Saturday, Oct 31, 2026
Morning Premium Edition
A federal judge barred federal officials from coercing state election workers over ballot processing
U.S. District Judge Trina L. Thompson issued an order Friday barring the Trump administration from threatening election officials or coercing them to halt ballot processing, withhold ballots or remove voters solely over ineligibility allegations. She found the Justice and Homeland Security departments likely violated the Voting Rights Act. A hearing is set for Monday; the order expires after Tuesday’s election.
Reporting: NBC News, AOL, CBS News, The Hill, Los Angeles Times, Axios, The New York Times
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The State Department authorized a possible transfer of 500 Patriot interceptors to Ukraine
The US State Department approved the potential sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 interceptor missiles to Ukraine, estimated at $2.1 billion, according to the department. The BBC reported the sale would be funded entirely by Kyiv’s allies in Europe and Canada. The State Department release did not specify when the missiles would be delivered.
Reporting: BBC News, Facebook, CNN, Reuters
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Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says four tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said a fourth oil tanker caught fire after striking a mine in the Strait of Hormuz, bringing to four the tankers it says have burned there since early Friday. The supertanker was carrying more than 2 million barrels of crude and had ignored repeated warnings against taking the southern route, the navy said.
Reporting: Al Jazeera, Anadolu Agency, Reuters
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Spain’s transport minister blamed rail traffic controllers' errors for a fatal train crash
Spain’s Transport Minister Oscar Puente said rail traffic controllers gave a train the go-ahead while it approached a stopped train, causing Wednesday’s crash that killed at least 69 people. Puente said a judge would investigate the controllers’ actions. A preliminary report put the moving train’s speed at at least 160 kph, Reuters reported; 17 passengers remain in intensive care.
Reporting: Udaipur Kiran, Reuters, The New York Times, channel4.com
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Polish government moves to strip Constitutional Tribunal president Bogdan Święczkowski of immunity
Judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska issued an order suspending Constitutional Tribunal president Bogdan Święczkowski and deputy president Bartłomiej Sochański, according to reports cited by Around Prague. Polish President Karol Nawrocki returned to Warsaw after turning back en route to Senegal. The Guardian reported Nawrocki struggled to enter the court; his chief of staff said he later got inside, according to the BBC.
Reporting: Around Prague, The Guardian, Reuters
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Donald Trump contrasted 18 American deaths in the Iran war with other conflicts
At a Friday rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, Donald Trump contrasted the 18 American service members killed in the Iran war with the Vietnam death toll, calling the losses “far too many” while noting that other conflicts killed “thousands and thousands.” Separately, he told KCMO the conflict was “going to get wrapped up soon.”
Reporting: Newsweek
Hosts in Atlanta dropped the customary group portrait of G20 foreign ministers
The United States canceled the traditional G20 foreign ministers’ group photo in Atlanta after European diplomats objected to appearing alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and threatened to walk out. Euronews reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio decided to cancel it. Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski called the move “the right decision.”
Reporting: Euronews, CNN, Los Angeles Times, Al Jazeera, The Hill, BBC News, HuffPost
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Binance said its theft was wider than a compromised engineer laptop
Binance is trying to recover $6.3 billion in digital assets stolen in a hack, with the company saying it has secured $3 billion and that much of the remainder remains with unidentified hackers. The exchange initially suspected an engineer’s laptop was compromised but later said the attack was broader. Analytics firms attributed the incident to North Korea-linked TraderTraitor.
Reporting: BBC News
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Police say shooting at Fairfield Spirit Halloween store killed one and injured six
A Friday night shooting at a Spirit Halloween store in the Solano Town Center in Fairfield, California, killed one person and injured six others, police said. All seven victims had gunshot wounds, and the six survivors were taken to local hospitals; at least three were in critical condition. Police said the investigation was ongoing.
Reporting: YouTube, Facebook
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A Texas grand jury indicted an ICE officer for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
ICE officer Mario Alberto Morales, 33, was indicted by a Harris County grand jury on a second-degree aggravated-assault charge involving a deadly weapon, District Attorney Sean Teare said. Teare alleged Morales drove into immigrant Miguel Parra-Hernandez as he fled on foot in Houston on Oct. 10. ICE said Parra ran in front of its vehicle and was struck.
Reporting: The Wall Street Journal, CBS News, NBC News
Meta settled a social media addiction lawsuit
Meta settled a social media addiction lawsuit, averting its trial in a case brought by an 18-year-old Mississippi woman identified as K.D.B. She alleged that Meta and Snap designed addictive platforms. TikTok and YouTube had also settled claims with her, leaving Snap as the only company expected to defend the case. Meta’s settlement terms were not disclosed.
Reporting: CBS News, The New York Times
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S&P shifted Meta Platforms' credit rating outlook to negative
S&P Global Ratings revised Meta Platforms’ outlook to negative from stable, keeping its AA- rating, citing uncertainty over how long elevated AI-related capital spending and negative free cash flow will persist. It forecasts capital expenditures of $140 billion in 2026, rising to $252 billion in 2028, and free-cash-flow deficits peaking at $71 billion in 2027.
Reporting: CNBC, Reuters, spglobal.com
The U.N. Security Council failed to renew its peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara
The U.N. Security Council failed Friday to renew its Western Sahara peacekeeping mission, MINURSO, for the first time in 35 years. Russia vetoed a U.S.-drafted resolution proposing an extension through Oct. 31, 2027; a Russian-drafted alternative then failed, receiving three votes in favor, one against and 11 abstentions. The mandate expires Saturday, risking heightened tensions, Bloomberg said.
