Democrats’ decisive victory in the midterms has altered Washington’s balance of power. What might the new configuration mean for markets, the economy, trade, regulation and personal finances?

US midterm electionsDemocratsWashingtoneconomic impact

NBC chief data analyst Steve Kornacki uses his big board to break down the latest midterm election numbers, while Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker joins to analyze the results.

U.S. midterm electionselection resultspolitical analysis

The Bank of England raised interest rates on Thursday for the first time in more than three years, warning that at least one further increase was likely if the US-Iran conflict continued. It has begun a path already taken by its main peers.

Bank of Englandinterest ratesUS-Iran conflict

The Bank of England raised interest rates by 0.25 percentage points to 4% as households face a second cost-of-living crisis in four years. The article says the move runs counter to the OBR’s outlook for lower inflation and weak wage-growth impetus, noting pressure on business margins and a looser labour market.

Bank of Englandinterest ratesinflationcost of living

The Bank of England has lifted interest rates to 4% in an effort to curb rising prices driven by the Iran war.

Bank of Englandinterest ratesinflation

The Bank of England raised interest rates by a quarter point to 4%, its first increase in more than three years, seeking to counter an inflation shock fueled by the Iran war.

Bank of Englandinterest ratesinflationIran war

The Bank of England has raised interest rates for the first time since the Iran war, lifting the rate to 4%.

Bank of Englandinterest ratesrate hike

The Bank of England lifted its benchmark rate to 4% on Thursday, its first increase in more than three years, as rising energy costs fuel global inflation. Governor Andrew Bailey said the inflationary pressure building from higher energy prices justified the move.

Bank of Englandinterest ratesinflation

A fire at a two-story home in Brooklyn, New York, killed six people and injured seven, with more than 200 firefighters responding.

Brooklynhouse firefirefighters

Thousands are joining strikes and demonstrations across France, calling for higher wages and stronger public services. Authorities have restricted protest routes in Paris, Lyon and at least half a dozen other major cities.

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Motorola’s Signature 27 is a bid for the top tier of flagship phones, priced at $1,599. It includes a tandem OLED display, a 7,000mAh battery, multiple cameras and a promise of seven years of OS upgrades. The phone lacks built-in Qi2 magnets, and the article describes its price as steep.

Motorolasmartphonesflagship phonesSignature 27

Russia’s Defense Ministry said air defenses intercepted and destroyed 496 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones over Russian regions and the Black and Azov seas overnight. In Ryazan, a school’s windows were shattered, industrial facilities caught fire and power lines were damaged. People were injured in Ryazan Region and Gorlovka.

Russia-Ukraine wardrone attackRussiaRyazan

Bomb threats disrupted at least 34 flights across Europe this week, forcing some to divert or make emergency landings. Investigators said there was no evidence the hoaxes were coordinated by a hostile terror group or state actor, while inquiries continue across Europe.

European flightsbomb threatsaviation security

As Donald Trump and fellow Republicans assess a devastating midterm result in which Democrats took control of Congress, Melania Trump is preparing to host representatives from Russia and Ukraine. They are almost certain to praise Washington’s actions.

Melania TrumpRussiaUkrainepeace efforts

Melania Trump’s office said she would bring Russian and Ukrainian officials together at the White House before talks in Abu Dhabi.

Melania TrumpWhite HouseUkraineRussia

US First Lady Melania Trump is set to receive officials from Moscow and Kyiv at the White House on Thursday, before talks in Abu Dhabi intended to end the war in Ukraine.

United StatesUkraineRussiadiplomacy

Cristiano Ronaldo announced that he has played his last game for Portugal, ending a national-team career in which he made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals. He thanked fans, family and teammates, and plans to continue his club career with Al-Nassr. The announcement follows a public dispute with coach Jorge Jesus over playing time.

Cristiano RonaldoPortugalinternational footballretirement

Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and the first player to score at six men’s World Cups, will retire from international football after Portugal’s November fixtures.

Cristiano RonaldoPortugalinternational footballretirement

Cristiano Ronaldo said Thursday that he will no longer play for Portugal, bringing to a close an international career spanning six World Cups. He won a European title and holds the men’s record for international goals.

soccerCristiano RonaldoPortugal

Cristiano Ronaldo says he will no longer play for Portugal, ending an international career spanning six World Cups, a European title and the men’s all-time international scoring record.

SoccerCristiano RonaldoPortugal

In a lengthy video message on social media, 41-year-old Ronaldo told the Portuguese people that the time had come for him to hand back his national team’s No. 7 shirt.

Cristiano RonaldoPortugalinternational football

Cristiano Ronaldo says he will retire from Portugal duty and “hand back the number 7 shirt”. He made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals for the national team, captaining Portugal to the 2016 European Championship and helping it win the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

FootballCristiano RonaldoPortugal national team