Year: 2026

Control of Congress hinges on the 2026 midterm elections, with all 435 House seats and 35 Senate races contested. Voters in 39 states will also select governors. CBS News will provide extensive live coverage and analysis across multiple platforms starting at 7 p.m. ET on election night.

A Lebanese military court has charged 13 individuals allegedly linked to Hezbollah with trafficking explosives, following the seizure of 780kg of explosives at a checkpoint. The group asserts the explosives were intended for use against Israeli forces, while Beirut authorities face increasing pressure to disarm Hezbollah’s military wing.

Supporters of Mary Peltola, the Democratic Senate nominee in Alaska, affirmed their backing despite criticism over a report claiming campaign operatives were linked to a recruitment effort involving Dan Sullivan. Peltola denied involvement, while observers questioned the potential impact on late voters and called the allegations exaggerated.

As Halloween approaches, London pubs like The Ten Bells and The Bow Bells are showcasing their haunted histories. The Bow Bells, home to a mischievous spirit known for flushing toilets, and The Ten Bells, linked to Jack the Ripper’s last victim, invite locals to explore their eerie pasts.

What’s happening?
The Justice Department has issued subpoenas to California election officials as part of an investigation related to the upcoming elections. This inquiry focuses on various election practices and their compliance with federal regulations, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process.

In comparing headlines, CNN states, “Judge imposes sweeping emergency order halting DOJ pressure campaign on election officials across the country,” while the AP reports, “Appeals court rejects Justice Department request for California to set aside disputed ballots.” CNN emphasizes the judicial response to a perceived overreach by the DOJ, framing the situation as an active conflict between the judiciary and executive branches. Conversely, the AP highlights the specifics of the appeals court’s decision regarding California, focusing on the legal process and its implications for ballot handling. This shows differing priorities: conflict dynamics versus formal judicial decisions affecting election processes.

Coverage analyzed: CNN | AP | The New York Times | NBC News