A MAJOR POLITICAL SHOWDOWN IS BREWING IN WASHINGTON! Following their victory in the 2026 US midterm elections, Democrats are preparing an ambitious legislative agenda after gaining control of both chambers of Congress from Republicans. Democratic leaders have pledged to prioritise "affordability and accountability", with an initial agenda targeting several major Trump administration policies. Among their key priorities are reversing cuts to Medicaid, extending tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), passing a war powers resolution concerning the US military campaign against Iran, and rolling back President Donald Trump's tariffs. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said lawmakers would develop more detailed proposals in the coming weeks through working groups established earlier this year. Jeffries could also make history when the new Congress convenes in January 2027, potentially becoming the first Black Speaker of the House. However, he offered few details on how Democrats would work with President Trump, setting the stage for potentially contentious negotiations between the White House and the newly empowered Democratic Congress. Meanwhile, Trump has reaffirmed his support for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth despite growing calls for his resignation. With healthcare, trade policy, military powers and government accountability on the agenda, Washington is preparing for a politically consequential change in congressional control.

China's military capabilities are back in the spotlight after footage showing a DF-26B ballistic missile striking a mock-up of a US aircraft carrier circulated widely online. The CCTV-branded video appears to show a missile launch followed by a massive explosion at a desert testing facility. The weapon has been identified online as China's DF-26B, an anti-ship variant of the Dongfeng-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile, capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads.