Playbook: Slumping GOP field makes case for consolidation  —  Presented by With help from Eli Okun and Garrett Ross  —  DRIVING THE DAY  —  THE LATEST IN ISRAEL — “Israel strikes Gaza, Syria and West Bank as war against Hamas threatens to ignite other fronts,” by AP's Najib Jobain, Samy Magdy and Ravi Nessman

A President, a Billionaire and Questions About Access and National Security  —  Anthony Pratt, one of Australia's wealthiest men, made his way into Donald Trump's inner circle with money and flattery.  What he heard there has become of interest to federal prosecutors.

Meet the Republicans Running for Speaker  —  The lawmakers vying for the job include veterans of the House, committee chairmen, a top member of Republican leadership and a sophomore.  —  At least 10 Republicans have announced that they will run for speaker or that they are considering doing so since Friday …

More Bad News for Trump  —  It turns out it wasn't just a bad day for Trump, as I captioned my column Thursday night.  It was a bad week.  A really bad week.  —  After Sidney Powell's guilty plea, there was Kenneth Chesebro's plea.  His was to a felony charge of filing false information …

Israel strikes Gaza, Syria and West Bank as war against Hamas threatens to ignite other fronts  —  (Oct. 21) (AP Video by Hasan Slayeh and Imad Issied)  —  First aid trucks enter Gaza from Egypt  —  Crowds march worldwide over Gaza airstrikes  —  Israeli warplanes struck targets across Gaza overnight …

Statement From Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Steps to Increase Force Posture  —  Following detailed discussions with President Biden on recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces across the Middle East Region, today I directed a series of additional steps to further strengthen …

Documents found on fighters reveal Hamas capabilities, bloody plans  —  ASHKELON, Israel — A Hamas field manual obtained by The Washington Post and other documents found in the wake of the group's brutal attack on Israel two weeks ago illustrate some of its military capabilities and preparations for close-in, bloody killing.

Biden team looks at buying more ads amid ongoing polling concerns  —  The president has told others that he remains concerned about his stubbornly low approval numbers in battleground states  —  The Biden campaign has drawn up options for expanding its unconventional $25 million early advertising effort …

Travel Advisory  —  Iraq - Level 4: Do Not Travel  —  Updated to reflect the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members.  —  Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and Mission Iraq's limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens.

Manhunt continues for Nashville police chief's son suspected in shooting of 2 Tennessee officers  —  Police identified the suspect as John C. Drake, Jr., 38, who is the son of Metro Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake.  —  LA VERGNE, Tenn. — Police in Tennessee were searching Sunday …

Transcript: Secretary of State Antony Blinken on “Face the Nation,” Oct. 22, 2023  —  The following is a transcript of an interview with Secretary of State Antony Blinken that aired on Oct. 22, 2023.  —  MARGARET BRENNAN: We go now to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is at the State Department.

Transcript: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on “Face the Nation,” Oct. 22, 2023  —  The following is a transcript of an interview with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell that aired on Oct. 22, 2023.  —  MARGARET BRENNAN: Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has not done …

Full McCarthy: I don't need the speakership 'title.  I'm going to help in any way I can'  —  Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) joins Meet the Press in an exclusive interview to discuss House Republicans' speaker fight and the war in Israel.

GOP lawmaker urges Republicans to sign unity pledge to back eventual Speaker nominee  —  Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) is urging his caucus to vote together as chaos over the House Speakership continues, launching a unity pledge for lawmakers to commit to a single candidate.