As the presidential election heats up, the Middle East is on the brink of potentially catastrophic war — and Israel is threatening retaliation. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris, who hopes to beat former President Donald Trump in November, is also facing other pressures that could impact the election.

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A deadly hurricane and wars raging around the globe are just some of these crises engulfing the Biden-Harris administration. Here’s the full story on the multiple issues taking the nation — and election — by storm. 

Debate showdown

Meanwhile, chatter continues surrounding Tuesday’s vice-presidential debate between Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. There were some fascinating moments during the back-and-forth, with Mr. Vance getting quite personal on the abortion front. Read more.

And a quick side note: while we’re on the topic of abortion, a Georgia judge struck down the state’s abortion law, fueling a major debate by halting the six-week ban. The full details are here.

Circling back to the vice-presidential showdown: Mr. Walz lamented during the back-and-forth that Mr. Trump built only 2% of the border wall he promised during his presidency. “Less than 2% of that wall got built, and Mexico didn’t pay a dime,” he proclaimed. Mr. Walz didn’t explain his math, but it seems at odds with the numbers. 

After the debate, Mr. Vance — who faced questions about whether he would accept election results — also notably accused the media of being “obsessed” with the 2020 election. 

Battles over gender identity heating up

Journalist Brandon Showalter, host of “The Generation Indoctrination: Inside the Transgender Battle” documentary podcast from The Christian Post, is exposing what he calls the “growing and metastasizing transgender craze in America.” Watch him explain why he believes it’s “one of the worst medical scandals of our time.” 

Mr. Showalter’s show comes as Democrats have embraced the gender-identity movement on everything from transgender athletes in girls’ sports to puberty blockers to locker-room access. Here’s how Republicans are now responding to this reality. 

The trans issue is not going anywhere anytime soon, as evidenced by several women’s collegiate volleyball teams who have responded in a truly bold way. On a medical note, a new study found mental illness and suicidal tendencies are significantly more common among transgender and gender-fluid people than those who feel comfortable with their sex assigned at birth. 

Plus, have Democratic policies contributed to increased crime? One investigation says “Yes.” Finally, meet the man who leaves left-leaning school boards quaking when he approaches the podium to make his voice heard.

Some other essentials

Other quick bits: there’s a new gun battle in California, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, Ms. Harris’ husband, is being accused of a shocking act in this bombshell report, and the head of the nation’s cybersecurity agency is addressing election confidence.

In our opinion

And, finally, the opinion pages are filled with must-read content. Columnist Billy Hallowell breaks down the most disturbing line uttered during the vice-presidential debate. Everett Piper tackles how to handle political tensions sure to rage over the upcoming holidays. And John and Nisha Whitehead explain why they believe “America is falling apart” and “our national priorities are in dire need of restructuring.”