CNN This Morning

Negotiations for the release of Hamas’ hostages are underway. Negotiators say they are optimistic about the possibility of releases within days, as sticking points inch closer to being resolved. Plus, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin makes a surprise visit to Kyiv announcing on social media the US will stand with Ukraine against Russia, “both now and into the future”. And, the former head of Open AI has landed a new job just three-days after the company he co-founded ousted him. Microsoft has hired Sam Altman to lead its new artificial intelligence research team. Also this morning: Happy Birthday to President Biden - but not so happy poll numbers, and, celebrating Rosalynn Carter - the former First Lady and mental health advocate dies at the age of 96.For information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN’s podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The IDF presents new evidence of what it says is a Hamas tunnel opening on the grounds of the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza, and a recovered the body of a second hostage found near that hospital. Hamas says it's all baseless lies. Plus, the Education Department investigates six colleges over antisemitism and Islamaphobia incidents. And, Republican Rep. George Santos says he will not seek reelection after a scathing Ethics Committee report detailing how he misused his campaign donations. Will he now be expelled from Congress? Also this morning: rapper Sean “Diddy” combs is accused of raping and abusing his former girlfriend, and, President Biden is expected to avoid criminal charges for his alleged mishandling of classified documents.For information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN’s podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At a high-stake summit, Biden and China’s Xi agree to resume military to military communication, and take steps to curb fentanyl production. Plus, Biden has been deeply involved in the negotiations of what could be an imminent Hamas hostage deal. And, Capitol police clash with pro-Palestinian protesters demanding a ceasefire outside the DNC headquarters. Six-officers are reportedly injured, and several arrests have been made. Also this morning: Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen joins to discuss how Meta is allowing 2020 election denialism in political ads for profit, the IDF promises more evidence of the Hamas command center underneath Gaza’s largest hospital following its raid yesterday amid war-crime concerns, and the Senate passes a short-term funding bill to avert a government shutdown on Friday. For information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN’s podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Israel Defense Forces conduct an operation inside Gaza’s largest hospital after accusing Hamas of running a command center underneath it, and using the civilians above as human shields. Plus, there’s new hope for those held by Hamas, with President Biden saying he believes a deal to release hostages is “going to happen”. And, Biden is set to have a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, in California. The goal, to keep tensions over trade, war and surveillance from getting any worse. Also this morning: Biden blasts Trump for calling his enemies “vermin”, comparing the remark to Nazi rhetoric, and internal GOP tensions hit peak, with punching claims and threats. For information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN’s podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden's foreign policy set to face yet another major test as he departs for a high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of major economic summit. CNN is already learning of a potential US-China deal to crackdown on fentanyl. Plus, A vote to avert a government shutdown it set for today, but the measure includes no funding for either of the two wars the Biden administration is supporting. And, public pressure for Biden to maintain his support for Israel will be on full display today, as a rally is planned for tens of thousands at the National Mall. Also this morning, why concern is building around Trump's rhetoric about a potential second term after one of his former Georgia confidants speaks out, and how the Supreme Court code of conduct leaves new questions.For information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN’s podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GOP Senator Tim Scott drops out of the 2024 presidential race in a sudden announcement that has stung his own staff, and donors. Our panel discusses the reasons behind his exit. Plus, House lawmakers return DC to consider Speaker Mike Johnson's plan to avert a shutdown, as major questions remain with just four-days left until funding runs out. And, Gaza's health system crumbles as fighting rages nearby, with one hospital chief telling CNN that at all essential units have collapsed. Also this morning: The Pentagon says it carried out new deadly airstrikes against facilities in Syria, there’s a “significant likelihood” of a volcanic eruption in Iceland, and Trump’s team begins his legal defense in his civil fraud case - the first witness to the stand? Donald Trump Jr.For information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN’s podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Election workers in at least five states receive suspicious letters, some of which may contain fentanyl, sparking an FBI investigation. Plus, in a big blow to Democrats and the Senate majority, Joe Manchin says he's not running for reelection. Is he about to mount a third-party bid for the White House? And, Israel announces a six-hour pause in fighting today to open a humanitarian corridor for people to flee Northern Gaza. Also this morning: with one-week to avoid a government shutdown and no path to do it, one Senior GOP Congressman says, “The House is a mess. Nothing surprises me anymore”, and, Mar-a-Lago staff could be called to testify against former President Trump in his classified documents case.For information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN’s podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Five GOP candidates spar at the third Republican presidential debate, clashing over foreign policy and abortion rights, as current frontrunner Donald Trump skips the debate for a third time, holding a rally just miles away. Plus, the Hollywood actors strike is finally over after four-months on the picket line. And, as the N.Y. Attorney General's office rests its case against Trump and his family business - what the judge heard repeatedly from Ivanka Trump throughout her testimony, and what it actually means for the fraud investigation. Also, new video from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels showing them shooting down an American drone off the coast of Yemen, and how the US responded. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democrats score big election wins in Kentucky and Virginia, and in Ohio, voters say “Yes” to making abortion a right. Plus, a new CNN poll shows President Biden losing in a potential rematch against former President Trump. And, the IDF opens a four-hour evacuation corridor in Northern Gaza. Also this morning: the House censures Rep. Rashida Tlaib for her criticism of Israel, and Ivanka Trump is set to take the stand in her father’s New York fraud trial.For information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN’s podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s Election Day and the first polls are open in Virginia and parts of Kentucky. CNN’s John Avlon joins to talk about the key races to watch, the issues that are being voted on, and what’s at stake for the candidates. Plus, Trump makes key admissions in his New York fraud trial testimony while sparring with the judge. And, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his country needs to oversee security in the Gaza Strip for “an indefinite period of time after the ongoing war”. Also, beleaguered co-working startup WeWork files for bankruptcy protection in federal court.For information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN’s podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices