
BYD and Alibaba among big names aiding China’s military, Pentagon says
US names Alibaba and BYD among firms aiding China's military, escalating tensions.

California's primary for governor remains undecided as votes are still being counted. Leading candidates include Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer, and Republican Steve Hilton, all preparing for the November elections.
Mentioned in this story
Hello and welcome to the US politics live blog.
California’s crowded primary for governor remains up in the air after three leading candidates tested voters’ appetites for an experienced politician or promises of sweeping change.
Though votes were still being counted, Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer and Republican Steve Hilton started looking to November, laying out their visions for leading the nation’s most populous state and one of the world’s largest economies.
It followed Tuesday’s primary votes, that could see critical districts flip in both the House and Senate, setting up a series of high-stakes general election contests in a midterm year expected to favor Democrats.
Among the most watched races are: a New Jersey Democrat who could oust a Republican incumbent absent with a mystery medical issue for months, several Iowa Democrats hoping to flip their red-leaning state, as well as California’s redrawn maps that have given Democrats an advantage in the heavily blue state.
In the golden state’s governor race, only two will advance to the general election, however, and the Associated Press has not yet called the primary for any candidate but Hilton and Becerra were leading so far, with Steyer running slightly further back.
“Change is coming to California, and it’s long overdue,” Hilton told supporters after polls closed, reflecting his campaign message that the state needs a dramatic reset after more than 15 years of Democratic rule.
Steyer also campaigned on change and declared Tuesday that he would prevail over monied interests that strived to defeat him.
Becerra pitched himself as the steady hand who can lead the state against intrusions from the Trump administration. “The underdog stayed in the fight,” Becerra said to applause.
In other developments:
The main candidates are Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer, and Republican Steve Hilton.
The California primary is significant as it could influence critical districts in both the House and Senate, with potential flips expected in a midterm year favoring Democrats.
California's redrawn maps have given Democrats an advantage in the heavily blue state, impacting the dynamics of the primary elections.
Candidates are facing challenges in appealing to voters' desires for experienced politicians versus promises of sweeping change amid a crowded field.

US names Alibaba and BYD among firms aiding China's military, escalating tensions.

Experts warn Trump is inventing fraud claims in California's primaries.

Darren Sharper, ex-NFL player and serial rapist, transferred to halfway house as 2028 release nears.

Man seriously injured in Belfast stabbing, described as 'sickening' by Starmer

The Iranian team is absent from the World Cup; politics take precedence.

Major unions rebuff Farage's call for affiliation with Reform UK, criticizing the party's stance on workers' rights.
See every story in News — including breaking news and analysis.
Explore more on these topics