Oct 22, 2026 · 6 min listen · Last updated October 22, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Jessica, October 22nd. The day in ten — let's begin with the story drawing the most coverage. Let's get into it. First, from BBC Middle East. How Arab parties could hold critical balance of power in Israeli election.
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How Arab parties could hold critical balance of power in Israeli election
At rush hour in Nazareth, the largest Arab-majority city in Israel, students are handing out leaflets by the roadside urging motorists to vote in next week's closely fought, general election. Polls indicate that Arab parties could be left holding a critical balance of power. Disaffection has often driven down past turnout among Arab Israelis - who account for about a fifth of the population and often describe themselves as Palestinian citizens of Israel.
Turn any article into a podcast. Upgrade now to start listening. Members can share articles with friends & family to bypass the paywall. When Democrats dream about how big their “blue wave” might be on November 3, they tend to draw on historical comparisons: Can the party replicate its success of 2018, when Democrats picked up 40 seats in the House but failed to take back the Senate, or perhaps even 2006, when Democrats swept to majorities in both chambers? Want to see more of The Dispatch in Google search? Add Us as a Preferred Source
As Putin Personally Orders Attacks Against NATO, Trump Rewards Him
Earlier this week in Denmark, two young men were charged with allegedly spying on a defense company, with prosecutors accusing them of gathering information for Russian intelligence. The arrests are the latest in a series of developments across Europe over the past week, as more details come to light about Russia’s recent attacks against NATO countries and the people Moscow is using to carry out its operations.
LadyBits: Anatomy, Hormones and Principles of Pleasure
This week, I did my juiciest podcast interview to date. After a bit of small talk, Dana and Lawrence let me take the mic and dive right in to anatomy, hormones, the physiology of sploosh, lubricants and a show and tell of a couple of my favorite toys. As always, there’s nothing disrespectful in the talk but you may want to be mindful of who’s in earshot when you listen. Hope you enjoy SexEd for Grown-Ass Adults! Speaking of Grown Folks Business, this week marked my 40-ish birthday. I’m grateful to have made it through another tumultuous trip around the sun.
The blue states' secret weapon in defeating Trump's election interference
Blue states are gearing up to counter Trump's election interference strategies, focusing on legal frameworks and state-level initiatives. They’re leveraging their authority to protect voting rights and ensure fair elections. Recently, prominent figures like Glenn Kirschner have highlighted the importance of state attorneys general in this fight, emphasizing their role in enforcing laws that safeguard democracy.
As the political landscape evolves, these states are preparing to challenge any attempts at undermining the electoral process. This includes proactive measures to prevent misinformation and ensure transparency in voting. The strategy reflects a collective commitment to uphold democratic values amid ongoing tensions.
Meet Justice Anita Earls, Who Is Running For Re-election To The North Carolina Supreme Court
Elected in 2018, she has a rich history as a civil rights attorney, advocating for voting rights and equal justice. The North Carolina Democratic Party is rallying support for her campaign, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a fair judiciary in the face of aggressive gerrymandering.
Justice Earls has expressed her commitment to impartiality in her role, drawing inspiration from justices in Wisconsin who have handled controversies with integrity. Her career has been shaped by personal experiences growing up in a mixed-race family, which fueled her dedication to fighting for the rights of marginalized communities.
The urgency of her re-election is underscored by the political landscape in North Carolina, where recent losses in the Supreme Court have led to significant shifts in congressional representation. Justice Earls continues to advocate for essential rights, including access to healthcare and education, while living in Durham with her family.
MAGA Midterm Desperation; Trump's Gay Dementia; and Sweet, Sweet Congressional Corruption
So, there’s been a lot of chatter lately about the upcoming midterms, especially among MAGA supporters who seem to be feeling the pressure. It looks like they’re scrambling a bit, trying to rally their base as polling shows some vulnerabilities. This desperation is really shaping the narrative as we head toward election day.
In a more personal vein, there’s been some buzz around Trump, with some folks suggesting he’s showing signs of cognitive decline. It’s a sensitive topic, but it’s being discussed openly, especially among his critics. They’re pointing to his recent speeches and behavior as evidence.
On a different note, there’s been a spotlight on congressional corruption, with several lawmakers facing scrutiny over their financial dealings. It’s raising eyebrows and stirring conversations about accountability in politics. The intertwining of money and politics is always a hot topic, and it seems like this cycle is no different.
All of this is creating quite a charged atmosphere as we move closer to the elections. It’s fascinating to watch how these narratives unfold and impact voter sentiment.
Elon Musk's Starlink and Starshield, and what they mean to Ukraine
Over the past week, Ukraine has received a stark reminder of its growing dependence on uninterrupted access to Elon Musk's Starlink and Starshield networks in its drone-heavy war against Russia, now in its fifth year. Ukraine has a fraction of Russia's resources, but its aggressive development of drone warfare on defensive and offensive fronts has helped it endure an onslaught from its much bigger adversary, which invaded Ukraine in early 2022.
Ukraine to be able to buy military supplies via NATO agency, FT reports
Oct 22 - NATO will allow Ukraine to buy weapons, ammunition and military equipment via its centralised procurement agency, potentially allowing Kyiv to obtain defence supplies faster and more cheaply, the Financial Times reported on Thursday.