The legislative branch of the United States, a bicameral body comprising the Senate and House.
Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem has criticised Lebanon’s participation in US-mediated talks with Israel in Rome and has rejected a June framework that ties Israeli withdrawals to verified disarmament and Lebanese army deployments in pilot zones. Technical teams have met in Rome while Israeli strikes, demolitions and clashes in southern Lebanon are continuing and Beirut is pressing Washington for verification guarantees.
Rep. Max Miller has refused to withdraw from Ohio's 7th congressional race after his ex-wife accused him of domestic abuse and the House Ethics Committee opened an inquiry. Party leaders missed the deadline to replace him on the general-election ballot, and Democratic groups have moved to boost challenger Brian Poindexter with millions in ad spending.
The Independent reports that Trump’s fixation on Iran, tariffs, and monuments persists as midterm polls show public discontent. Polls indicate Democrats gaining ground on the economy and national security, while Trump faces record-low approval and internal pressure from donors and insiders. The piece outlines the political stakes for Republicans as voter sentiment turns against several Trump-led policies.
The Department of Justice has asked the Supreme Court to let construction on the president's 90,000 sq ft White House ballroom continue while courts hear challenges. A federal appeals court last week upheld an injunction requiring congressional approval for above‑ground work and stayed that order for 14 days. The administration argues the project includes vital security and military features and is roughly two‑thirds complete.
Trump has directed the Navy to plan the removal of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and related elevators on Ford-class carriers, replacing them with steam and hydraulic systems. The Doris Miller (CVN-81) would be the first to include the changes, with other Ford-class carriers remaining unchanged. The move aims to cut costs but faces potential delays and industrial-base challenges.
The edited set of interviews and comments from Sue Gray and related sources show a culture of leaks and briefings in No 10 amid leadership changes. Gray says the atmosphere was unbearable and that actions from Keir Starmer’s team were insufficient to curb negative briefings.
State Senator Aisha Wahab has won the special election to serve the remainder of Eric Swalwell’s term in California’s 14th district. She will take the seat through January and will face Melissa Hernandez again in November for a full term. Outside groups tied to AIPAC spent millions supporting Hernandez; Wahab called the spending an attempt to buy the seat.
The United States debt has reached $40 trillion as long-term yields hit their highest since 2007, signaling rising borrowing costs. Analysts warn that higher rates could push up mortgage, auto, and consumer borrowing costs, while policymakers debate how to slow deficits and stabilize financing.
A Maryland judge has enjoined the ballot measure seeking to allow Democrats to redraw congressional lines, staying the ruling to allow an appeal. The case centers on deadlines and the scope of constitutional rules for redistricting. Democrats control seven of eight congressional seats; the case reflects a broader national clash over mid-decade redistricting.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Interior Department to change the U.S. federal name for Lake Ontario to "Lake America" and has said the change is effective immediately. The move comes as Washington and Ottawa have imposed 50% tariffs on billions of dollars of each other's goods and Canadian leaders have rejected the renaming.
President Donald Trump has submitted a 30-year civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress, starting a 90-day review. The deal would allow U.S. firms to export civilian nuclear technology and build AP1000 reactors. The White House says the pact will only move forward if Riyadh normalises relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
The State Department has paused all immigrant visa applications to reassess public-charge rules, while preparing to revoke up to 200,000 asylum-related business and tourist visas. Officials say the pause is temporary and tied to a global training program for consular staff, with interviews being rescheduled into the fall. Legal challenges are anticipated as the administration tightens enforcement of immigration policy.
President Trump has signed an executive order to begin creating a U.S. Space Academy to train astronauts, engineers and civil operators for NASA, the U.S. Space Force and the civilian spaceflight industry. A presidential commission chaired by NASA administrator Jared Isaacman will deliver proposals within 120 days; the academy’s location and funding remain undecided.
Prediction-market platform Kalshi has permanently banned George Santos and fined him $71,356 after its compliance team concluded he traded on contracts tied to his attendance at President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address and manipulated prices with public statements. The CFTC has already secured a separate $35,000 settlement and a three‑year trading ban.
Lawmakers have approved a short-term bill to fund the government through December 11, avoiding a shutdown as elections approach. The measure now goes to President Trump for signature. The package preserves current funding levels and includes a delay on a new grant-cutting rule until December.
Tributes to Dolly Parton pour in after her death at 80, celebrating a career that reshaped music and fashion. The Guardian, Independent and Guardian again provide reflections on her influence, philanthropy, and enduring legacy.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has completed a three‑country tour of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru to expand military and counter‑drug cooperation with right‑wing governments. Washington has pledged funding, vessels and designations of gangs as foreign terrorist organisations while US forces have intercepted and sunk vessels linked to Ecuadorian criminal groups.
