Argentina Midterms Set Near 500 Candidates With 95 New Deputies Expected

The upcoming October midterm elections in Argentina are marked by a significant turnover in Congress, with at least 95 new deputies expected and many established politicians, including long-serving figures, stepping down amid criticism from President Javier Milei about the new candidates' qualifications. In the United States, education funding remains a contentious issue as legislators strive to address underfunding by indexing budgets to inflation and maintaining programs like universal free school meals despite economic uncertainties and political deadlock. Infrastructure improvements are also underway, highlighted by U.S. Senator Thom Tillis securing $68 million for upgrades at key North Carolina airports, supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, revelations by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Senator Panfilo Lacson have exposed the influential role of Congress in directing public works projects and budget insertions, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in government spending. Reflecting on American politics, a call for compromise and pragmatism in Congress is emphasized, highlighting how primary elections often favor extreme candidates, undermining legislative cooperation and effective governance. These diverse political developments illustrate ongoing challenges in legislative effectiveness, funding priorities, and governance transparency across different democracies.