Christian Science Monitor

Republicans are losing support among Latinos. It might cost them the House.

Many of the most competitive House districts this year, in states from Texas to Florida, California to Pennsylvania, have majority or near-majority Latino electorates.

In Ohio, Sherrod Brown tests an old model of working-class appeal for Democrats

At a moment when many Democrats are arguing over socialism and Israel, Sherrod Brown is squarely focused on the economic issues he’s always championed. Supporters say his brand of old-school liberalism could offer a way forward for his party.

Afrikaners, Trump’s priority refugees, settle into American life

The U.S. government is welcoming members of a small South African racial minority as refugees while continuing its drive to deport more immigrants.

Trump is moving fast and breaking things. He could pay in November.

Donald Trump’s muscular approach to presidential power aimed to score big wins for his agenda. Polls suggest voters are largely dissatisfied, from the Iran war to the economy.

As MAGA turns toward ‘heritage Americans,’ Ramaswamy hopes it doesn’t leave him out

As a gubernatorial candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy wants to talk about tax cuts and data centers. But questions about where his party is headed – and how candidates like him may fit into that future – linger over his Ohio campaign.

Amid calls for AI rules, who in Congress has the tech savvy to help?

Few members of Congress have the kind of technology background that could be useful as they discuss regulating artificial intelligence.

Many voters want generational change. Boomer priorities still rule.

Electing younger candidates might not quickly change older Americans' influence in Congress.

On eve of China summit, Trump raises stakes on AI competition

The likelihood of a comprehensive U.S.-China agreement on AI out of this week’s summit remains low. But the two nations might find a way to indicate they’re working together to address concerns about AI safety.

Trump widens battle with the press, banning CNN and others from White House

President Donald Trump announced a ban on three major news outlets – CNN, Politico, and MS NOW – calling them purveyors of “fake news.”

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In an effort to tamp down inflation, the Fed raises interest rates

As the Iran war pushes up the price of fuel and food, experts say Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh had little choice but to raise interest rates for the first time in three years.

From Bernie Sanders to Steve Bannon, diverse AI-safety advocates grow louder

A broad array of speakers from lawmakers to theologians voiced doubts about unregulated artificial intelligence at a “pro-human” Washington event Tuesday. AI is testing humanity’s ability to establish guardrails even as tech advances.

Supreme Court blocks Trump effort to restrict mail ballots ahead of midterms

Critics said the Trump plan for the U.S. Postal Service could disrupt states’ delivery of ballots to eligible voters as the Nov. 3 vote approaches and cause chaos, given imminent mailing of ballots.

Sobering warning about AI’s potential harm focuses Congress’ attention

A warning from a former Anthropic employee about artificial intelligence’s potential to harm or eliminate humanity has prompted a flurry of action in Congress.

Perceptions of US government corruption are soaring. What can be done?

History shows periods of corruption tend to be followed by waves of reform. But legislative or constitutional fixes face high hurdles in such polarized times.

The secret ballot has been an article of faith in U.S. elections. That's being tested in Georgia.

There's a flaw in Georgia’s voting equipment that can allow voters to be matched to their ballots after they’ve been cast.

Also reported by PBS NewsHour (Lean left)

Who runs US elections? Why the Constitution puts states and Congress in charge.

The crafters of the U.S. Constitution, wary of centralizing power, gave states and Congress oversight over national elections. The president’s role is to enforce federal laws, including voter laws. The Trump administration is now testing the boundaries of that enforcement power, in the name of rooting out voter fraud.

In Dallas, Trump leans into a midterm where ‘I’m on the ballot’

With midterm elections for control of Congress drawing closer, a challenge for Republicans is Donald Trump’s deep slump in public approval. This week in Dallas, the president has been trying to turn that liability around on live TV.

Iowa farmers grow impatient with Trump on tariffs, Iran war

Iowa farmers say trade fights and the Iran war are adding uncertainty and raising costs.

House, wary of shutdown before midterms, pushes budget talks to December

The U.S. House voted 370-48 to pass a bill authorizing government spending through Dec. 11, pushing off budget talks and avoiding a potential shutdown.

Moulton vs. Markey: Voters weigh generational change (video)

Incumbent Sen. Ed Markey has been in Congress since before primary-race challenger Seth Moulton was born. Our video report looks at generational tension in the midterms.

