As the polls closed in the US midterm elections, the result became clear early on. It was a wipeout for the Republicans. 

Voters across the country delivered a scathing assessment of Donald Trump's first two years of his second term, resulting in a blue Tsunami, with the Democrats taking control of the House of Representatives and the Senate. 

Today, the ABC's America's editor John Lyons and staff writer at the Atlantic Nick Miroff break down this pivotal moment in US politics.

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John Lyons, the ABC's America's editor in Washington D.C.

Nick Miroff, staff writer at the Atlantic magazine in Dallas, Texas

Interest rates are up again, the fifth hike this year. 

It was almost an inevitable Melbourne Cup Day decision by the Reserve Bank, but could the government have done more to stop the pain? 

Today, chief economist at AMP Shane Oliver, on whether Labor needs to cut government spending as the risk of a recession mounts. 

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Shane Oliver, Chief Economist at AMP

They promise everything from anti-ageing to weight loss, or even a glowing tan.  

But for a growing number of people, injectable peptides are delivering severe illnesses instead. Hospital presentations linked to their use are surging.  

Today, Dr Norman Swan, co-host of Radio National's The Health Report, on the death of Australian actor Richard Norton, who had reportedly been taking unapproved peptides, and the concerning trends emerging around their use. 

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Dr Norman Swan, co-host of The Health Report 

Opinion polls suggest Republicans are heading for significant losses in this week's US midterm elections. 

Democrats are heavily favoured to win back the House of Representatives, and the battle for the Senate is increasingly tighter. 

But could Donald Trump defy the polls and pull off another upset?  

Today, Matt Taglia, senior director at Emerson College Polling, on what the polls are telling us and whether they'll get it right this time. 

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Matt Taglia, senior director at Emerson College Polling 

Michigan is shaping up as one of the biggest battlegrounds in the US midterm elections. So much so that both Donald Trump and Barack Obama have hit the campaign trail there. 

The Senate race is a contest between progressive Abdul El-Sayed and conservative Republican Mike Rogers, with race and religion emerging as key fault lines. 

Today, Margaret Talev, director of the Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship, on what’s at stake in Michigan, how identity is shaping the campaign, and what it reveals about the mood of American voters. 

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Margaret Talev, director of the Syracuse University Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship 

Israelis came out in record numbers to vote but as the polls closed it was too close to call.  

Although that didn't stop Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival Gadi Eisenkot both claiming success.  

Today, Dov Waxman, presidential chair in modern Jewish studies at UCLA on what happens next, the surge in support for Arab parties and whether Netanyahu could still cling to power.     

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Dov Waxman, Presidential chair in modern Jewish studies at UCLA 

Is Donald Trump about restart the fighting with Iran?  

Ahead of the midterm elections next week, the US President has been raising the prospect of renewed attacks that could begin after Americans vote.  

Today, Cole Bucy, former CIA analyst and former director for Iran at the US National Security Council on why Trump might have little option but to escalate the conflict.

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Cole Bucy, former CIA analyst and former Director for Iran at the US National Security Council 

Did you know we are in the midst of a new 'woke' era?

It's being dubbed 'Woke 2.0' and unlike 'Woke 1', it's thought to be winning over voters for the Democrats ahead of next week's midterm election.

Today, staff writer at the Atlantic magazine, Jonathan Chait on what he believes woke is and why campaigning against it won't win Trump any votes this time.

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Johnathan Chait, staff writer at The Atlantic magazine

Unemployment is on the rise, interest rates are up, the price of fuel is soaring and everything just costs more.  

Recent polling shows voters are blaming the Prime Minister and his Treasurer for the tough times with their popularity rating taking a dive.

Today, senior economic correspondent for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, Shane Wright on how the governments losing control of the cost-of-living narrative. 

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Shane Wright, senior economic correspondent at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age 

It’s been a fortnight of extraordinary setbacks for US relations with Ukraine. 

Donald Trump has struck a deal to buy Russian diesel, delivering a financial boost to Vladimir Putin’s war effort, he briefly interrupted intelligence sharing with Ukraine, while his special envoy Steve Witkoff has praised Putin as a 'humanitarian.' 

Today, CNN's chief national security analyst, Jim Sciutto on what Trump is up to now and what it could mean for Ukraine's survival. 

Featured:Jim Sciutto, CNN chief national security analysts and host of The Brief

Brendan Nugent, the 43-year-old Victorian man accused of ramming his LandCruiser into Independent MP Helen Haines, has appeared in court today on five charges. 

Authorities say they are still working to determine an alleged motive.  

The incident has opened a fierce debate about the safety of politicians and worsening political discourse. 

So, will the tragedy change anything?  

Today political commentator and author Niki Savva on what needs to happen now. 

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Niki Savva, political commentator and author