SEN

Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his state visit to the United States on Friday. As he departed Washington, senior U.S. government officials saw him off at the airport, where a 21-gun salute was fired in a formal farewell gesture. The visit and its ceremonial send-off are drawing wide attention, with observers weighing what the trip signals for the state of U.S.-China relations.

US intelligence officials have assessed that Saudi Arabia still retains the option to pursue nuclear weapons, even as the kingdom weighs an agreement with the United States. At the same time, US senators are moving against a nuclear cooperation deal tied to the Trump administration, arguing it could pave the way for Riyadh to develop an atomic arsenal. Critics warn any pact must include binding limits on uranium enrichment.

France's far right has made gains in indirect Senate elections, where mayors and local councillors choose half of the upper house's seats. The results point to the National Rally's continued expansion beyond its traditional strongholds. Observers see the vote as another sign of the party's growing normalization and mainstream acceptance in French politics.

Forest fires in Indonesia are sending smoke and haze toward Singapore, raising concerns just as the city prepares to host its Formula One Grand Prix. Race organisers are drawing up contingency plans in case air quality deteriorates further. The annual night race draws huge international attention, and a repeat of the region's severe haze episodes could force changes to the event or affect drivers and spectators.

India has dispatched humanitarian support to Afghanistan, continuing a policy of providing assistance to the Afghan people despite not formally recognising the Taliban administration. The aid is part of New Delhi's ongoing engagement with Afghanistan, which has included wheat, medicines and other relief supplies in recent years. Observers see the move as a sign of India maintaining a humanitarian presence in the region.

Ukraine has begun sending unmanned ground vehicles armed with grenade launchers to attack Russian positions, replacing infantry in direct assaults. The move highlights Kyiv's growing reliance on robotic systems to reduce troop casualties amid manpower shortages. Observers see it as part of a broader shift toward unmanned warfare on the front lines.

Maine Senator Susan Collins is running for re-election in her first race since the Supreme Court overturned abortion rights, a decision she defended with her vote to confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The issue has become a central line of attack against her, with Democrats arguing her vote directly enabled the ruling. Collins, known for her swing-vote influence, faces renewed scrutiny over abortion policy in a state where the issue resonates strongly with voters.

Polling in the Texas US Senate race is being widely discussed as observers weigh the state's competitiveness. Commentators are sharing and debating the latest numbers, with some arguing the race is tighter than expected and others questioning whether Texas Democrats can realistically flip the seat. The contest is drawing national attention as both parties assess their chances ahead of the election.

A new Israeli election poll shows former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot tied with Benjamin Netanyahu, while far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reaches a record high in support. The figures point to a fluid political landscape ahead of the vote, with the far right gaining strength even as Netanyahu's own standing faces a serious challenge.

Pakistani forces have carried out strikes inside Afghanistan, in an operation framed alongside Türkiye as sending a strong message across the region. Details on casualties and targets remain limited. The reported coordination between Islamabad and Ankara is drawing attention, with commentators weighing what the joint stance signals for Afghanistan, regional security and ties between the neighbouring countries.

France's far right has gained ground in the country's indirect Senate elections, where senators are chosen by an electoral college of local officials rather than by direct public vote. The results point to the continued rise of the far right in French politics, adding to pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's camp ahead of future national contests.

CNN's Harry Enten rounds up the biggest stories in American politics, covering key Senate showdowns, signs of potential Democratic "blue waves," and allegations of corruption involving Donald Trump. The roundup uses polling and data analysis to frame what voters are talking about heading into the next election cycle, drawing heavy attention from viewers following the 2026 midterms.

Charlie Cook, founder of the Cook Political Report, said the House is a 'done deal' for Democrats and that reclaiming the Senate is 'very realistic'. His assessment of the midterm outlook suggests Republicans face an uphill battle in both chambers, adding weight to forecasts of a favorable map for the opposition party.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher are set to present Australia's final budget outcome, with attention fixed on the bottom line ahead of a possible Reserve Bank interest rate hike. A stronger-than-expected result could ease pressure on borrowing costs, while a weaker one could reinforce expectations the RBA will raise rates, making the fiscal figures a key input into the rate debate.

