10 things you need to know today: October 23, 2022

1. Xi Jinping secures 3rd term as Chinese president amidst unprecedented protests

Chinese President Xi Jinping secured a third term as the leader of his country on Sunday during a Communist Party ceremony that also saw him stack his government's top offices with close loyalists. The unprecedented third term means Xi, who has ruled since 2013, looks primed to become the nation's greatest political lightning rod since Mao Zedong. Notably, Xi forced out a number of political rivals from within the Communist Party, in a move that even appeared to include purging former President Hu Jintao. However, Xi's reign has also come with unprecedented protests, with one notable anti-Xi banner displayed in Beijing in a rare visual show of dissent that made headlines across the world.

Reuters CNN

2. Russian military leadership flees Kherson as Ukrainian soldiers advance

High-ranking Russian military officers have withdrawn from the Ukrainian city of Kherson, the Institute for the Study of War think tank told The Associated Press, as residents have also been ordered to evacuate amidst an impending advance from Ukrainian soldiers. In an effort to delay the Ukrainian counteroffensive, Russia has reportedly left newly mobilized forces along the Dnieper River to try and form a buffer zone. Following the order from Russian officials to flee the city, military leadership said that at least 20,000 people had evacuated Kherson. This marks a turning point for one of the longest-held cities under Russian occupation, and one of the first to fall following the invasion of Ukraine.

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Associated Press

3. Front runner Rishi Sunak officially declares bid for prime minister in U.K.

Conservative politician Rishi Sunak appears to be solidly positioned as the front-runner to replace Liz Truss as the next prime minister of the United Kingdom. The former British Chancellor officially announced his bid for the position on Sunday, throwing him back into the race for the U.K.'s highest office as the nation faces a growing economic crisis. Sunak appeared to have significant support from his own Conservative Party, with at least 136 MPs pledging to back him. However, he is likely to face a challenge from former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was ousted less than 100 days ago. While Johnson has not officially declared, he was seen returning to the U.K. in a likely effort to begin drumming up support.

BBC The New York Times

4. Massive crowds gather in U.S., Europe in solidarity with Iranian protesters

As protests continue to beseech Iran, massive crowds in the United States and Europe were seen marching Saturday in solidarity with those in the Middle East. Mass protests have occurred across Iran following the death of a 22-year-old woman in police custody, and crowds were seen taking to the streets in cities such as Berlin, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles to demand an end to the violent crackdown of dissension in Iran. Thousands of people gathered, many of them wearing the colors of the Iranian flag, to protest the treatment of the Iranian dissidents and an end to the rule of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The Associated Press

5. Mexico prepares for Hurricane Roslyn to make landfall

In yet another continuation of the devastating tropical storm season, western Mexico is preparing for Hurricane Roslyn to batter the country's Pacific coast. The storm is likely to make landfall Sunday as a major Category 3 hurricane, with the National Hurricane Center reporting sustained winds of up to 120 mph, in addition to torrential rains and dangerous storm surges. The hurricane is likely to weaken by mid-afternoon as it begins pushing inland, however, meteorologists predict there were still be significant amounts of flooding along most coastal regions. The storm is similar in intensity to Hurricane Orlene, which made landfall in Mexico on Oct. 3.

CNN

6. Tax fraud trial for Trump Organization to get underway in New York City

The Trump Organization is set to face criminal tax fraud charges in a New York City court on Monday. The upcoming trial is one of a number of legal troubles being faced by the company and its head, former President Donald Trump. The case Monday will focus on charges of defrauding New York City tax authorities over a period of 15 years. This reportedly included schemes involving untaxed gifts and benefits including luxury cars, and penthouse apartments. The former president has not been personally charged in the suit, however, the organization's longtime Chief Financial Officer, Alan Weisselberg, has pleaded guilty to 15 counts tied to a similarly longstanding scheme of fraud.

The Guardian The Washington Post

7. Suspect arrested following shooting at Dallas hospital that left 2 dead

Dallas police officials said they had a suspect in custody following a shooting at a local hospital on Saturday that left two of the facility's employees dead. The shooting occurred at the Methodist Dallas Medical Center around 11 a.m., when the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Nestor Hernandez, opened fire on employees. A Methodist police officer returned fire and injured Hernandez, who was taken to another hospital. He is facing capital murder charges, and according to police, was already on parole for aggravated robbery and was wearing an ankle monitor. Law enforcement did not identify the deceased victims, or say what may have led to the shooting.

Dallas Morning News

8. At least 3 dead following car bombing at hotel in Somalia

A car bombing and shooting attack at a hotel in Somalia left at least three people dead, local law enforcement said Sunday. The terrorist group al Shabab, which has noted links to al Qaeda, took responsibility for the attack, which occurred in the port city of Kismayo. Security officials said the attack began when a vehicle laden with explosives rammed into the gate of the local Tawakal Hotel, followed by a barrage of gunfire. Officials described the event as a "terrorist incident" and said that at least eight others were injured in addition to the three deceased victims. The attack comes as al Shabab continues to battle government forces throughout Somalia.

Reuters

9. Astros single win away from World Series following dominating Game 3

The Houston Astros are a single win away from the World Series after a dominating performance in Game 3. Houston bested the New York Yankees 5-0 to give them a commanding 3-0 series lead in the American League Championship Series, and the Yankees must now win four straight games in order to advance. The first half of the game was dominated by Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier, who allowed no runs on just one hit while also striking out five. Houston appears to be in good shape, with only one team in history, the 2004 Boston Red Sox, coming back from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series.

ESPN

10. Taylor Swift becomes most-streamed Spotify artist in a single day

Fans of Taylor Swift rejoiced at the pop star's newest album, Midnights, and they clearly wasted no time listening to the tracks. Spotify said Saturday that the superstar became the platform's most-streamed artist in a single day following the album's release. This followed a Friday in which Midnights also broke Spotify's record for the most-streamed album in a single day. Swift thanked her fans for their support of the album, which is the artist's tenth studio album and first since 2020. The accolades mark the latest milestone in Swift's illustrious career, as she continues to cement her place as one of the 21st century's most dominant singers.

Fox Business