Elon Musk has emerged as a significant political donor, contributing nearly $75 million to his America PAC, which spent about $72 million supporting Trump’s campaign. Italy's parliament passed a bill banning citizens from traveling abroad for surrogacy, a move criticized by activists as targeting same-sex couples under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s family values agenda. Lastly, the Supreme Court upheld a rule mandating coal-fired plants to capture 90% of carbon emissions, marking the third time this month the court has supported environmental regulations, though justices expressed concerns over future challenges.

Liam Payne dies after falling out of hotel window (CNN)

Trump calls himself “father of IVF,” Harris responds (NBC)

Elon Musk donates almost $75 million towards Trump’s presidential campaign (NPR)

Italy passes law restricting surrogacy tourism to target queer couples (The Guardian)

Supreme Court upholds law limiting coal-fire pollution (AP)

The Biden administration has given Israel 30 days to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza, threatening to withhold military aid if no progress is made. A Georgia judge ruled that election board members must certify election results regardless of any concerns about errors or fraud, emphasizing the importance of voter rights. North Korea has destroyed sections of inter-Korean transportation routes in response to alleged South Korean drone activity, escalating tensions in the region. North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has filed a defamation lawsuit against CNN over allegations of inappropriate online posts, facing growing political isolation and trailing in polls. Lastly, northern U.S. residents should prepare for a potentially snowier winter as La Niña is expected to influence weather patterns starting in November, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, Midwest and Northeast.

Biden administration demands that Israel remedy humanitarian crisis in Gaza or risk military aid (Axios)

GA judge rules board members can’t refuse to certify election results, early voting record (NPR, AJC)

North Korea blows up inter-Korean roads and rail lines (Reuters, NPR)

NC Lt. Gov sues CNN for defamation (AP)

La Niña winter is on the way (CNN)

Over the weekend, FEMA crews in North Carolina had to withdraw after encountering an armed militia claiming they were “hunting FEMA,” resulting in one arrest. On Monday, Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled her “Opportunity Agenda for Black men,” proposing economic policies like forgivable loans for Black business owners and the federal legalization of marijuana, while also agreeing to an interview with Fox News. The Canadian government expelled six Indian diplomats due to an alleged campaign of violence against South Asian Canadians, with India retaliating by expelling six Canadian diplomats. Rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs faces new sexual assault allegations detailed in six lawsuits, with accusations including drugging drinks and rape. Lastly, Lilly Ledbetter, a prominent women's rights activist known for her role in the Fair Pay Act, passed away at 86, leaving behind a legacy of fighting against gender discrimination.

Arrest made following threats against FEMA crews (CBS)

New Harris economic policies for Black men (USAToday, The Hill)

Canada, India expel diplomats (Al Jazeera)

New Diddy allegations (CNN)

Lilly Ledbetter dies at 86 (NBC)

The U.S. is sending a missile defense system and 100 troops to Israel to bolster its defense amid rising regional tensions, as U.N. peacekeepers accused the Israeli military of encroaching on their base in southern Lebanon, while Israel stated it was responding to Hezbollah threats. With three weeks until Election Day, a new NBC News poll shows Harris and Trump in a tight race at 48%, with key issues being abortion and immigration. President Biden and Vice President Harris visited Florida and North Carolina to assess Hurricane Milton damage and engage with voters. Secret documents from TikTok reveal the company knew about teens stripping on its platform while adults monetized the content, despite awareness of its negative impact on users' responsibilities. In a remarkable test, SpaceX successfully launched its Starship rocket and caught it with giant metal "chopsticks."

U.S sends missile defense system, troops to Israel amid conflict with UN peacekeepers (New York Times, Reuters)

Harris and Trump in virtual tie nationally as election approaches (NBC)

Biden and Harris visit hurricane-affected states (AP)

TikTok harming teens, court documents allege (NPR)

SpaceX “chopstick” landing successful (Axios)

Hurricane Milton has left at least five dead and caused over three million power outages in Florida, while Tampa's stadium suffered roof damage despite the city avoiding a direct hit. Ethel Kennedy, a renowned human rights advocate and widow of Robert F. Kennedy, passed away at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of activism. The Israeli military has injured two UN peacekeepers by firing at their headquarters in Lebanon, prompting international concern. An Afghan man was arrested in Oklahoma for plotting a terrorist attack on ISIS’ behalf on Election Day, allegedly planning to use an assault rifle to carry out the act. Kate Middleton and Prince William visited Southport, England, to support families affected by a tragic knife attack, marking their first public appearance since the Princess completed chemotherapy.

Hurricane Milton updates (CNN)

Ethel Kennedy dies at 96 (Reuters, BBC)

Israel attacks UN peacekeepers in Lebanon (Al Jazeera)

Former CIA guard accused of terror attack (NBC)

Kate, William make first public appearance since cancer treatment (CNN)

President Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for the first time in two months, emphasizing U.S. support for Israel while advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Lebanon. Hurricane Milton made landfall in Tampa Bay as a Category 3 storm, causing at least 18 tornados and prompting dangerous storm surges estimated at over 10 feet in Naples and Ft. Myers. Vice President Kamala Harris officially surpassed $1 billion in campaign fundraising since her nomination, giving her a significant financial advantage in the final weeks of the election. Brazil's Supreme Court restored the social media app X, formerly known as Twitter after Elon Musk began complying with court rulings to curb hate speech. Journalist Bob Woodward's book "War" revealed that former President Trump sent COVID-19 tests to Putin, a claim confirmed by the Kremlin, although they denied Trump's alleged phone conversations with Putin post-presidency.

Biden speaks with Netanyahu (Al Jazeera)

Hurricane Milton makes landfall in Tampa Bay area (CNN, NBC)

Kamala Harris’ campaign surpasses $1 billion fundraising threshold (NBC, Al Jazeera)

Brazil’s Supreme Court clears X to resume services (CNN)

Putin affirms Woodward’s claim about Trump in new book (Axios)