Daily News Brief · November 4th

Sand, auditor for state with strong Trump support, defeats Maha-backed Republican Zach Lahn as Democrats win big Democrat Rob Sand has been elected governor of Iowa, the Associated Press projects, a milestone as his party seeks to rebuild its political standing in the midwestern state. Sand, the state auditor who is the sole Democrat holding statewide office in Iowa, triumphed over Republican Zach Lahn, a political newcomer backed by Robert F Kennedy Jr’s “Make America healthy again” movement. Continue reading...

Washington — Democrat Peggy Flanagan defeated Michele Tafoya in the Minnesota Senate race, CBS News projects, defending the seat for Democrats after Sen. Tina Smith opted not to seek reelection. Flanagan, 47, is the lieutenant governor and a former state representative who ran on progressive policies like Medicare for All. She defeated a more moderate opponent in the primary, and faced off against Tafoya for the open Senate seat after Tafoya beat out a crowded field for the GOP nomination.

On the markets — Kalshi traders have been actively repricing this story in the last day.

Exclusive: Schools minister launches new Ukrainian GCSE and says she is sorry students were pushed to study Russian in its absence The UK has apologised to Ukrainian child refugees who were told to study Russian in English schools, as it launched funding for a new GCSE in Ukrainian. Ukrainian children who were forced to seek refuge in the UK after Vladimir Putin’s invasion in 2022 say it was “insulting” that their teachers suggested they study Russian in the absence of a GCSE in Ukrainian. Continue reading...

In the first two years of his second term, President Donald Trump has benefited from his Republican Party holding majorities in both chambers of Congress. Republican control of the White House and Congress allowed the party to pass a sweeping tax-cut measure in 2025. With party faithful running congressional committees, Trump and his administration have largely been insulated from tough scrutiny from such bodies.

If you have questions about the midterm results, what they mean and what’s next, we’d like to hear from you The results of 2026 US midterm elections are rolling in, and Democrats are poised to retake control of Congress after flipping key swing states and congressional districts. We’ll be hosting a live Q&A on Friday 6 November at noon ET breaking down the results. The Guardian’s political reporters will take questions on everything from how key races shook out, surprising results, what power Democrats will have, and what this all means for Donald Trump.

In June 1976, a CBI probe into alleged corruption in the procurement of wheat from Punjab was sought by the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary. Karunanidhi and others were alleged to have abused their official position and passed favourable orders to some firms.

On the markets — Kalshi traders have been actively repricing this story in the last day.

So, Simon shared some early thoughts on the 2026 election, and it sounds like there are some interesting trends emerging. He noted that the far-right has faced some setbacks globally, which could bode well for democracy here in the U.S. Democrats have been expanding their reach, becoming competitive in places like Texas, the Midwest, and even the Deep South. It’s a shift that could really change the landscape.

He emphasized the importance of a diverse group of candidates stepping up, representing a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. There’s also a buzz around young voters and voters of color, particularly Hispanics, showing up in higher numbers, which could indicate a significant turnout.

One of the key takeaways is that voters seem to be not just opposing Republicans but actively supporting Democrats, with a noticeable increase in people identifying as Democrats. This renewed trust in the party is something they’ll need to build on moving forward. Simon wrapped up with a nod to the battles fought over the past two years, highlighting the resilience of various groups and individuals who’ve stood up for democratic values. It’s definitely shaping up to be a pivotal moment!

Last night in Michigan, a lively gathering unfolded with the Working Families Party, Arab American leaders, and the Progressive Change Campaign Committee. They came together to discuss the upcoming election and the importance of grassroots organizing. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as attendees shared their hopes for progressive change and the impact of local elections on their communities.

Speakers emphasized the need for unity and collaboration among diverse groups, highlighting how collective efforts can lead to significant political shifts. They also touched on the importance of voter engagement, especially in underrepresented communities, and shared strategies to mobilize support ahead of the election.

The event featured personal stories that resonated deeply with the audience, reminding everyone of the stakes involved. It was a heartfelt reminder of why local elections matter, and how every voice counts in shaping the future. Overall, it was a night filled with inspiration and a call to action for all attendees.

Vote counting is still underway as this is posted, but this much we know: The predicted blue tsunami has washed over America, and Democrats have easily recaptured the House of Representatives in races already called. The fate of the Senate is still up in the air as this was written, but Democrats were winning enough races to claim the majority there as well if those trends hold. In Florida, as polls predicted, the races for governor and U.S. Senator were tight, but Republican candidates prevailed. U.S. Rep.

It’s now official. Democrats won the House AND we won the Senate. More than 10 years ago now, they told us this would all just blow over. It didn’t. People lost their jobs and their homes. Neighbors were dragged out of their lives in handcuffs, or worse. Trump did that. But through all of it, we never stopped. This amazing community sent more than 910,000 letters and made countless calls since November 2024. Trump had Fox, the richest guy on earth, and Speaker Johnson—who always did what he was told. We had each other—and we beat them.