A New England state, Granite State, first-in-the-nation primary
Democrats and Republicans are flooding the airwaves with advertising ahead of Election Day, with hundreds of millions of dollars flowing through campaigns and allied groups. Cash on hand and spending patterns are shaping the battlefield, particularly in toss-up races where incumbents often hold the financial edge.
Early voting has begun in multiple states as the federal government has pursued legal and investigative efforts to challenge mail voting and hunt for noncitizen voters. The Supreme Court has blocked new federal limits on mail ballots, states are sending millions of absentee ballots, and the DOJ and DHS have opened investigations and filed charges in several states.
The Guardian reports that President Trump is pressing for influence over election results as midterm contests approach. Democrats argue Congress has the final say on seating members, while concerns grow about the potential for political interference in close races. Analysts warn that a loyal clerk or manipulated rolls could threaten the integrity of the 2027 seating process.
Developing contests across the U.S. see heavy spending from national committees and super PACs. Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, Iowa, and Kansas are among the states where ads and funding shifts aim to influence close races. The dynamic spending reflects a broader scramble to protect or seize Senate control as Election Day approaches.
The Speaker is campaigning across multiple states to defend Republican-held seats while pursuing a broader message on cost of living and reform. The push follows a six-week sprint across 20 states, with a focus on key battlegrounds as November nears.
An AP-KFF poll finds that rural voters are divided on whether President Donald Trump's sweeping immigration crackdown has benefited or harmed their communities.
The FCC is considering a request that would allow political groups to run AI-generated robocalls without prior consent. The move has prompted warnings of misinformation and voter manipulation ahead of midterm elections. Public comment is open, with a decision expected later this fall.
The White House is weighing action against Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle amid reports of improper conduct in Athens, with officials signaling potential dismissal as investigations intensify.
The president’s move to allow Russian diesel into global markets has drawn swift criticism from lawmakers who say Congress was not consulted. Officials warn the policy could fund Moscow’s war while doing little to relieve U.S. fuel prices amid ongoing energy volatility.
The Social Security Administration has announced a 3.6% cost‑of‑living adjustment for 2027, the largest in three years, with benefits across Social Security and SSI set to rise starting January. The adjustment is tied to CPI‑W data and will affect roughly 72‑73 million beneficiaries, though many say the increase won’t fully offset inflation.
Democrats have gained ground on voter confidence in elections as concerns about ballot integrity rise among Republicans. AP-NORC data shows Democrats retain higher trust while Republicans grow more confident than four years ago; fear of federal overreach and threats to voting processes shape the landscape ahead of Election Day.
President Trump has issued an executive order waiving implementation of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act and approved a deal to import Russian diesel. Lawmakers from both parties have condemned the move, saying it undermines sanctions meant to punish Russia for its war on Ukraine and could strengthen Moscow financially as Ukraine faces winter attacks.
The Supreme Court is set to decide whether the 1868 prohibition on home distilling can stand as an exercise of Congress’s taxing power. Lower courts have split: the Sixth Circuit upholds the ban; the Fifth Circuit finds it unconstitutional. The Court will determine if a private home can host distilled spirits under federal law.
The Supreme Court has issued orders and statements reflecting tension over its voting rights and campaign-finance rulings ahead of the midterm elections. Justice Kagan has criticized the court’s impact on democracy, noting increased polarization and a more partisan environment.
The White House has removed tariffs on specific Canadian goods — including plywood, packing materials, certain machinery and refrigeration equipment — and will impose duties on other items starting Oct. 30. Senators and businesses in Maine have secured exemptions after lobbying; critics say the move appears timed to help Senator Susan Collins in a tight reelection fight and to blunt local economic pain.
Senator Murphy has experienced a stroke while at a family event. He is awake and undergoing treatment at Johns Hopkins and is responding to care. He is not up for reelection this cycle and has been campaigning for fellow Democrats ahead of the midterms.
California voters have rejected Proposition 40, a one-time 5% wealth tax on net worth over $1 billion, aimed at backfilling federal healthcare funding cuts. Opponents warn it would drive billionaires away; supporters cite healthcare funding needs. Major backers include tech figures like Sergey Brin and Peter Thiel’s networks. The vote underscores tensions over wealth, taxes, and economic policy in the state.
With votes tallied, California has rejected Proposition 40, a one-time 5% tax on residents worth over $1 billion. Opposition led by Gov. Gavin Newsom and major tech donors, including Sergey Brin, has outspent supporters and pushed rival ballot measures that neutralised the proposal. Backers framed the measure as a $100bn fix for federal healthcare cuts.
Pro-Israel lobbying groups have poured millions into US congressional races, with several candidates backed by AIPAC and its affiliated PACs winning. Yet a substantial share of the invested money has gone to candidates who lost, signaling a complex realignment in Washington’s foreign policy discussions as domestic concerns rise.
States including Washington and Colorado have approved measures restricting transgender athletes from girls’ sports, while Nebraska and Arizona codify or expand bans. The votes suggest bipartisan support in certain blue states, with impacts on schools and university athletics.
Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy has experienced a minor hemorrhagic stroke and is now in Johns Hopkins with doctors describing progress as encouraging. He will spend several weeks in rehabilitation, staying remotely connected with his team as his office continues its work.
Democrats have gained hundreds of state legislative seats and secured governing trifectas in multiple states, expanding their control of statehouses, governors’ offices, and redistricting processes. The wave reshapes policy on minimum wages, abortion access, and voting rules ahead of 2028, while challenging Republican redistricting strategies.
Voters have elected Keisha Lance Bottoms as Georgia’s governor, marking a historic milestone as the first Black woman to hold the role. Other results across states include notable Democratic wins, with latinos and other diverse groups influencing the political landscape.
The Chicago Blackhawks have not defended well, facing a rough start to the season with a 4-13-1 record. Management has kept coach Blashill and central staff in place while embedding former defenseman Mark Eaton to shore up defensive play. The team faces a tough schedule and is weighing roster upgrades while relying on young players to advance development.