US posts $10 million reward citing Russian election interference

The US State Department is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to any foreign person or entity engaging in election interference, it said just weeks before Americans select their next president.

An announcement from the department's Rewards for Justice program specifically singled out Russian media organization Rybar LLC, which it said used social media to "sow discord, promote social division, stoke partisan and racial discord, and encourage hate and violence in the United States."

On a desolate slab of island tundra in western Alaska, a resident of Adak will again become the last American to cast an in-person ballot for president, continuing a 12-year tradition for the nation's westernmost community.

The honour of having the last voter in the nation fell to Adak when they did away with absentee-only voting for the 2012 election and added in-person voting.

“People have a little bit of fun on that day because, I mean, realistically everybody knows the election's decided way before we're closed,” said city manager Layton Lockett. “But, you know, it's still fun.” When polls close in Adak, it's 1 a.m. on the East Coast.

Meanwhile, Trump, known for his harsh criticism of Fox News for its perceived leniency toward Democrats, praised anchor Bret Baier for his interview with Kamala Harris, calling it "tough but fair." On Truth Social, he commended Baier’s performance, stating, “Great job by Bret Baier in his interview with Lyin' Kamala Harris.”

He added that Harris suffers from a "massive and irredeemable case of TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME," suggesting that it affects her ability to discuss topics beyond Trump himself.

Kamala Harris’ interview with Fox News has generated significant attention, achieving impressive ratings and igniting discussions among political commentators. In an unexpected turn, even Donald Trump expressed approval, commending host Bret Baier for posing some “tough” questions, despite the focus being on Harris.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Fox also aired a town hall featuring Trump, hosted by Harris Faulkner, which attracted a smaller audience of around 3 million viewers.

Donald Trump has labeled US District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan as "the most evil person" following her decision to release over 1,800 pages of evidence in Special Counsel Jack Smith's election conspiracy case against him. The Republican presidential candidate slammed the judge's rejection of his request to postpone the evidence disclosure until after next month's election, claiming it constitutes "election interference", as per a BBC report.

Donald Trump on Friday praised the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, asserting that his death would make it easier to achieve peace in Gaza. He expressed support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision, stating that Israel should not face restraint from the US. Trump criticized President Biden, stating that Biden has been attempting to hold Netanyahu back when, in Trump's view, the opposite approach should be taken.

A group of prominent Lebanese Americans has endorsed Kamala Harris for president, praising the Biden administration's support for Lebanon and expressing confidence in continued U.S. backing if Harris wins the election. The endorsement comes amidst ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon, which have resulted in over 2,350 deaths and the displacement of 1.2 million people, according to Lebanese health ministry reports. Signatories of the endorsement include former Congress members Donna Shalala and Toby Moffett, as well as former Obama-era transportation secretary Ray LaHood.

Harris also acknowledged the challenges faced by the Arab American community, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and expressed hope that the recent death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar could create an opportunity for renewed negotiations toward a ceasefire and hostage release.

Trump's campaign is actively negotiating with former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley to join him on the campaign trail as the 2024 election approaches. This move aims to broaden Trump's appeal among female voters, with discussions focusing on a potential joint appearance at a Fox News town hall later in October, although no events have been finalized yet.

Trump has previously hosted town halls with notable Republican women like Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Kristi Noem. However, GOP operatives believe that Haley, who has a different media presence and appeals to women uncertain about Trump, could attract a new voter base. One source close to Trump acknowledged the "real" gender gap in his support, stating, "Haley attracts a different kind of voter. She gets a lot of positive media coverage."

Trump, who has been on the campaign trail at an intense pace, responded later in the day to Harris's remarks about his energy. “She’s a loser. She doesn’t go to any events,” Trump claimed, addressing reporters just hours before a rally in Detroit. He detailed his busy schedule, mentioning that he appeared on “Fox & Friends” at 7 a.m., participated in two additional appearances, and made “about 15 phone calls” throughout the day.

“I’ve gone 48 days now without a rest. And I’ve got that loser, who doesn’t have the energy of a rabbit,” Trump asserted. “Tell me when you’ve seen me take even a little bit of a rest. Not only am I not tired; I’m really exhilarated.” His remarks highlight his attempt to project vigor as he prepares for the final stretch of the campaign.

With less than three weeks until the election, both candidates are concentrating their efforts in battleground states where early voting has already begun. Harris is seeing positive signs in voter turnout, with approximately 12 million votes already cast, a notable increase from previous elections.

As the political landscape evolves, Harris navigates challenges, particularly among Michigan’s Muslim and Arab American communities concerning the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Meanwhile, Trump continues to display strong support for Israel's actions in the region.