*) Vote counting is underway to decide next US president Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump are locked in a close battle for the White House, as polls gradually close and officials count votes across the United States. The magic number to win the presidency is 270 electoral votes. Observers expect the hotly contested race for the White House to come down to a handful of key battleground states. Projections from various outlets, citing counted votes, show Trump leading his rival, Kamala Harris. Voters are also deciding which party will control the House and Senate. *) Stay in line: Trump urges Republicans to hold ground Former President Donald Trump has urged Republican voters to "stay in line" in a 13-second clip posted across his social media platforms. “We’re doing really well,” Trump reassured, encouraging supporters to hold their ground at the polls. Separately, billionaire Elon Musk also shared a message on the social media platform X, implying a Republican win in the elections, saying, "Game, set, and match." *) Americans chose between democracy and illegal migration, survey shows In the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, voters' motivations reflect a deep national divide. An AP VoteCast, an extensive survey of more than 110,000 voters nationwide, reveals Harris supporters prioritised the future of democracy, influenced by her messaging on Trump’s threats to democracy. Meanwhile, Trump voters focused on immigration and inflation, drawn to his promises of economic revival. *) Israel's Netanyahu fires Defence Minister Gallant Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defence Minister Yoav Gallant due to disagreement over the Gaza invasion. Israel Katz steps in as the new Defence Minister, while Gideon Sa’ar takes over as Foreign Minister. Protests erupted in Tel Aviv, with hundreds rallying against Gallant’s ouster, expressing frustration with Netanyahu’s decisions. *) Boeing workers end seven-week strike, ratify new deal Striking Boeing workers have voted to accept the company’s latest contract, ending a seven-week walkout. The new deal includes a 38 percent wage hike, a $12,000 signing bonus, and increased tax benefits contributions. While some 33,000 workers will return, reactions remain mixed, with some disappointed by the absence of a restored pension plan.