Axios

An axis of disinformation — ranging from hackers to fake websites to a dose of AI — has emerged ahead of November, with the U.S. government stepping up its warnings on foreign election interference.

Why it matters: Three of America's most potent adversaries — Russia, China and Iran — make the list.

The Justice Department announced Wednesday that it is seizing 32 domains tied to a Russian influence campaign accused of spreading propaganda to influence voters in U.S. and foreign elections.

Why it matters: Members of Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle directed Russian companies to promote disinformation as part of a campaign to influence the 2024 election, the Justice Department alleged.

Many of the world's most popular global destinations are hiking fees for tourists to help manage the growing onslaught of visitors.

Why it matters: Tourist destinations, especially in Europe, want to charge globetrotters for the stress they can place on the environment, historical sites and local businesses.

Meta's oversight board ruled on Wednesday that posts with the pro-Palestinian phrase "from the river to the sea" don't violate the social media company's rules on hate speech.

Why it matters: Meta has faced criticism from users who have said its platforms stifled pro-Palestinian speech and enabled antisemitic speech.

Senior officials from the U.S. and Israel held a low-profile virtual meeting on Tuesday to discuss how to ease tensions with Lebanon and prevent an all out war between Israel and Hezbollah, four Israeli and U.S. officials said.

Why it matters: The meeting, which hasn't been announced by the White House or the Israeli government, was initiated by the Biden administration to take the pulse on the Israeli side and coordinate their policies about the situation in Lebanon, officials said.

An unusual mix of forces is pushing oil prices sharply downward as the U.S. election enters its final weeks.

Why it matters: It may keep gasoline prices moving south too, a potential lift for Kamala Harris, who faces political challenges around the economy.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tendered his resignation Wednesday amid one of the largest cabinet reshuffles for Kyiv since Russia's unprovoked invasion began.

Why it matters: The departure of one of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's top deputies comes as Kyiv is at a critical juncture in the war. Its forces are struggling to maintain their foothold after a risky incursion into Russia while fending off Russian advances elsewhere along the front lines.

In private, top advisers to Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump agree on three things:

1. Harris had a phenomenal month: record fundraising, little serious scrutiny, plus enthusiasm and party unity that few expected.
2. Trump had a rough month: a lackluster, at best, vice presidential rollout, and no lasting change in tone after surviving an on-camera assassination attempt.
3. Yet the race is within the polling margins of error in all seven swing states — Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia.

Military analysts are buzzing online about a new, secretive Ukrainian weapon that blurs the line between missile and drone.

Why it matters: The Palianytsia, named after a Ukrainian bread, highlights the country's wartime ingenuity, with from-scratch design and production taking 18 months.

Elon Musk's Starlink said Tuesday it will comply with a Brazil court order to block access after all in the country to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter that's controlled by the billionaire.

Why it matters: Starlink has been caught in the crosshairs of a misinformation vs. freedom of speech battle between Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and Musk's X.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee chair subpoenaed Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday to provide further testimony on the chaotic and deadly U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The big picture: Rep. Michael McCaul's (R-Texas) office said in a statement that Blinken "must appear before the committee" on Sept. 19, 2024, "or face contempt" charges.

U.S. prosecutors charged Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and five other leading figures in the Palestinian militant group with offenses including terrorism over the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, the Department of Justice announced Tuesday.

The big picture: The indictment that was unsealed Tuesday marks the first step in the U.S. trying to hold Hamas accountable for the killing and kidnapping of hundreds of civilians, including U.S. citizens, but it's largely symbolic as Sinwar is believed to be hiding in Gaza and the DOJ notes in a statement that three of those charged are believed to be dead.