Early voting for the upcoming midterm elections has started in several states, with Virginia allowing in-person voting and Minnesota, Idaho, and South Dakota letting voters cast absentee ballots in person. These elections, set for November 3, are critical in determining the balance of power in Congress and are shaping up to be highly competitive. The race is increasingly centered on issues like the rising cost of living and the ongoing military conflict in Iran, both of which are influencing voter sentiment and political strategies. President Donald Trump is facing growing challenges as gas prices remain high and his approval ratings have declined. Recent reports indicate that mortgage rates are approaching 7%, consumer prices have increased by 3.4% over the past year, and gas prices are near their peak since 2022. Meanwhile, the war in Iran, which has now entered its seventh month, continues to affect global energy markets and regional stability. Iran remains capable of disrupting shipping lanes in the Gulf, which could further strain global oil supplies. Trump is expected to address the United Nations on Tuesday, likely framing the conflict as a success despite earlier claims that the military campaign would be short-lived. In a separate development, the Trump administration has approved a potential sale of 48 advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, valued at around $24.3 billion. The Department of State says the deal would help Saudi Arabia strengthen its defense capabilities and protect against regional threats. However, concerns have been raised by intelligence agencies about the possibility of China gaining access to sensitive F-35 technology through Saudi Arabia, as reported by the New York Times. Meanwhile, legal disputes are emerging over the renaming of public institutions with Trump’s name. The U.S. Institute of Peace, which was renamed the “Donald J. Trump United States Institute of Peace” last year, is facing a legal challenge from former staff members who argue that engraving the president’s name on the building’s facade would harm the organization’s independence. A federal appeals court is considering their petition. This comes as another Washington cultural institution, the Kennedy Center, also faces a court battle over plans to rename the building and undertake a major renovation. A federal judge recently ruled that the Kennedy Center must give 30 days’ notice before making any significant changes to the building, including demolition, as Trump has threatened to tear it down if changes are made without his approval. The center is currently closed, with its Trump-backed leadership citing safety concerns due to aging infrastructure.