Reporting: Bloomberg, Türkiye Today, WKMG News 6
Planes carrying evacuees from Russian-occupied Oleshky landed in Belarus
Hundreds of residents evacuated from Russian-occupied Oleshky arrived in Gomel, Belarus, during a local ceasefire. Al Jazeera and NBC reported four planes, while the South China Morning Post, citing Belarusian state news agency Belta, reported three. The evacuees were expected to continue to Ukrainian territory.
Reporting: U.S. News & World Report, NBC News, Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post
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Five oil firms posted $56.3 billion in adjusted third-quarter net income
ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, Shell and TotalEnergies reported a combined $56.3 billion in adjusted third-quarter net income, with all five beating Wall Street forecasts, Bloomberg reported. The New York Post said soaring energy prices helped ExxonMobil post some of its strongest quarterly earnings on record. ExxonMobil and Chevron shares have each risen about 52% this year.
Reporting: New York Post
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U.S. stocks fell sharply following concerns over artificial intelligence spending
U.S. stocks fell sharply on October 30 as concerns about whether heavy artificial-intelligence spending would pay off dragged down technology shares. The Nasdaq Composite dropped about 2.8%, its biggest one-day fall since June, while the S&P 500 declined 1.82%. Intel fell 28.58%, its worst performance in more than 50 years, UkrMedia News reported.
Reporting: United Press International, The Statesman, UkrMedia News
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An AI company lowered its fundraising goal to $20 billion
OpenAI has cut its target for its latest funding round by $10 billion and is seeking to raise $20 billion at a $1.25 trillion valuation, the Financial Times reported Oct. 30, citing people with knowledge of the matter. Reuters had previously reported a $30 billion target at $1.4 trillion, amid a selloff in technology stocks driven by AI worries.
Reporting: Reuters, cellcog.ai, modbee.com (with Reuters)
The Trump administration is preparing to deport Afghans through Pakistan
The Trump administration plans to deport Afghan immigrants detained in Louisiana to Afghanistan through Pakistan, The New York Times reported; NBC News said a proposed flight could go to Pakistan. The Times said more than 150 people are expected to be deported, with a flight possibly departing Nov. 2. Global Refuge warned the move could set a precedent.
Reporting: NBC News, The New York Times, globalrefuge.org
Judge Jennifer L. Rochon ordered three Trump administration ads removed and third-party distribution plans canceled
U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon in New York ordered the Trump administration to remove three taxpayer-funded ads from official government websites and social media, and to cancel plans for their airing or distribution through authorized third parties, including MAGA Inc. She sided with a coalition including Common Cause and declined to pull several other ads.
Reporting: Chicago Tribune, News18
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Pope Leo XIV became the first pontiff to vote in a U.S. general election
Pope Leo XIV became the first pontiff to vote in a U.S. general election, casting a mail-in ballot in Chicago, his birthplace, ahead of the November 3 midterms. The Holy See Press Office confirmed the vote on Friday. Conference public affairs director Chieko Noguchi said it encourages citizens to exercise their civic responsibility.
Reporting: Al Jazeera, Vatican News
U.S. Attorney Michael Heyman confirms Alaska criminal investigation into alleged Senate candidate scheme
U.S. Attorney Michael Heyman confirmed Friday a criminal investigation into an alleged effort to confuse voters by recruiting a Senate candidate sharing Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan’s first and last name.
Reporting: Chicago Tribune, HuffPost, Associated Press, CBS News
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Mark Carney expects Canada and the EU to conclude associate-membership negotiations in June
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he expects Canada and the European Union to conclude negotiations in June on making Canada the bloc’s first “associate member.” Canada’s government described the goal as the deepest partnership short of accession, while the summit declaration omitted associate membership and said the sides would define an “ever-closer association” by their 2027 summit.
Reporting: WTOP News (with Associated Press), The Guardian, gc.ca
Novaya Gazeta announced it was shutting down under pressure from Russian authorities
Novaya Gazeta announced Friday it was closing amid pressure from Russian authorities. Moscow police opened criminal proceedings in spring 2026; Russia’s Justice Ministry designated the paper a “foreign agent” Sept. 4, and its landlord terminated its lease Oct. 29. Deutsche Welle reported a recent search of a senior editor’s home. The Washington Examiner called it Russia’s last major independent newspaper.
Reporting: Politico, Deutsche Welle, Washington Examiner
The Ninth Circuit reinstated the NFL's Sunday Ticket antitrust verdict
The Ninth Circuit reinstated a 2024 jury verdict finding the NFL liable for antitrust violations over its Sunday Ticket package, but ordered a new trial to determine damages. The appeals court said the trial judge erred in throwing out the liability verdict, while upholding his decision to set aside the $4.7 billion damages calculation. The NFL said it was disappointed.
Reporting: The Washington Times, La Voce di New York, The New York Times, New York Post, Bloomberg, wnep.com, dailyjournal.com
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham offered to consider an apology for Britain's slave trade
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the UK government is open to calls for a formal apology for Britain’s role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, while ruling out reparations. He offered to begin a “structured dialogue” with people affected by slavery and said he wanted to address present-day issues, including debt burdens facing developing countries.
