With Nov. 3 midterms approaching, the U.S. Justice Department on Oct. 15 sued California election officials, asking a court to suspend counting of more than 20,000 mail ballots pending verification of voters' citizenship, saying those individuals may be ineligible. California disputed the accuracy of the list and the legal basis for federal intervention in state election administration. The case highlights a federal-state confrontation over voter eligibility ahead of the midterms.

IMF European Department director Szkurek said he supports deeper UK–EU trade ties and that rejoining the EU would be a political choice.

China’s National Sports Administration report says outdoor-sport participation exceeded 500 mln by end-2025 and the related industry reached about 3.17 tln yuan. Facility expansion accelerated: ice-and-snow venues totaled 2,626 (+39% vs end‑13th Five-Year), including 1,723 skating venues and 903 ski venues. Fitness trails numbered 182,000 with combined length 430,300 km, up 104% and 106% respectively. Commercial climbing gyms reached 970; natural rock-climbing sites exceed 700 with over 14,000 routes. During the 14th Five-Year period 2,200 public berths were added; water-sport facilities are concentrated on the coast with faster inland river and lake deployment. Early high-quality outdoor destinations are being developed, with selected regions reporting notable increases in visitor flows, cross‑provincial arrivals and dwell time.