Elections

Reform UK has received the largest political donation in British history, MPs have voted down assisted dying legislation, and the ground is shifting ahead of both a Westminster by-election and the American midterms. This hub follows the mechanics and drama of electoral politics on both sides of the Atlantic: who funds campaigns, who gets selected to fight for a vacant seat, and how governments quietly time contentious decisions to avoid handing opponents ammunition before voters go to the polls.

Elections shape who holds power and how that power is exercised, which is why the manoeuvring around them, donor influence, candidate selection rows, delayed rulings, party infighting, often reveals as much as the vote itself. In Britain, attention is turning to a closely watched contest for a former Labour leader's seat, with rival parties jostling for position and local issues such as North Sea drilling becoming entangled in the timing of national announcements. In the United States, both major parties are already framing the narrative around the midterms, trading accusations of foul play and reading the runes for who stands to lose ground.

Expect ongoing coverage of campaign finance, candidate controversies, parliamentary votes with electoral consequences, and the wider jostling between parties as they position themselves for the next test at the ballot box.

  • Gazans speak out over reports of extremist teaching in schools and mosques

    The article alleges that Hamas has used Gaza’s schools, mosques and youth activities to teach children extremist ideas and glorify violence, and reports that some Gazans are speaking out despite personal risk. It presents this as a threat to children and to the prospects for peace, while also raising questions about the role of outside…

  • Apollo 13 rescue flight director Milt Windler dies aged 94

    Milt Windler, a NASA flight director who helped guide the rescue of Apollo 13’s crew, has died aged 94. He was one of four Mission Control leaders who directed the round-the-clock response after an explosion crippled the spacecraft, shifting the mission from a planned lunar landing to getting the astronauts safely home. Appointed a flight…

  • Fernandes urges unity after defending Ronaldo’s Portugal contribution

    Bruno Fernandes has called for unity in Portugal after Cristiano Ronaldo left the national team camp following a dispute over whether he would start against Denmark. Fernandes said Ronaldo remains the greatest symbol of Portuguese football, as debate over the captain’s decision has divided opinion and raised questions about his international future. Ronaldo was an…

  • Trump urges Arkansas voters to contact Tom Cotton over clock change bill

    Donald Trump appeared to share Senator Tom Cotton’s personal mobile number on Truth Social and urged Arkansas voters to call him over legislation to end the twice-yearly clock change. The public appeal highlighted a dispute between the president and the Republican senator, who argues permanent daylight saving time would leave children travelling to school in…

  • Labour overtakes Reform in poll after Burnham’s EU remarks

    A new Opinium poll puts Labour ahead of Reform UK, with Labour up two points to 30 per cent, its highest rating since 2024. The survey followed Andy Burnham’s conference remarks on Brexit and other policies, and found most respondents supported considering all options for Britain’s future relationship with the EU. Reform stands at 25…

  • Springsteen, other stars share stage with hardcore leftist groups at music fest

    Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews and other artists are headlining the “Power To The People” festival in Maryland, where performances are combined with voter registration, activist organising and fundraising ahead of the US midterms. The event’s lineup and participating groups show how celebrity performances can give political organisations greater visibility and help turn audience interest into…

  • Democrats target Kushner’s Saudi investment and Trump-linked crypto firm for scrutiny

    Democrats say they would investigate business ties involving President Donald Trump’s family and associates if they gain control of either chamber of Congress in November. Senator Ruben Gallego named Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner as a priority, citing his Saudi dealings, while Senator Richard Blumenthal said he wants to examine the Trump-linked cryptocurrency firm World Liberty…

  • Poll puts Talarico two points ahead of Paxton in Texas Senate race

    A Fox News poll puts Democrat James Talarico two points ahead of Republican Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race, though the difference is within the poll’s margin of error. The close contest has drawn fresh attention after leaked audio appeared to capture Paxton saying Republican candidates’ numbers fell after a Dallas convention, raising questions…

  • One Nation launches Victorian campaign with crime policies amid protests

    One Nation held its Victorian campaign launch on Saturday with party leader Pauline Hanson, state president Warren Pickering and more than 750 supporters attending the event at Melbourne’s Crown conference centre. The party announced policies centred on crime reduction and increased police powers, releasing merchandise including “MAGA: Make Albo Go Away” apparel. Heavy police presence…

  • Devon volunteers map River Dart sewage spills in real time

    Citizens in Devon have created an online platform called River Hub to track sewage spills in the River Dart in real time, highlighting repeatedly polluted spots and showing where improvements are planned or absent. The initiative by Friends of the Dart (FOD) fills a gap the organisation believes should be filled by water companies and…