The U.S. election is currently tied, with Donald Trump and Kamala Harris closely competing as the election date approaches. According to polling averages from five key battleground states—Pennsylvania, Michigan, Nevada, Wisconsin, and North Carolina—neither candidate holds a significant lead, with margins often within two-tenths of a percentage point.
Both campaigns are intensifying efforts to attract undecided voters, particularly targeting younger, Black, and Latino demographics. The Harris campaign is also focusing on white, college-educated women, with recent events featuring former Representative Liz Cheney aimed at Republican women.
As early voting begins in many states, Trump has acknowledged he has seen no evidence of voter fraud, despite continuing to express doubts about the election's integrity.
In international news, the Israeli military has conducted new airstrikes near Beirut, resulting in at least four fatalities, including a child, and over 20 injuries. The strikes have further strained Lebanon's health system, with reports of attacks on hospitals and clinics. The U.N. human rights office has noted that several hospitals have closed due to the ongoing conflict.
Amos Hochstein, the U.S. envoy for the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, described the situation as having "escalated out of control" and called for the revival of a 2006 U.N. resolution to help stabilize the region. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit the Middle East for discussions on the matter.
In Gaza, the death of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, has sparked discussions about the potential for establishing a Palestinian state, although many analysts believe this goal remains distant.
In Moldova, a referendum to amend the Constitution to solidify alignment with Europe over Russia has narrowly passed, with 50.46 percent voting in favor. The closely monitored vote reflects ongoing divisions in post-Soviet states.
In other news, Jill Stein continues her presidential campaign despite concerns from supporters that she may inadvertently aid Trump’s election bid. Stein argues that her supporters are unlikely to back Democrats regardless.
Paul Di’Anno, the former lead singer of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has passed away at the age of 66 in Salisbury, England.
Aleksei Navalny's posthumous memoir, "Patriot," is set to be released today, featuring diary entries that reflect his thoughts during his imprisonment. The book, compiled with the help of his widow, will be available in 22 languages.
For those looking for recommendations, a lentil and tomato soup has been described as “seriously delicious,” and budget travel tips for Manhattan and Brooklyn are available. Additionally, readers can engage with various puzzles and quizzes.
That concludes today’s briefing.