Paraguay crisis deepens as Santiago Pena is impeached and placed under house arrest
Paraguay's political crisis escalated on Friday after Congress impeached President Santiago Pena and authorities placed him under house arrest. The move came minutes after lawmakers completed proceedings in the capital, while protesters gathered outside and clashes with police were reported in parts of the country. Vice-president Pedro Alliana was being sworn in as the new leader as the transfer of power unfolded.A public prosecutor said Pena was inside his home and had voluntarily allowed officers to enter, adding that he was available for procedural steps. Prosecutor Elena Fiore Franco said the former president was under house arrest after the impeachment... [Continue Reading]
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New Zealanders vote on final day of tightly contested general election
Polls have opened in New Zealand on the final day of voting in a tightly contested general election. The vote comes against a backdrop of concern over the rising cost of living and the broader state of the economy. Polling stations opened at 9am on Saturday local time and are due to close at 7pm.Voting began on October 26, and more than 1.6 million people had already cast ballots by the end of Thursday, according to the Electoral Commission. That figure is out of nearly 3.8 million registered voters. The country also has a strict election-day blackout that bars political... [Continue Reading]
Rubio denies exit plans as Trump defends Hegseth after midterm losses
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has again denied reports that he is planning to leave the Trump administration, saying it had "always been my plan" to serve until the end of President Donald Trump's term. He made the comments as speculation continued over his political future after Republican losses in the midterm elections. Rubio also serves as national security adviser, making him one of the most prominent figures in the administration.The denials came after Bloomberg News reported that Rubio was weighing whether to step down and had spoken with White House officials about leaving. The State Department rejected that... [Continue Reading]
US midterm results spark fears in Israel over future of bilateral ties
Israel's political establishment is reacting with concern after the latest US midterm results, with some figures warning that the outcome could mark a generational shift in relations between the two countries. The debate has been sharpened by the fact that Israel's ties with the United States became a campaign issue in races across America. Israeli commentators and opposition politicians are now openly questioning how much support can be assumed in Washington going forward.A prominent columnist in Israel's largest-selling newspaper described the moment as a "generational sea change" and said the Netanyahu government had "sown the wind and reaped the tsunami."... [Continue Reading]
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Russian diesel tankers turn away from the United States as Trump-Putin deal unravels
The first tankers scheduled to deliver Russian diesel to the United States under a deal between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin have changed course and are no longer heading toward the American coast. The development appears to mark the collapse of an agreement that was announced with fanfare before the midterm elections. It also raises fresh questions about whether the politically sensitive fuel arrangement can still be salvaged.The tanker Agioi Fanendes, which is carrying 40,000 metric tons of diesel, is among the vessels linked to the plan. It was described as the last chance for the deal to... [Continue Reading]
South Africa ANC faces sharper local election losses as coalition talks begin
With more than 80% of ballots counted, South Africa's African National Congress is on course for a sharper-than-expected setback in the local elections, falling to 31.8% of the national vote. The result would leave the former liberation movement well below its 2021 showing and deepen concerns about its long-term electoral decline. Coalition negotiations have already begun behind closed doors as parties position themselves for control of municipalities and major cities.The Democratic Alliance is on 24.1%, while uMkhonto weSizwe, the party led by former president Jacob Zuma, is on 9.3%, according to the latest figures cited in the reporting. Turnout has... [Continue Reading]
Trump says he stopped Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, tying it to Middle East survival
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "Israel and, in fact, the entire Middle East, WOULD NOT EXIST TODAY if I did not stop Iran from having a Nuclear Weapon. Nobody wants to say that, but everybody knows it's true!" - "As President, I am 100% in favor of Super Intelligence (SI), and will work with the many States in the U. S. that want to become RICH by having them. They are GOLD, and only foolish leadership will say "NO" to the riches they bring!" - "The Stock Market suffered one of... [Continue Reading]
Tanzanian opposition leader convicted of incitement in Dar es Salaam
Tanzania's main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, has been found guilty of incitement by the High Court in Dar es Salaam. A panel of three judges acquitted the Chadema leader of the more serious charge of treason. The ruling marks a major development in a case that has drawn attention to political freedoms in the country.Lissu, 58, has been detained since April last year and represented himself during the trial. The court heard that the case stemmed from remarks he made while campaigning for electoral reforms ahead of the disputed 2025 general election. Prosecutors said his statements were intended to incite... [Continue Reading]
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Global stocks plunge for a second day as AI slowdown fears spread
Asian and European markets fell sharply on Friday as a Wall Street tech rout spread across global trading, with investors reacting to fears that spending on artificial intelligence and data centres could slow after the Democrats' midterm victory. The FTSE 100 opened down 1.5%, while Germany's Dax, France's Cac 40 and Spain's Ibex also moved lower. The declines followed a severe sell-off in US technology shares on Thursday and extended the pressure into the next trading session.The Nasdaq had its worst day in 19 months, falling 5.5%, while chip and storage stocks led the losses. SanDisk dropped 22% and Western... [Continue Reading]
US judge pauses Trump arch construction in Washington, DC for 14 days
US District Judge Tanya Chutkan has ordered a 14-day pause on construction of President Donald Trump's proposed triumphal arch in Washington, DC. The ruling came after the National Capital Planning Commission approved the project by an 8-4 vote following a nine-hour hearing. The decision means work cannot begin immediately, despite the administration saying construction could start as soon as Thursday.The project has already faced several legal challenges, including a lawsuit filed in February by a group of Vietnam War veterans. They have argued that the planned site near Arlington National Cemetery would interfere with the historic line of sight between... [Continue Reading]
Trump's planned Washington arch wins federal approval amid protest threats
Construction of President Donald Trump's planned triumphal arch in Washington has won federal approval, despite public opposition and the prospect of legal challenges. The National Capital Planning Commission voted 8-4 on Thursday to allow the 250-foot, 72-metre structure to go ahead. The project is intended to stand near Arlington National Cemetery and has already drawn criticism from opponents who say it would affect views of the cemetery.The commission's approval came after nearly nine hours of public comment. Trump administration officials have said construction could begin as early as this week, although the timing remains uncertain because several lawsuits are seeking... [Continue Reading]
