Gaza cease-fire talks in Doha, Qatar were paused on Friday with negotiators set to meet again next week in search of an agreement to end fighting between Israel and the Hamas terrorist organization—and to free the remaining hostages. The United States presented a new proposal that built upon points of agreement reached over the past week, closing gaps between the sides in a way that could allow rapid implementation of a deal.

Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to announce plans to lower housing costs during her first economic policy speech in North Carolina on Friday. The plan includes $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homeowners and a call for the construction of 3 million new housing units.

Hurricane Ernesto is expected to strengthen further before it passes near or over Bermuda on Saturday morning. Tropical storm conditions including strong winds and life-threatening floods were expected to start affecting Bermuda by Friday afternoon, according to the National Hurricane Center.