US politics

Demands are mounting for the US government to release the full files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the financier and convicted sex offender who died in custody in 2019. Supporters of disclosure argue the public deserves to see what investigators uncovered and who may be implicated, while officials continue to face pressure over how much of the material remains sealed.

Democratic lawmakers are publicly pledging to challenge the Israeli government over escalating violence against Palestinians, describing the situation as 'out of control'. The vow signals growing friction within the US political establishment over Washington's traditionally strong support for Israel, and points to increased congressional scrutiny of Israel's conduct toward Palestinians in the occupied territories.

Australia is being forced to reassess its heavy dependence on the United States, according to DW News coverage drawing significant global attention. The discussion centres on whether Canberra can keep relying on Washington as its key security partner, and what alternatives it might pursue. Observers are weighing the implications for Australian foreign policy, regional security in the Indo-Pacific, and the future of alliances like AUKUS as confidence in American reliability wavers.

President Trump is moving to withhold roughly $800 million in funding that Congress had already approved, according to reports carried by Reuters and multiple US newspapers. The effort raises fresh questions over executive authority and the separation of powers, as lawmakers from both parties weigh whether the administration can refuse to spend money explicitly appropriated by Congress.

News18 India is running live coverage of today's top stories, including a row involving the Election Commission of India, remarks from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an attack claimed by Yemen's Houthis, and escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. The live blog bundles domestic political controversy in India with fast-moving international conflict developments.

The Trump administration is pursuing changes to US election rules that critics say are designed to benefit the Republican Party ahead of the midterm elections. Le Monde reports the effort as an attempt to reshape voting procedures and districting to the administration's advantage. The moves are drawing scrutiny over their implications for the fairness of the 2026 contests.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has reportedly been directed to halt arrests of immigrants with no criminal record. The order would mark a shift in enforcement priorities, focusing agents on people with serious criminal histories rather than routine arrests. Supporters see it as a step toward more targeted enforcement, while critics argue any mass arrests damage community trust.

The US Army has laid the groundwork to carry out death row executions, which could proceed if President Trump gives approval. The military has six men on death row at Fort Leavenworth, and no executions have taken place there since 1961. ABC News reported the preparations, drawing attention to the possibility of the first federal-era military executions in decades under Trump's pro-death penalty stance.

An analysis from Our World in Data examines how current immigration to the United States compares with historical levels. It places recent inflows, including the recent surge in migration, against more than a century of data, showing how today's foreign-born population share stacks up against past immigration waves such as those of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

The US Supreme Court has cleared the Trump administration to resume citizenship checks on voters, a move affecting how states verify voter eligibility. The decision hands a win to administration efforts to tighten voting rules and is expected to draw legal challenges and debate over voter suppression versus election integrity. Political and civil rights groups are closely watching how states implement the checks.

The Smithsonian Institution, and specifically the National Museum of American History, has drawn the Trump administration's attention as part of a broader push against museums and cultural institutions seen as promoting ideological narratives. The administration has pressured Smithsonian exhibits and leadership, raising concerns among historians and museum professionals about political interference in how American history is presented to the public.

Donald Trump has criticised the US Supreme Court after it rejected a challenge related to Missouri's congressional map, which supporters had pushed as part of a broader effort to redraw district lines in Republicans' favour. The rebuke highlights growing tension between Trump and the Court over redistricting fights ahead of the midterms, with advocates urging justices to back partisan map redraws in Republican-led states.

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill providing roughly $70 billion for immigration enforcement, according to ABC News. The measure would fund border security and enforcement operations, advancing one of the most contentious areas of American policy. Debate over immigration spending remains highly polarised, with supporters backing tougher enforcement and critics warning of costs and consequences for migrants.

Arab News examines what it calls the 'Israeli question' and its role in American politics, framing debate over how Israel and US policy toward it shape American political discourse and elections. The piece argues that Israel remains a persistent and divisive issue in US domestic politics.

Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei is set to attend a private dinner with President Trump at the White House, according to The Hill. The meeting would bring together one of the leading figures in artificial intelligence and the administration as Washington weighs policy on AI development, safety rules and US competitiveness with China. The White House has been courting major tech and AI executives in recent months.

