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US midterms: Polls show Democrats ahead in battle for Congress

Democrats lead Republicans in national polling ahead of Tuesday's United States midterm elections, with new surveys showing the party gaining ground in several closely contested Senate races as voters express dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump's handling of the economy. With all 435 House of Representatives seats and 35 Senate seats on the ballot, the elections will determine whether Republicans retain control of Congress for the remaining two years of Trump's second term. A RealClearPolling average of surveys conducted through October 30 shows Democrats leading Republicans 52% to 43.1% on the generic congressional ballot, an 8.9-percentage-point advantage. An NBC News survey conducted October 28-30 found Democrats ahead 52% to 45%, while an Emerson College poll conducted October 24-26 put the gap at 10 points. The generic ballot measures nationwide preferences for congressional candidates rather than support in individual districts, meaning a nati...

Trump launches ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza ceasefire, eyes wider global role

US President Donald Trump on Thursday launched his Board of Peace, initially aimed at solidifying the fragile Gaza ceasefire, but which he envisions taking on a broader role, raising concerns among other global powers. Trump said the board would coordinate with the United Nations. Trump, who will chair the board, invited dozens of world leaders to join, stating that he wants it to address challenges beyond Gaza, stirring misgivings that it could undermine the UN’s role as the primary platform for global diplomacy and conflict resolution. Regional powers, including Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, along with major emerging nations such as Indonesia, have joined the board, while traditional Western allies and top global powers have been more cautious. Representatives from Israel and the Palestinian Authority were notably absent from the signing ceremony. Read: Trump launches ‘Board of Peace’ as allies fear challenge to UN role Trump said permanent members would be required to contribute $1 billion each. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the board would focus on ensuring the Gaza peace plan is implemented, while also “serving as an example of what’s possible in other parts of the world.” What is Trump's 'Board of Peace'? Trump first proposed the Board of Peace last September when he announced his plan to end the Gaza war. He later made clear the board's remit would be expanded beyond Gaza to tackle other conflicts worldwide. The US president will be ‌the inaugural chairman of the board and it will ‍be tasked with promoting peace ‌around the world and working to resolve conflicts, according to a copy of the draft charter seen by Reuters. Member ⁠states would be limited to three-year terms unless they pay $1 billion ​each to fund the board's activities and earn permanent membership, the charter says. The White House has named US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British prime minister Tony Blair and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, as members of the initiative's founding Executive Board.

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