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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.

Law firm Holland & Knight has published guidance on the congressional investigations expected in the 120th Congress and what organizations should do to prepare. The piece outlines how companies and institutions can ready themselves for potential oversight inquiries, document requests and hearings as a new congressional session begins, with legal experts advising proactive compliance and response strategies.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ajay Rai has been removed from his post as president of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee. Reacting to the decision, Rai became emotional and made an appeal to party MLA Aradhana Mishra Mona. The leadership change in the state unit has drawn attention as Congress reorganises ahead of coming political battles in Uttar Pradesh, with party workers and observers weighing in on what the reshuffle means.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, addressing a party press conference, claimed that an announcement by the Indian National Congress has rattled the government and left Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah anxious. The remarks come amid heated political positioning between the opposition party and the ruling BJP, with Congress framing the government as defensive over the issue it raised.

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.

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.

Health authorities have reported an Ebola disease outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to a disease outbreak bulletin issued on 8 October 2026. The Bundibugyo species is rarer than the Zaire strain and has previously caused outbreaks in the region, prompting close monitoring by global health agencies.

The Purina Institute has announced it will deliver pet nutrition education at the upcoming WSAVA Congress, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association's annual gathering of veterinary professionals. The program is aimed at giving vets science-based guidance on nutrition for companion animals. Details on specific sessions or speakers were not provided in the announcement.

A Bloomberg Opinion editorial argues that Congress should step in and revise the flawed nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia. The piece contends the current terms fall short and that lawmakers have a responsibility to strengthen safeguards before the deal advances further. It adds to ongoing debate in Washington over US-Saudi nuclear cooperation and the oversight role of Congress in such agreements.

A candidate forum for Minnesota's First Congressional District, hosted in Rochester, focused on the role of Congress in the federal government. hopefuls in the southern Minnesota district used the event to stake out positions on legislative responsibilities, checks and balances, and federal priorities ahead of the election.

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.

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.

Congress has launched an investigation into the Amateur Athletic Union, one of the largest youth sports organizations in the United States. Details of the probe's scope and focus have not yet been made public, but the inquiry places a major institution in American amateur athletics under congressional scrutiny, drawing attention from lawmakers and the youth sports community.

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.

A US congressman is asking his colleagues in Congress to sign a pledge committing to accept the results of upcoming elections, regardless of outcome. The appeal comes amid ongoing concerns about candidates and officials refusing to commit to honoring vote counts. Supporters see it as a safeguard for the peaceful transfer of power; the response from other lawmakers remains to be seen.

South Carolina Representatives Timmons and McClain have answered questions about what role Congress should play in regulating data centers, in remarks covered by FOX Carolina News. The comments come as data center expansion draws growing scrutiny from lawmakers over energy use, land and local impacts, with federal oversight an open question.

A candidate forum for Minnesota's First Congressional District focused on immigration enforcement, with contenders fielding questions on deportation policy, border security and local impacts. The First District covers southern Minnesota, including Rochester. Voters are watching where candidates stand on an issue central to the upcoming election.

Discussion is focused on how a Democratic-controlled Congress could affect President Trump's agenda for K-12 education. Analysts and education observers are weighing which of his school policy priorities might be blocked, scaled back, or reshaped if Democrats gain legislative power, particularly on funding, accountability, and federal education department priorities.

Representatives William Timmons and Nancy McClain of South Carolina answered questions about what Congress can do to relieve pressure from high gas prices. Their remarks come as fuel costs remain a concern for drivers and as lawmakers face questions over domestic energy policy, drilling and price relief measures.

Attention is turning to New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, which commentators say could decide which party controls the US House of Representatives after the midterm elections. The race is being watched as one of the narrowest battlegrounds, with national significance for whether Republicans or Democrats hold the majority in Congress.

Consumer group Families USA is calling on Congress to pass legislation on health care price transparency, arguing that the Trump administration's announcement today on cleaning up hospital price data does not go far enough. The group says stronger action is needed to ensure patients can actually see and use clear prices before receiving care.

U.S. News & World Report profiles candidates identified as democratic socialists who will appear on congressional ballots in the 2026 midterm elections. The piece introduces the politicians, their platforms and their prospects, highlighting the continued presence of the democratic socialist label in American electoral politics.