Obama Rallies Democrats as Trump’s Policies Shape US Midterm Campaign

The Trump administration lifted tariffs on some Canadian imports, including plywood, paper products, machinery and refrigeration equipment, while adding duties on other goods. The move could help Maine Senator Susan Collins, who said the exemptions would support farmers and businesses in a state badly hit by the trade dispute with Canada.

Inflation remains a major voter concern in the US as higher gas, grocery and borrowing costs undercut Donald Trump’s claim that the economy is booming. GDP is still growing and unemployment is low, but job gains have slowed, consumer confidence is weak, and wealth gains have flowed mostly to the richest households.

A federal judge in California ordered the Trump administration to pause voter-citizenship investigations in nine states, saying the probes rely on unreliable data and have intimidated groups helping voters ahead of Election Day. The ruling covers California, Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania and others, and comes as the administration has pushed claims of noncitizen voting despite evidence it is rare.