Democrats hold commanding midterm advantage with four weeks until elections, gaining competitive ground in traditionally Republican Senate races while Republicans redirect campaign spending to unexpected defensive battles in red states like Kansas and Texas. Meanwhile, Saudi forces launch major offensive against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen's Red Sea shipping corridor as fighting displaces 180,000 people, and a $111 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. merger closes, consolidating HBO, CNN, CBS News, and 15,000 films under billionaire David Ellison's control amid concerns over media concentration and political influence. Democrats are clear favorites to win the House and competitive in Senate races they once considered unwinnable, with Republicans spending money on defensive races in red states like Kansas and Texas they didn't expect to contest.