US Election News Highlights: Michelle Obama joins Harris for campaign event in Michigan as Trump holds rally in key battleground state

Polling concluded on Saturday in Georgia's parliamentary elections, viewed as a crucial test for the country's democratic development and European ambitions. The central elections commission reported that voting ended at 1600 GMT, with a notable coalition of pro-Western opposition groups challenging the ruling Georgian Dream party, which has been criticized by observers for its perceived shift towards Moscow.

With less than two weeks until the presidential elections, a recent national poll by the New York Times and Siena College shows Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump tied at 48% in the popular vote.

This result is concerning for Harris, especially as millions of Americans have already voted. The elections are scheduled for November 5, with Trump seeking a second term and Harris aiming to become the first woman president of the United States.

Wall Street ended mixed after a cautious session reflecting uncertainty ahead of the US presidential election. In addition to the tight election race, investors are focused on significant economic data expected next week and earnings reports from major tech companies like Apple and Meta.

"There’s more uncertainty out there than anything else," noted Karl Haeling from LBBW.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.6% to close at 42,114.40, while the S&P 500 dipped slightly by less than 0.1% to 5,808.12. In contrast, the Nasdaq Composite Index rose by 0.6% to finish at 18,518.61.

With just 10 days until the U.S. elections, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are in a tight race, both polling around 47%. A New York Times/Siena College poll shows them tied at 48%, while a Financial Times poll indicates 44% trust Trump on the economy, compared to 43% for Harris.

Candidates need 270 electoral votes to win, with key swing states including Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. In their final campaign pushes, Harris is focusing on reproductive rights, supported by Beyoncé at a Houston rally, while Trump emphasizes his anti-migration stance in Austin. Both candidates are intensifying efforts to secure votes in these critical days.

Ahead of the November 5 U.S. elections, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has deported many Indian nationals lacking proper documentation, returning them to India on October 22 via a chartered flight.

The DHS emphasized its collaboration with the Indian government to combat irregular migration and human smuggling. Acting Deputy Secretary Kristie A. Canegallo warned that those without valid reasons to stay face swift removal and cautioned against smuggler misinformation.

DHS is enforcing immigration laws and promoting legal routes, having increased deportations to various countries, including India. In FY2024, DHS has repatriated more individuals than in any year since FY2010, as the U.S. and India work together on migration issues.

Michelle Obama will join Kamala Harris for her first campaign event in Michigan on Saturday, while Donald Trump will hold a rally in the same state. Michigan is a key battleground with 15 electoral votes and significant Arab American and union voter populations.

Polling shows Harris slightly ahead of Trump both nationally and in Michigan. Since the 2020 election, the state has implemented early voting, with about 1.42 million ballots cast so far.

Obama’s appearance reflects the Democrats' strategy to use celebrity endorsements, alongside recent appearances by Bruce Springsteen and Beyoncé, while Trump has brought in figures like Hulk Hogan. Despite speculation, Obama has stated she does not plan to run for president.

During his appearance on "The Joe Rogan Experience," former President Donald Trump proposed eliminating income taxes in favor of tariffs, citing the U.S. economic success in the late 19th century under President McKinley. When asked if he was serious, Trump affirmed, “Yeah, sure. Why not?” He argued that the switch to income taxes in the early 1900s was a mistake influenced by international pressure. Trump suggested implementing a general tariff of 10% or 20% on all imports and up to 60% on Chinese imports to boost American manufacturing.

Former President Donald Trump arrived late to a rally in Michigan on October 25, after stopping in Austin to record an episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience," a widely popular podcast. Trump told the crowd, “We did some things today that will help us win,” while apologizing for his delay. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris held a rally in Houston, Texas, where singer Beyoncé introduced her as the Democratic presidential nominee.

Superstar singer Beyoncé made a powerful statement at a rally for Kamala Harris in Houston on Friday night, marking her first public political appearance of the election cycle during a critical moment for the Democratic presidential candidate.

A Houston native, Beyoncé was greeted with enthusiastic applause from the crowd of approximately 30,000 attendees at Harris's abortion rights-themed event. Joined by fellow former Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé took to the stage not to sing but to deliver an impactful message.

"I'm not here as a celebrity. I'm not here as a politician. I'm here as a mother," Beyoncé declared, emphasizing the importance of freedom as a "God-given right" and a "human right." She then introduced Harris, who entered to the sound of Beyoncé’s song "Freedom" from her 2016 album Lemonade. The two shared a long embrace before Beyoncé exited the stage.

Chinese hackers have been implicated in a widespread espionage operation that has targeted cellphones used by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, his running mate JD Vance, and individuals linked to Kamala Harris' Democratic campaign, according to sources familiar with the situation, stated a Reuters report.

Details about any accessed data remain unclear as U.S. officials continue their investigation into the matter. The FBI, while not confirming the identities of the targeted individuals, stated it is probing "unauthorised access to commercial telecommunications infrastructure by actors affiliated with the People’s Republic of China." The agency also emphasszed that various U.S. government agencies are working together to counter this threat and enhance cybersecurity in the telecommunications sector.

On Sunday, Trump is set to hold a high-profile rally at Madison Square Garden in New York on Sunday, an event that promises to attract significant media attention. This legendary venue, known for hosting major political conventions and a variety of concerts, has a complex history, including a controversial Nazi assembly in the 1930s.

The rally is expected to fill the 20,000-seat arena, a notable feat in a city that traditionally leans Democratic. Trump aims to leverage this platform to present his closing arguments as the campaign nears its climax, asserting that he could potentially turn New York red in the upcoming elections.

In a significant show of support for Vice President Kamala Harris, superstar Beyonce joined her at a rally in Houston, Texas, on Friday, just 11 days before the election. The event, attended by over 20,000 enthusiastic supporters, highlighted the critical issue of abortion rights in the face of restrictive laws enacted by Republican-led states. Beyonce, alongside her former Destiny's Child bandmate Kelly Rowland, underscored the importance of voting and urged the crowd to “sing a new song” for America. “I am here as a mother who cares deeply about the world,” Beyoncé declared, underscoring the personal nature of the fight for reproductive freedom.

Harris also addressed the crowd, stating, "We are 11 days out from an election that will decide the future of America," and framing the upcoming vote as pivotal to ensuring the rights of women across the nation.