Reporting: Reuters, The Diplomatic Insight, The Independent, The Guardian, ABC News
Ebola killed more than 5,000 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Government data show the Ebola death toll in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has surpassed 5,000, as authorities struggle to control the country’s deadliest outbreak on record. The rare Bundibugyo strain has spread to eight of the country’s 26 provinces and neighbouring countries, with delayed detection, conflict and strained health services helping it spread.
Reporting: Reuters, Al Jazeera
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The 9th Circuit rejected Justice Department bid to segregate California ballots
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 against the Justice Department’s request for California to set aside disputed ballots received in the midterm election. The panel said there was no feasible way to identify and segregate specific voters’ ballots without potentially catastrophic effects on the system, and discerned no clear error in the district court’s ruling.
Reporting: WTOP News (with Associated Press), WGXA News, clintonherald.com
Judge Ana C. Reyes opened inquiry into whether Trump officials misled court over golf plan
U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes on Friday opened a formal inquiry into whether Trump administration officials and Justice Department lawyers misled the court about Donald Trump’s plan to remake East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C. The Washington Post reported that Reyes began the hearing by reading D.C. Bar rules on truthfulness in court, amid repeated questions about the government’s candor.
Reporting: The Washington Post, PBS News
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Judge Trevor McFadden delayed a ruling on whether to dismiss James Comey's placeholder case
U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden postponed a decision on dismissing the placeholder criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey, allowing the Justice Department time to seek a grand jury indictment over an alleged decade-old leak to the news media. McFadden said he would be “extremely frustrated” by a pre-indictment “dawn raid”; prosecutor Dustin Farahnak said that would not happen.
Reporting: CNN, ABC News, Politico, wvgazettemail.com
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc lost its parliamentary majority in final election results
Final results confirmed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc lost its parliamentary majority, setting up weeks of coalition negotiations. Netanyahu’s bloc won 53 seats, the main opposition bloc 48 and Arab-led parties 19 in the 120-member Knesset. Results are to be certified and submitted to President Isaac Herzog next Wednesday; Herzog will then task someone with forming a government.
Reporting: NBC News, PBS News (with Associated Press), Facebook
Voters cast more ballots early than in the last midterm election
Donald Trump will hold rallies in Iowa and Kansas after initially opting for telerallies, the Chicago Tribune reported. Texas is seeing an especially pronounced surge in early voting, according to AP analysis of data five days before Election Day, which also found sharp increases in states with competitive Senate races.
Reporting: Associated Press, Chicago Tribune
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Afternoon Premium Edition
A federal judge ordered the Justice Department to notify election workers of enjoined threats
U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson issued a temporary restraining order barring federal officials from threatening election workers with prosecution over ballot handling. Her temporary order also bars federal officials from demanding voters be removed from rolls or ballots be segregated solely over eligibility claims.
Reporting: NBC News, Politico, Reuters, Democracy Docket, CBS News, The Washington Post, Axios, nbcboston.com
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The State Department approved a potential sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 MSE interceptors to Ukraine
The State Department approved a potential sale of 500 Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine, estimated at $2.1 billion, with the proposal subject to congressional review. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned deliveries could take several years. The State Department said partners and allies would cover the cost; reports specify funding includes Canada, Germany and Norway.
Reporting: The Diplomatic Insight, Aviation News, Meduza, CNN, The Japan Times, ukrinform.net, breakingdefense.com, interestingengineering.com
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Fairfield police search for a suspect in the fatal Spirit Halloween shooting
Fairfield police are searching for a suspect after Friday's shooting at a Spirit Halloween store in the Solano Town Center mall killed one person and injured six others. At least three were in critical condition, and investigators were working to identify the person killed. The FBI's Sacramento field office is deploying its Evidence Response Team; Suisun City police are assisting.
Reporting: NewsNation, NBC News, CBS News, CNN, San Francisco Chronicle, ABC7 News, KTLA 5 Los Angeles, ABC7 New York
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Evacuees from Russian-occupied Oleshky entered Ukrainian-controlled territory
Evacuees from Russian-occupied Oleshky reached Ukrainian-held territory Saturday in a major rescue operation under a temporary ceasefire in Kherson region. The Associated Press reported that those choosing Ukraine traveled through Anapa, Russia, and Homel, Belarus. CBS News and France 24 credited First Lady Melania Trump with brokering the truce. About 2,000 residents were still in Oleshky when it began.
Reporting: Los Angeles Times, France 24, PBS News, CBS News, Vatican News
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Iran’s supreme leader warned the US and Israel against any renewed attack
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned Saturday that renewed military action by the United States or Israel would prompt an immediate response without geographical limits. His office said he met senior military commanders and issued strategic directives; L’Orient Today reported he ordered military target lists updated. Al Jazeera reported Qatari diplomats held extensive talks in Tehran on Friday.
Reporting: Gulf News, Il Sole 24 Ore, Daily Sabah, Kurdistan24, Al Jazeera, L’Orient Today
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Oman evacuated 25 crew members from a burning tanker off Musandam Governorate
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said four oil tankers struck mines and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said four oil tankers hit mines and caught fire in the strait. It remains unclear whether the Omani incident was among them. British maritime authorities reported vessels struck by unidentified projectiles.
