US political campaigns

A cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated food has spilled into US midterm election campaigns, with food safety becoming a political talking point. Candidates and voters are weighing how federal agencies like the FDA and CDC handled the illness cluster, turning a public health matter into an accountability question at the ballot box.

America's wealthiest donors are funnelling hundreds of millions of dollars into the upcoming midterm elections, with business media now tracking the biggest contributors so far. The spending highlights how billionaire-funded super PACs and large individual donations continue to shape congressional and state races, raising fresh attention on the scale of money in US politics ahead of voting day.

The Wall Street Journal reports that a former business litigator has become the Justice Department's lead official directing legal action against gender-affirming care for transgender people. The profile highlights how a career focused on commercial disputes placed him at the center of one of the most contested policy battles in the US, drawing attention to the department's strategy and the official's personal and professional background.

Calls to abolish US Immigration and Customs Enforcement are gathering strength among activists and progressive groups. The agency has faced sustained criticism over detention conditions and deportation practices, and renewed organizing efforts are pushing the idea further into mainstream political debate in the United States.

Guardian columnist Moira Donegan argues that abortion has dropped out of America's national political conversation despite the ongoing harm caused by post-Roe abortion bans. She writes that the US has grown accustomed to the horror of these bans, while Republicans have worked to suppress the stories of women affected. The piece raises questions about public attention drifting from a major civil rights issue.

Food safety is moving into the political arena ahead of the US midterm elections following a record outbreak of a foodborne parasite. The outbreak has drawn attention to inspection standards and regulatory oversight, and candidates and voters are now raising food safety as a campaign issue, adding it to the list of concerns shaping the elections.

Ahead of the US midterm elections, Donald Trump's political team has aired a 2024 campaign advertisement financed with taxpayer funds, according to NDTV. The move raises questions over the blending of official government resources with campaign activity, a recurring controversy around Trump's political operation as Republicans seek an edge in the midterms.

Y Combinator, the influential Silicon Valley startup accelerator, has formed a political action committee that has already contributed to 66 campaign committees, marking a significant step into electoral politics. The move signals that the startup world, long wary of direct political spending, is becoming more willing to put money behind candidates and causes aligned with its interests.

Guardian columnist Moira Donegan argues that abortion, once a dominant political issue after the overturning of Roe v Wade, has notably receded from America's national debate ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Despite ongoing Republican pushes for abortion bans, the topic is drawing less attention than in recent years, raising questions about shifting voter priorities and Democratic strategy.

Immigration enforcement is drawing attention as a factor in the upcoming US midterm elections, with coverage examining how enforcement policies and operations could shape voter attitudes and campaign messaging. Observers are weighing its impact on key races and which issues will motivate voters to the polls.

Political science experts at Old Dominion University are analyzing Donald Trump's new political messages five weeks ahead of the US midterm elections. Their commentary, published by WAVY.com, examines how Trump's messaging may shape the campaigns and voter turnout. With the elections approaching, observers are watching closely to see which issues Trump emphasizes and how his involvement affects races nationwide.

An AP News report says a television advertisement promoting President Trump's midterm messaging was paid for by the US government, raising questions about the use of public funds for political communication. Critics are likely to frame it as blurring the line between official government communications and partisan campaigning, while supporters may view it as routine public messaging ahead of the elections.

Allegations have emerged that the United States interfered in Quebec's provincial election. The claims, reported by Global News, suggest American involvement in the campaign, though details of the alleged interference and who is making the accusations remain limited. The story is drawing attention amid broader concerns about foreign meddling in Canadian politics.

The Jerusalem Post argues that American politicians should not involve themselves in Israel's elections, reigniting debate over foreign interference in the country's political campaigns. The column reflects broader friction between Israel and the United States over political meddling, as Israeli election seasons regularly draw commentary from US officials and lawmakers.

New US campaign finance filings show for the first time how much American political campaigns are spending on artificial intelligence tools. The Guardian reports that disclosures filed with regulators itemize payments to AI services, giving an unusually detailed picture of how candidates and parties are adopting the technology for fundraising, messaging and other operations, and raising fresh questions about oversight of AI in electioneering.

US Senator Jon Husted's data center legislation is drawing attention as campaign season politics complicate its prospects. The bill, which concerns the development or regulation of data centers in Ohio, is being weighed against election-year positioning, with supporters and critics framing it through a political lens. Details of the bill's provisions and reaction from other lawmakers remain limited in early coverage.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is planning to recruit roughly 5,000 new employees to expand its deportation operations, according to a New York Times report. The hiring push would significantly grow the agency's workforce as the Trump administration intensifies immigration enforcement. Immigration advocates are likely to raise concerns about the scale of the expansion, while supporters see it as fulfilling campaign promises on border security.

New campaign finance disclosures show for the first time how much American political campaigns are spending on artificial intelligence tools. The filings, reviewed by The Guardian, detail outlays on AI services by candidates and committees, offering a rare window into how campaigns are adopting the technology. The figures are fueling debate about transparency and the growing role of AI in election work.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning that enemies could attack Israel, declaring 'don't mess with us' in remarks made ahead of the country's election. The comments underline security as a central campaign theme, with the longtime leader positioning himself as the guarantor of Israel's safety as voters prepare to go to the polls.

American political campaigns are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence, from drafting fundraising emails to generating ad content and voter outreach materials, and are devoting real budget to these tools. The Guardian reports on how campaign teams are using AI in practice and what they are spending. The trend raises fresh questions about transparency, accuracy and regulation of AI in election advertising.

A political analyst says American pressure has failed to force Iran to abandon its nuclear strategy. The assessment, reported by Tehran Times, argues that Washington's campaign of coercion has not changed Tehran's position on its nuclear programme. It reflects ongoing debate over whether sanctions and diplomatic pressure can alter Iran's course.

Brazil's upcoming election is being closely watched for one overriding question: what Donald Trump will do next and how his actions might shape the outcome. The New York Times reports that the former US president's potential moves, including tariffs, sanctions or political pressure, are seen as potentially decisive factors in Brazil's vote, making US influence a central talking point of the campaign.

Troy Jackson, a Maine political figure, said it is 'unfortunate' that Jewish Mainers reject describing Israel's war in Gaza as genocide. His remarks drew attention amid ongoing debate in the United States over how to characterize the conflict and reflect sharp divisions over Israel's campaign. The comments, reported by Jewish Insider, highlight tensions within Maine's political and Jewish communities.

A Caledonia resident has entered local politics after leading opposition to a proposed data center project in the community. The fight over the facility, which residents worry could strain resources and alter the town's character, has turned the activist into a political figure. Spectrum News reported on how grassroots resistance to the development opened a path into elected office.

Al Jazeera is examining whether the war in Gaza has fractured the long-standing bipartisan consensus in the United States on support for Israel. The discussion reflects growing divisions among American voters and politicians over Israel's military campaign, with debates intensifying in Congress, on university campuses, and within both major parties ahead of the elections.