By Fatma Younis
Americans headed to the polls on Tuesday in midterm elections widely viewed as a referendum on Donald Trump's second presidency, with Democrats seeking to seize control of Congress and curb the president's power. The party holding the White House typically loses congressional seats in midterms, and Democrats are hoping to capitalize on Trump's declining popularity.
Legal battles shape election landscape
The U.S. Department of Justice in California charged six additional people with alleged voter fraud crimes, escalating the administration's campaign against election integrity. In a setback for Trump, the Supreme Court ruled against efforts to force California election officials to segregate and not count ballots from individuals the Justice Department claims are non-citizens.
Key races across the country
Guardian reporters are covering crucial contests nationwide. In New Hampshire, Republicans hoped to flip a Senate seat but now worry Trump may be dragging down their candidates. In Texas, Democrat James Talarico is attempting to break the party's losing streak. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra is favored to win the governorship, while in Michigan, Israel policy has driven an extraordinary reversal by Representative Haley Stevens to back a Republican opponent.
Major international developments
Separately, the United States launched limited strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island, targeting surface-to-air missiles used against U.S. assets, hours after Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about diplomatic progress. In Ukraine, Western officials said European troops, including NATO members, would be permitted to return fire if attacked by Russian forces when potentially stationed as peacekeepers after a ceasefire. The news came as Russia bombed an aid distribution center and shelter in southern Ukraine, killing at least 26 people.
Other notable news
Savannah Guthrie issued a new plea for information about her 84-year-old mother, believed abducted in February. A former FBI chief in Chicago sued the Justice Department, alleging pressure to investigate Trump's opponents. A child in rural New York died from measles, the state's first such death in 30 years, while a Washington state resident died from bird flu. Apple reported stronger-than-expected revenue of $30.71 billion for the July-September quarter, up 12% year-over-year.