Reporting: Killeen Daily Herald, Ynetnews, ABC News (Australia), Türkiye Today, yoursun.com
Polish President Karol Nawrocki summoned parliamentary parties for emergency talks
Polish President Karol Nawrocki called emergency talks with parliamentary parties on Saturday, saying an overnight confrontation at the Constitutional Tribunal had violated Poland’s constitutional order. He called for police to leave the court grounds and said he had enabled Bartlomiej Sochanski, whom he recognizes as the tribunal’s lawful vice president, to enter.
Reporting: BBC News, Anadolu Agency, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, notesfrompoland.com
A federal appeals court paused an Idaho ruling requiring health exceptions to abortion ban
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday paused a federal judge’s order barring Idaho from enforcing its abortion ban against doctor and plaintiff Stacey Seyb. In a 2-1 decision, the court said Seyb was unlikely to prevail on claims that the Constitution protects a right to abortion to safeguard a patient’s health, pending Idaho’s appeal.
Reporting: The Hill, WTVB News (with Reuters)
Judge Ana Reyes opens inquiry into possible misconduct in the East Potomac golf course case
District Judge Ana Reyes has opened an inquiry into whether Justice and Interior Department officials and lawyers made material misrepresentations to the court or violated ethics rules in the East Potomac Golf Links case. She stressed this is not a finding of misconduct. No special master has been appointed; the Justice Department has five days to object to naming one.
Reporting: Demokratis, Politico, CBS News, NewsCord, lawdork.com
Binance suffered a record breach affecting about $6.3 billion in assets
Analysts said North Korean hackers penetrated Binance and drained more than $6 billion, prompting executives to assemble an informal, roughly 100-person war room after unusual transactions triggered alarms, The New York Times reported. Binance suspended deposits and withdrawals and pledged to cover all losses, while promising clients could trade again within days.
Reporting: The National, Central Oregon Daily (with Reuters), The New York Times, CNBC, onesafe.io, wired.me, offgridsurvival.com
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Investors question AI returns over a $2 trillion Nasdaq-100 market-value loss
Nasdaq-100 market value fell about $2 trillion as investors questioned whether heavy AI spending would generate adequate returns, Ticker reported. Amazon missed quarterly forecasts and kept its 2026 capital-spending outlook at $220 billion. Alphabet lost more than $500 billion in market value Thursday, while the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell 7.2%, Beinsure reported.
Reporting: Sharecast, Beinsure, Moneycontrol, fortuneindia.com, kucoin.com, tickernews.co
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Six oil companies reported 89 billion dollars in combined profits for January through September
Six European oil companies—BP, Eni, Equinor, Repsol, Shell and TotalEnergies—made $89 billion in profits in the first nine months of 2026, 102% more than a year earlier, Global Witness said. The New York Post reported that more than 50 major U.S. oil and gas companies earned over $130 billion from April through September amid the Iran war.
Reporting: National Public Radio, New York Post, The Independent, CNBC
Iranian envoys met Qatari intermediaries in Doha to explore ending the Gulf conflict
Iranian negotiators held talks with Qatari mediators in Doha on Saturday to discuss paths out of the Gulf war, a source briefed on the negotiations told Reuters. The talks followed more than 12 hours of discussions in Tehran on Friday and were coordinated through regular contacts with Washington. Regional countries anticipate Donald Trump could restart attacks after Tuesday’s U.S. midterm elections.
Reporting: The Straits Times
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AP found more than 115 claimed strikes damaged structures at 26 bases and other sites
AP found more than 115 strikes claimed by Iran or Iranian-backed militias damaged or destroyed structures at 26 bases and other sites with U.S. equipment through August. Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, was struck at least 30 times. U.S. Central Command declined detailed assessments. Wall Street Journal reported a July Iranian strike killed three U.S. servicemembers in Jordan.
Reporting: Ynetnews, Spectrum News, The Wall Street Journal
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Pedro Sánchez says trust in high-speed rail is broken after Urda crash
Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez said trust in high-speed rail had been broken after the Urda collision, which killed at least 69 and injured more than 100. People’s Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo called Sánchez and Transport Minister Óscar Puente politically responsible and demanded their resignations. Puente offered to leave, but Sánchez rejected it as unfair, according to Puente’s entourage.
Reporting: Demócrata, irishtimes.com
Foreign ministers concluded their Atlanta gathering without agreeing on a joint communiqué
G20 foreign ministers ended their Atlanta meeting without a joint communiqué, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a chairman’s statement instead, LawStreet reported. Divisions persisted over Russia, Ukraine, Iran and tariffs. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette also reported disagreements over the Trump administration’s decision not to invite South Africa, despite objections from other members.
Reporting: Nation Path India, ABC News (Australia), NewsCord, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, lawstreet.co, greekreporter.com, alquds.com
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G20 foreign ministers ended talks in Atlanta without a joint communiqué
G20 foreign ministers ended two days of talks in Atlanta on October 31 without a joint communiqué, with divisions over Russia's war with Ukraine overshadowing the meeting, according to LawStreet. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who hosted and chaired the gathering, instead released a chairman's statement summarising the discussions.
Reporting: lawstreet.co
Polk County Sheriff's Office leads weeklong undercover sting that results in 281 arrests
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said a seven-day undercover operation, his office’s largest ever, led to 281 arrests targeting child predators and human trafficking. The sheriff’s office said 17 suspects reported working at theme parks or resorts; International Business Times UK reported 13 Disney workers and four Universal workers. WKMG reported seven were suspected child sex predators.
