GDP growth expected but still precarious as voters head to the polls and Israel’s political deadlock drags on
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Economists expect a small rise in U.S. GDP, but warn the recovery remains shaky amid inflation and weak wage growth, while Israel’s vote remains unresolved and coalition talks are stalled.
The Commerce Department will release its latest gross domestic product and inflation figures today, giving the public another carefully managed snapshot of economic conditions ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. Analysts expect the GDP number to rise compared with the spring, but several economists describe the expansion as "very, very fragile," pointing to inflation that continues to outrun wage growth and a 3.7% year-over-year increase in consumer prices in September. The Federal Reserve, which left interest rates unchanged yesterday, is expected to watch the data closely as households keep absorbing the strain.
In the United States, campaign spending has intensified in competitive districts, with both parties pouring six-figure sums into final messaging in 70 House races, according to an NPR analysis. Former President Barack Obama campaigned in Georgia, tying higher living costs to policies of President Donald Trump. Early voting trends show increased participation among Latino and young voters in Democratic-leaning areas, while non-supervoters are also turning out in larger numbers, leaving the final electorate composition uncertain and politically consequential.
Across the country, voters will consider 145 statewide ballot measures in November, covering topics such as abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, taxes and voting reforms.
In Israel, more than 90% of ballots have been counted but no party has secured the 61 seats needed for a governing majority. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc holds 53 seats, while rival Gadi Eisenkot’s coalition has 48. Analysts note that Eisenkot could seek an alliance with Arab-led parties, which captured a record 19 seats, though the political risks make such a partnership unlikely. Repeated elections remain a possibility, but Eisenkot has expressed reluctance to trigger yet another vote in a system trapped by deadlock.
A lawsuit filed by the nonprofit Student Defense alleges that the Trump administration is improperly refusing to apply the “closed school discharge” rule, which requires the Education Department to cancel student loans for borrowers whose schools close unexpectedly. The Education Department says it stands by its implementation of the program.
Separately, a hacking group reportedly accessed personnel files of the Department of Homeland Security, exposing personal information of over 40,000 agents and associates.