Two weeks before Election Day, the US midterm races are tightening, the Justice Department is pressing a noncitizen voting case in California, and lawmakers in both parties are questioning President Trump's approach to Russia, according to NPR. Each story carries consequences for voters in the United States and Canada.

How competitive are the US midterm races?

Republicans are spending heavily to defend territory that has traditionally voted conservative, a sign that once-safe seats are now in play. Democrats, meanwhile, are expanding the midterm map, forcing the GOP to commit resources to districts and states it usually wins comfortably.

That combination points to a wider field of competitive contests than either party expected, with control of Congress potentially hinging on races that were not seen as battlegrounds earlier in the cycle.

What is the DOJ doing on noncitizen voting?

The Justice Department has charged 28 California voters it says are noncitizens, according to NPR. The department has also asked a federal judge to stop thousands of other ballots from being counted.

The dispute puts election administration in California under federal scrutiny in the final stretch before voting ends. It also raises questions about how quickly courts can resolve challenges to ballot counting before results are certified.

Why is Ukraine reaching out to Congress?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is taking his concerns about delayed US weapons and intelligence directly to Congress. His appeal comes as lawmakers from both parties question President Trump's approach to Russia.

  • Zelenskyy is raising the delays with legislators rather than only with the administration.
  • Members of both parties have voiced doubts about the current Russia policy.
  • The timing places a foreign policy fight alongside the final weeks of the campaign.

For readers in Canada, a close US ally and neighbor, the outcome matters because Washington's posture toward Russia and Ukraine shapes NATO coordination and defense spending debates on both sides of the border.

What to watch next

In the coming days, watch whether courts act on the DOJ's request in California, how much more money Republicans pour into defensive races, and whether Congress signals any shift in support for Ukraine before voters head to the polls.

FAQ

How many California voters has the Justice Department charged?

The department has charged 28 voters it says are noncitizens, according to NPR, and is seeking to halt the counting of thousands of other ballots.

Why does the Russia policy debate matter before the midterms?

Lawmakers in both parties are questioning President Trump's approach to Russia while Zelenskyy seeks help from Congress, making foreign policy part of the election-season debate.