Political Roundup: Friday, November 4

As the final week before the 2016 presidential election comes to an end, the nation’s holding its breath in anticipation of next Tuesday’s results. Much of today’s news coverage has veered toward the reflective side, while others focus on and make projections for the future.

To keep you in the know, we’re bringing you a roundup of today’s top election headlines:

The New York Times: Last Economic Snapshot Before The Election Shows Healthy Job Growth

National payroll reports indicate that “jobs are being created and earnings are going up,” chief economist at Standish Mellon Vincent Reinhart told the New York Times. However, he explains that a report that goes “right down the middle of the fairway means you can spin it any way you want.”

Trump has argued the negative, saying that the economy is in bad shape and jobs are disappearing, especially when it comes to manufacturing jobs. Clinton, conversely, has argued that President Obama made great strides towards job increases after the 2008 recession.

Ian Siegel, chief executive of ZipRecruiter, told New York Times that it’s a great time for middle-skill job seekers, meaning those who are looking for jobs “that require vocational training, related on-the-job experience or an associate degree.”

CNN: Clinton, Trump Make Their Closing Arguments

This election can easily be defined by its mudslinging, and the of the race is no exception. As reported by CNN, both Clinton and Trump are making the closing argument that losing the election would end in catastrophe. Rather than trying to make the case for their own campaign and talk about their platforms, the candidates have taken to focusing solely on the other’s flaws.

The candidates are using the final days before next Tuesday to visit the states that could most influence their position, trying to create a sense of urgency among their supporters by touting the potential negative outcomes if the other candidate is to win.

“Clinton maintains the advantage, leading by four points in CNN's Poll of Polls,” reports CNN. “She is also ahead in key swing states such as North Carolina and Pennsylvania. But Trump's campaign senses momentum, cheered by recent polls in some blue-leaning swing states, such New Hampshire and Colorado.”

USA TODAY: Feds Checking Terror Threat Info Timed To Election

Federal authorities are investigating threats made (specifically in New York, Virginia and Texas) regarding al-Qaeda’s potential interest in attacking the U.S. on the eve and day of Election Day, reports USA TODAY.

The FBI said in a statement, "The counterterrorism and homeland security communities remain vigilant and well-postured to defend against attacks here in the United States.'' The Department of Homeland Security is also working with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies to share information to look into and prevent and potential attacks.

After cyber breaches at the Democratic Convention and state voter registrations being scanned, authorities have been on alert. "As we have long said, in this environment, homegrown violent extremists could strike with little or no notice,” said the FBI. “Our concern that violent extremists could be inspired to conduct attacks inside the U.S. have not diminished.''