October 18-24, 2026
NEWS DIGEST
Is your ballot sitting on the table while you dread doing your research to fill it up? Given the intense pressure on the USPS to nullify ballots that arrive late, it is absolutely critical that you get that ballot carefully filled and dropped off at the nearest ballot box soon. Vote.org is a handy resource to learn about the measures, candidates, early voting, and ballot locations. A full resource for voting information can be found here. Please get it done right now!! And if you have some spare change, TSB volunteers will be calling and reaching voters till the last minute. Donate here.
NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL
Here’s What Democrats Plan to Do With Their Power if They Win Back Congress: House Democrats are preparing an ambitious legislative push in the first 100 hours if they regain the majority in November. Their priorities include restoring Affordable Care Act premium subsidies, reversing nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts, challenging Trump's tariffs, and reasserting congressional authority over the war in Iran. They also plan to investigate the Trump administration and hold it accountable. However, even if Democrats win the House, their ability to enact legislation will depend on Senate support and overcoming potential presidential vetoes. NYT
Elon Musk pours $442 million into boosting Republicans in the midterms: Elon Musk gave another $76 million to boost Republicans in the first two weeks of October, bringing his total giving this cycle to more than $442 million. The additional funds, which Musk gave to his super PAC, America PAC, make the group one of the biggest super PACs this cycle. America PAC has already spent tens of millions of dollars on digital advertising, mailers and text messages as it targets competitive House and Senate races across the country. POLITICO
Trump says he ordered the Justice Department’s lawsuit over Alaska’s US Senate race: President Donald Trump on Friday said he told his administration to file its lawsuit to block certification of the U.S. Senate race in Alaska if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses, kicking off what many fear could become a lengthy battle between the government and states over certifying an election where the president’s party is struggling. AP
Federal judge orders Trump administration to halt noncitizen voting investigation in 9 states: U.S. District Court Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin in Oakland found the government’s effort is relying on data that is full of errors and that it’s leading to intimidation of groups performing voter assistance efforts. She said it should be halted until polls close on Election Day, Nov. 3. AP
CORRUPTION ALERT
In U.S. Gas Talks With Kremlin, Hidden Financing for Alaska Project Emerges: A New York Times investigation reveals that Novatek, a Russian energy giant under U.S. sanctions, secretly financed an American company's proposed $25 billion natural gas project in Alaska. The company's former CEO resigned after discovering the Russian funding, raising concerns about possible sanctions violations and Russian influence over U.S. energy infrastructure. The project was reportedly discussed between Vladimir Putin and Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as part of negotiations to end the Ukraine war.
White House Is Weighing Mass Pardons for Junior Staff: White House attorneys are evaluating whether to issue mass pardons to junior staffers, as Trump allies press the administration to protect lower-ranked officials from prosecution and other legal challenges, according to two sources familiar with the conversations. While President Donald Trump has publicly discussed issuing pardons for top aides and issued pardons for billionaires and major donors, questions have mounted about the potential legal jeopardy facing thousands of employees who have implemented the White House’s agenda. WASHINGTON SUN
The Art of the Deal: Jared Kushner’s Hacked Phone Revealed His Secret Negotiations—Including More Than $700 Million in Transfers: An explosive Vanity Fair investigation alleges that Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and former senior adviser, had access to secret bank accounts containing approximately $2 billion from Saudi Arabia and the UAE during Trump's first presidency. According to journalist Matthew Cole, Dutch intelligence agents who hacked Kushner's phone uncovered financial transactions, including roughly $750 million deposited into a UAE account allegedly used to advance foreign policy objectives outside official channels. The revelations raise questions about potential conflicts of interest and foreign influence over U.S. policy.
A Billionaire Wanted a Trump Pardon. His Family Gave Alina Habba a $50 Million Deal.: A New York Times investigation reveals that billionaire Venezuelan banker Julio Herrera Velutini received a presidential pardon just weeks after his family hired Alina Habba, Trump's former personal attorney and a Justice Department adviser, for a job guaranteeing her more than $50 million over four years. Herrera's daughter had also donated $3.5 million to a Trump-aligned super PAC. The timing and extraordinary compensation raise questions about whether political connections influenced the pardon process.
Trump’s Golf Empire Is A Billion-Dollar Tax Shelter: For decades, the president has claimed charitable deductions on golf courses he never gave away. Now, facing one of the most significant tax bills of his life, he’s pushing the scheme even further—and appears to be using the presidency to get away with it. FORBES
DESI NEWS
Immigration policy issues could shape how Indian Americans vote in midterms: The US midterm elections are just two weeks away, and it comes as no surprise that the surge in anti-Indian rhetoric across social media and public policy debates is top of mind for Indian-American voters. Over the past few months, the US administration has announced several immigration policy measures that are significantly impacting the lives and careers of thousands of non-resident Indians. Broadly, the primary issues shaping the diaspora's political priorities are economic opportunity, immigration, and, increasingly, acceptance in American society. NEW INDIA ABROAD
Newsletter courtesy of They See Blue (theyseeblue.org)
TheySeeBlue.org
Developed by They See Blue® organization and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.