American politician and attorney, vice president (2021–2025); current public office holder as of Sep 2026.
New York state officials have filed a state Supreme Court lawsuit against Kalshi, alleging the prediction market platform operates illegally without a Gaming Commission license, endangers consumers, and should forfeit gains and pay restitution and penalties. The action adds to a broader clash over how prediction markets are regulated between states and the federal government.
A Financial Times poll conducted for the Financial Times finds Americans nationwide are in a worse financial position than a year earlier. Democrats hold a small edge on the midterm generic ballot, while President Biden’s approval remains low. Analysts warn that the Republican agenda could be endangered if Democrats regain control of Congress; Trump supporters are fixated on monuments and other policy symbols. The data add to a challenging political climate ahead of November’s elections.
SpaceX plans to build a terrestrial cellular layer using EchoStar spectrum alongside its Starlink satellite network, aiming to challenge AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. The move follows a wave of satellites and small base stations, promising better coverage and higher bandwidth.
Todd Blanche has been confirmed 50–49 as U.S. attorney general and sworn in at the White House. He has served as acting attorney general since April, previously represented the president, and has rescinded a proposed $1.8bn compensation fund while facing criticism that he is politicising the Justice Department and presiding over mass departures.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri has testified in a federal trial in Oakland where 29 US states accuse Meta of designing addictive features that harm children and violating child privacy laws. States are seeking large damages and structural changes; prosecutors have shown internal documents and low adoption of safety tools. Mosseri defended improvements and said some tools initially had low uptake.
The White House has authorised a program that will allow vetted U.S. private companies to carry out government-directed cyber surveillance and disruptive operations against overseas transnational criminal organisations. The memorandum has required Justice and Homeland Security oversight, a $1m escrow for participating firms, and a 60-day deadline for agencies to set participation rules.
Au Vodka, the Swansea-based RTD vodka brand known for its gold bottles, is nearing a sale to Sazerac. Founders Charlie Morgan and Jackson Quinn are expected to net over £100m each. The deal, first reported by Sky News, would deepen Sazerac’s UK footprint and follows Au Vodka’s rapid growth and US expansion.
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.
Multiple young children have fallen from windows in New York, prompting renewed scrutiny of window-guard laws. New data shows several incidents across boroughs, with city officials reviewing enforcement and safety standards. The latest case in The Bronx involved a 5-year-old who survived a fall from a fifth-floor window; investigators cite improper guards and noncompliant windows.
The National Iranian American Council has released emails showing U.S. ICE officials partially heeded Iranian requests to amend deportation lists for three flights carrying more than 100 Iranians back to Iran in late 2025 and early 2026. The records indicate Iranian officials requested changes to manifests, and in at least one case an Iranian national not on the final manifest boarded a flight. Officials describe the process as a priority amid broader U.S.-Iran tensions during a 12-day conflict in June 2025. The DHS has denied disclosing asylum records and emphasized legal constraints.
Trump has touted a high success rate for endorsements across 2018-2026, while opponents question the reliability and motives behind those wins as candidates in Alabama, Georgia and beyond move through primaries. The pieces highlight intra-party tensions and the evolving dynamics of Trump’s influence.
The controversy surrounding Hasan Piker’s remarks has prompted strong responses from Democratic leaders and candidates, underscoring the challenge of unifying diverse voter blocs ahead of midterm-style contests. Piker has faced mounting scrutiny over antisemitism accusations, while candidates emphasize policy concerns like gas, groceries, and healthcare.
A wave of AI hardware standards and physics-focused models is driving enterprise adoption, with startups and giants racing to interoperate tools, open standards, and better data for real-world AI deployments. Updates cover new hardware interfaces, robotics training advances, and the shift from cloud-only AI to agents operating in physical environments.
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.
Progressive Abdul El-Sayed has appeared on Fox News to challenge questions from host Jesse Watters. The exchange touches on Medicare for All, guns, and culture-war issues as he campaigns against Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan; observers say the appearance signals a new, media-savvy approach in the party ahead of the November election.
Arab American voters have shifted toward progressive candidates in several Michigan primaries, tying Gaza policy to local races. Organizers report growing Arab American political power, with candidates like Abdul El-Sayed winning nominations and a broader trend across 2026 primaries.
Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey remains in a competitive Democratic primary against Rep. Seth Moulton as voters choose nominees for multiple offices. Markey has endorsements from senior members and an edge in fundraising, while Moulton argues Markey is too old for another term. The contest reflects a broader progressive-versus-moderate dynamic in the party ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The Texas Senate contest remains tight with James Talarico leading Ken Paxton by about 0.6 percentage points in polls. Trump’s backing is shaping fundraising and messaging as Paxton seeks to close the gap before Election Day.
Voters across the United States remain skeptical of AI data centers amid concerns over power use and water resources, even as the administration argues for rapid permission and expansion to sustain AI progress. Polls show broad opposition, while politicians debate permits, regulations, and local impacts.
Massachusetts voters in the 2026 Democratic primary support Ed Markey for reelecton as he faces Seth Moulton. Early results show Markey leading with a large margin; campaign dynamics center on generational change and policy stances, including views on Israel, healthcare and AI. The outcome will determine who faces in November.