Zelenskyy appeals in Madrid for urgent help to repair Ukraine's power grid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appealed to Latin American leaders for urgent help to repair Ukraine's power grid, saying the country needs equipment and diplomatic support as Russian attacks continue. He made the appeal at the 30th Ibero-American summit in Madrid on Thursday. Zelenskyy said every power plant in Ukraine has been damaged in one way or another by attacks.He asked for supplies that can work with Ukraine's electricity system, including transformers, power cables, electronic equipment, diesel generators and gas generators. Zelenskyy said the help was needed quickly and urged leaders to support direct links with companies that can provide... [Continue Reading]
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California governor commutes all 548 death sentences amid ongoing debate over capital punishment
California Governor Gavin Newsom has commuted the death sentences of all 548 people on death row in the state, replacing them with life in prison without the possibility of parole. The announcement is being described as the largest mass clemency in United States history. It effectively clears California's death row, although the state has not executed a prisoner for 20 years.Newsom said he took the action because he believes state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California's values and undermines the legal system. In an open letter, he cited moral concerns, the high cost of capital punishment and the risk of human... [Continue Reading]
White House denies shake-up rumours as Hegseth faces backlash after Republican losses
The White House has denied reports that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio may leave their posts after Republican election losses. The denials came as speculation grew over whether the Trump administration could face a wider post-election shake-up. The row has centred on Hegseth in particular, amid criticism over his handling of the Iran war.US media reports said there were calls to replace Hegseth, with some Republicans blaming the conflict for heavy losses at the ballot box. One outgoing congressional Republican has threatened to force an impeachment vote against him as early as next week. Hegseth... [Continue Reading]
Turkiye ratifies Saudi-Pakistan defence pact as collective defence clause takes effect
Turkiye's parliament has ratified the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, formally bringing the pact into force on the Turkish side. The agreement includes a collective defence clause and language committing the signatories to use "all necessary means" if one of them is attacked. The vote adds a new security dimension to Turkiye's regional role at a time of continuing tensions in the Middle East.Lawmakers approved the pact on Thursday after a divided vote in the 592-seat chamber, with 279 in favour and 119 against, while 398 members took part. The parliament had already adopted Article 1... [Continue Reading]
Trump frames election reaction as a market shock and promises a stronger rebound
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "The Stock Market suffered one of the Worst Days in History based on the results of the Election. It took so much work to get us to a level that no one has ever seen before, and then this. Your 401(k)s have, therefore, dropped. Remember, it wasn't Republicans, it was Dumocrats. Do not fear, however, we will soon, one way or the other, be BIGGER AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE. - "The vote totals for the Fake Dan Sullivan, plus the other "slug" that the Dems... [Continue Reading]
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Trump escalates Iran nuclear rhetoric after midterm fallout
Trump said on Thursday that Iran will not be able to do anything on its nuclear programme without US approval, sharpening his language a day after linking the war with Iran to Republican losses in the midterm elections. Speaking in the Oval Office, he said he would prefer not to "destroy the rest of the country" but added that he might have to do so, and told reporters they would know more soon. The remarks came after he was asked about proposals from mediators on the future of Iran's nuclear programme.The president also repeated his view that the conflict was... [Continue Reading]
Israel president poised to give Eisenkot first coalition mandate amid protests
President Isaac Herzog is expected to announce on Sunday whether former military chief Gadi Eisenkot will get the first chance to try to form Israel's next government. The decision follows last week's inconclusive election, which left neither Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition with a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. Herzog has already held consultations with party leaders as part of the post-election process.The latest round of recommendations split along familiar lines. Eisenkot's Yashar party, together with the Together, Yisrael Beiteinu and Democrats parties, backed him for the mandate, while Likud, Otzma Yehudit, Religious Zionism and Shas supported Netanyahu. United... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Democrats seize Congress as Iran tensions, Ukraine diplomacy and markets swing
Democrats have taken control of both chambers of the United States Congress after a sweeping midterm result, a major setback for Donald Trump and Republicans that party leaders said would let them rein in the president. Trump said he may work with Democrats, while Republicans began a reckoning over the losses and JD Vance blamed the outcome on Iran war politics and ties to Israel. đź”— đź”— đź”— đź”—The result also reshaped the race for the White House and Congress in several states, with Democrats claiming a broader mandate and one of their gains coming in California's 22nd district, where... [Continue Reading]
Trump urges immediate transfer of Alaska vote totals to Republican candidate, effectively calling election over
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "The vote totals for the Fake Dan Sullivan, plus the other "slug" that the Dems put on the Ballot, should be immediately given to the REAL Dan Sullivan, and the Election is over - He easily wins. There is no other fair solution!" - "Too bad the Senate has not yet approved the Sunshine Protection Act or, the I Don't Want to Change My Clocks Anymore Act. It's so dark outside, so early (Sunset was 5:06 P. Just a few days ago it was so nice... [Continue Reading]
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South Korea seeks to expand Cheonghae naval mission closer to Hormuz Strait amid piracy rise
South Korea is moving ahead with a plan to extend its Cheonghae anti-piracy patrols from the Gulf of Aden toward waters near Oman, after officials said piracy off Somalia has increased this year. The defence ministry said the patrol area would reach waters near the port of Duqm, about 650 kilometres from the Strait of Hormuz, while remaining outside the strait itself. The proposal is part of a wider effort to protect shipping routes linked to South Korea's energy imports and merchant fleet.The ministry said 36 piracy incidents had been reported off Somalia so far this year, compared with 11... [Continue Reading]
Oil falls below $100 as markets bet on possible Iran war de-escalation after U.S. midterm shift
Oil prices fell below $100 a barrel after Brent and West Texas Intermediate both dropped more than 8% in the previous session, as traders reacted to the Republican Party losing control of Congress in the U.S. midterm elections. The move reflected a growing market view that the political shift in Washington could increase the chances of a negotiated end to the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Brent closed at $94.62 a barrel and WTI at $88.12, both their lowest levels since 31 August.The decline came after the Republican defeat, which left President Donald Trump facing a Congress... [Continue Reading]
North Korea tells EU to 'mind its own business' over draft UN human rights resolution
North Korea has criticised the European Union after the bloc submitted a draft United Nations resolution on human rights in the country, according to state media reports on Thursday. Pyongyang told the EU to "mind its own business" and described the move as a politically motivated provocation. The dispute comes as the annual UN process on North Korea's rights record moves through the General Assembly system.The North Korean mission to the UN said the EU had again submitted a draft resolution that it said "flagrantly distorts" the human rights policy and situation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: Democrats seize Congress as Ukraine diplomacy and Iran tensions intensify
