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Today's top stories
Gaza residents went without phone and internet service for much of the weekend as Israel launched what its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called a "second stage" of the war. The Israeli military says it hit hundreds of targets over the weekend and is expanding operations in Gaza with infantry troops and armored vehicles. The Gaza Health Ministry said the death toll among Palestinians passed 8,000. More than 1,400 people have been killed in Israel. Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep and the NPR team bring updates from Israel and Gaza.
Check out npr.org/mideastupdates for more coverage, differing views and analysis of this conflict.
President Biden is expected to announce an executive order today with the aim of reining in artificial intelligence. The White House is concerned about the risks AI could pose to national security, public health and privacy if left unchecked.
A dozen mass shootings took place in the U.S. over the weekend, leaving at least 11 people dead and 76 injured. The shootings come as residents of Lewiston, Maine, mourn the 18 people killed in the town's deadliest mass shootings. Police found the shooter's body last Friday.
The United Auto Workers Union has reached a tentative deal with Jeep maker Stellantis. This deal comes days after the union reached a similar one with Ford. Union members must now vote to finalize the agreements. Meanwhile, the union is expanding its strike on General Motors.
Today's listen

On activist Phyllida Swift's first Halloween after her car accident, she was asked if her facial scars were makeup. Kids told her they were scary. At first, she didn't know how to handle it. Now, she wants to be a role model for others with physical disfigurements -– so the only people they see with scars aren't just villains on TV.
She tells Morning Edition that most people who wear scars as part of their Halloween costumes are doing it innocently. But there's a way to tell where to draw the line.
Life advice

Think of the most romantic relationship you can. Did it involve two people dating, falling in love and getting married? This traditional path doesn't work for everyone. Clinical psychologist Liz Clark has a beginner's guide to consensual non-monogamy, which describes romantically or sexually open relationships where everyone involved consents to the arrangement:
3 things to know before you go

This newsletter was edited by Majd Al-Waheidi. Anandita Bhalerao contributed.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.