Reporting: International Business Times UK, WKMG News 6, westernjournal.com, wdwinfo.com, kpic.com
Donald Trump said he would continue campaigning in Kansas and Iowa
Nearly 10 million more Americans had cast early ballots five days before Election Day than at the same point in 2022, an Associated Press analysis found. Texas had more than 6.3 million early votes as of Wednesday, up 50 percent from 4.2 million at the same point in 2022. Al Jazeera reported Democrats lead national polls, but turnout does not reveal voter choices or final results.
Reporting: Al Jazeera, PBS News, CTV News, The Boston Globe
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Twenty-two newly registered super PACs spent at least $1 million each on congressional races
Twenty-two super PACs registered with the Federal Election Commission during the final 10 weeks before Election Day each spent at least $1 million on congressional races, CNBC’s analysis found. By Oct. 29, they had reported roughly $637 million in independent expenditures, about one-sixth of all independent spending reported in House and Senate races this election cycle.
Reporting: CNBC, Traders Union, kucoin.com
Graphika linked activity on X to an influence campaign tied to China
Graphika said Friday it identified Spamouflage activity on X ahead of U.S. midterms; analysts say the long-running campaign is likely linked to China. Its accounts, which analysts say pose as American voters, post divisive content about politics, social issues and elections, including posts questioning election integrity and U.S. democracy, using tactics resembling those documented before the 2024 presidential election.
Reporting: The Times of India, Associated Press
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Federal immigration agents deployed across California's Central Valley ahead of a contested House race
Federal immigration agents have fanned out across California’s Central Valley in recent weeks, stirring fear in Latino communities and allegations of voter intimidation in a toss-up race that could help decide control of the U.S. House. Reuters reported that an internal email showed the planned surge was announced to agents in early October; an unnamed U.S. official said the White House directed it.
Reporting: Reuters, Devdiscourse
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The U.S. Embassy in Moscow issued a security alert warning of mass casualties
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow warned Saturday of a credible threat of a mass-casualty event at the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve, urging people to avoid the area and crowds. The embassy gave no details about the suspected plot. Russia’s Federal Security Service said it had received U.S. information about plans for an attack and was taking appropriate measures.
Reporting: The Moscow Times, Bloomberg, Fox News, TRT World, Ukrainska Pravda, France 24 (with Agence France-Presse), turnto10.com
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Donald Trump's Board of Peace asked Italy to help build a Gaza security force
Donald Trump's Board of Peace asked Italy to provide advisers from its police, firefighters and carabinieri corps to help build a security force for the Gaza Strip, Bloomberg News reported. Letters sent last month to Premier Giorgia Meloni's government sought a point of contact and a senior carabinieri officer to serve as the Board's deputy police program manager.
Reporting: Bloomberg
Judge Jennifer L. Rochon ordered three taxpayer-funded Trump administration ads removed
U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon ordered the removal of three taxpayer-funded Trump administration ads from TV, social media and official websites, saying they appeared to have been made for political or propaganda purposes. One promotes Donald Trump’s claim that Americans would receive $5,000 if Republicans retain control of Congress. News18 reported the order covers third-party distributors, including MAGA Inc.
Reporting: U.S. News & World Report, News18, business-standard.com, goodreturns.in
Washington and Virginia sued the Trump administration over a planned Memorial Circle arch
Washington, D.C., and Virginia sued the Trump administration Saturday, asking a federal court to block construction of Donald Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery. Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones and D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb allege the project lacks required congressional authorization. Trump plans to begin construction as early as next week.
Reporting: Newsweek, The Hill, The Washington Post, Politico, FOX 5 Washington DC, The New York Times, Washington Examiner, notus.org
Meta settled an addiction lawsuit for business reasons
Meta settled with K.D.B., an 18-year-old Mississippi woman, ahead of a social media addiction trial, leaving Snap as the sole defendant. The settlement terms were not disclosed; sources cited by The Straits Times said Meta acted for business reasons. K.D.B.’s lawyer, Emily Jeffcott, said she was pleased with the resolution. A Snap spokesperson said the lawsuit mischaracterizes how Snapchat works.
Reporting: The New York Times, The Straits Times, The Hill, engadget.com
The Justice Department asked a court to isolate Alaska ballots ranking Dan J. Sullivan
The Justice Department asked a court to isolate Alaska ballots ranking Dan J. Sullivan to investigate confusion, as officials confirmed a criminal probe into an alleged effort to place a namesake candidate on the Senate ballot. U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska Michael J.
Reporting: National Public Radio, CBS News, PBS News, ABC News, Al Jazeera, ctpost.com
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Health Ministry reports more than 5,000 Ebola deaths
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Health Ministry said Saturday that the Ebola outbreak had killed more than 5,000 people, with 10,351 reported cases. Declared in mid-May, it is the country’s largest outbreak on record and the world’s second-largest. Many deaths occurred outside treatment centres, and no approved treatments or vaccines exist for the Bundibugyo strain.
Reporting: Syrian Arab News Agency, Reuters, Al Jazeera, Anadolu Agency, Saudi Gazette, Khaama Press, dubaieye1038.com
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The 9th Circuit rejected the Justice Department’s request to set aside disputed California midterm ballots
The 9th Circuit rejected the Justice Department’s request for California to set aside disputed midterm ballots. The administration alleges ballots went to about 20,000 people who may not be U.S. citizens; California officials say the list is unreliable and likely includes citizens. The court said there was no feasible way to separate ballots without potentially catastrophic effects on the system.