Democrats have won control of both chambers of the United States Congress after a sweeping midterm result, a major setback for President Donald Trump and Republicans. Party leaders said they would use their new strength to restrain Trump, while the result also handed Democrats a series of key wins in swing states and districts. đź”— đź”— đź”— đź”— đź”—In California, Democrat Randy Villegas defeated Republican incumbent David Valadao in the 22nd congressional district, adding to the party's gains in the House. The broader result also prompted Trump to say he may work with Democrats, even as he renewed his push... [Continue Reading]
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Israel opposition blames Netanyahu after Democrats win control of US Congress
Israeli opposition politicians have blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for weakening support for Israel in the United States after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress. The comments came on Wednesday, a day after the US midterm vote, and followed a separate election in Israel a week earlier in which Netanyahu's right-wing coalition lost its parliamentary majority. The opposition says the result shows Israel cannot afford to keep Netanyahu in office.Yair Lapid, a former prime minister whose party is part of the bloc seeking to unseat Netanyahu, said the US outcome showed that Israel "cannot afford" for the prime... [Continue Reading]
Zelenskyy sees Democratic midterm gains as chance for more US aid to Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the Democratic Party's gains in the United States midterm elections could improve prospects for more support for Kyiv. His comments came as European officials urged the new US Congress to increase pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine. The remarks were made on Wednesday in an interview with German broadcaster ZDF, shortly after American voters handed control of both chambers of Congress to the Democrats.Zelenskyy said the election result could work to Ukraine's advantage. He said he was grateful to Republicans as well, but argued that Democrats had been clearer in their... [Continue Reading]
Democrats win US midterms and vow to rein in Trump
Democrats have claimed a major victory in the US midterm elections, saying they will use their new strength in Congress to restrain President Donald Trump. The result points to a divided government in Washington for the next two years and sets up a period of likely confrontation over spending, policy and oversight. According to the reported results, Democrats took control of the Senate and made substantial gains in the House of Representatives.The reported Senate margin was at least 54 seats to 44, after Democrats flipped seats in states that are usually strongly Republican. They also gained at least 30 seats... [Continue Reading]
Five Republican election deniers lose governor races in key US swing states
Five Republican candidates who questioned or tried to overturn the 2020 US presidential election have lost gubernatorial races in key battleground states. The defeats came in Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Georgia, according to the reported results from Tuesday's vote. The losses are being seen as part of a broader Democratic surge in the midterm elections.The candidates included Congressman Andy Biggs in Arizona, Congressman John James in Michigan, State Treasurer Stacy Garrity in Pennsylvania, Congressman Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin and billionaire Rick Jackson in Georgia. All five had previously cast doubt on, or taken steps against, Joe Biden's 2020 victory... [Continue Reading]
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German politician Hubert Aiwanger found dead in Berlin hotel, police open investigation
Police in Berlin have opened an investigation after Hubert Aiwanger, the 55-year-old head of the Free Voters and Bavarian economy minister, was found dead in a hotel room in the Berlin-Mitte district. Authorities said the cause of death was not immediately clear and that they were examining the circumstances surrounding the discovery. They also said the inquiry would seek to rule out any possible third-party involvement.According to the police statement, Aiwanger was found dead in his hotel room on Wednesday. Police and prosecutors said they had opened a probe to determine the specific cause and circumstances of death. No further... [Continue Reading]
US midterm election results deliver major setback to Trump and Republicans
Democrats have won majorities in both chambers of the US Congress after a midterm election that delivered a sharp setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican Party. The results mean Republicans will lose control of Congress, according to the supplied reporting, marking a major shift in the balance of power in Washington. The outcome was described as a broad rebuke to Trump, with Democrats making gains in several states.The confirmed results cited so far show Democrats taking control of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The reporting also says the Republican defeat was heavy, with Vice President JD... [Continue Reading]
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Trump renews push for permanent daylight saving time, urging Senate action
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "Too bad the Senate has not yet approved the Sunshine Protection Act or, the I Don't Want to Change My Clocks Anymore Act. It's so dark outside, so early (Sunset was 5:06 P. Just a few days ago it was so nice and sunny at this same time. In addition, everyone's been running around changing their clocks all over the place. I didn't want to make a big deal out of this prior to the Election because I didn't want to have certain Senators lose their... [Continue Reading]
Progressive Democrat Randy Villegas defeats Republican incumbent in California's 22nd district
Democratic candidate Randy Villegas has defeated Republican incumbent David Valadao in California's 22nd congressional district, in one of the state's closely watched House races. The result marks a notable win for the Democratic Party's progressive wing in the Central Valley. Villegas addressed supporters in Bakersfield on Tuesday evening after the race was called.Villegas, an educator who grew up in the Central Valley as the son of Mexican immigrants, framed his victory as a collective effort and called it a historic win for the region. His campaign focused heavily on the rising cost of living, healthcare cuts and immigration raids, themes... [Continue Reading]
Democrats claim control of both chambers after U.S. midterm sweep
Democrats have taken control of both chambers of the United States Congress after a sweeping midterm election result, according to party leaders. Hakeem Jeffries said the outcome amounted to an "American tsunami" and marked a clear shift in direction for the country. He said the party expects to hold at least 255 House seats once all counts are final.Jeffries made the remarks at a news conference on Wednesday, a day after Democrats won upsets in several Republican strongholds. He said the party had secured a historic majority and framed the result as a rejection of "corruption, chaos and cruelty." He... [Continue Reading]
Democrats win control of both chambers as Trump says he may work with them
Democrats have won control of both the House and the Senate in the latest U.S. midterm count, according to the supplied report from Washington. The result marks a major shift in the balance of power in Congress and comes as President Donald Trump publicly responded to the outcome. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, he said he would "probably get along" with Democrats.Trump also repeated his view that he would have won if his name had been on the ballot. In the same remarks, he again linked the election result to the war involving Iran and to gasoline prices. He said... [Continue Reading]
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Day News Recap: Democrats seize Congress in sweeping US midterm upset
