Michael Che, Elise Jesse

A new jump in inflation is putting the issue of affordability front-and-center in key midterm races across the country that will decide Washington's balance of power. President Donald Trump was back on the campaign trail on Wednesday, brushing off those concerns. NBC's Monica Alba reports for TODAY. Russia launched a new round of punishing attacks on Ukraine as vital internet service in the war-torn country is being restored, according to a Ukrainian defense ministry source speaking anonymously. Ukrainian officials say restrictions from Elon Musk's Starlink satellite network had caused some drones to lose their connection while flying. Musk is pushing back and pointing a finger at President Donald Trump for the outage. NBC's Gabe Gutierrez reports for TODAY. Pope Leo XIV is on the mend two days after surgery for adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. The 71-year-old pontiff shared a first message saying he is "grateful for the outpouring of support" and asking them to "keep praying" as he recovers. NBC's Anne Thompson reports for TODAY from Rome. The calendar says October but across half of the country, the weather feels more like July. Temperatures are soaring as much as 20 degrees above average with more than 40 new record highs from Charlotte to D.C. on Wednesday. NBC's Priscilla Thompson reports and meteorologist Bill Karins joins TODAY to track the latest forecast. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their first public appearance as a couple since their surprise move back to the U.K. over the summer. While the outing looks and feels like an official royal visit that Prince William and Princess Kate carry out most weeks, Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals, and the unusual arrangement may challenge the longstanding tra