Suddenly, Iowa looks like a swing state again. What’s driving the shift.

Iowans could elect a Democratic governor for the first time in two decades. National issues, such as the Iran war’s impact, and local ones, like herbicides, matter deeply in this tight race.

Graham’s win in South Carolina shows Trump’s still got sway

Voters have rejected more Trump-endorsed candidates in this year’s primary season than in previous cycles. But Darline Graham won South Carolina’s U.S. Senate nomination Tuesday, as the president’s backing outweighed her lack of experience.

Congress eyes tighter sanctions on Russia – with wiggle room for Trump

The U.S. House will consider a Russia sanctions bill, which could be Congress’ first major action on the Ukraine war in President Trump’s second term.

As Iran stalemate drags on, US tries to tighten the economic vise

Iran is one of the most heavily sanctioned countries in the world. But the Trump administration hopes it can turn up the pressure even more, threatening nations that do business with Tehran.

Military’s arrest power at southern border grows. What’s behind the change?

President Trump expanded the U.S. military’s role in immigration enforcement, and a new legal opinion gives the Pentagon greater arrest powers at the southern border.

Is Washington awash in self-dealing? If Democrats win the House, oversight will rise.

President Donald Trump has asserted that “nobody” cares if he and his family are making big money during his presidency. But some voters in his own party say ethical standards have declined. And midterm elections might allow Democrats to put new scrutiny on the issue.

At the Iowa State Fair, pork chops mix with presidential politics. Will that change?

The state fair in Des Moines has been a mainstay for generations of Iowans – and for White House hopefuls. But some worry its place in the pantheon of presidential politics might be waning.

FCC considers cuts to funds for internet access at schools and libraries

A program called E-Rate has helped expand public internet access for 30 years. As the Federal Communications Commission challenges whether the subsidies are still needed, schools and libraries say cuts could leave them with hard choices.

Polling in primaries has always been sketchy. This year seems worse.

Polling misses have been common – and sometimes egregious – during the current primary season. This has a real impact on campaigns, as polls shape media coverage, affect fundraising, and give cues to candidates honing their positions.

‘Big, beautiful bill’ was top GOP achievement. Now it’s campaign fodder for Democrats.

The Republicans’ signature 2025 legislation was expected to be a key campaign advantage, but public opinion and outcry over its cuts are turning it into a liability.

US government searches for migrant children as deportations mount

The U.S. government is looking for migrant children who arrived without guardians and were released to sponsors.

Democrats’ socialist surge hits a roadblock in Wisconsin

Despite a messy gubernatorial primary in which multiple candidates dropped out, polling front-runner and democratic socialist Francesca Hong was edged out by center-left candidate David Crowley.

Scrutiny of Rep. Max Miller adds to a trend in Congress

Lawmakers or candidates in both parties have faced allegations of sexual misconduct or domestic abuse. Some peers of Ohio’s Max Miller have called for him to resign his House seat.

In Utah canyons, a clash over federal lands – and the future of the West

The U.S. government is slashing two revered national monuments in Utah. What happens next could determine how vast public lands in the western U.S. are managed – or exploited.

Project 2025: As midterms near, Trump’s window for action might be closing

The Trump administration has enacted many of Project 2025’s goals, but many await action ahead of midterms that could alter the balance of power in Washington.

Why Lindsey Graham’s sister isn’t a lock to hold on to his Senate seat

President Donald Trump has endorsed South Carolina Sen. Darline Graham in next Tuesday’s special primary for the late senator’s seat. But she’s up against a crowded field that features more experienced candidates.

Progressive Democrats propel El-Sayed to Michigan Senate primary win

Abdul El-Sayed edged Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic primary for a Senate seat.

New Massachusetts law aims to thwart Trump’s deportation plans

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed into law Wednesday a bill that immigration advocates say is one of the nation’s most expansive efforts to narrow state cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Together, these Republicans and Democrats are vouching for election security

Republicans and Democrats in battleground states are collaborating to publicly counter unproven accusations about U.S. elections and improve voter trust.

On Blanche vote, Cornyn and Tillis say their holdout was about principle

Two Republican senators voted yes on Todd Blanche's nomination to be attorney general after expressing concerns with the Trump administration's "anti-weaponization" fund.

Wisconsin governor’s race tests limits of Democrats’ leftward shift

After years of Republican rule, Wisconsin Democrats are testing whether a democratic socialist is a viable candidate for governor in a swing state.

