Blinken arrives in Israel; WNBA players opt out of CBA

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Israel on his 11th visit to the region since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. He is expected to meet with top officials as the United States looks to revive cease-fire efforts after the killing of top Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, but so far none of the warring parties appear to be backing down on longstanding demands. Israel is still at war with Hamas more than a year after the militant group’s Oct. 7 attack, and with Hezbollah in Lebanon, where it launched a ground invasion earlier this month. Israel is also expected to strike Iran after its ballistic missile attack on Oct. 1.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pennsylvania voters are expected to play a pivotal role in the Nov. 5 general election, with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress and the state Legislature hanging in the balance. With its 19 electoral votes, the commonwealth is the largest prize among the battleground states and an important piece of both campaigns’ paths to victory.

FALL CITY, WASH. (AP) — Law officers have arrested a teenager in connection with the deaths of five people found fatally shot inside a home southeast of Seattle. 

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — An initial toxicology report for ex-One Direction singer Liam Payne, who died last week after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, shows that he had cocaine in his system after his death, an Argentine official said. 

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces seven more lawsuits, including one alleging the rape of a 13-year-old girl. His lawyers meanwhile are complaining about a “fresh wave of publicity.” They asked a judge to order potential witnesses and their lawyers to stop making statements that could prevent a fair trial. 

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican officials say schools have six months to implement a government-sponsored ban on junk food or face heavy fines. Authorities are confronting what they call the worst childhood obesity problem in the world. 

In other news:

• Biden is 'deeply concerned' about the release of secret documents on Israel's possible attack plans.
• Trump makes more debunked claims about FEMA as he surveys storm damage in North Carolina.
• Arizona official who delayed 2022 election certification pleads guilty.
• Central Park Five sues Donald Trump for 'defamatory' remarks made at presidential debate.
• Writer Olivia Nuzzi, New York magazine part ways after relationship with political source revealed.
• Supreme Court won’t revive Michael Cohen’s lawsuit against Trump claiming retaliatory imprisonment.
• General Motors overcomes US sales drop and China losses to post 3rd quarter profit of $3 billion.
• Anderson, Burton, Keith inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame.
• Disney names Gorman to serve as next chairman; anticipates naming new CEO in early 2026.
• The Ravens extend their winning streak as the Buccaneers lose two wide receivers, the Cardinals rally to beat the Chargers, the Maple Leafs improve to 4-2, the NBA season approaches and WNBA players want a new contract sooner than later. 
• King Charles III ends first Australian visit by a reigning British monarch in 13 years.
• Storm causes at least 6 deaths in Cuba, where a long power outage is raising tempers.
• Peru’s ex-president Toledo gets more than 20 years in prison in case linked to corruption scandal.
• Brazil environmental disaster victims take case against mining giant BHP to UK court.
• Moldovans narrowly vote to secure the country's path toward EU membership.

About this program

Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises. Besides producing the daily Hot off the Wire news podcast, Terry conducts periodic interviews for this Behind the Headlines program, co-hosts the Streamed & Screened movies and television program and is the former producer of Across the Sky, a podcast dedicated to weather and climate.

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Hot Off The Wire is a collection of news, sports and entertainment reports. The program is produced by Lee Enterprises with audio provided by The Associated Press.