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Attention is turning to the 2026 US midterm elections, with early polling on Congressional races drawing interest. News outlets are tracking surveys, candidate matchups, and which party may gain control of the House and Senate. With control of Congress at stake, observers are watching how the political landscape shapes up ahead of the vote.

A US Senate committee has voted to hold Dr Anthony Fauci, the former top US infectious disease official, in contempt of Congress. The move escalates a long-running dispute between Republican lawmakers and Fauci, who led the federal response to Covid-19 and has faced repeated accusations and questioning from GOP-led inquiries into the pandemic response. The vote now sets up potential further legal and political action.

Law firm Holland & Knight has published an analysis of congressional investigations expected in the 120th Congress, outlining the investigative powers of congressional committees and offering guidance for organizations that could be drawn into inquiries. The piece covers preparation steps such as document retention, responding to subpoenas and managing interactions with committee staff, as a new Congress organizes its oversight agenda.

The Democratic Republic of Congo's central bank has decided to keep its policy rate unchanged at 12.5%, according to a report by Reuters. The decision means borrowing costs in the Congolese economy stay at their current level, with no immediate stimulus or tightening. The rate is being watched as a signal of how the bank is balancing inflation pressures against support for growth.

Candidates in the race for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District faced off in a debate, with Clark emphasising the need for a functioning, cooperative Congress while Alfonso positioned himself as a defender of the MAGA agenda. The exchange framed the contest as a choice between pragmatic bipartisan lawmaking and loyal support for former President Donald Trump's movement.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds most US voters believe President Trump and Congress are not taking the risks of artificial intelligence seriously. The findings add to pressure on Washington to act on AI regulation, an issue that cuts across partisan lines as the technology spreads rapidly through the economy and daily life.

A new report to Congress examines US aircraft combat losses and damage sustained during Operation Epic Fury, according to USNI News. The document outlines aircraft losses in the operation, giving lawmakers and defense analysts a detailed accounting of airpower losses and their implications for future operations.

Political activity in Telangana is centring on the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project and a worsening drought situation, with the ruling Congress and opposition BRS holding competing meetings and trading accusations over irrigation management and water releases. Attention is also on state ministers' travel choices, including use of the Metro and RTC buses, with debate over austerity versus optics.

The Indian National Congress staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, with demonstrators lying on the ground wrapped in burial shrouds to symbolise deaths they blame on the government. Images of the dramatic demonstration circulated widely, drawing large attention and reactions from supporters and critics of the party.

Aaj Tak is running live coverage anchored by several developing stories: a protest by the Congress party, reports that actor Nana Patekar has passed away, news involving Rahul Gandhi, and updates concerning Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The broadcaster is streaming continuous updates as the stories unfold. Viewers are following the live feed for the latest details on the protest and the reported death.

Indian broadcaster Aaj Tak is running continuous live coverage of several developing stories: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, a Congress party protest, the reported death of veteran actor Nana Patekar, and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Viewers are following the rolling broadcast for updates on the politics and the breaking celebrity news as details emerge.

Congressman David Valadao has released a statement addressing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations taking place in California's Central Valley, part of the district he represents. The statement is drawing attention in a region with large agricultural and immigrant communities, where federal enforcement activity is a sensitive and consequential issue for residents, farmers and local officials.

Rahul Gandhi and the Congress are holding a fresh protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, sparking speculation that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar could face legal consequences over the poll body's conduct. The agitation targets the Election Commission of India amid opposition accusations of irregularities in electoral processes, and supporters are debating whether the standoff could escalate to arrests of top officials or opposition leaders.

Indian broadcaster Aaj Tak's live news channel is running coverage of reports that actor Nana Patekar has passed away, alongside political items involving Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi, and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The broadcast bundles the reported death of the veteran Hindi film actor with the day's leading political developments in India.

Jamaica Football Federation president Ricketts says he will write to FIFA over the eligibility of DR Congo players in the World Cup play-offs, claiming the African side fielded ineligible players. Jamaica is challenging the result that affected its qualification hopes, and the dispute is drawing attention ahead of the tournament's final spots being decided.

Congress workers held a sit-in protest outside the Parliament Street police station in New Delhi in support of journalists, putting the party in a direct confrontation with Delhi Police. The demonstration follows reported police action involving members of the press, and the party is positioning itself as a defender of press freedom. The protest is drawing wide attention and criticism from supporters and opponents alike.

