Author: Loisa Lane

Federal prosecutors have instructed at least 18 counties in California to verify and sequester ballots potentially associated with noncitizens. This demand follows a lawsuit against the state aiming to block the counting of over 20,000 votes deemed likely cast by noncitizens, amidst ongoing voting efforts statewide.

Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton warned that Iran has escalated efforts to target U.S. personnel abroad, with plots reportedly reaching advanced stages in the Middle East. The U.S. State Department is adjusting staffing at embassies in the region amid these threats, particularly from Iranian-backed Houthis.

President Trump has reduced tariffs on select Canadian products vital to Maine’s agricultural sector, including packing machinery and specialised containers for wild blueberries. Senator Susan Collins supports these exemptions, citing their importance to local farmers amid criticisms from Democrats regarding political motivations behind the decision.

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will cast their votes early in Palm Beach County, Florida, this Saturday, according to a White House official. Despite previously stating a preference for Election Day voting, Trump has recently voted by mail yet is critical of widespread mail-in voting.

The New York City Council has approved a bill to ban horse-drawn carriage rides by 2028, named after Romanch Mahajan, who died in a carriage accident. The legislation is now awaiting Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s signature and includes provisions for humane placement of animals and a transition plan for businesses.

French President Macron lands in Saudi Arabia on surprise ‘solidarity’ visit to show support amid Houthi attacks.

A three-day joint attack on Iran ‘would not radically change conflict’ ahead of US and Israeli elections, according to Federico Donelli.

The Justice Department has moved to dismiss over a dozen longstanding school desegregation cases without first determining if the districts have achieved “unitary status,” according to a Red Line for Civil Rights analysis. This action, affecting at least 18 cases, raises concerns about ongoing discrimination.

In a heated final debate for the Michigan Senate race, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed accused Republican Mike Rogers of being a “sock puppet” for Donald Trump, while Rogers labelled El-Sayed as untrustworthy and overly progressive. The contest remains critical ahead of the November midterms, with key issues including inflation and foreign policy.

The Kansas Senate race intensified during a debate, with incumbent Republican Senator Roger Marshall warning that a loss could enable Democrats to gain control of the Senate. His opponent, Democratic pastor Adam Hamilton, positioned himself as a moderate while criticising tariffs and previous administration policies affecting the state’s farmers.