Democrats have won control of both the House and the Senate in a sweeping midterm result that marks a major setback for President Donald Trump and leaves Republicans blaming him for the scale of the defeat. The party also picked up a string of surprise Senate wins, including Texas, Kansas, Maine, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, turning the night into one of the most significant election reversals in years. đź”— đź”— đź”— đź”— đź”— đź”— đź”—The result gives Democrats control of Congress for the first time in this cycle and is being described as a historic sweep, with several... [Continue Reading]
Democrats sweep U.S. midterms as markets open higher on hopes of policy shift
Democrats have swept the U.S. midterm elections, taking control of both chambers of Congress, according to the supplied reports. The result marks a clear political shift in Washington and comes as investors began reacting to the prospect of a different policy balance in the months ahead. U.S. markets opened higher after President Donald Trump said he would accept the outcome, easing some of the uncertainty that had surrounded the vote.The immediate market response was broad, with major indexes moving up at the open as traders assessed what the new congressional balance could mean for taxes, regulation and spending. The supplied... [Continue Reading]
Trump Faces Reduced Leverage After Democrats Flip Both Houses of Congress
Democrats have flipped several long-held Republican seats and secured majorities in both houses of the US Congress, according to the supplied report, marking a sharp shift in Washington's balance of power. The result raises immediate questions about how much of President Donald Trump's domestic agenda can now move through the legislature. It also sets up a new phase of confrontation between the White House and a Congress now controlled by the opposition.Trump gave a mixed response after Tuesday's midterm vote. In posts on Truth Social, he blamed the losses on the fact that he was not personally on the ballot... [Continue Reading]
Trump weakened after US midterms, raising concern over more erratic foreign policy
Democrats have swept the 2026 US midterm elections, taking control of both chambers of Congress and winning governorships across the country. The result is a major domestic setback for President Donald Trump and leaves him facing the final two years of his term with a weakened political position. The immediate question in Washington and European capitals is whether that loss of authority will make his foreign policy more unpredictable.The supporting material says the president was not on the ballot, but voters delivered a strong rebuke to his administration. It also says Trump now faces a hostile Congress, with Democrats gaining... [Continue Reading]
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Democrats win US Congress in midterm upset as Republicans blame Trump
A new wave of reporting has added detail to the Democratic takeover of both chambers of the US Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. The result is being described as a historic setback for President Donald Trump and a sharp rebuke to Republicans after a campaign that ended with Democrats controlling the Senate and the House. The latest coverage also shows the political fallout beginning immediately inside the Republican Party.One of the clearest signs of that backlash came in the reaction to a magazine cover showing Trump with his mouth covered after the defeat. The image was published after Democrats... [Continue Reading]
World reacts as Democrats take control of both chambers of US Congress
Democrats have won control of both chambers of Congress in the United States midterm elections, triggering immediate reaction from foreign leaders and officials who are watching for possible changes in Washington. The result is being described as a major rebuke of President Donald Trump and his Republican Party. It also raises questions about how the new balance of power could affect US policy on Iran, the Russia-Ukraine war and trade.Iranian officials were among the first to respond, framing the result as a rejection of conflict. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran's parliament and chief negotiator in talks with the... [Continue Reading]
US midterms deliver historic firsts as Democrats win control of Congress
The 2026 US midterm elections have produced a series of historic firsts alongside a major shift in control of Congress. Democrats won both the House of Representatives and the Senate, marking a significant setback for President Donald Trump and his party. The result also opened the way for what would likely be the first Black speaker of the House.The election night tally brought several barrier-breaking victories into focus as results were confirmed across multiple states. Voters elected the country's first Black female governor, the first Native American female governor, the first Native female senator and the first openly gay male... [Continue Reading]
Democrats win control of both chambers in US midterms after key Republican seat flips
Democrats have won control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the US midterm elections, according to results reported on Wednesday. The party secured a series of gains in Republican-held seats across Texas, South Carolina, Iowa, Michigan and Kansas, marking a significant setback for President Donald Trump and his party. Counting was still continuing in some races, but the outcome has already shifted control of Congress.The reported results show Democrats winning 228 seats in the House so far, with leads in 34 more races, according to the tally cited in the supplied material. In the Senate, Democrats... [Continue Reading]
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Democrats gain ground in U.S. midterms as Texas Senate race is projected
James Talarico's victory in the Texas Senate race has been projected, adding to a broader Democratic showing in the U.S. midterm elections. Supporters reacted with cheers as the result was announced at an election-night gathering, where the mood was described as jubilant. If confirmed, it would make Talarico the first Democrat elected to the US Senate from Texas since 1988.The projection comes as Democrats are reported to have taken control of both chambers of Congress, marking a significant shift in Washington. In the Texas contest, supporters celebrated what they saw as a historic breakthrough in a state long dominated by... [Continue Reading]
Democrats sweep US midterm elections as gains widen in Congress
The Democratic Party has widened its midterm election gains in the United States, with new reporting indicating it is on course to control both chambers of Congress. An election expert said the party could secure the largest House majority in nearly two decades, adding that the Senate tally may reach 55 or 56 seats. The result marks a major shift in Washington and follows a night of unexpectedly strong Democratic performance across the country.The latest reporting highlights historic breakthroughs in states long considered difficult for Democrats, including Texas and Kansas, where the party won its first Senate victories in decades.... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: US midterms flip Congress as Hormuz tensions and Ukraine war escalate
Democrats have seized control of both chambers of the US Congress in a sweeping midterm result that marks a major rebuke to President Donald Trump, with projections showing wins in the Senate and House and a string of surprise state level gains. The party’s haul includes flips in Texas, Georgia, Maine, Kansas, Ohio, North Carolina and South Carolina, while Republicans held Florida and other key races. 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗The Senate picture was transformed by several high profile contests, including James Talarico’s victory in Texas, Troy Jackson’s win in... [Continue Reading]
Democrats retake US House and Senate in historic midterm sweep
Democrats have won control of both chambers of the US Congress in a sweeping midterm result that marks a major setback for President Donald Trump. The party retook the House of Representatives and flipped enough Senate seats to secure full legislative control in Washington, DC. The outcome was described in the supplied material as a historic rebuke of Trump and a shift that could shape the rest of his presidency.The result includes a breakthrough in South Carolina, where a Democrat will represent the state in the Senate for the first time in nearly 30 years. Democrats also flipped at least... [Continue Reading]