Republicans have held an unprecedented two‑day midterm convention in Dallas that has placed President Donald Trump at the centre of the party’s campaign. Trump and Vice‑President JD Vance have delivered hardline attacks on Democrats and offered a controversial $5,000 "Trump dividend" pledge if Republicans win both houses. Attendance by vulnerable GOP lawmakers has been uneven and many candidates have chosen to stay in their districts.
Sen. John Fetterman has recorded a one-minute video praising Republican Sen. Dave McCormick and saying he will work with President Trump to defend Pennsylvania’s steel industry. The clip has intensified Democratic doubts about Fetterman’s party loyalty, prompted fresh talk of a possible party switch and handed Republicans a high‑profile talking point ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms.
Reform UK has launched an investigation after Channel 4 News alleged funding from a US firm for three polls costing 33250 pounds, with undercover Verbatim reporters posing as donors. James Orr and Dan Jukes have stepped down as the party gathers for its Birmingham conference. The party denies any illegal funding and says the investigation is independent.
Two Reform UK aides have been suspended following undercover footage aired by Channel 4 News alleging potential evasion of electoral rules linked to a 350,000 donor. The party says no laws have been broken. Police and the Electoral Commission are reviewing the claims. The party also faced questions over the funding of three polls ordered this year.
Lonnie G. Bunch III will leave the Smithsonian Institution by year’s end. The departure follows a White House report criticizing Smithsonian leadership and a broader push from the Trump administration to realign how American history is presented in national museums. The move comes as the institution faces renewed calls for changes to exhibits and leadership amid partisan pressure.
As the High Holy Days approach, Jewish communities confront rising antisemitic threats and political tensions. Leaders urge preparedness over hope, while incidents and surveys show an uptick in fear and division since 9/11’s 25th anniversary.
Iran has claimed to have struck the US Al-Azraq base in Jordan with missiles, while Jordanian forces say 18 of 20 ballistic missiles have been intercepted, with two falling in uninhabited areas. The attack follows a broader escalation linked to US actions in the Strait of Hormuz, widening the conflict to Jordan.
President Donald Trump has promised a $5,000 payment to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans retain control of both houses in November’s midterms. The White House has provided only a short fact sheet; Republicans, legal experts and budget analysts have questioned the plan’s legality, cost (about $1.2–1.4 trillion) and how it would be funded.
On the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, observers across several countries reflect on memory, justice, and the long-term impact. Victims’ families pursue compensation; trials for mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed face delays; and public sentiment moves from unity to concerns over security and civil liberties. The anniversary prompts questions about accountability and the lasting legacy of that day.
Republicans have held a two-day midterm convention in Dallas dominated by President Donald Trump and Vice‑President JD Vance. Vance has delivered a high-profile 40-minute speech that elevated his status as a potential 2028 standard-bearer while Trump has repeated ambitious claims — including a $5,000 payment pledge — and rhetoric that multiple outlets say includes misleading assertions about investment and the economy.
Democratic leaders and AI executives are pushing for tougher guardrails as concerns over safety and job disruption grow. California has begun implementing state-led safety measures, while Congress remains divided and the White House weighs executive action.
A federal judge has ruled that DHS exceeded its authority by attempting to cut FEMA staffing by 50%, saying the agency must lead staffing decisions. The ruling follows a wave of department changes and a broader push to shrink the federal workforce. The decision does not impose a specific remedy, sending the sides to negotiate relief.
Trump has pledged a $5,000 payment to every American adult if Republicans win control of Congress, triggering sharp criticism from Democrats and alarm among economists about the plan’s cost and feasibility. The proposal, branded as a “Trump dividend,” would amount to roughly $1.2 trillion and could worsen the deficit. Commentators note prior broken promises and highlight the broader political and economic implications.
Sen. Mitch McConnell has returned to the Capitol after a three-month absence following a June fall and pneumonia. He describes his recovery as long and often frustrating, with lingering effects from childhood polio. He is vowing to be present for tough votes as the Senate reconvenes ahead of the midterms.
A US federal judge has blocked the Department of Homeland Security from enforcing a new rule that would cap visa durations for foreign students, exchange visitors and journalists. The ruling preserves the longstanding “duration of status” system as litigation continues. The decision follows lawsuits by a coalition of unions and higher education groups and concerns about potential impacts on universities and the US economy.
Representative Thomas Massie has filed privileged articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, forcing the House to consider the measure within two legislative days. Speaker Mike Johnson has moved to end the pre-election session early, delaying any vote past the midterms and complicating Massies parallel effort to force release of Epstein-related files.
