State House

Attention is turning to the US midterm elections, with CNN reporting that Democrats are running a new breed of candidate and challenging in states they usually lose. The party is hoping these contenders can expand the map and compete in traditionally Republican territory, as voters and analysts watch which races become genuinely competitive.

The BJP has named actress Koyal Mallick as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha elections from West Bengal, alongside Dinesh Arya from Uttarakhand. The move has drawn attention as the party brings a new face from the Bengali film industry into electoral politics ahead of the upper house polls. Discussions centre on whether her celebrity appeal will help the party in a state where it has been trying to expand its footprint against the ruling Trinamool Congress.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Fox Business that Congress should not impose a moratorium or strict limits on artificial intelligence, warning that 'hyperregulating' the technology would cost the United States the race against China. He said he would resist what he called the 'Bernie Sanders call' to impose strict limits on the industry.

The United States Senate has approved a bill providing roughly $70 billion for immigration enforcement. The funding is expected to expand border security, detention capacity and deportation operations. Supporters describe the package as a necessary investment in border control, while immigration advocates warn it will intensify arrests and family separations. The bill's passage now shifts attention to the House and implementation plans.

Mormon women in Arizona are reportedly withdrawing support from Mark Lamb, a Republican House candidate whose campaign has been dogged by scandal. NPR reports the shift within the Latter-day Saints community, where voters traditionally lean Republican, suggesting moral concerns are outweighing party loyalty for many women in the state's closely watched congressional race.

The Dallas Morning News has published a round-up of reader letters addressing four Texas topics: the state of public education, an apartments development in Mesquite, Senator Ted Cruz, and the Amber Guyger case, in which the former Dallas officer was convicted of murdering her neighbor Botham Jean. The letters reflect ongoing local debate over schools, housing and criminal justice in the Dallas area.

Israel is holding elections, and analysts at Chatham House are weighing what the outcome will mean for the country's neighbours and international allies. The vote comes at a sensitive time for the Middle East, with the result set to shape Israel's policies on security, regional relations and ties with key partners such as the United States. Commentators are watching closely for shifts in government coalition dynamics.

The Russian city of Chelyabinsk and the nearby town of Chebarkul are being spruced up ahead of an expected visit by President Vladimir Putin. Local outlet E1.ru reports that renovation work is focused almost entirely on the officers' housing where the president is likely to stay or pass through, while residents question why other neglected parts of the cities are not being fixed up as well.

Aaj Tak's live broadcast is covering Uttar Pradesh Rajya Sabha politics, reporting that ministers from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's government were present at the filing of nominations connected to Nathwani. The channel's live stream has drawn heavy engagement, reflecting strong public interest in the state's upper house election manoeuvring and the BJP's show of strength around the nomination.

Fashion critics in Paris are reviewing the latest runway collections from Dior, Maison Margiela and Givenchy. Coverage centres on how each house is shaping its identity this season, with reviewers weighing the direction each label's designers are taking. The assessments feed into the wider conversation about the state of luxury fashion coming out of Paris Fashion Week.

White House National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett is publicly defending the state of the US economy under President Trump, pushing back against persistent voter concerns that inflation and living costs remain too high. His comments come as polling continues to show the economy as a top worry for Americans, making the administration's economic messaging a frequent flashpoint in political debate.

Donald Trump is channeling millions of dollars from his large campaign fund into pivotal House and Senate contests, directing financial support to races seen as critical for control of Congress. The money is expected to boost allies and favored candidates in competitive districts and states, underscoring his continuing influence over Republican politics and fundraising priorities ahead of upcoming elections.

Donald Trump is holding a rally in Ohio as Republicans work to keep control of Congress ahead of November's midterm elections, with about a month left in the campaign. The rally is part of a broader push by the former president to mobilise his base in key states, and it comes as both parties focus on close House and Senate races that will determine the balance of power in Washington.

The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation is pursuing an opportunity to acquire state land to support new housing development across Alaska. The move is aimed at expanding the supply of affordable homes in a state where housing costs and availability remain persistent challenges for residents.

An off-grid 'Earthship' home in Wyoming has been put up for sale with an asking price of $625,000. Earthships are sustainable, self-sufficient houses built from natural and recycled materials, designed to operate without connection to public utilities. The listing is drawing attention as interest grows in off-grid living and alternative sustainable housing across the United States.

Commentators are arguing that Republicans are uniquely vulnerable heading into November because President Donald Trump is more unpopular now than at any point previously. The claim is that this unpopularity explains why House districts Trump won by double digits could flip to Democrats, and why Democrats are leading Senate polling in traditionally red states such as Alaska. The discussion reflects growing Democratic optimism about midterm prospects.

US Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that 'we have a lot of work to do' in response to comments by President Donald Trump about the state of Americans' personal finances. The remarks have drawn attention as the administration faces questions over the cost of living and household economic pressures, with observers weighing what the comments signal about the White House's economic messaging.

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett dismissed gloomy consumer sentiment surveys, blaming what he called 'partisan pollsters' and insisting that 'the economy is booming'. His comments push back against polling showing Americans remain pessimistic about economic conditions. The remarks have drawn attention and criticism, with debate over whether sentiment data reflects reality or partisan bias.

A developer is planning a project on Ocean Drive under Florida's Live Local Act, the state law that encourages affordable and workforce housing by offering zoning and tax incentives. Details of the proposal, including its size and unit count, have not been disclosed. The plan is drawing attention because Ocean Drive is a high-profile strip where new development often sparks debate over density, character and affordability.

Chatham House examines what current financial market movements signal about the state of the global economy. The analysis looks at how investors are pricing risk, and what bond, currency and equity trends suggest about growth prospects, inflation and policy expectations. Markets are being watched closely for clues on whether turbulence points to deeper economic trouble ahead.

Michigan Representatives Meerman and Bierlein are calling for a comprehensive audit of the state's mental health system. The two House Republicans announced the request publicly, pressing for a top-to-bottom review of how Michigan funds and delivers mental health care. They argue a full audit is needed to evaluate the system's performance and accountability before further decisions are made.

President Trump brought leading technology executives to the White House for discussions on artificial intelligence safety, while simultaneously pushing the United States to compete with China for AI dominance. The meeting highlights the tension in Washington between addressing the risks of rapidly advancing AI systems and maintaining American leadership in the strategic race for the technology.

Alexandria, Virginia, is revisiting its parking regulations, with local officials examining how current rules affect residents financially. The review comes as cities across the United States question whether minimum parking requirements drive up housing costs and encourage car dependence. The debate touches on affordability, urban planning, and how street space should be allocated.

The US Senate has passed a bill giving Wyoming greater flexibility to manage its school trust fund, which supports public education in the state. The measure would allow state officials more discretion in how the fund's assets are invested and used. Details on the vote margin, bipartisan support, or next steps in the House remain unclear.