Florida Republicans fend off Democrats as state elects first black governor
Republicans in Florida have held off several high-profile Democratic challenges in a set of closely watched election results. The state also elected its first black governor, with Republican Byron Donalds projected to win the governorship. In a separate race, Republican Ashley Moody was projected to keep her Senate seat in the special election for the post once held by Marco Rubio.Donalds, who has served in Congress since 2021, was running to replace term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis. He had the backing of President Donald Trump and was at one point on the shortlist to be Trump's running mate in 2024. Moody,... [Continue Reading]
Troy Jackson wins Maine Senate seat as Susan Collins concedes after nearly three decades
Democrat Troy Jackson has won Maine's US Senate race, flipping a seat that Republicans had held for 30 years. Susan Collins conceded the contest early on Wednesday, bringing an end to nearly three decades in the chamber for the longtime Republican senator. The result marks one of the most closely watched races in the country and a notable shift in a state that has often been competitive at the federal level.Jackson, a former Maine Senate president and labour organiser, entered the race in July and built his campaign around economic concerns and government accountability. Collins, who has served in the... [Continue Reading]
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Historic statewide wins mark breakthrough night for minority representation in US midterms
The US midterm vote delivered a series of historic statewide victories that marked a notable shift in representation across several states. Among the most significant outcomes, Keisha Lance Bottoms won the governor's race in Georgia, Chris Pappas won in New Hampshire, and Deb Haaland won in New Mexico. The results were part of a broader night of strong Democratic gains and several firsts for minority candidates.In Georgia, Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor of any US state, according to the reported result. She defeated billionaire health care executive Rick Jackson and returned the governor's office to Democrats after... [Continue Reading]
Democrats score historic statewide upset in Texas as Talarico and Hinojosa win
Democrat James Talarico has won a US Senate seat in Texas, defeating state attorney general Ken Paxton in a result described as a historic blow to Republicans. In a separate statewide contest, Democrat Gina Hinojosa unseated incumbent Governor Greg Abbott, according to the supplied report. The twin victories mark a major political shift in a state long regarded as a Republican stronghold.Talarico, a former schoolteacher, told supporters at a victory rally in Austin that his campaign had "defeated Goliath". He said the race had pitted his side against "the richest man in the world, the most powerful man in the... [Continue Reading]
Kansas elects Democrat Adam Hamilton to Senate seat in historic upset
Democrat Adam Hamilton has won a US Senate seat in Kansas, according to media projections, unseating Republican incumbent Roger Marshall in a race that marks the first Democratic Senate victory in the state since 1932. The result is a significant political upset in a state long regarded as a Republican stronghold. It also comes after Donald Trump campaigned in Kansas for Marshall shortly before the vote.Hamilton, a Methodist pastor and founder of a large United Methodist church, ran as a moderate and kept his distance from national party leaders. He had previously been registered as a Republican and at one... [Continue Reading]
South Carolina elects Democratic senator for first time in almost three decades
Democrat Annie Andrews is projected to have won South Carolina's Senate race, in what would be the party's first victory in the state in 28 years. The former paediatrician was on course to defeat Republican candidate Darline Graham in Tuesday's midterm elections, according to projections cited by the BBC's US partner CBS. If confirmed, the result would mark a significant political shift in a state that has been firmly Republican in recent federal elections.Graham was appointed to the seat in July after the sudden death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, and entered the race with the backing of President... [Continue Reading]
Democrats win surprise Senate pickups in North and South Carolina
Democrats have won surprise Senate races in North Carolina and South Carolina, according to projections from multiple outlets, in a result that strengthens their path to control of the chamber in the US midterm elections. The two victories came as Republicans went into Tuesday holding a 53-47 majority and needing to defend several seats across the country. The results were described as a setback for President Donald Trump and his party in a contest that remains close overall.In North Carolina, Democrat Roy Cooper was projected to defeat Trump-backed Republican Michael Whatley, giving Democrats a crucial pickup in a state that... [Continue Reading]
Keisha Lance Bottoms elected Georgia governor, making US history
Keisha Lance Bottoms has won the Georgia governor's race, becoming the first Black woman elected governor in the United States. The Democrat defeated Republican Rick Jackson in a contest that drew national attention because of its scale, its spending and its historic outcome. Bottoms, a former Atlanta mayor and adviser to former US President Joe Biden, will succeed outgoing Republican Governor Brian Kemp, who is leaving office in January because of term limits.The result was reported after a campaign in which Jackson spent more than $200m of his personal fortune in an effort to win the state. Bottoms was helped... [Continue Reading]
Ossoff projected to hold Georgia Senate seat as midterm picture takes shape
Jon Ossoff is projected to hold Georgia's US Senate seat, defeating Republican challenger Mike Collins in one of the first major midterm calls of the night. The result keeps the closely watched swing state in Democratic hands and adds to the early picture emerging from the election. Georgia remains one of the most politically important battlegrounds in the country, and the race was being watched for its possible effect on control of Congress.According to the supplied reporting, Ossoff made the rising cost of living a central issue in his campaign, while Collins blamed inflation on former President Joe Biden and... [Continue Reading]
UN elects five judges to International Court of Justice amid record caseload
The United Nations has elected five judges to the International Court of Justice after several rounds of voting at UN headquarters in New York. The election filled all five available seats on the 15-member bench, with the final post decided only after additional ballots. The judges will serve nine-year terms at the world court, which is based in The Hague.Dapo Akande of the United Kingdom, Francois Alabrune of France, Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud of Jordan, Rena Lee of Singapore and Phoebe Okowa of Kenya were chosen by the General Assembly and the Security Council. Candidates needed an absolute majority in both... [Continue Reading]
Jon Ossoff wins Georgia US Senate race, securing second term
Democratic US Senator Jon Ossoff has won re-election in Georgia, securing a second term in one of the most closely watched contests of the midterm cycle. He defeated Republican Congressman Mike Collins in a race that carried major significance for control of the Senate. The result gives Democrats a key seat as they try to retake the chamber.Ossoff, who has served in the Senate since 2021, campaigned on affordability, healthcare and government accountability. Collins focused on the president's agenda, immigration enforcement and reducing the size of government. With 38% of votes counted, Ossoff was ahead with 63% and Collins had... [Continue Reading]
US Justice Department expands Alaska Senate election probe as target letters are sent
