Devastation left by Hurricane Helene. Escalated tensions in the Middle East. The Harris campaign is navigating a pair of October surprises as Election Day draws closer.

U.S. ports from Maine to Texas are closed due to a strike by the union representing about 45,000 dockworkers. The International Longshoremen's Association is demanding higher wages and a total ban on the automation of cranes, gates and trucks that are used in the loading or unloading of freight at 36 U.S. ports.

Some 25,000 dockworkers at East and Gulf Coast ports may strike as early as October 1 if their union doesn't reach a contract deal with shipping companies and port operators.