US politics

Sudan's governance remains split as the civil war continues. The army-backed administration controls much of the formal state apparatus, while the Rapid Support Forces exercises authority over territories it holds. Washington has stated that neither side represents legitimate constitutional governance, leaving Sudan with competing authorities but no internationally recognised government, deepening uncertainty over the country's political future.

The White House's ban on certain media outlets has drawn intense scrutiny, with analysts saying Donald Trump's legal position has shifted dramatically as the dispute escalates. Legal experts are unpacking the administration's rationale and its likely clash with press freedom protections, making the story a major talking point across US media and political circles.

The United States is set to begin construction of a permanent embassy complex in Jerusalem, moving beyond the temporary facilities used since the embassy's relocation. The project marks a significant physical commitment to the US presence in the city, a move that has long drawn international attention and criticism from Palestinians, who claim East Jerusalem as a future capital.

Donald Trump is facing a strategic dilemma over the conflict with Iran: continuing a costly military confrontation or pursuing a withdrawal that could carry significant political costs at home. Commentators are weighing the financial burden of the war against the reputational damage a retreat could inflict, with observers questioning how the administration can extricate itself without appearing weak.

The US Supreme Court has ruled that states may use the federal SAVE database to verify the citizenship status of people registering to vote. The decision gives state election officials access to a federal immigration records system for voter roll checks, a step several Republican-led states have sought. Supporters frame it as a safeguard against noncitizen voting; critics warn it risks errors and could deter eligible voters, especially naturalized citizens, from registering.

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 US Department of Justice has announced charges and guilty pleas involving 12 individuals in connection with election crimes. The department disclosed the cases in a public announcement, though details of the specific offenses, jurisdictions, and sentences have not yet been widely reported. The announcement comes amid heightened national attention on election integrity and the enforcement of voting laws ahead of upcoming elections.

Indian broadcasters are running rolling live coverage bundling several major developments: a row involving the Election Commission, remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a new attack claimed by Yemen's Houthis, and rising US-Iran tensions with talk of possible American military action. The combined coverage suggests a fast-moving news day spanning domestic politics and international security.

A company owned by Donald Trump filed trademark applications on Friday for "MAGA" and "45-47", covering streaming apps, television broadcasting, and news and commentary on politics and current events, according to US Patent and Trademark Office records. The filing fuels speculation that Trump is preparing to launch his own media operation, following his earlier ventures into digital platforms.

Political scientist Norman Finkelstein discussed Harvard's antisemitism inquiry in an interview, questioning the finding that Israeli and Jewish students "don't feel wanted at Harvard". He responded to the university's framing that inclusivity is the remedy, saying he supports being inclusive while disputing how the inquiry characterises antisemitism on campus. The interview is drawing attention amid ongoing US debate over antisemitism at elite universities.

The US Senate contest in Texas between Ken Paxton and James Talarico is on track to break the state's record for campaign spending in a Senate election. The expensive race is drawing attention to the high-stakes battle for the Senate seat, with both sides raising and spending at unprecedented levels for a Texas federal contest.

An analysis by Our World in Data examines how current immigration to the United States compares with earlier periods of the country's history. It places recent inflows alongside historical migration waves, offering context for today's debate over border policy and immigration levels. Readers are weighing whether present-day immigration is genuinely unprecedented or consistent with past American experience.

President Trump's push to restrict mail-in voting is placing new pressure on the US Postal Service and its leader, Postmaster General David Steiner, who insists he is 'not political'. The crackdown would rely on the Postal Service to enforce or accommodate tighter voting-by-mail rules, raising questions about whether the agency can stay above the partisan fight over election procedures ahead of future elections.

CNN data analyst Harry Enten has published a roundup examining key US political storylines, including competitive Senate races, Democratic momentum in state elections, and corruption controversies surrounding Donald Trump. The roundup distills polling and electoral data into a snapshot of the current political landscape. It is drawing strong attention as readers look for a data-driven read on the direction of American politics heading into upcoming contests.

