Elections, legislation, and political battles shaping U.S. governance

This cluster tracks how U.S. domestic politics are unfolding simultaneously at the ballot box and in the halls of Congress. It spans 2026 primary contests in North Carolina and a pivotal Texas Senate race that could decide control of Congress, while also highlighting legislative fights over a proposed wealth tax and $3,000 cash payments, property tax caps, and voting restrictions pushed by Trump allies. In Washington, live coverage of Senate roll-call votes, a looming or ongoing government shutdown, and intense scrutiny of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem over luxury jet spending illustrate partisan clashes over spending, oversight, and immigration enforcement. Together, these stories show how electoral stakes, policy debates, and accountability battles are converging to shape the next phase of U.S. governance.