Taiwanese defense officials say they've recorded a surge in Chinese military activity around Taiwan over the last few days. Fresh allegations of corruption surround former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je. And leaders across party lines have met to try to break through an impasse over next year's budget.

Plus:

- Japan's next prime minister is all but confirmed after Ishiba Shigeru is elected the new leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

- Hurricane Helene sweeps through Florida after making landfall as a powerful category 4 storm.

- U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris meets with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and pledges continued U.S. support.