News · AL
Alabama data center law starts Oct. 1
Elections and votingFiled contracts and a changing commission review process will shape what the new law means for Alabama electricity customers.
The Ballot Alabama Policy DeskOct 2, 2026
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908 stories · page 5 of 31
News · UT
Utah senator proposes data center transparency bills
Foreign policyThe proposals would put data center transparency before Utah lawmakers, with their effect depending on the legislative process.
The Ballot Utah News DeskOct 2, 2026
News · DC
Trump orders federal mosquito-control effort in D.C.
Elections and votingAn executive order directs several federal agencies to coordinate a mosquito-control effort in Washington, D.C.
The Ballot District of Columbia News DeskOct 2, 2026
News · AR
Three states challenge abortion-pill shield laws
Health careThe attorneys general of Arkansas, Louisiana and Alabama announced a multistate lawsuit involving laws tied to mailed abortion pills.
The Ballot Arkansas DeskOct 2, 2026
News · OR
Grand jury flags major problems at Oregon State Hospital
Health careCourt demands, too few beds and leadership instability are severely impairing Oregon State Hospital, a grand jury found.
The Ballot Oregon News DeskOct 2, 2026
News · OR
Signed Oregon law improves workers’ compensation benefits
Elections and votingOregon has signed legislation improving workers’ compensation benefits, with implementation details now becoming the next focus.
The Ballot Oregon DeskOct 2, 2026
News · OK
Oklahoma courts act as health insurance costs rise
Health careA Winter Storm Uri gas case is headed to trial, the state high court has ruled on a birth certificate law, and insurance pressures are growing.
The Ballot Oklahoma News DeskOct 2, 2026
News · LA
States challenge abortion-pill shield laws at Supreme Court
Health careLouisiana, Alabama and Arkansas say laws in New York, California and Massachusetts obstruct investigations into mailed abortion pills.
The Ballot Louisiana News DeskOct 2, 2026
News · NM
New Mexico lawmaker announces AI regulation bill
Elections and votingA New Mexico lawmaker has announced legislation aimed at regulating artificial intelligence in the state.
The Ballot New Mexico News DeskOct 2, 2026
News · AZ
What to watch in Arizona’s Proposition 144 debate
Elections and votingArizona voters will decide whether to require identification for mail-in ballots and make other changes to election rules.
The Ballot Arizona Policy DeskOct 2, 2026
News · MN
DOJ files complaint over Minnesota judges’ media comments
Elections and votingThe Justice Department’s misconduct complaint concerns interviews by Minnesota’s former chief federal judge and other federal judges.
The Ballot Minnesota Policy DeskOct 2, 2026
News · MO
Reproductive rights measure set for Missouri ballot
Health careMissouri voters will consider a reproductive rights proposal labeled Amendment 3 on the November statewide ballot.
The Ballot Missouri Policy DeskOct 2, 2026
News · MD
4,500 Maryland immigrants lose Medicaid coverage
Health careA separate January rule puts Medicaid coverage for thousands of low-income Maryland adults at risk.
The Ballot Maryland News DeskOct 2, 2026
News · IN
Indiana attorney general’s office partners with ICE
ImmigrationThe state office announced cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, a government action not directly connected to an election.
The Ballot Indiana DeskOct 2, 2026
News · MI
Michigan sues EPA over rollback of pollution limits
Energy and environmentMichigan is asking a court to review the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to roll back federal pollution limits.
The Ballot Michigan DeskOct 2, 2026
News · MN
10 foreign nationals indicted over voting in Minnesota
Elections and votingFederal charges accuse 10 foreign nationals of illegally casting ballots in Minnesota state elections.
The Ballot Minnesota News DeskOct 2, 2026
News · ME
Bennett clip highlights homelessness, generation authority
HousingA C-SPAN user clip connects Richard Bennett with rural homelessness and a proposed Maine Generation Authority.
The Ballot Maine News DeskOct 2, 2026
News · AZ
Prop 144 debate centers on voter ID and mail voting
Elections and votingThe 2026 debate over Proposition 144 turns on whether voter ID mandates would strengthen safeguards or restrict voting by mail.
The Ballot Arizona News DeskOct 2, 2026
News · LA
Three states challenge abortion shield laws in federal court
Health careLouisiana, Alabama and Arkansas announced a federal lawsuit against three states over shield laws tied to mailing abortion pills.
The Ballot Louisiana DeskOct 2, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs California Home Energy Choice Act
Energy and environmentAB 2313 creates a voluntary electrification incentive when a home’s gas service line is due for replacement.
The Ballot California DeskOct 2, 2026
News · IN
Indiana attorney general signs agreement with ICE
ImmigrationThe Indiana attorney general has entered into an agreement with ICE, marking a new state-federal administrative action.
The Ballot Indiana Policy DeskOct 2, 2026
News · AL
Alabama attorney general announces TikTok settlement
Elections and votingAlabama’s attorney general has announced a settlement with TikTok valued in the millions of dollars.
The Ballot Alabama News DeskOct 2, 2026
News · CA
California governor signs “No Kings Act”
ImmigrationThree people are seeking to sue ICE and DHS after California’s governor signed the measure.
The Ballot California Policy DeskOct 2, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs California worker protections for AI use
Public safetyThe new laws limit AI-based firing decisions, emotional monitoring and the use of AI in mass layoffs.
The Ballot California News DeskOct 2, 2026
News · AR
Arkansas launches Rapid DNA at booking stations
Public safetyThe Arkansas State Crime Laboratory has begun using Rapid DNA technology at participating booking stations, making Arkansas the third state to do so.
The Ballot Arkansas Policy DeskOct 2, 2026
News · PA
Ryan’s Law clears Pennsylvania Senate committee
Health careThe proposal would let terminally ill patients use medical marijuana in health care facilities.
The Ballot Pennsylvania Policy DeskOct 2, 2026
News · UT
Utah proposal would tighten rules for some initiatives
Elections and votingA proposed amendment would make it harder for some Utah ballot initiatives to qualify under state rules.
The Ballot Utah DeskOct 2, 2026
News · ND
North Dakota Measure 1 would set 60% amendment threshold
Elections and votingThe November measure asks voters whether future state constitutional amendments should need at least 60% approval.
The Ballot North Dakota Policy DeskOct 2, 2026
News · VA
Abortion votes not identified for three Virginia incumbents
Health careNo specific roll-call votes are identified for the incumbents representing Virginia’s 1st, 2nd and 5th Congressional Districts.
The Ballot Virginia Policy DeskOct 2, 2026
News · AR
Arkansas starts Rapid DNA testing at booking stations
Public safetyThe new system can create and search DNA profiles from qualifying arrestees in about 90 minutes.
The Ballot Arkansas News DeskOct 2, 2026