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 appearance has deepened Democratic concern about Fetterman’s loyalty, sharpened talk of a possible party switch and handed Republicans a high‑profile talking point before the Nov. 3 midterms.
Voters remain skeptical about election integrity and Trump’s influence ahead of the November elections. YouGov, FT/Focaldata, and Gallup show rising doubt, wavering support for mail-in voting, and concerns about Trump’s impact on conservative candidates. The political landscape remains volatile as independents and Democrats push back against perceived interference and misgivings about funding for promised measures.
Democrats face a challenging stretch as the 2026 midterms approach. The GOP is staging a two-day event in Dallas with Trump appearing again; Vance headlines, and a plan to send every adult $5,000 sparks debate. Polls show mixed views on AI and economic concerns. The events are shaping the political landscape.
In New Hampshire, Democrats have channeled support behind Rep. Chris Pappas, while Republicans rally behind former Sen. John Sununu. The contest for the state’s Senate seat is part of a broader national battle for control of Congress, with both parties aiming to influence the Senate in November. Primary results and endorsements have shaped the field, as Sununu and Pappas gain or lose ground amid ongoing scrutiny of national politics.
The Republican midterm convention is underway in Dallas with Trump set to speak on both nights, as organizers chase turnout amid flagging support and a crowded field. Donors are offered tickets and VIP experiences, while several high-profile Republicans skip the event, citing cost and strategic concerns. The schedule features Trump, Vance, and key GOP leaders as the party aims to energize voters ahead of November.
The midterm contests are intensifying as key Senate races move toward toss-ups amid headwinds from Trump-era unpopularity and internal party divisions. Republicans hold a fragile Senate edge while Democrats seek gains in Michigan, Maine, Texas, Iowa, Alaska and Ohio; fundraising and redistricting battles shape outcomes.
The Guardian, Business Insider UK, The Guardian and Independent pieces report on Alex Gibney’s four-hour Musk documentary. Ashley St Clair alleges Elon Musk discussed having a child to build a “legion” before civil conflict, with a $40m NDA offer later declined. The film questions Musk’s power, algorithm changes at X, and his political shift. Venice premiere provided a harsh critique of Musk’s influence.
South Park has announced a name change to South America for its 29th season, in a move that mirrors President Trump’s recent renaming attempts for lakes, gulf and even a state. The show’s creators say the rename is inspired by Apple and Google and thanks Paramount Skydance, as the merger and regulatory backdrop grow.
Trump has mobilized a midterm convention in Dallas to promote his legislative wins, backing his chosen candidates and attempting to rally GOP voters. Polls show his unpopularity and limited appeal beyond loyal supporters. The event is designed to energize MAGA voters while risking independence among swing voters.
The White House is facing renewed scrutiny over Natalie Harp, Trump’s close aide known as the “human printer,” as reports of her role and gifts surface during the Irish visit. Independent reporting shows Harp’s proximity to the president has sparked internal tensions and renewed questions about media access and internal communications.
Israel has destroyed an extensive Hezbollah tunnel complex beneath the Ali al‑Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, using more than 1,000 tonnes of explosives to collapse two tunnels over 2km. The blast registered as a 4.1‑magnitude tremor; Israeli leaders say forces will remain to stop Hezbollah rebuilding and have declared operational control over the ridge.
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.
Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a trespasser at Vice President Harris’s Malibu home around 10:30 p.m. The intruder left voluntarily; Harris and Emhoff were not home. A trespassing report has been filed and patrols are increasing in the area. The incident follows past security visits and questions over protection timelines for former officials.
Oprah Winfrey has launched a four-date immersive event, “Oprah Winfrey’s AHA,” at Las Vegas Sphere from April 2–4, 2027, featuring artists like Jacob Collier and Ocean Vuong. The project, inspired by Winfrey’s U2 experience at Sphere, aims to transform how audiences see themselves through a multisensory journey.
The season premiere of 60 Minutes has posted lower viewership than last year, with about 7.9 million viewers in the U.S., down from around 10 million. Nielsen data shows declines among key demographics amid leadership upheaval at CBS News and changes under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and new executive producer Nick Bilton. The NFL lead-in did not provide the expected boost.
The Supreme Court has halted Trump’s bid to overhaul mail voting ahead of the midterms, allowing states to keep existing mail ballot procedures. Officials warn of potential interference and readers are updated on how officials are preparing to safeguard mail voting.
Democrats describe a pivotal Senate race as a test of national control, with campaigns in Michigan and North Carolina highlighting the stakes as Republicans seek to hold the chamber. Campaigns are emphasizing diverse coalitions and policy contrasts ahead of the midterms.
Gen. Dan Caine has stated that the U.S. military is preparing to fight from the seabed to cislunar space, with the Space Force doubling in size over five years. The announcements, including on-orbit weapons, challenge long-standing norms that space remains peaceful.
Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar has released a campaign ad urging President Trump to rethink immigration enforcement, arguing that Latino voters feel betrayed by the approach. The ad cites detainee data and calls for a dignified path to legal status. Trump endorses Salazar; the issue shapes Republican support in Florida ahead of the midterms.