POLITICS & POLICY

Rising living costs, Donald Trump's approval ratings, tariffs, candidate weaknesses and voter shifts all contributed to Republicans losing both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections.

Democrats secured control of both chambers in the 2026 midterm elections, making major gains in Republican-held seats as unresolved contests continued to shape their final majority margins.

Democrats are projected to take control of the US House and Senate after flipping key Republican-held seats, although several races remain unresolved and results are still unofficial.

Donald Trump says he could issue pre-emptive pardons to Elon Musk and administration allies if Democrats take the House and launch investigations, citing Biden's pardons as precedent.

Poll closing times and absentee ballot deadlines vary across the US in the 2026 midterm elections. Voters should confirm local rules with official election offices.

Satellite imagery reviewed by the Associated Press and Wall Street Journal shows Iranian and Iran-backed attacks damaged hundreds of structures and military assets at U.S. bases across the Middle East.

Donald Trump said he would protect Elon Musk and consider pre-emptive pardons for aides and allies if Democrats win Congress and pursue investigations into them.

The Business Council of Australia says proposed budget savings measures could increase corporate tax and compliance costs, discouraging private investment while complicating efforts to lift productivity and repair the budget.

Australian retail advocates are urging the federal government to consider a French-style environmental levy on ultra-fast-fashion platforms, amid concerns over textile waste and retail competition.

The High Court of Australia has begun a two-day challenge to the federal under-16 social media ban, with opponents citing constitutional and privacy concerns and the government defending child-safety measures.

Most Americans gained an hour of sleep as daylight saving time ended on 1 November, while Congress continued debating whether to maintain the twice-yearly clock change.

Lana Zaki Nusseibeh's campaign to become UN secretary-general has entered a public phase, highlighting her experience, reform agenda and challenge of rebuilding member states' confidence.

Nearly 300 Boston Dynamics employees have urged the company to cancel a $1.3m contract supplying four modified Spot robots to ICE, but the deal is proceeding.

The Melbourne Market Authority's board has resigned over Paul Guerra's appointment as chair, deepening leadership turmoil amid a rent dispute, an election and uncertainty over ownership.

France's government is combining a major security operation with education and budget promises as nationwide protests continue over school conditions, university admissions, austerity and living costs.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski criticised Elon Musk over Starlink restrictions in Ukraine, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said satellite services had been restored to full speed.

Ship attacks around the Strait of Hormuz reached a record in October, damaging supertankers and reducing traffic sharply as tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel escalate.

LeBron James dismissed Donald Trump's criticism over his national anthem conduct, then helped Philadelphia erase a 29-point deficit and defeat Cleveland in its home opener.

Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas and six relatives and associates have been charged in an alleged marijuana distribution and money-laundering enterprise prosecutors say was worth $4.5 million.

The Justice Department has abandoned two appeals against court rulings blocking Trump administration restrictions on Public Service Loan Forgiveness, leaving the programme's current rules intact for now.

Vivek Ramaswamy's Ohio governor campaign confirmed a $4 million advertising buy featuring Democratic rival Amy Acton's estranged mother, prompting criticism from both parties and Acton's family.

Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested on grand theft and organised scheme to defraud charges as state officials investigate allegations involving public funds and a city grant programme.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard says mines stopped three tankers and claims it downed a US drone in the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington rejects the allegations amid escalating attacks.

North Korean state media released photos of Kim Jong Un at an exhibition, countering unverified reports of his death or illness as border tensions with South Korea intensify.

The Muslim Brotherhood has returned to US political debate, with Republican allegations against Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed prompting denials and scrutiny of his associations, family and campaign donors.

New photographs appear to counter unverified claims that Kim Jong Un has died, but secrecy over his health and the rising profile of his daughter continue to fuel succession concerns.

Donald Trump campaigned in Kansas for Republican Senator Roger Marshall, portraying the unexpectedly close race against Democrat Adam Hamilton as a test of Republican control of the Senate.

Queensland's Premier has criticised federal workplace and compliance rules, saying they are increasing costs for regional small businesses and calling for better coordination between Canberra and the states.

North Korea released photographs showing Kim Jong Un visiting a Pyongyang exhibition after unverified online claims said he had suffered a brain haemorrhage and died. Officials did not address the rumours.