Friday, October 23

The Justice Department sued Alaska to block certification of its Senate race, and President Trump said he ordered it. Trump also said the US may strike Iran again, as oil reached a six-month high. Israel locked down the West Bank after a deadly attack.

1. 
   Senate races
   Justice Department sues to block Alaska Senate certification

   The Justice Department sued Alaska to block certification of its Senate election, and President Trump said Friday he directed the filing. "I'm the one that said do it," Trump said, according to the Daily Beast. The suit cites possible voter confusion over two candidates named Dan Sullivan and seeks a delay in finalizing the vote. Alaska Public Media reported that Alaskans and legal experts condemned the lawsuit.

   The question

   Should the Justice Department try to block Alaska's Senate result?

   No, let it standYes, block it
   Read the story ›
2. Iran
   Trump says US may strike Iran again as oil climbs

   President Trump said Friday the US may launch "another little Epic Fury" on Iran, France 24 reported. UPI reported oil prices reached a six-month high, and Brent rose above $111 a barrel. Iran's state television reported seven oil tankers caught fire or were damaged in the Strait of Hormuz, and Houthi attacks hit Saudi targets.

   The question

   Will tensions around the Strait of Hormuz keep escalating?

   They'll cool downThey'll escalate
   Read the story ›
3. West Bank
   Netanyahu orders full West Bank lockdown after deadly attack

   Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a full lockdown of the West Bank on Friday after Israel's military said it killed two Palestinians accused of a shooting. The army said two soldiers were killed in the attack. Fox News reported five Israelis were wounded near Judea Junction. CNN reported Israel began demolitions in a West Bank city.

   The question

   Should Israel close off the entire West Bank after the shooting?

   No, too broadYes, close it
   Read the story ›
4. Voter rolls
   Justice Department gives California counties 48 hours on ballots

   The Justice Department gave California counties 48 hours to identify and set aside ballots that may belong to noncitizens, ABC News reported. NBC News reported the letter warned of possible legal action for officials who do not cooperate. Los Angeles County said the demand could delay election results. The department also asked a federal appeals court to step in on its lawsuit.

   The question

   Should California separate ballots even if results are delayed?

   Don't delay resultsSeparate them
   Read the story ›
5. Russia and Ukraine
   Russia and Ukraine agree to local ceasefire in Oleshky

   Russia and Ukraine agreed to a local humanitarian ceasefire in the city of Oleshky, which first lady Melania Trump's office announced Friday. A senior Ukrainian negotiator told The Associated Press it begins Oct. 27 to allow aid in. Reuters reported Zelenskiy said negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the US will meet in Abu Dhabi in early November.

   The question

   Will the Oleshky ceasefire work as a model for future rescues?

   It won't lastIt can be a model
   Read the story ›

• Brazil

  Brazil's President Lula and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro held their final debate Friday, reaching out to undecided voters before Sunday's runoff.

• Tyler Robinson case

  Trump criticized Utah Judge Tony F. Graf Jr. on Friday, saying the Tyler Robinson trial should take a month; the defense proposed a 2029 date.

• Justice Department

  Rep. Randy Fine said Friday he plans to introduce a resolution to expel Rep. Ilhan Omar if a federal investigation finds she broke the law.

• Elections 2026

  Trump defended Vivek Ramaswamy's ad featuring Amy Acton's mother, and the Cook Report rated Ohio's governor race Leans Democratic, NBC News reported.

• The Courts

  A judge ordered Trump to sit for a deposition in his defamation lawsuit against the BBC, NPR reported.

• Housing costs

  Trump signed an executive order targeting mortgage insurance and refinance costs, CNBC reported.

14 stories closed across 12 threads. Each stays on its thread’s timeline and reopens if the reporting comes back.