NASA's Artemis II mission is set to return astronauts to the Moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972, prompting questions about why the gap lasted more than five decades. Commentators point to shifting political priorities, soaring costs, and the cancellation of earlier programs like Constellation as reasons the US pause extended so long.

The US Supreme Court has ruled against most of the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, striking them down in a decision with wide-ranging trade and legal implications. The ruling limits the administration's use of tariff powers and is drawing attention for its impact on US trade policy and presidential authority.

The New York Times has published a profile of Mary Peltola, tracing her path to political power in Alaska under the banner 'She's One of Us.' The piece highlights the obstacles and setbacks she faced on her way up, portraying her rise as distinctive and hard-won. Readers are discussing how her personal background and local roots shaped her political career and appeal.

The US Supreme Court has rejected the Trump administration's attempt to restrict mail-in voting, dealing a setback to efforts to tighten voting rules ahead of elections. The decision means existing mail-in voting procedures can continue. The ruling lands amid ongoing national debate over election rules and voting access, and is drawing strong reactions from both supporters and critics of the administration's push.

Venezuela has released dozens of political prisoners from long-term detention. The move comes shortly after the country's interim leader met with the US president, which observers read as a signal of potential diplomatic shifts. The releases are being linked to mounting pressure surrounding the country's elections, and the timing has drawn attention to possible negotiations between Caracas and Washington.

Intensified US Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations are creating political headaches for vulnerable Republicans heading into elections, according to Politico. Lawmakers in competitive districts are caught between backing the administration's hardline immigration enforcement and responding to constituents alarmed by raids and detentions in their communities. The reporting suggests the operations are becoming a live issue in races where Republicans are fighting for political survival.

Venezuelan authorities have released dozens of prisoners, days after a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Venezuela's interim leader. The releases follow a period of heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, including US pressure over detentions of political prisoners and foreign nationals. News outlets in the region and beyond are covering the move as a possible sign of easing relations between the two governments.

Election experts are warning that allies of Donald Trump could use the so-called counting window during the US midterms — the period after polls close while votes are still being tallied — to challenge or disrupt election results. The warning comes as officials brace for delays in counting and potential legal and political pressure, revamping concerns about efforts to contest outcomes reminiscent of the 2020 election.

Mike Waltz was interviewed on CNN's State of the Union, discussing current national security and foreign policy matters. As a leading figure in the Trump administration's security team, his remarks drew attention amid ongoing debates over US strategy abroad and administration policy. Viewers and political commentators weighed his comments on social media, sharing clips and reaction.

A court ruling is affecting Missouri's congressional district boundaries, with potential consequences for how the state's seats are drawn and which party holds an advantage in future elections. Details of the decision and its immediate impact on the map remain limited, but redistricting disputes in Missouri carry significance for control of the US House.

Andrew Yang, the former US presidential candidate known for championing universal basic income, took part in a debate segment for Jubilee's show about whether artificial intelligence will eliminate jobs. Yang argued the disruptive potential of AI echoes his long-standing warnings about automation, drawing reactions from viewers on both sides about how serious the threat to workers really is.

British authorities have arrested men on suspicion of explosive-related offenses at a UK airbase that was used by the United States for strikes on Iran earlier this year. Britain had authorized the use of the base for what it described as defensive strikes, and the arrests have renewed attention on the site's role in the operation and on security around bases supporting US military action.

Kathmandu mayor Balen Shah is being discussed after reports that he has been provided with tight security and that the United States has given him special importance. The story, circulating in Nepali-language coverage alongside references to Donald Trump, Rabi Lamichhane and Sudan, suggests growing international attention on the popular mayor. Viewers are debating why Washington would take a special interest in him and what this could mean for Nepal's politics.

Virginia Democrats have filed an appeal asking the US Supreme Court to override a state court decision that struck down the state's redistricting plan. The dispute centers on the redrawn legislative maps, which state judges rejected, and Democrats are now seeking the nation's highest court to intervene in the fight over district boundaries.

Discussion is swirling around US Senator Mitch McConnell's health after reports of his medical condition prompted questions about his fitness to continue serving in the Senate. Commentators and political observers are debating what his condition means for Republican leadership, his long-running role as Senate Republican leader, and broader questions about aging politicians holding powerful positions. Concerns follow previous public episodes where McConnell froze mid-speech, fueling ongoing scrutiny of his capacity.