The US Justice Department has expanded its investigation into allegations tied to Alaska's US Senate race, sending target letters to several people, including attorney Marc Elias. The move marks a new stage in a politically charged probe that has focused on claims that Democrats backed a spoiler candidate to confuse voters. The investigation is unfolding as the state's Senate contest remains pivotal in the fight for control of the chamber.Elias said in a statement that he was being targeted on Election Day and rejected the inquiry as a sham investigation. Federal prosecutors have told recipients of the letters that they... [Continue Reading]
US midterm elections enter key vote-count phase as polls close in six states
Another round of polls closed at 7pm ET in six states, including Florida, Georgia, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Vermont and Virginia, as the US midterm elections moved deeper into the vote-count phase. Voters are deciding the balance of power in Congress for President Donald Trump's final two years in office. The results will determine which party controls the House of Representatives and the Senate.The latest round of closures adds to a contest in which 35 Senate seats and all 435 House seats are on the ballot. Republicans currently hold 53 Senate seats to the Democrats' 45, with two independents, while... [Continue Reading]
First polls close in US midterm elections as results begin to come in
The first polls have now closed in the 2026 US midterm elections, marking the start of the count in a contest that will decide control of Congress. Results are beginning to come in from Kentucky, including the state's 6th congressional district, one of the first closely watched races to report. The vote is being followed closely because all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are on the ballot.In Kentucky's 6th district, polls closed at 6pm local time, or 23:00 GMT, after a day of voting across the country. The district includes Lexington, the state's second-largest city, and is being... [Continue Reading]
US House midterm races tighten as Democrats target narrow Republican majority
Republicans are defending a narrow majority in the US House of Representatives as the midterm election contest tightens in several closely watched districts. Democrats need to net four seats to take control of the chamber, and the balance of power is being shaped by a series of toss-up races. The contest is also being influenced by a broader redistricting fight that has altered the map in several states.One of the most vulnerable Republican-held seats is in New York, where Representative Mike Lawler is running in a district won by Kamala Harris in 2024. His Democratic challenger, Cait Conley, is a... [Continue Reading]
US midterms as state officials brace for possible federal interference
State election officials across the United States are preparing for possible intervention by the Trump administration in Tuesday's midterms, amid fears of disruption to voting and challenges to ballot counts. The concerns centre on a series of legal and administrative moves by federal authorities that critics say could affect how votes are handled in several states. The White House says it is focused on election security, while many of the scenarios being discussed remain hypothetical.The Justice Department has sued 30 states and the District of Columbia over access to voter registration lists, saying it needs the records to identify non-citizens.... [Continue Reading]
Greenland parliament approves trilateral security deal with the United States and Denmark
Greenland's parliament has approved a trilateral security agreement with Denmark and the United States, formalising a deal signed in September by the three leaders. Lawmakers passed the measure 16-0 on Tuesday, with seven abstentions, in a vote that underscores the island's growing strategic role in the Arctic and North Atlantic. The agreement comes after months of negotiations and follows a period of heightened tension over Greenland's future and its resource potential.The deal was signed in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly by US President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister... [Continue Reading]
Israel election deadlock leaves Netanyahu's future hanging in the balance
Israel is heading into another period of political uncertainty after election results left neither bloc with the 61 seats needed to form a government. The results are due to be certified on Wednesday, but coalition talks are already deadlocked. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc won 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, while the opposition alliance led by former army chief Gadi Eisenkot secured 48.The remaining 19 seats went to the two Arab-led lists, the Joint List and Ra'am, also known as the United Arab List. That makes them pivotal in the arithmetic of any future coalition, even though they... [Continue Reading]
Trump says US will stop $4 billion in aid to Israel after year-end, amid questions over funding stream
US President Donald Trump said the United States will stop $4 billion in funding to Israel after the end of this year, saying the arrangement was agreed months ago with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He made the remarks in a television interview and said Israel no longer needed the money. Trump also said Washington would still help Israel if needed, but did not explain what form that support would take.The comments add a new detail to an already significant policy statement, but key questions remain unresolved. Trump said the deal was made with Netanyahu, yet there was no immediate... [Continue Reading]
North Macedonia president says Bulgaria is holding EU accession hopes hostage over constitutional changes
North Macedonia's president has accused Bulgaria of holding the country's European Union accession hopes hostage in a dispute over constitutional changes. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova said the demand to recognise the Bulgarian minority in the constitution was blocking progress on the country's path towards EU membership. She made the comments on the sidelines of the Enlargement Summit in Brussels on Tuesday.Siljanovska-Davkova said the proposed amendments had not even passed the first stage in the parliamentary constitutional commission. She also said that around 80% of citizens oppose the changes, arguing that further concessions cannot be imposed without public support. The president said her... [Continue Reading]
US midterms open as cost of living tops voter concerns and Trump faces backlash
Voting has opened in more than eight US states as the country begins a midterm election that will help determine control of Congress for the final two years of Donald Trump's term. Early reporting and polling suggest the cost of living is the dominant issue for many voters. The election is also being shaped by widespread frustration with Trump, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted in the days before polling day.The poll surveyed 1,765 adults nationwide from Thursday to Monday and carried a margin of error of three percentage points among registered voters. It found that 48% of registered voters... [Continue Reading]
Palestinians face West Bank closures and Gaza killings as Israeli election deadlock deepens
Palestinians are facing renewed pressure in the occupied West Bank and Gaza as Israel's inconclusive election enters a week of political manoeuvring. The latest developments come after Arab-led parties won a record 19 seats, giving Palestinian citizens of Israel an unusually strong showing at the ballot box. That result has since been followed by delegitimising rhetoric from Israeli politicians and uncertainty over whether any coalition can be formed.Nearly 840,000 people voted for Ra'am and the Joint List, a 64 percent increase on 2022, according to the supplied material. Adding those seats to opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot's bloc would give an... [Continue Reading]
US midterms set to deliver verdict on Trump presidency
Americans are voting in midterm elections that are being framed as a verdict on Donald Trump's second presidency. The contest could reshape control of Washington, with Democrats positioned to gain the House and challenge for the Senate. All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are at stake, alongside governorships in 36 states.The immediate political stakes are high because Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority and control the House. Democrats would need only three House gains to take the chamber, while a net four-seat shift in the Senate would be enough to change control there as well. If Republicans... [Continue Reading]
