The 2026 midterm elections have erupted into the most costly showdown in modern American history, with more than $15 billion pledged to sway congressional control. While both parties pour cash into advertising, a stark disparity emerges: in the 13 competitive races tracked by the Cook Political Report, Republicans are out-spent by a 5-to-1 margin. Yet the flood of money does not guarantee victory; about three-quarters of planned ad purchases target toss-up or Republican-leaning contests, keeping the outcome uncertain even days after polls close.
Trump’s Russia policy and the Ukrainian drone strike
President Donald Trump has signaled a softer stance toward Moscow, arguing that easing pressure on Russia may shorten the war in Ukraine. In a recent deal with President Vladimir Putin the United States agreed to import Russian diesel in an effort to lower domestic fuel costs ahead of the elections. The move follows a drone strike that hit Saint Petersburg – the former imperial capital of Russia – yesterday, killing at least one person and injuring more than a dozen. Russian officials claim they intercepted 1,000 drones across the country that night, marking the largest assault on the city since the 2022 invasion.
French streets erupt as protests turn violent
Across the Channel, France is wrestling with unrest that began as a student demand for better conditions and quickly expanded to include public-sector workers protesting soaring energy prices and growing inequality. The Interior Ministry reported roughly 2,300 arrests and nearly 1,000 police injuries as crowds clashed with law enforcement. In Paris, witnesses described burned bicycles, smashed windows and graffiti urging officials to “tax the rich.” The turmoil arrives six months before the presidential election, prompting far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon to join demonstrators while far-right contender Marine Le Pen condemned the violence.
AAPI adults shift trust toward Democrats on key issues
A new AP-NORC/AAPI Data poll surveyed 1,023 Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults between Sept. 8-15. Findings show a declining approval of President Trump’s handling of the economy – only about 20 % view his performance favorably, down roughly ten points over the past year. In contrast, Democrats enjoy a roughly 20-percentage-point advantage on the economy and immigration in the eyes of AAPI voters. Nevertheless, the poll reveals ambivalence toward the Democratic Party itself, with 48 % holding an unfavorable view.
Implications for the November vote
The convergence of record-high campaign spending, foreign-policy maneuvers, and domestic unrest creates a volatile backdrop for the Nov. 3 midterms. Voters in California, where the state primary vote count remains slow, are under particular scrutiny; an election expert told NPR that the lag puts “a big target on its back.” Meanwhile, concerns about misinformation, legal challenges and voter suppression are echoed by half of AAPI respondents, who label these threats as “major problems.” As both parties scramble for advantage, the coming weeks will test whether financial firepower, policy pivots or grassroots activism will tip the balance.