Reporting: CBS News, U.S. News & World Report (with Associated Press), Chicago Tribune, madisoncourier.com (with Associated Press), cnycentral.com
A grand jury indicted an ICE officer for aggravated assault in Houston
A Harris County grand jury indicted Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer Mario Alberto Morales on a second-degree aggravated-assault charge involving a deadly weapon, Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare said Friday. Morales is accused of striking immigrant Miguel Parra-Hernandez with a vehicle in Houston earlier this month, injuring him. ICE called allegations that the impact was intentional “reckless and false.”
Reporting: The Hill, The Wall Street Journal, ABC News, United Press International, Houston Public Media, BBC News, winknews.com
Evening Premium Edition
Updated
Judge Trina Thompson temporarily barred the Justice Department from threatening election workers
U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson temporarily barred the Justice Department from threatening state and local election workers over ballot processing, including demands to withhold ballots cast by registered voters solely because the administration believes they are ineligible. The order lasts until Nov. 16. A court had earlier rejected the administration’s bid to set aside California ballots.
Reporting: Los Angeles Times, Malay Mail, NewsCord, Around Prague, The Daily Beast
Updated
The FBI begins contacting donors to Alaska Senate candidate Dan J. Sullivan
The FBI has begun contacting donors to Alaska Senate candidate Dan J. Sullivan about potential voter deception, AP reported, as a criminal probe examines an alleged scheme involving a candidate sharing Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan’s name. Alaska called the Justice Department’s request to segregate Sullivan ballots “disturbing and impossible.” Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola’s campaign denies involvement.
Reporting: The Hill, Spectrum News, PBS News, ctinsider.com
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New
Ken Paxton and James Talarico focused on Houston during Texas early voting
Donald Trump campaigned in Florida on Friday and was scheduled to rally in Iowa and Kansas on Sunday, supporting Republican Senate candidate Ashley Hinson in Iowa and campaigning with Senator Roger Marshall in Kansas. In Texas, Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton canceled an El Paso event to focus on Harris County, while Democrat James Talarico also focused on Houston.
Reporting: Al Jazeera, PBS News
New
Judge Darrin Gayles dismissed Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch
U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles dismissed Donald Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch with prejudice on Saturday. He ruled Trump failed to plausibly allege the defendants acted with actual malice. The Journal reported that Trump sent a bawdy 50th-birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein; Trump denies writing it. He could appeal.
Reporting: CNN, CNBC, NBC News, The Wall Street Journal, CBS News, PBS News, The Guardian, Reuters
Continuing
A shooting at a Fairfield, California, Spirit Halloween store killed one person and wounded six
One person was killed and six others injured in a shooting at a Spirit Halloween store in Fairfield, California, Friday night, police said. Fairfield Police Chief Dan Marshall said officers found seven people shot. At least three wounded people were in critical condition, while detectives were speaking with witnesses and working to identify a suspect.
Reporting: NBC News, CNN, CBS News, Los Angeles Times, WTOP News, The New York Times, ABC7 New York, turnto10.com
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Continuing
Iran’s supreme leader warned the United States and Israel against launching new attacks
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned renewed U.S. or Israeli attacks would draw an immediate, geographically unrestricted response and ordered target lists updated to bring all U.S. and Israeli assets within striking range, The New Arab reported. He said Iran's armed forces and people would set the timing and conditions for ending hostilities. A Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran Friday.
Reporting: France 24, CNA, South China Morning Post, Kurdistan24, The Times of Israel, The New Arab
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The department cleared a proposed $2.1 billion Patriot missile sale to Ukraine
The State Department approved a potential sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 MSE interceptors to Ukraine, estimated at $2.1 billion, and the proposal will go to Congress for review. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the move but warned delivery could take a few years; he said Ukraine had requested 100 interceptors monthly for winter support.
Reporting: The Diplomatic Insight, Aviation News, Kyiv Post, KOMU 8 News, The Japan Times, interestingengineering.com
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Qatari mediators proposed a weeklong confidence-building plan for Washington and Tehran
Qatari mediators proposed a seven-day trust-building plan between the United States and Iran, an official told Reuters, as Iranian envoys met them amid the threat of renewed U.S. strikes. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei ordered Iran’s armed forces to prepare an immediate response. Friday’s Tehran talks lasted more than 12 hours and were to continue in Doha Saturday.
Reporting: The Jerusalem Post, Axios, CNBC, Reuters
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Residents evacuated from Russian-occupied Oleshky reached Ukrainian-controlled territory
Evacuees from Russian-occupied Oleshky reached Ukrainian-controlled territory on Oct. 31 after a 19-hour journey, The Kyiv Independent reported. They arrived at the Ukraine-Belarus border in Chernihiv Oblast. Among those waiting was Liza Paliy, 19, who had not seen her father since she, her mother and sister fled the occupied territory over 2½ years earlier.
Reporting: The Kyiv Independent, PBS News
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Congo's Health Ministry reports 5,026 deaths among 10,351 confirmed and suspected Ebola cases
An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has killed 5,026 people among 10,351 confirmed and suspected cases, Health Ministry figures show. The Africa CDC called Friday for stronger frontline-worker protections after two young Congolese doctors died in North Kivu and Ituri; the virus has also spread to neighboring countries, Al Jazeera and Daily Sabah reported.
