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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing pointed criticism from Democrats and resistance from some Republicans over the US conflict with Iran and his dismissals of senior Pentagon officials. The disputes center on the administration's Iran strategy and concerns about the removals of top defense leadership, making the Pentagon chief a focal point of congressional tension.

Donald Trump is publicly amplifying criticism of a fellow Republican who broke with the party line on immigration. The move highlights his continued grip on the GOP and the risks facing lawmakers who cross him on one of the party's defining issues. It comes as immigration remains a central fight heading into the next election cycle.

The private credit industry, long a quieter corner of finance where loans are made outside public markets, is confronting increased public scrutiny. Commentators are asking how risks in these lightly regulated, opaque lending arrangements are priced and who bears the losses if defaults rise. With the sector having grown rapidly into roughly a trillion-dollar market, its visibility and the questions around it are growing in step.

The Pope has told French bishops that the Catholic Church carries a prophetic authority and must make its voice heard in the public square. The message, relayed by Vatican News, underscores the Church's role in public debate in France, where debates over secularism and religion's place in society remain contentious. The remarks affirm the bishops' mandate to engage on moral and social questions rather than confine the faith to private life.

Hispanic Republicans are speaking out against Immigration and Customs Enforcement, arguing the agency is over-reacting in its enforcement operations. At the same time, they are turning attention to the economy, an issue they see as central to winning over Hispanic voters. The criticism highlights tensions within the party between hardline immigration policies and the concerns of Hispanic constituencies ahead of upcoming political contests.

Donald Trump is publicly promoting criticism of a fellow Republican who broke with him on immigration, drawing attention to a fresh rift inside the party. The dispute highlights continuing tensions over immigration policy within the GOP heading into the midterm election season, with Trump signaling he is willing to target members of his own party who diverge from his hardline stance.

The Supreme Court has thrown out a Republican-drawn congressional map in Missouri, handing Democrats a win in the ongoing battle over redistricting. The ruling means Missouri's district boundaries will have to be redrawn, potentially improving Democratic chances in future House races. The decision lands amid heightened national attention on gerrymandering fights, with both parties waging map-drawing battles across multiple states ahead of upcoming midterm elections.

Ahead of the US midterm elections, Republicans are shifting onto the offensive in key races, targeting districts where Democrats are seen as vulnerable. Coverage focuses on which states and House seats the party believes it can flip, and how issues like the economy and immigration are shaping campaign strategy. Analysts are watching whether the momentum holds through election day.

CBS News' Eye on Politics segment covers fresh super PAC spending pouring into a closely contested governor's race, alongside a discussion with Hispanic Republicans about their role in the election. The roundup highlights how outside money and shifting voter coalitions could influence one of the country's most competitive gubernatorial contests.

Wausau's Public Health and Safety Committee is set to review an update to the city's homelessness strategy along with several business extension requests. The agenda items suggest city officials are continuing efforts to address homelessness locally while weighing approvals for businesses seeking to extend permits or operations. Residents and local watchers are following the meeting for details on how the strategy is progressing.

Singapore's national water agency PUB has urged the public to avoid several areas across the island because of flash flood risks, following heavy rain. The advisory names specific low-lying locations prone to rapid water build-up and asks motorists and pedestrians to steer clear until conditions improve.

The BBC has published a list of foods to stock up on in case supply chains are disrupted by extreme weather or global conflicts. Commentators note the guidance resembles the British government's early 1980s 'Protect and Survive' civil defence booklet, though with healthier food suggestions. The advice has reignited debate about preparedness and rising global instability.

Pope Leo XIV has called on French bishops to defend the Catholic Church's public witness, according to Radio Veritas Asia. The appeal underscores the Vatican's concern over the Church's role and visibility in French public life. Further details of the meeting and the Pope's remarks have not been widely reported yet.

Singapore is cracking down on people who play music and videos loudly on public transportation. Offenders now face fines of up to 500 Singapore dollars. The measure targets inconsiderate behaviour on buses and trains, where noise complaints have long been a common gripe among commuters in the city-state.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights has issued a press release on its promotion mission to the Republic of South Africa. Such missions typically involve meeting government officials and civil society to assess the human rights situation in the country. The release confirms the Commission's ongoing monitoring role across African Union member states.

Xi Jinping and Donald Trump met officially, and Taiwan was not mentioned in any public statements from the meeting. DW reported the omission, which is notable given Taiwan is typically a central point of tension between Washington and Beijing. Observers are likely debating whether the silence reflects a deliberate diplomatic arrangement or signals a shift in how the two powers are handling the Taiwan issue.

President Emmanuel Macron was absent from the Pope's mass in Paris, but reacted on X by posting a video of the popemobile circling the Arc de Triomphe through a jubilant crowd. "Concord and Fraternity. France is proud to welcome Pope Leo XIV," the president wrote, saluting the pontiff's visit despite his own no-show at the service, a choice drawing comment and debate.

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, said it is crucial for Britain to have stability in its public finances. The remark came as concerns over borrowing and fiscal policy weigh on UK markets and the political debate, with calls for the government to reassure investors and keep debt under control.

Around 4,600 Service Employees International Union staff across Oregon's seven public universities are poised to begin a strike on Monday. The potential walkout threatens operations at campuses statewide, including the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, as union workers press for a new contract. It comes amid a wave of labor actions in the state and nationwide.

Republicans are redirecting campaign funds into dozens of US House districts that had previously been considered safe seats, according to Reuters. The spending shift suggests party strategists see unexpected vulnerability ahead of the elections, and are moving resources to defend districts that were once assumed secure rather than focusing only on competitive races.

The Republican Party is holding its national midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, drawing party leaders, delegates and activists ahead of the midterm elections. The gathering is being used to rally support, set campaign messaging and spotlight candidates ahead of voting.

Texas Republicans have survived past Democratic surges, but analysts are asking whether the 2026 midterm cycle could finally break that pattern. Attention is turning to whether shifting demographics, national political headwinds and competitive races could put longtime Republican strongholds in Texas at genuine risk next year.

Cambodia's Environment Ministry has called on the public to keep pagodas and tourist sites clean during Pchum Ben, the major Buddhist festival for honouring ancestors. The appeal comes as millions travel to their home provinces and fill temples and heritage sites with offerings and visitors. Authorities want visitors to dispose of rubbish properly and avoid littering at sacred and tourist locations throughout the holiday period.