U.S. says North Korea has sent troops to Russia for training The deployment raises the potential for the North Koreans to join Russian forces in Ukraine and suggests expanded military ties between the two nations as Moscow seeks weapons and troops. Read more on NPR

North Carolina government calculates Hurricane Helene damages, needs at least $53B The estimate includes damages and potential investments to prevent similar destruction in future storms. Read more on NPR

Boeing machinists reject latest proposal, and a bruising six-week strike continues Striking machinists voted to reject an agreement that would have boosted wages by 35%. It’s another blow for Boeing, which reported a $6 billion quarterly loss on Wednesday. Read more on NPR

With dueling rallies this week, Georgia is on the mind for Trump and Harris Vice President Harris and former President Donald Trump are both in Georgia this week, competing for votes in a crucial swing state where polls show a razor thin margin separating the two candidates. Read more on NPR

Come hell or high water, early voting is happening in storm-ravaged North Carolina Hurricane Helene left destruction in its wake in western North Carolina. But elections officials are also moving heaven and earth to bring back a sense of normalcy, one vote at a time. Read more on NPR

Israeli Settlers Want to Permanently Occupy Gaza Even as the war in Gaza is still on-going, there are calls from inside Israel’s right-wing government for a permanent occupation of the Palestinian territory and to allow Jewish settlements there. While the Prime Minister says this is not the government’s policy, some say the military’s latest moves…