Reporting: Daily Sabah, Syrian Arab News Agency, Anadolu Agency, Al Jazeera, Saudi Gazette, The Spokesman-Review, dubaieye1038.com
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The administration intends to deport Afghan immigrants held in Louisiana through Pakistan
Trump administration plans to deport Afghan immigrants through Pakistan, with more than 150 expected to be deported, The New York Times reported. Dozens are detained in Louisiana, and flights could begin as early as Monday. Afghan Evac head Sean VanDeveer said some facing deportation are relatives of men who served with U.S. forces, and their families could be Taliban targets.
Reporting: Arab News, Reuters, The Hill, 13News Now
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More than 50 million Americans cast ballots in early voting
The Guardian reported on October 31 that more than 50 million Americans had cast early ballots with three days to go before the midterm elections, setting a record. In states that collect party-affiliation data, Democrats had cast more early votes than Republicans.
Reporting: The Guardian
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Ken Paxton and James Talarico began closing arguments in the Texas Senate race
Texas Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton and Texas state Rep. and Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico made final-weekend campaign pushes in a tossup race. Paxton spoke in Fort Worth Saturday; Talarico rallied in College Station Friday. Donald Trump took a day off from in-person rallies and planned virtual campaigning after a Tuesday rally in Lubbock.
Reporting: The News-Times, Associated Press, oskaloosa.com, wwlp.com
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El-Sayed rejected Stevens appearing at a planned joint campaign event in Detroit
Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign asked Representative Haley Stevens, his former primary rival, to stay away from campaign events through Nov. 3. El-Sayed said Saturday he did not want Stevens at Sunday’s Detroit unity event. The dispute centers on a Rebellion PAC ad Stevens condemned as antisemitic; El-Sayed’s campaign said it was unaffiliated with his candidacy.
Reporting: The Hill, USA Today, NewsNation, The New York Times, Reuters, MS NOW, Politico, i24NEWS
Updated since this edition · Read the latest
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UCLA researchers found 8,880 names on Justice Department list absent from California voter file
An outside analysis found that 8,880 of 20,930 names (42%) on a Justice Department list of alleged noncitizen voters in California do not match the state's current voter file. Two UCLA Voting Rights Project members detailed findings in a Saturday filing by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, which is challenging the list. At least 22 listed people are U.S. citizens.
Reporting: ABC News, Chicago Tribune
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Randy Villegas accuses federal immigration agents of voter intimidation in California’s 22nd District
Randy Villegas, the Democratic candidate in California’s 22nd Congressional District, called recent arrests by immigration agents a clear attempt to intimidate communities before the election. Lawyers, advocates, videos and court records describe arrests near schools, homes, intersections, parking lots and gas stations. An official said some arrests stemmed from employee information obtained through audits of local businesses.
Reporting: Devdiscourse, thoughtcatalog.com
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Graphika identified Spamouflage accounts on X adopting MAGA-style personas ahead of midterms
Graphika identified a network of X accounts linked to Spamouflage that appeared to pose as American voters ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. The New York-based social media intelligence firm also flagged an account presenting itself as a Philippine culture blog, with more than 200,000 followers, that posted pro-China material alongside divisive content targeting U.S. politics.
Reporting: The Times of India, wrbl.com (with Associated Press)
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Reporters identified 274 damaged structures at 24 Middle East military installations
The Journal identified 274 damaged structures at 24 Middle East installations with a U.S. military presence during the war’s first six months, its most comprehensive public accounting to date. Reporters analyzed lower-resolution public imagery from the European Union, inspected tens of thousands of satellite images and reviewed NASA fire data. The Pentagon declined to provide specific damage assessments.
Reporting: The Wall Street Journal
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Donald Tusk defended his government in a dispute over Polish judicial appointments
Prime Minister Donald Tusk defended his government's actions in Poland's Constitutional Tribunal standoff, saying on X that restoring the rule of law was a duty after years of lawlessness under PiS. President Karol Nawrocki refused to swear in three of six judges nominated by parliament, while Tribunal president Bogdan Święczkowski declined to seat judges elected by the current parliamentary majority.
Reporting: The Times of India
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Mostly young protesters demonstrated across France over living costs and education
Mostly young protesters took to the streets across France on Saturday for a third weekend of demonstrations over living costs and education. The Interior Ministry estimated 320,000 participants nationwide, including 70,000 at the main Paris protest. Clashes broke out near Porte de Charenton, where police used stun grenades and tear gas. Around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes were deployed nationwide.
Reporting: Firstpost, Radio France Internationale, National Public Radio
Updated since this edition · Read the latest
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G20 foreign ministers concluded talks in Atlanta without a joint communiqué
European diplomats objected to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's participation, prompting the United States to cancel the G20 group photo; some threatened to boycott or walk out, diplomats said. Rubio issued a chairman’s statement after ministers failed to agree on a joint communiqué. Diplomats said Russia maintained unyielding positions on Ukraine and Poland's G20 membership.
Reporting: Nation Path India, PBS News, lawstreet.co, newindianexpress.com, etvbharat.com
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The UN Security Council failed to renew its peacekeeping mandate in Western Sahara
The UN Security Council failed to renew the MINURSO peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara after rival US and Russian resolutions failed on October 30, a day before its mandate expired. Russia vetoed the US proposal, which would have made Morocco’s autonomy plan the sole basis for talks. The US voted against Russia’s alternative, which lacked the support needed to pass.
