Sunday, October 25

Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the Justice Department's suit over Alaska's Senate certification, and Lula was declared the winner of Brazil's runoff. CNN reported the US has strike plans for Iran ready on a 96-hour order, and María Corina Machado returned to Venezuela.

1. 
   Senate races
   Blanche defends Justice Department suit over Alaska Senate vote

   Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the Justice Department's lawsuit to block certification of Alaska's Senate race, saying President Trump is not trying to meddle. Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews that "A lot of people don't know what incumbent means." Fortune reported that Peltola called the suit "just flagrant, flagrant corruption in my opinion."

   The question

   Should the Justice Department try to block Alaska's Senate result?

   No, let it standYes, block it
   Read the story ›
2. Brazil
   Lula declared winner of Brazil runoff; Bolsonaro rejects result

   Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was declared the winner of Brazil's presidential runoff Sunday night, the Washington Examiner reported. Challenger Flávio Bolsonaro is refusing to concede. Al Jazeera reported that he called for the result to be annulled.

   The question

   Should corruption decide your vote in Brazil's runoff?

   No, other issues matterYes, it comes first
   Read the story ›
3. Iran
   CNN: US has Iran strike plans ready as blockade continues

   CNN reported, citing two US officials, that US forces could launch new operations against Iran within 96 hours of receiving an order from President Trump. Iran's foreign minister said Sunday that threats will not change Tehran's course. Fortune reported that Iran's foreign ministry says it is still passing messages to the US through intermediaries.

   The question

   Should the US and Israel strike Iran again this weekend?

   Hold offStrike again
   Read the story ›
4. Venezuela
   María Corina Machado returns to Venezuela after months in exile

   Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado returned to Venezuela on Sunday, her first time in the country since December. She greeted supporters at a Catholic church in Santa Rosa, Lara state. NBC News reported the return comes amid rising doubts over the country's democracy.

   The question

   Will Machado's return lead to fair elections in Venezuela?

   No, doubts remainYes, it will help
   Read the story ›
5. Midterm messaging
   Rep. Crow names ousting Hegseth a top goal if Democrats win House

   Rep. Jason Crow, a Colorado Democrat, said on "Face the Nation" Sunday that it is "priority number one if we retake the majority, to make sure we oust" Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The midterm elections are scheduled for Nov. 3.

   The question

   Should Democrats put holding Trump accountable before affordability?

   Affordability firstAccountability first
   Read the story ›

• Russia and Ukraine

  Ukraine and Russia signaled willingness to resume US-brokered peace talks, Nwaonline reported, though disagreements over territory and security guarantees remain.

• Israel

  The Associated Press reported that Israel's Tuesday election is widely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership.

• World elections

  UPI and Chronicle Online reported that Serbian leader Aleksandar Vucic conceded defeat to the student-led movement.

• Tariffs

  Kevin Hassett said US-Canada trade talks are "very close" to a deal, Newsmax reported.

• European protests

  Al Jazeera reported clashes in France during protests over rising living costs, with centrist and leftist leaders blaming each other.

• Church and state

  An archbishop publicly rebuked a White House prayer meeting over Trump, Raw Story reported, citing "A heavy sadness."

10 stories closed across 9 threads. Each stays on its thread’s timeline and reopens if the reporting comes back.