The US Supreme Court has ruled in favour of the Trump administration in a case involving a voter database, according to early reports. The decision allows the administration's push concerning voter roll records to proceed. Details of the ruling's scope and the justices' split, if any, are not yet available, and reactions from voting rights groups are still coming in.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has changed its policy on how it locates immigrants with final deportation orders, according to Las Vegas outlet KLAS 8 News Now. The report, highlighted by the station, indicates a shift in the agency's approach to finding and apprehending people already subject to removal. Details of the specific policy changes have not yet been widely reported, and the full scope of the adjustment remains unclear.

The US Education Department has rescinded the Biden administration's Title IX rule and restored the Trump-era regulations. The Biden rule, finalized in 2024, had expanded protections for LGBTQ+ students and changed how schools handle sexual misconduct complaints. The reversal, announced under the current administration, is expected to prompt legal challenges and reignite debate over the scope of federal civil rights protections in education.

A Bloomberg opinion piece argues that Congress should step in and revise the United States' nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, which it describes as flawed. The article calls on lawmakers to address shortcomings in the deal rather than leave it as negotiated. Debate over US-Saudi nuclear cooperation has been politically sensitive, touching on nonproliferation concerns, regional stability, and the broader relationship with Riyadh.

North Carolina officials have welcomed a US Supreme Court ruling relating to voter citizenship verification, a move the state frames as support for its ability to check the citizenship status of people registering to vote. The decision touches on one of the most contested election-administration questions in the country, with supporters calling it a win for election integrity and critics warning such checks can burden eligible voters. Debate over the ruling's practical impact is expected to continue.

An opinion piece highlights how US election workers are preparing for the midterm elections while also contending with the possibility of confronting armed agents at polling places or election offices. The piece reflects growing anxiety among election officials about intimidation and safety threats as they carry out their duties. It argues that the arrival of armed federal or other agents around election operations could further strain a workforce already under pressure, raising concerns about the conduct and security of the midterms.

Commentary in Internationale Politik Quarterly argues that a confrontation between the European Union and China is increasingly unavoidable. The piece frames growing economic and political friction between Brussels and Beijing as a structural clash rather than a passing dispute, reflecting wider debate in Europe about trade imbalances, market access and how to position the bloc amid US-China rivalry.

Andrew Bailey, who served as co-Deputy Director of the FBI under the Trump administration, has resigned, according to Bloomberg Law. Bailey, formerly Missouri's attorney general, was appointed to the bureau's leadership alongside Dan Bongino earlier this year. The news is spreading rapidly across US politics circles, with observers awaiting word on the reasons behind his departure and what it means for the FBI's leadership.

The Wall Street Journal is laying out possible consequences of a Republican victory in November's midterm elections. The analysis examines what GOP control would mean for legislative priorities, policy direction and oversight in Washington. With midterm outcomes set to shape the balance of power in Congress, observers on both sides are weighing how a Republican win could reshape the political agenda.

Kathmandu mayor Balen Shah is reportedly being provided tight security, with claims that the United States has given him special importance or status. The report also links his name to US President Donald Trump, Rabi Lamichhane, and Sudan, suggesting wider political discussion in Nepal. Nepali audiences are actively sharing and reacting to these unconfirmed claims about the mayor's international profile.

A commentary published in The Japan Times argues that American lawmakers must reform US protection laws for migrants who cannot safely be returned to their home countries, saying changes are needed to restore a consistent and humane framework. The piece calls on Congress to address gaps that leave people without safe countries of return in legal limbo.

Efforts to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran have hit a setback after Iran rejected a proposed seven-day plan, though both sides say diplomatic channels remain open. Deep differences over the nuclear file continue to block progress, with commentators noting domestic political pressures in the United States are complicating the negotiating environment.

The US Department of Education has officially rescinded the Title IX rule issued under President Biden and reinstated the regulations put in place during President Trump's first term. The move reverses the 2024 rules that expanded protections and changed how schools handle sexual misconduct complaints. The change is expected to reignite debate over Title IX policy across schools and universities.