The White House has lowered its earlier optimism about the midterm elections and is now worried that Democrats could lose control of both chambers of Congress, administration officials say. Recent polls have shown Democrats who once had comfortable leads in some Senate races on a knife's edge, and Senate elections that were considered toss-ups between the two parties now leaning Republican as high inflation persists. Losing control of one or both houses of Congress will profoundly shape the next two years of Joe Biden's presidency.

RECENT POLLING SHOWS DEMS IN DANGER OF LOSING SEATS

American basketball star Brittney Griner had her nine-year prison sentence upheld by a Russian court on Tuesday, clearing the way for her transfer to a penal colony. Griner, 32, was convicted in August of smuggling and possessing cannabis paraphernalia. The Olympic gold medalist apologized for an "honest mistake" in an appeal to the Russian court, saying the ordeal had been "very, very stressful." Griner's legal options have not been exhausted, but they are dwindling.

SEE WHAT THE US IS DOING TO FREE BRITTNEY FROM RUSSIA 

A 5.1 magnitude earthquake hit Northern California near San Jose early Tuesday. It was the region's largest since a 6.0-magnitude quake hit the Napa Valley area in 2014. There was no reported major damage or serious emergency calls. The quake occurred at 11:42 a.m. local time and was centered 12 miles east of San Jose. It caused mild rattling to surrounding areas. There have been at least two aftershocks.

WHY OFFICIALS ARE MONITORING FOR MORE AFTERSHOCKS

What, where and when was the largest earthquake recorded in the US?

Tuesday's answer:  Before Rishi Sunak, the last British PM to take power at age 42 was Robert Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool, in 1812.