The Kennedy Center has closed its main building for renovations as a fight over renaming the center to include President Trump continues. Courts have blocked the Trump-aligned board from adding Trump’s name, while the center faces bankruptcy concerns and potential shutdown amid ongoing legal battles.
The House has found Leon Black in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with subpoenas in its inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein. The full House approved the contempt resolution by unanimous consent after the Oversight Committee voted 41–0 to recommend the action. The matter has been referred to the Justice Department for possible criminal review.
The Trump administration has notified Congress of a proposed $2.8bn arms package to Israel that includes 40,000 2,000‑pound bombs. Rep. Gregory Meeks has said he will not clear the transfer, citing "grave, unresolved concerns" about use in densely populated Gaza and Lebanon, but the administration can bypass Congress by declaring an emergency.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Washington for a three-day state visit and a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump to press an extension of a trade truce, negotiate AI cooperation and raise cases of Americans held in China. Preparatory talks have produced limited deliverables; officials expect modest, targeted outcomes rather than broad breakthroughs.
The Oversight Committee has moved to refer the Epstein-related contempt against a private-equity chief to the Justice Department. Black has refused to hand over nondisclosure agreements or appear for deposition. The committee’s action comes amid bipartisan support and follows an earlier voluntary interview; a deposition was delayed but ultimately not attended.
The State Department has notified Congress about a proposed sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, part of a broader package that could include engines and support. The deal aims to strengthen Saudi defense capabilities and interoperability with US forces, while lawmakers warn it could expose sensitive technology to China and disrupt regional balance.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 has cleared both houses, expanding sanctions on Russia and Iran and allowing tariffs of up to 100% on the top buyers of Russian energy. The bill carries broad support and highlights tensions with China and India, while drawing scrutiny over potential domestic costs.
Laws passed in California and the US Congress have strengthened claims to artwork looted during the Holocaust. Two lawsuits have been filed in Los Angeles—one against the Norton Simon Museum for Cranach’s Adam and Eve, and another on behalf of the late Dinah Gottliebova Babbitt’s heirs for watercolors from Auschwitz—arguing for restitution.
Multiple outlets have been barred from White House access as President Trump argues the coverage is biased. News organizations vow to challenge the bans in court, asserting a constitutional right to report. The White House has referred to Trump’s Friday comments announcing the bans.
The president has updated the plan for a 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery to serve as a military complex, housing drones and snipers. The move is framed as national security, with critics warning it could disrupt sightlines and raise legal challenges. Courts have yet to rule, while the FAA confirms no immediate aviation danger.
The US has disclosed an ongoing probe into how Lockheed Martin F-35 parts shipped from Australia for service ended up in Hong Kong, where Chinese authorities have reportedly taken possession. The parts, including a cockpit canopy and weapons-bay door with radar-absorbing coating, were diverted in late May, raising questions about security and technology leakage.
Sen. John Curtis has asked the Republican-led Senate Judiciary Committee to subpoena Donald Trump Jr. over his business ties, foreign gifts and a Russian oligarch-funded wedding party. Curtis has demanded the same scrutiny for Hunter Biden and cited reporting that Umar Kremlev paid substantial costs for Trump Jr.'s Bahamas celebrations in May.
California and New York attorneys general have filed lawsuits over the Trump administration's plan to buy back offshore wind leases, arguing the deals divert taxpayer money to fossil-fuel projects and raise electricity costs while hindering clean-energy progress. The actions involve Invenergy and Bluepoint Wind, with multiple states joining New York in blocking the moves.
US ambassador David Perdue has said President Donald Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping whether China would like to buy US weapons. The State Department has clarified that US law prohibits arms sales to China and there is no plan to do so. The comments come as Washington has paused a roughly $14bn arms package to Taiwan and Taipei continues to press allies for defence supplies.
The F-35 Joint Program Office has confirmed a shipment issue with unserviceable components. A cockpit canopy and a weapons-bay door have ended up in Hong Kong during transport from Australia to the United States. Officials are retrieving the components and reviewing safeguards as legislators scrutinize the incident.
The Senate has rejected a War Powers Resolution that would require President Trump to withdraw U.S. troops from Iran absent congressional approval. The vote follows prior House action and reflects ongoing debate over constitutional authority and war powers as the administration faces mounting public concern over the conflict.
The South African government has addressed Washington’s five asks on sanctions and refugee policy; the US is reassessing its stance as Pretoria says it has fulfilled parts of the demands while others remain under discussion. New travel sanctions remain disputed as both sides push for a resolution.