Reports say the world's second most powerful military, China, has sent a Russia-derived air-defence system designed to counter cruise missiles to a powerful North African nation. The transfer highlights Beijing's growing arms role in Africa and continued reliance on Russian military technology, drawing attention amid shifting global defence alliances.

Louisiana Republican senator John Kennedy has publicly criticized the Trump White House for spending taxpayer money on advertisements promoting Donald Trump. The rare intra-party rebuke, reported by the Guardian, is drawing attention as it highlights tensions within Republican ranks over the administration's use of public funds for what critics see as political self-promotion.

A newspaper opinion feature is presenting a pro/con debate on whether burning fossil fuels is making wildfire seasons worse. The piece frames the question as a contested issue, with one side arguing fossil fuel combustion drives longer, more intense fire seasons through climate change, and the other disputing that link. The topic is part of ongoing public discussion about the causes of increasingly severe wildfires.

A whistleblower alleges that millions of Driscoll's berries shipped to Canada contained chemical residue above allowed limits, according to reporting by CBC. The claim raises questions about pesticide testing and food safety oversight for imported berries sold to Canadian consumers. Driscoll's has not yet been quoted responding in detail, and regulators have not confirmed whether any products were recalled or investigated.

Commentary argues that Europe's radical right movements draw their strength not simply from ideology but from a widespread feeling of loss — economic, cultural and social — among parts of the population. The piece suggests mainstream politics has failed to address this grievance, allowing far right parties to expand their influence across the continent.

Several Republican senators facing competitive re-election contests are publicly breaking with President Trump on immigration enforcement, calling on ICE to coordinate more closely with local police departments. The move marks a rare intra-party split on a signature Trump issue, as vulnerable GOP incumbents appear to be courting moderate voters ahead of upcoming elections.

The U.S. Senate has approved legislation addressing mental health support for pilots and air traffic controllers. The measure is aimed at making it easier for aviation professionals to seek treatment without automatically jeopardizing their careers, an issue that has drawn growing attention amid concerns over stigma and strict medical certification rules in the aviation industry.

Iranian judiciary official Kazem Gharibabadi said Israel's nuclear arsenal cannot be ignored, according to statements carried by Iranian state-linked media. The remarks come amid ongoing regional tensions and long-standing Iranian criticism of Israel's undeclared nuclear weapons programme and the international community's handling of it. Gharibabadi's comments reinforce Tehran's position that Israel's nuclear capability should be subject to international scrutiny.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has called on the Federal Reserve to keep an open mind about the outlook for U.S. inflation, pushing back against a fixed view of where price pressures are heading. The remarks put fresh attention on the central bank's next rate decisions and on the administration's pressure campaign over monetary policy, with markets watching for any sign the Fed will shift its stance.

An obesity medicine doctor is addressing the growing trend of taking small, lower-than-prescribed doses of Ozempic, the weight-loss and diabetes drug semaglutide. The expert explains the potential risks of adjusting doses without medical guidance, including reduced effectiveness and side effects, while noting the limited circumstances where a low dose may genuinely make sense for some patients.

Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, misspoke by describing himself as a 'lifelong Republican' during remarks, before the slip was noted as a gaffe. The moment drew attention because Fetterman has drawn criticism from progressives and made outreach to conservative voters a visible part of his political identity, fueling debate about his ideological direction within the Democratic Party.

Senior executives from artificial intelligence companies have been summoned to appear before an Australian Senate inquiry examining the technology. The hearings form part of a parliamentary probe into AI's risks and regulation, with cybersecurity among the key concerns. News outlets across Australia are covering the announcement, though details on which executives will testify and when have not been widely reported.

Brighton & Hove Albion faced Arsenal in a Premier League fixture, with extended match highlights now drawing heavy attention from fans worldwide. Supporters are reacting to the key moments, goals and talking points from the game between the two sides, keeping the match at the centre of football conversation.

The first results from France's Senate elections have been published online, according to an announcement from the Senate itself. The indirect elections, held by an electoral college of local representatives, determine the upper house's composition. Early results are being closely watched for what they indicate about the balance of power in the chamber.