US urges Venezuela to continue phased democratic transition plan after Rubio-Blanco meeting
The United States has urged Venezuela to continue a phased plan covering economic recovery, political reconciliation and a democratic transition, following talks in Washington between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Oliver Blanco. The meeting took place on Monday and focused on Venezuela's political future. Neither Rubio nor Blanco spoke publicly after the talks.According to a State Department readout, Washington reaffirmed President Donald Trump's three-phase plan for Venezuela: stabilization, economic recovery and political reconciliation, and democratic transition. The readout said the approach is intended to move the country toward democratic elections. The discussion came as the US... [Continue Reading]
Trump warns midterms are the most important in his lifetime as Republicans face polling headwinds
Donald Trump has held his final major campaign event before Tuesday's US midterm elections, casting the vote as decisive for the future of Republican control in Congress. Speaking in Washington, DC on Monday afternoon, he said the contest was "the most important midterm, I believe, in our lifetime". He also urged supporters to keep Congress "strong and free" as polling points to a difficult night for his party.Trump acknowledged that his Republican Party faces an uphill battle, and he pointed to the long-standing pattern of the president's party losing ground in midterm elections. Analysts cited in the reporting say Republicans... [Continue Reading]
HRW warns of post-election crackdown in Zambia after disputed August vote
Human Rights Watch has called on Zambia's authorities to halt what it described as an intensifying crackdown on opposition figures, journalists, lawyers and government critics after the disputed August election. The rights group said the post-election climate has included arrests, disappearances, beatings and threats, with the pressure continuing in recent months. It said the pattern has created a chilling effect on civic and political activity.In a report released on Sunday, the organisation said Zambian police and military forces had forcibly disappeared, arbitrarily detained, beaten and threatened opposition members and supporters, as well as lawyers, journalists and critics, in the days... [Continue Reading]
US petrol prices dip ahead of midterms as voters eye costs
Petrol prices in the United States have eased ahead of the midterm elections, offering some relief to drivers even as fuel costs remain elevated. The national average for regular petrol stood at $4.17 a gallon on Monday, according to the American Automobile Association, which tracks daily prices. Diesel prices also fell slightly, to $6.29 a gallon, but remain high by recent standards.The latest figures show regular petrol down 12 cents from a week earlier and 23 cents lower than a month ago. A year ago, the average price was $3.04 a gallon, while it was $2.98 on February 28, when... [Continue Reading]
Israel extends Al Jazeera ban for another 90 days, network says
Al Jazeera Media Network says Israeli authorities have extended a ban on its operations in Israel for another 90 days. The move covers the suspension of its broadcasts, the closure of its offices and restrictions on access to its websites and digital platforms. The network said the decision amounts to an assault on press freedom and the public's right to information.According to the network, a court in Tel Aviv approved the extension last week after the Israeli government decided to prolong the ban. In a statement on Monday, Al Jazeera said it categorically rejected the allegations used to justify the... [Continue Reading]
Record early voting tops 53.6 million ahead of U.S. midterm elections
More than 53.6 million Americans had already voted early ahead of Tuesday's U.S. midterm elections, according to figures released on Sunday by the Election Lab at the University of Florida. The total has already surpassed the roughly 46 million early votes recorded across the full 2022 midterm cycle. The final stretch of early voting ended in some states, including New York, as the country moved into the last days before election day.The data showed that about 29.8 million ballots had been cast in person by midday on Sunday, while 23.9 million had been sent by mail. The figures also suggested... [Continue Reading]
Trump closes out campaign rallies in Iowa and Kansas ahead of Tuesday's elections
US President Donald Trump ended his midterm campaign push with rallies in Iowa and Kansas on Sunday, as both parties entered the final stretch before Tuesday's elections. He appeared first in Dubuque, Iowa, and later in Salina, Kansas, where Republicans are facing strong competition from Democratic candidates. The events were presented as the closing stops in a campaign that has taken Trump across the country since the start of October.According to the supplied report, Trump told supporters in Iowa that Republicans were close to sweeping victories and urged them to elect "America first" Republicans across the ballot. In Kansas, Air... [Continue Reading]
Western Sahara UN mission ends as liquidation phase begins after mandate expiry
The United Nations has confirmed that its peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara has ended after the Security Council failed to renew its mandate. The mission, known as MINURSO, entered a liquidation phase on 1 November, with assets being returned to troop-contributing countries. The development marks the close of a 35-year UN presence in a disputed territory where the political process remains unresolved.UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he remained concerned about the security situation across the territory and the risk of hostilities escalating. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said Guterres had urged all concerned to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that... [Continue Reading]
Canada and US signal progress on trade deal talks as midterms loom
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said talks with US President Donald Trump made progress toward a future Canada-US trade deal. The announcement came on Sunday, two days before the November 3 US midterm elections, and follows months of strain between the two neighbours over tariffs. Carney said the two sides had held a good conversation about the future of Canada-US trade.According to Carney, teams from both countries will work in the coming weeks to deliver an outcome. He said the latest discussion builds on recent constructive talks on the outlines of a mutually beneficial trade deal. Trump also said... [Continue Reading]
Bulgaria runoff exit polls put Iotova ahead amid Black Sea security concerns
Exit polls from Bulgaria's presidential runoff show acting president Iliana Iotova ahead of challenger Andrey Gyurov, with three polls putting her on about 51% against roughly 44% for her rival. If the result is confirmed when official counting is completed on Monday, Iotova would become Bulgaria's first elected female president. The presidency is largely ceremonial, but the result would still carry political significance in a country watching both domestic politics and regional security closely.The vote took place on Sunday, with exit polls indicating turnout of about 27% to 29%, slightly higher than the first round last week, which had a... [Continue Reading]
Alaska Senate race certification fight after US judge dismisses Justice Department lawsuit
A federal judge in Alaska has dismissed a Justice Department lawsuit that sought to stop the state from certifying the results of the upcoming US Senate race if Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan loses. The ruling came just two days before the November 3 midterm election, which will help determine control of the US Congress. Sullivan has separately said he will accept the election outcome.US District Court Judge Sharon Gleason said the case was infeasible because many voters had already cast ballots and those ballots had been commingled, making it impossible to identify individual voters. In her ruling, she said the... [Continue Reading]
