Nov 4, 2026, 04:30 AM UTC

Voting is under way across the United States in midterm elections that will decide control of Congress and shape the remainder of President Donald Trump's second term. Opposition Democrats require a net gain of four seats to overturn the current 53–47 Republican majority in the Senate, while also aiming to secure the House of Representatives.

Key contests in states including Texas and Michigan have drawn national attention. Public dissatisfaction regarding economic inflation and the ongoing conflict with Iran has pushed several historically conservative districts into contention. A Democratic victory in either chamber would significantly restrict the administration's legislative power over the next two years.

Sources: BBC News, Cyprus Mail, France24, Sweden Herald, The Herald

Ségolène Royal has officially collected the required sponsorships to participate in the upcoming left-wing primary for France's 2027 presidential election. Royal, who ran as the Socialist Party presidential nominee in 2007, stated she retained "many friendships within the PS" to secure her ballot spot.

The primary, organized jointly by the Socialist Party and Place Publique, will take place over two rounds in October. Royal will compete against six other declared candidates, including Socialist Party First Secretary Olivier Faure, who recently confirmed his candidacy. Meanwhile, French Communist Party leader Fabien Roussel confirmed he will bypass the contest to launch an independent campaign. Early friction has already emerged among contenders following Royal's public remarks targeting rival candidate Raphaël Glucksmann.

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Libération

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will not participate in the upcoming Organization of Turkic States (OTS) summit in Turkey, marking his first absence from an official gathering of the regional bloc in 17 years.

While state-aligned Azerbaijani coverage emphasizes Baku's central role in expanding the alliance into a strategic platform for security, energy, and transport collaboration, independent reporting points to growing political friction between Baku and Ankara. Official explanations for Aliyev's non-attendance remain sparse as regional leaders prepare to gather without Azerbaijan's head of state. The decision comes at a time when the OTS is increasingly seeking to harmonize economic and diplomatic interests across the region.

Sources: OC Media, Trend News Agency

A fourth summer heatwave continues to bring extreme weather to Western and Southern Europe, pushing temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius and intensifying public health concerns.

Italian authorities issued red heat alerts for 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, warning residents that dangerous conditions could last through the week. Austria recorded its highest temperature on record at 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. Meanwhile, French health officials reported more than 7,300 excess deaths linked to 52 days of heatwaves recorded since mid-June.

The ongoing high temperatures follow one of the hottest Julys on record globally. Meteorologists warn of continued dry conditions, high wildfire risks, and upcoming temperature spikes across France and the United Kingdom.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter, VG