Nearly 72 million people are under winter weather alerts from the Rockies to southern New England, as forecasters say a rapidly strengthening storm is forming over the eastern United States on Nov. 2. This is the third storm this week sweeping across the country. It's expected to set new low-temperature records, along with snow, rain, and a chance of Gulf Coast tornadoes. The FAA says some airports could see delays.

The White House is defending a second strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean. The White House says Vice Admiral Frank Bradley ordered the follow-on strike and acted within his legal authority. The strike, however, is raising questions, and Congress is now investigating, with Bradley set to brief lawmakers this week.

The White House says the Trump administration is feeling very optimistic about the peace process between Russia and Ukraine. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is traveling to Russia to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. A Kremlin spokesman said the talks on Nov. 2 will be held behind closed doors. He declined to specify what issues the two are set to discuss.