India opposition rallies in New Delhi over voter-roll changes and election chief
Thousands marched through New Delhi on Sunday demanding the resignation of India's chief election commissioner over changes to voter lists that opposition parties say favour Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling party. The protest was led by Rahul Gandhi of the Indian National Congress and formed part of more than a month of demonstrations over the revision of electoral rolls. It is the latest flashpoint in a dispute that has put election administration at the centre of national politics.Opposition leaders say the removal of more than 130 million names from draft rolls has disproportionately affected Muslims and other minorities, who are... [Continue Reading]
Thousands rally in Tel Aviv as coalition deadlock puts Netanyahu's future in play
Thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday to press Israel's opposition leaders to reach an agreement with Arab-led parties and form a government that would remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The rally came after Tuesday's election produced no clear majority, leaving coalition negotiations at the centre of the political debate. Supporters of Netanyahu also turned out in counterprotest, underscoring the depth of the divide over who should govern next.According to the reported results, Netanyahu's bloc won 53 seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, while the bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot won 48. That leaves neither side able to govern... [Continue Reading]
Alaska Senate ballot-name dispute triggers Justice Department probe
A dispute over two candidates named Dan Sullivan on Alaska's Senate ballot has escalated into a federal investigation and a wider political row in the United States. The ballot in next week's midterm elections includes the incumbent Republican senator Dan Sullivan and another candidate, Daniel J Sullivan Jr, a retired teacher with no prior political experience. The controversy centres on allegations that Democratic aides helped recruit candidates with similar names in an effort to split votes and influence the result.The allegations were first reported earlier this week and have since prompted President Donald Trump to order a Justice Department investigation... [Continue Reading]
US judge blocks Justice Department election ballot directives in California
A federal judge in California has temporarily blocked the Justice Department from threatening state and local election officials over how they process ballots ahead of the 3 November midterm elections. The order, issued by Judge Trina Thompson in the Northern District of California, is the latest setback to efforts by the Trump administration to tighten election procedures in the state. It comes amid a broader legal fight over allegations of federal interference in ballot handling.The temporary restraining order was issued in response to a case brought by a labour union and civil rights groups against the Justice Department and the... [Continue Reading]
US midterms enter final stretch as early voting tops 43 million
With three days left before the US midterm elections, early voting has passed 43 million ballots and both parties are making a final campaign push. Democrats are leading in national congressional ballot polling, while President Donald Trump is set to hold rallies in Kansas and Iowa before Election Day on Tuesday. The closing phase of the campaign comes as voters continue to cast ballots in person and by mail across the country.According to the latest national congressional ballot average cited in the reporting, Democrats lead Republicans by 8.2 percentage points, 51.4 percent to 43.2 percent. A separate Economist/YouGov survey released... [Continue Reading]
US voters in 39 states to decide 145 ballot measures alongside midterm elections
Voters in 39 US states are set to decide on 145 state-level ballot measures on Tuesday, alongside the midterm elections. The proposals cover a wide range of issues, including abortion, firearms, transgender rights, criminal justice, voter identification rules and citizenship requirements for local voting. The measures could change state laws directly, or alter existing policies through referendums and constitutional amendments.The largest number of proposals are in California and Colorado, which each have 14 measures on the ballot. Four states are voting on abortion-related proposals, including Idaho and Nevada. In Massachusetts, voters will decide whether to keep restrictions on firearms, while... [Continue Reading]
Israel election leaves Arab parties as kingmakers in deadlocked result
Arab parties in Israel have emerged as potential kingmakers after a record turnout among Arab voters helped lift them to 19 seats in the 120-seat Knesset. The result, reported after Tuesday's election, marks a sharp rise from 10 seats in the previous vote and leaves neither major bloc able to form a government on its own. The outcome has placed Arab-majority parties at the centre of coalition talks in a parliament that remains deadlocked.The surge in support was driven by higher participation in Arab communities, including Palestinian citizens of Israel and Bedouin voters. One first-time voter, schoolteacher Ranya Farhat, said... [Continue Reading]
Pope Leo casts mail-in ballot in Chicago ahead of US midterms
The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV submitted a mail-in ballot in Chicago ahead of the November 3 midterm elections in the United States. The vote makes him the first pontiff known to have taken part in a US general election. The ballot was cast in the city where he was born, according to the Vatican.The Vatican said Leo, formerly Robert Prevost, exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen and has done so whenever he was eligible. It said the pope believes citizens have both a right and a duty to participate in democratic processes. The... [Continue Reading]
The Sovereign Shakedown: Trump’s High-Stakes Table, the Russian Mirror, and the Main Street
The veneer of institutional diplomacy has been entirely stripped away, revealing a raw and unvarnished reality. The global order is no longer governed by treaties, norms, or multilateral consensus. It is dictated by the unrestrained exercise of coercive leverage. Under the current doctrine emanating from Washington, the complex machinery of international relations has been reduced to a binary instrument of absolute dominance. We have entered the era of the unilateral ultimatum, where the traditional boundaries of sovereignty are subordinated to the whims of an administration operating less like a representative republic and more like a global syndicate. This is not... [Continue Reading]
Is the Italian Prime Minister the Visionary Leader Europe Needs? An Analysis of Executive Decisiveness, National Security, and the Contrast in European Integration Policies
A Continent in Institutional Deadlock While the rest of Europe remains entangled in a web of bureaucratic deadlock and human rights litigation, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has quietly established herself as a leader operating far ahead of her continental peers. For years, European leaders have debated how to handle radicalism and unchecked migration, often waiting for institutional consensus that arrives too late. Meloni, conversely, has demonstrated a willingness to prioritize state security over political correctness, offering a blueprint for a continent facing asymmetric threats. The Contrast in European Legislative Approvals The contrast between Italy’s swift, executive decisiveness and the... [Continue Reading]
The Glass Elevator to Nowhere: A World Trapped in a Chocolate Factory
As a journalist in my mid-fifties, I thought my skin had thickened to the point of being impenetrable. I have covered the rise and fall of regimes, the grinding gears of the Cold War's leftovers, and the digital revolutions that promised to unite us. I thought I had seen every trick in the political playbook. Then came Donald Trump’s 2026 foreign policy, and I realized I was not watching a statesman; I was watching a child play with a chemistry set he does not understand. The Willy Wonka of the West: Rule by Whim Walking into a press briefing lately... [Continue Reading]

