First Thing: Biden makes final plea in high stakes midterms

The Democrats could lose their majorities in both chambers today. Plus, developing countries need $2tn a year in climate funding'

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Good morning.

The president has repeated his promise to strengthen abortion rights if Democrats expand their congressional majorities, but recent polls suggest Americans are more concerned with economic issues.

Biden points to own metrics. In the face of near record-high inflation and fears of a potential recession, the president highlighted the low unemployment rate and the 10m jobs created since he took office.

Gentlemen, we interfered.' A close Vladimir Putin ally Yevgeny Prigozhin has admitted to surgically" interfering in US elections on the eve of the vote, but the apparent admission should not necessarily be taken at face value.

Donald Trump has said he would make a very big announcement" on 15 November, as speculation continued that he is about to announce a 2024 presidential run.

Real leadership required from the top institutions.' The World Bank has come under increasing criticism in recent months for its perceived failures to direct sufficient funds towards the climate crisis.

Poor nations face double jeopardy.' Mia Mottley, the prime minister of Barbados, has criticised industrialised nations for achieving prosperity at the expense of the global south, who now must pay twice owing to climate breakdown.

Family of hunger striking British-Egyptian activist demand proof of life. Alaa Abd el-Fattah continues to refuse all food and water while delegates gather for Cop27 as he is held in desert prison on ludicrous charges.