Vice President Kamala Harris made her campaign’s closing argument in a speech in the nation’s capital on Tuesday evening, positing that she is a more stable candidate for the presidency than former President Donald Trump while seeking common ground. Trump’s campaign says his closing argument can be summed up as: “Kamala broke it. Trump will fix it.”

Thousands of people attended the Harris rally located at the Ellipse in Washington. The symbolic site has a direct view of the White House, and is the place where Trump delivered the Jan. 6, 2021, speech that preceded the Capitol breach.

The vice president tried to paint a bright and forward-looking picture, suggesting that her presidency would “turn the page” on the Trump era and offer a hopeful future for undecided voters, with calls to strengthen the economy and protect abortion access. She emphasized compromise, sought to separate herself from Washington elites, and promised to approach her work with optimism… FULL STORY

The Hezbollah terrorist group appointed a new leader after Israel’s assassination of its previous chief. Hezbollah named Naim Qassem as the replacement for its slain chief Hassan Nasrallah. Israel’s military chief called it a “temporary appointment.”

Qassem, 71, assumed the role of acting leader following Nasrallah’s death in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Sept. 27. The new Hezbollah leadership was expected to be passed to Nasrallah’s cousin, Hashem Safieddine, but on Oct. 22, it was revealed that he too had died in an Israeli air strike nearly three weeks prior. A founding member of Hezbollah, Qassem had served for more than 30 years as Nasrallah’s second-in-command and emerged as a prominent spokesperson for the group, especially as the clash with Israel along Lebanon’s border has escalated since last October.

“Temporary appointment. Not for long,” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant wrote on X Monday alongside a photo of Qassem. “The countdown has begun.” FULL STORY

Over the past few years, a new figure has appeared on Halloween, joining ghosts and goblins in capturing children’s imagination.

The “Switch Witch” tradition has been growing in popularity, particularly among parents looking to limit the amount of Halloween candy their kids eat. While many families have embraced the option, it has sparked controversy, with some parents worrying it will encourage unhealthy habits and rob kids of the few pleasures childhood has left.

The switch witch is a Halloween tradition where a kind and benevolent witch exchanges the candy your child leaves out for her for non-sweet treats. When kids return home from trick or treating with their haul of goodies, they separate their bounty into two piles—one to keep and one to trade. The trade pile is left out for the switch witch, who comes while they sleep and replaces it with a toy, book, or other desired plaything. You can tailor the switch witch tradition any way you wish to align with your beliefs, values, and goals. FULL STORY

How did you enjoy today's Morning Brief? Tell us what you think here.