Biden Urges West to Sustain Ukraine Support as US Election Looms  

Reuters,

U.S. President Joe Biden has called on Western nations to maintain their support for Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion as Kyiv braces for a harsh winter. During a visit to Berlin, Biden emphasized the importance of continued resolve, despite the heavy costs, to prevent larger nations from bullying smaller ones. He met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to discuss military aid to Ukraine, as well as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. With the U.S. election just weeks away, Biden faces concerns that a victory by Donald Trump could reduce American support for Ukraine, potentially depriving Kyiv of crucial military and financial backing.

Dogecoin Soars 15% After Elon Musk’s ‘D.O.G.E.’ Remark at Town Hall  

Fortune,

During a town hall event in Folsom, Pennsylvania, Elon Musk gave an unexpected nod to Dogecoin, causing the cryptocurrency’s value to surge by 15%. In response to a question about creating a “Department of Government Efficiency,” Musk jokingly replied “D.O.G.E.,” prompting cheers from the audience. The mention spurred a rapid rise in Dogecoin’s market value, increasing its market capitalization to $20 billion. Musk has a history of influencing Dogecoin’s price through public endorsements, and his remark came during a campaign event for Donald Trump.

FBI Arrests Hacker Behind Fake Bitcoin ETF Announcement on SEC X Account  

Forbes,

The FBI has arrested Eric Council Jr., the hacker responsible for a fake Bitcoin ETF approval announcement on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s X (formerly Twitter) account. The post, made in January, caused Bitcoin’s price to soar by over $1,000 before it was revealed as a security breach. Council used a SIM-swapping technique to gain unauthorized access to the SEC’s account and is now charged with identity theft and fraud. The indictment claims Council forged an ID to execute the attack, manipulating the market in the process.

Israel Seeks Strategic Gains After Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar’s Death

Reuters,

Following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Israel is attempting to lock in strategic advantages by intensifying military operations against Hamas and Hezbollah before the U.S. presidential election. Israeli officials aim to carve out buffer zones along their borders to prevent future attacks, while also addressing Hezbollah’s presence in southern Lebanon. As U.S. President Joe Biden faces increasing pressure to wind down the conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to wait for the next U.S. administration before considering ceasefire agreements.

Call to Lower the Price of Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic and Wegovy  

The Boston Globe,

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have proven effective in treating Type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss, but their high prices are straining insurance coverage. In Massachusetts, spending on these drugs has skyrocketed, leading some insurers to limit coverage. Experts argue that these drugs combat serious health threats like obesity, but their prices in the U.S. are significantly higher than in other countries. Senator Bernie Sanders is pushing for negotiations to lower drug costs, while innovative insurance programs like Connecticut’s are working to balance access and affordability.