A Midwestern state at the heart of U.S. politics, geography, and culture.
A guide to lesser-known fall landscapes across the United States, highlighting offbeat spots from the Midwest to New England and beyond, with practical tips on crowds, reservations, and hidden gems.
A newly released slate of reviews examines a Covid-era romance and a Sundance-like indie road movie, both with uneven executions. The Guardian critics note the emotional aims, world-building, and performances, while raising questions about pacing, scope, and commercial strategy.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has arrived in Washington for a state visit and a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss extending a trade truce, AI safety and the fate of Americans detained in China. Preparatory talks have produced limited deliverables; officials are expecting targeted, incremental agreements rather than a broad breakthrough.
Missouri remains under the 2022 map for November elections after the Supreme Court blocked changes and lower courts weigh conflicting rulings. Absentee voting is underway, with state courts holding hearings amid a nationwide redistricting push tied to midterms.
Trump has shown warmth toward New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani as their public ties deepen. While the two leaders express friendliness, they are navigating policy disagreements—especially on housing, taxation, and media access—amid ongoing UN meetings and a looming midterm landscape.
The administration has directed that imprisoned transgender women be housed in men's facilities and has barred gender-transition treatments. Lower courts have blocked the policy, requiring ongoing hormone therapy for transgender inmates as lawsuits proceed. The Supreme Court has been asked to intervene on an emergency basis, with a response due by Oct. 8.
The Senate war powers debate has progressed with Republicans leaning toward endorsing a resolution to end the Iran war as fuel prices remain high and voters demand relief. Lawmakers have increasingly tied costs of living to military actions while Democrats press for accountability ahead of the midterms.
The Constitutional Court has accepted a case challenging unique barcodes on ballots used in the Feb. 8 election, testing whether they render votes traceable and violate ballot secrecy. A ruling could reshape Thailand’s political landscape and economy, with potential early elections if ballots are struck down.
The Supreme Court has temporarily allowed the Department of Homeland Security to resume using the revamped SAVE database to verify voter citizenship, reversing a lower-court ban. Three liberal justices have dissented. Voting rights groups warn the system has flagged U.S. citizens and could lead to wrongful removals ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms.
The Pentagon has announced the creation of a new Office of Religious Affairs. Reporting directly to the defense secretary, the ORA will coordinate religious support for service members and chaplain resources, while pledging not to compel participation or privilege any faith. Critics warn the move could entrench Christian nationalist influence.
Democratic candidates in swing districts are breaking with party leadership on issues from transgender sports to governance, signaling a rift as the 2026 midterms approach. The disputes highlight tensions between ideology, campaign messaging, and district-specific priorities as Republicans push for accountability on social issues.
National Security Adviser Qasim al-Aboudi has described talks among Syria, Iraq, and the United States on the fate of prisoners linked to ISIS. Iraq refuses handing 4,000 Syrians to Syria; about 50 Syrians repatriated; 400 high‑level ISIS detainees remain in Iraq. U.S. aid requests and rights groups’ concerns accompany the update as the last U.S. troops left Iraq last month.
A guest died after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. Nine similar rides have been temporarily closed across North America as officials review restraints and safety protocols. The cause remains under investigation, with authorities examining park operations and ride design.
A U.S. district judge has dismissed Annie Altman’s civil lawsuit against her brother, OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman, after she refused to attend an independent medical examination, despite warnings that it would lead to dismissal. The suit, filed January 2025 in the Eastern District of Missouri, accused Sam Altman of sexual abuse beginning when Annie was three and continuing into adulthood. The Altman family says Annie has mental-health challenges and has received financial support; Sam Altman denies the allegations.