War and peace: Ukraine’s ambassador in Washington joins our table

Ukrainian Ambassador Olga Stefanishyna met reporters at a Monitor Breakfast, in the wake of a Trump-Zelenskyy White House meeting and headlines about Ukraine bombing an Iranian cargo ship in the Caspian Sea.

Kyiv’s ambassador on how Ukraine revived vital ties with US

Outgoing Ukrainian Ambassador Olga Stefanishyna met with reporters for a Monitor Breakfast to discuss the war, Trump-Zelenskyy relations, and corruption charges facing herself and the government.

Democrats’ surging left wing faces a test in Michigan: Older Black voters

Tuesday’s primary for Michigan’s open Senate seat is serving as a proxy battle over the Democratic Party’s future. How it all plays out could shape the 2028 presidential race.

America’s debt is skyrocketing. Why isn’t Congress doing anything about it?

The U.S. government is spending well beyond its means at a breathtaking pace. Members of Congress say they care, but neither party is making deficit reduction a priority.

Supreme Court gave presidents more power over agencies. Are any still independent?

The Supreme Court’s June ruling in Trump v. Slaughter could shift the balance between presidential control and agency autonomy, legal scholars say.

Burned by past shutdowns, Republicans start budget process ahead of schedule

Congress must fund the federal government by Sept. 30. But the possibility of a fourth shutdown since Trump took office is prompting the Senate to consider temporary funding months ahead of that deadline.

Maine Democrats are moving on from Platner. But cracks might linger.

Former state Senate President Troy Jackson is on track to become Maine’s new Democratic Senate nominee this weekend. But eleventh-hour candidacies frequently face big challenges.

Blanche’s nomination for attorney general uncertain after hearing

Todd Blanche, President Trump’s nominee for U.S. attorney general, faced pointed questions from Republican and Democratic senators at his confirmation hearing.

States have beefed up election security, but Trump is still pushing for federal role

President Donald Trump has refused to accept that he lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden, and is again airing disproven claims ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Trump’s plan for federal worker NDAs puts spotlight on speech, transparency

The Trump administration wants 2 million federal workers to be covered by nondisclosure agreements. The proposal is likely to face legal challenges.

Missing McConnell: What to do when a lawmaker’s out, but doesn’t leave?

For almost a month, no one knew why Sen. Mitch McConnell was missing from the U.S. Senate. There’s no set way for the Senate – or the states – to respond to such an event.

When facing allegations of bad behavior, are there red lines for politicians?

In the post-#MeToo era accusations of sexual misconduct have increased. But while some politicians have ended their campaigns or resigned, others have survived such allegations, raising questions about how voters evaluate charges and the impact of partisanship.

With Graham’s death, Trump loses a key ally in Congress

No one else in Congress had the kind of relationship with President Donald Trump that Senator Graham, who died Saturday, had. Mr. Graham influenced the president’s thinking on consequential matters, particularly in the realm of foreign policy.

Should billionaires pay a wealth tax? California will be a big test.

With the top 1% holding nearly one-third of household wealth in the U.S., efforts to impose new levies on the wealthy have been gaining traction. In California, voters will decide this fall whether to impose a one-time 5% tax on the state’s billionaires.

Mediators try to save crumbling Iran deal as Trump, Khamenei trade threats

Iran's leader vowed to avenge his father's death at the hands of the U.S., while President Trump says he threatened missile attacks in response to threats to kill him.

Trump focuses on proof of citizenship, but other election changes could affect midterms

As President Trump calls attention to the SAVE America Act, other potentially significant changes to how Americans vote are taking place ahead of midterm elections.

Platner’s exit opens a new race: Will Maine Democrats pick another progressive?

The collapse of Graham Platner’s Senate campaign in Maine has state Democrats wrestling with questions over candidate vetting and whether the next nominee should come from the party’s moderate or progressive wing.

As more young voters warm to socialism, Trump warns of ‘communist’ threat

Polls show younger voters are less fearful of socialism and more likely to question the benefits of capitalism as it relates to their lives. But while anti-communist rhetoric is red meat for the Republican base, it might not persuade many other voters.

America’s next 250? A revival of civic virtues might hold the key.

Democracy requires civic engagement – and it can sometimes seem to be falling short. But the seeds of renewal are visible, from potluck dinners to youth programs.