Cook moves Mississippi, South Carolina Senate races toward Democrats

Key Points:

• A marginal severe-weather risk (Level 1 out of 5) is forecast for parts of Arizona and Southern California on Wednesday, including Phoenix and Tucson, with potential for isolated brief tornadoes along the Southern California coast due to rotating cells and waterspouts.
• The weather system causing this risk is an upper-level low bringing Pacific moisture to Arizona, prompting a flood watch and the possibility of severe thunderstorms and supercells that could produce flash flooding and tornadoes, a rare event for the region.
• Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-Florida) has received endorsements from three prominent Latin American right-wing leaders, drawing criticism from Democrats who accuse these endorsements of being foreign interference in a U.S. election.
• Democratic megadonor Mike Bloomberg has contributed over $80 million to support House Democrats in the midterm elections, aiming to help them regain the House majority, contrasting with Elon Musk’s record $369 million in donations to Republicans.
• President Donald Trump confirmed efforts to secure the release of Stephen Hubbard, a retired American teacher held by Russia for four years, with Trump’s envoy scheduled to meet Russian President Putin; meanwhile, the Cook Political Report shifted two Southern Senate races toward Democrats, reflecting a potential softening of Republican strongholds.