Pentagon chief to visit Philippines for security talks, envoy says
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to visit the Philippines, the first stop in his first trip to the Indo-Pacific next week.
Flashpoints
Putin agrees to ceasefire on energy, infrastructure targets in Ukraine
The Russian leader stopped short of backing a broader 30-day pause in fighting that the U.S. administration is pressing for.
Rival nations try to ‘divide, degrade, deceive’ US voters, experts say
Foreign actors, like Russia and Iran, have been trying to convince American voters that the process is too corrupt to participate in, experts say.
Recruiting vets to work polls boosts election trust, study finds
When veterans and military families work the polls, voters feel more confident that elections are fair, safe and accurate, the study found.
North Korean troops likely to join Ukraine war, Pentagon says
Some North Korean soldiers heading toward Kursk have received Russian uniforms and equipment.
Conspiracies, calls for violence spike online ahead of Election Day
Posts about election denialism, the false belief that elections are unfair and could be “stolen,” increased by 317% on Telegram and 105% on Gab in October.
Israel launches military strikes against Iran
Israeli military officials said the attacks were in retaliation for Iran's Oct. 1 ballistic missile attack on Israel.
Veterans urge Americans against political violence ahead of election
The Committee for Safe and Secure Elections created the PSA in response to increased threats against election officials leading up to November.
Australia announces $4.7 billion purchase of US air defense missiles
The deal checks off a top priority in Australia's 2024 defense strategy, published this spring.
Israel confirms Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed in Gaza
Sinwar has topped Israel’s most wanted list since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war just over a year ago.
White House approves $425 million in new Ukraine aid
U.S. President Joe Biden pledged to send Ukraine "hundreds" of air defense interceptors within months.