A new episode of the Congolese film series 'Et Gomorrhe... : Le Sang' has been released, featuring actress Sila Bisalu and produced under the Les Habacucs de SB banner. The episode, presented as part of a 2026 Congolese production line-up, is drawing strong audience engagement as viewers follow the series' continuing storyline.

Congress-ruled state chief ministers have arrived at the Election Commission of India's office in Delhi amid a show of protest that includes an event at Jantar Mantar. The delegation is raising allegations against the poll body and its leadership, invoking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The episode is being framed as a direct confrontation over electoral fairness.

Ajay Rai has been removed from his post as president of the Uttar Pradesh Congress committee. Reacting emotionally to the decision, he made an appeal to party leader Aradhana Mishra Mona. The leadership change in the state unit has drawn attention in political circles, with discussions focusing on Rai's reaction and what the reshuffle means for the Congress ahead in Uttar Pradesh.

India's Aaj Tak channel is running live coverage of a Congress party protest involving Rahul Gandhi, with the broadcast also tied to Election Commission chief Gyanvapi-era controversies involving Gyanesh Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Coverage in Hindi follows the opposition party's demonstration against the Election Commission of India, a recurring flashpoint between Congress and the ruling BJP.

Frustrated by years-long delays in approving energy projects, members of Congress are pushing legislation to accelerate the permitting process for power lines, pipelines and other infrastructure. The effort reflects bipartisan concern that slow federal reviews are holding back energy development and investment, though the scope of any deal and its chances of passage remain uncertain.

Several prominent political figures have formally joined the Indian National Congress at a live event held at the AICC office in New Delhi. The party streamed the joining ceremony on its official channels, drawing large attention. The development is being read as a boost for the Congress ahead of coming political battles, though the identities and motives of the new entrants remain a focus of discussion.

The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest union representing federal workers, has endorsed seven candidates running for Congress in Wisconsin. The endorsements signal the union's effort to shape the state's congressional delegation and back candidates seen as supportive of federal employees and public services ahead of the election.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has spoken publicly on whether the SP and Congress have settled a seat-sharing formula for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, ending weeks of speculation about the alliance. The remarks come as both parties weigh how to jointly challenge the BJP in India's most populous state, with Rahul Gandhi's Congress a key partner in the talks.

The 77th International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2026, has entered its third day, with the plenary programme streaming live to a global audience. Day three sessions, hosted under the International Astronautical Federation, are drawing attention from space policy watchers as agency leaders and industry figures take the stage for panel discussions on the sector's biggest questions.

Columbus State University is preparing a partnership with the Library of Congress to expand the collection and preservation of oral histories from military veterans. The collaboration aims to record and archive firsthand accounts of service members, adding to the Library's national oral history holdings. Details on the program's launch and scope are expected from the university and the Library.

The Charleston Gazette-Mail has published an opinion column by Ben Fields drawing connections between Congress, college football and what lies ahead. The piece, labeled as commentary, uses college football as a lens for discussing the state of American politics and the country's direction. Specific arguments from the column have not circulated beyond the headline so far.

Conservation advocates are pressing Congress to act before the session ends, arguing lawmakers still have a window to pass measures protecting wildlife and habitats. The National Audubon Society is among the groups making the case that remaining legislative time can be used for meaningful conservation wins, and it is urging supporters to push their representatives to prioritize these measures now.

The US Navy has submitted a report to Congress on the environmental remediation of PFAS, the so-called 'forever chemicals' used in firefighting foam at military installations. The report outlines ongoing cleanup efforts, costs, and timelines for contaminated sites. It comes as lawmakers and communities near military bases continue pressing for faster action on PFAS contamination of drinking water.

News outlets across the United States are examining how the Texas Senate race could shape the balance of power in Congress. Coverage from stations including KCRA and WBAL-TV focuses on the race's potential to shift control of the Senate, with commentators weighing how the outcome in Texas might influence which party sets the legislative agenda in Washington.

Commentary is questioning whether the US Congress will ever reassert its constitutional role in shaping policy toward Iran. The debate centres on lawmakers' reluctance to challenge the executive branch over war powers, sanctions and diplomacy with Tehran, despite longstanding constitutional authority over declarations of war. Observers argue Congress has largely deferred to the White House on Iran strategy.