Reporting: Al Jazeera, Devdiscourse, Deutsche Welle, SSBCrack, thetelegraph.com, wsrw.org, urdupoint.com
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China Coast Guard conducted routine law-enforcement patrols east of Taiwan Island
China’s coast guard conducted what it described as routine law-enforcement patrols in waters east of Taiwan Island on Saturday, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported. China Coast Guard spokesman Jiang Lue said they were carried out in accordance with the law.
Reporting: Reuters, bastillepost.com, lbcgroup.tv
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North Korea tested a cluster-bomb warhead for tactical ballistic missiles
North Korea’s state media KCNA reported that defense science research institutes tested a cluster-bomb warhead for tactical ballistic missiles. KCNA said the test was intended to assess the warhead’s combat adaptation and power, and that a standard Type 2 warhead could destroy 12 to 13 hectares at highest density. Reuters separately reported North Korea fired around 10 ballistic missiles Thursday.
Reporting: Internazionale (with Reuters), WSAU News/Talk Radio (with Reuters), yna.co.kr
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Russia’s Federal Security Service received an alert from U.S. partners about Moscow attack preparations
Russia’s Federal Security Service told Tass it received information from U.S. partners about preparations for a “terrorist attack” in Moscow and was taking appropriate measures. The U.S. Embassy warned of a credible mass-casualty threat at Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve on October 31. The embassy said the U.S. government was coordinating with Russian authorities; the warning publicly identified no suspects or method.
Reporting: Anadolu Agency, Newsweek, Mathrubhumi, usembassy.gov, local21news.com, businessupturn.com, republicworld.com, sundayguardianlive.com
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Nearly 200 nations reached agreements at the UN biodiversity summit in Yerevan
Nearly 200 nations reached hard-fought agreements Friday at the UN biodiversity summit in Yerevan, seeking to revive commitment to halt nature’s destruction by 2030. Delegates cheered approval of crucial texts in overtime, but celebrations were tempered by acrimonious debates and regret over limited progress.
Reporting: The Daily Star, modernghana.com
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Binance replenished about nine-tenths of the assets taken in a hack
Binance said Saturday it had replenished 90% of the roughly $6.3 billion in assets stolen in Thursday’s hack, described as a record crypto theft. The remaining 10% consists of less-liquid tokens that may take longer to source. The exchange said it is using reserve, insurance and corporate treasury funds, and users will not bear the losses; the investigation is ongoing.
Reporting: The Globe and Mail, YouTube, CNBC, BBC News
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Investors bet on slower U.S. growth despite stronger third-quarter GDP
Investors are betting on slower U.S. growth despite third-quarter GDP expanding 3.4%, above the 3.2% market forecast, Financial News reported, citing the Financial Times. AI-related earnings concerns contributed: free cash flow at Meta Platforms, Alphabet and Amazon turned negative, and Goldman’s broad U.S. AI equity basket fell about 4.7% Friday, according to The Dark Side of the Boom.
Reporting: The Financial News (South Korea), thedarksideoftheboom.substack.com
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Seven OPEC+ nations reached a preliminary agreement to keep December targets unchanged
OPEC+ members have agreed in principle to leave December oil output targets as they are, Reuters reported Saturday, citing three people familiar with the matter. Seven core members, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, meet online Sunday, with no formal decision announced. Gulf producers are exporting more after Iran war disruptions but remain mostly below targets.
Reporting: News.Az, Seeking Alpha, Reuters, Investing.com News (with Reuters), globalbankingandfinance.com (with Reuters), argaam.com
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China's National Bureau of Statistics reported October contraction across manufacturing, non-manufacturing and composite readings
China’s manufacturing PMI, non-manufacturing index and composite output index all fell below 50 in October, indicating contraction, National Bureau of Statistics data showed. They measured 49.3, 49.7 and 49.7, respectively. Construction activity dropped to 48.0, while services stood at 50.0. The bureau attributed part of manufacturing’s slowdown to demand brought forward before the National Day holiday and international uncertainty.
Reporting: Business Today Malaysia, BigGo Finance
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Cursor disclosed a malicious build of Anthropic's Claude Code extension on its marketplace
Cursor disclosed that maliciously modified Claude Code extensions, versions 2.1.312 and 2.1.313, were distributed through its marketplace for about 11 hours. Anthropic did not build them. Microsoft Threat Intelligence said injected JavaScript ran when the extension loaded; WIRED reported that up to about 5,000 users may have downloaded them.
Reporting: aviatrix.ai, plainenglish.io
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Wildfires in Indonesia drove toxic smog across Southeast Asia
Wildfires in Indonesia, burning since July, have produced toxic smog across Southeast Asia, affecting millions and closing schools in multiple countries, NBC News reported. In central Kalimantan, schoolteacher Natanael Undas said smoke gets into his home despite closed windows, and his 2-year-old daughter has been sneezing constantly amid a spike in respiratory illnesses.
Reporting: NBC News
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Nigeria identified two suspected Ebola cases in its northeast region
Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said two suspected Ebola cases were identified in the northeast. Both people have been isolated, while contact identification and listing and laboratory testing continue. The agency said suspected cases are not confirmed; confirmation depends on laboratory results. Al Jazeera reported Nigeria declared its first case in more than a decade on October 20.
Reporting: Bloomberg, Reuters, Al Jazeera, BBC News