US consumer inflation hotter than expected as midterms loom

US consumer inflation was hotter than anticipated in September, government data showed Wednesday, as Washington's continued war with Tehran pushed energy costs higher, deepening strains on American households ahead of next month's midterm elections. The uptick underscores voter worries over high costs of living, and comes as President Donald Trump is campaigning in US states to shore up support for his Republican Party as it tries to retain control of Congress.