Early in-person voting for the 2024 U.S. presidential election began in Minnesota, Virginia, and South Dakota, with more states to follow by mid-October. Vice President Kamala Harris accepted an invitation for a second presidential debate, calling on former President Donald Trump to participate, though Trump has expressed reluctance. Meanwhile, Republican candidate for North Carolina governor, Mark Robinson, faced accusations of making offensive comments, which he denies. Congress passed a temporary deal to prevent a government shutdown, and President Biden emphasized efforts to prevent a broader Middle East conflict amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
In-person voting begins for the US presidential contest (AP)
Harris accepts CNN debate invitation for October 23rd (CNN)
Vance says allegations against Mark Robinson “aren’t necessarily reality” (NBC)
Spending deal averts a possible federal shutdown and funds the government into December (AP)
Biden says US is doing ‘everything we can’ to prevent wider war in the Middle East (Hill)
