News · US
Trump lowers vehicle fuel-efficiency standard
Elections and votingThe administration cut the 2031 fleet-average target from 50.4 miles per gallon to 34.9 miles per gallon.
The Ballot National (US) News DeskSep 29, 2026
Politics and government news
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491 stories · page 4 of 17
News · US
Trump administration lowers fuel economy requirements
Economy and jobsThe new rule targets a 34.9 mpg fleetwide average for model year 2031, replacing a Biden-era projection of 50.4 mpg.
The Ballot National DeskSep 29, 2026
News · US
Childcare proposal would favor one family structure
HousingThe Trump administration is considering expanding childcare-fund eligibility to some married, one-earner households.
The Ballot National (US) Policy DeskSep 29, 2026
News · US
Kansas Senate candidates clash over pastor’s climate sermon
Energy and environmentAdam Hamilton’s 2020 sermon urging personal changes over climate concerns has become an issue in his Senate contest with Roger Marshall.
The Ballot National (US) News DeskSep 29, 2026
News · US
A Democratic Congress Would Not Make Impeachment Automatic
Elections and votingWinning the midterms would give Democrats new authority in Congress, but a third Trump impeachment would require separate action in the House.
The Ballot National (US) News DeskSep 29, 2026
News · US
AI data centers become a focus of 2026 campaign ads
Elections and votingHundreds of campaigns are using digital ads to raise concerns about data centers, utility costs and oversight of AI infrastructure.
The Ballot National DeskSep 29, 2026
News · US
Johnson’s district shows a mixed political mood for GOP
HousingMike Johnson appears secure at home, while high prices, the war in Iran and economic unease weigh on his party’s broader standing.
The Ballot National (US) Policy DeskSep 29, 2026
News · US
No Specific Election Is Tied to Congress Voting Claim
Elections and votingA broad question about whether voters can lose control of Congress is not linked to a named race, candidate, election or official action.
The Ballot National (US) News DeskSep 29, 2026
News · US
Senate set for final votes before elections
Elections and votingThe Senate will take its last votes before the elections this week, marking a pause in the chamber’s voting schedule.
The Ballot National DeskSep 29, 2026
News · US
Jack Smith faces Senate Judiciary questioning
Foreign policyRepublicans plan to question the former special counsel about records obtained during his investigations, while Democrats will challenge their claims.
The Ballot National DeskSep 28, 2026
News · US
Ex-White House ethics lawyer questions taxpayer-funded ads
Economy and jobsRichard Painter said using public money for television ads promoting President Trump could amount to an impeachable offense.
The Ballot National (US) Policy DeskSep 28, 2026
News · US
Food safety concerns enter the midterm election debate
Elections and votingA record cyclospora outbreak, major recalls and falling public confidence are drawing food oversight into midterm politics.
The Ballot National (US) News DeskSep 28, 2026
News · US
Axios says GOP election outlook has worsened
Elections and votingThe assessment is a broad description of Republican electoral conditions, not a finding tied to a named candidate, race or vote count.
The Ballot National DeskSep 28, 2026
News · US
Tax and pop culture mark National and Labour launches
Economy and jobsNational and Labour opened their campaigns with contrasting references to tax, anime and blunt political language.
The Ballot National (US) Policy DeskSep 28, 2026
News · US
Some Democrats center Christianity in midterm campaigns
Elections and votingSome Democratic candidates are making Christian faith a central part of their midterm campaign messages.
The Ballot National (US) News DeskSep 28, 2026
News · US
Trump administration airs 2024 campaign ad as public message
Economy and jobsA Trump campaign ad from 2024 is now airing through taxpayer-funded administration messaging focused on the economy and jobs.
The Ballot National DeskSep 28, 2026
News · US
Trump officials say Iran misreads impact of midterms
Foreign policyTrump says Iran is waiting for the midterms before making a deal, while Rubio says the election will not limit presidential authority.
The Ballot National (US) Policy DeskSep 28, 2026
News · US
What a Democratic Midterm Sweep Would Mean
Elections and votingThe consequences of a Democratic sweep would depend on which midterm contests and offices were included.
The Ballot National (US) News DeskSep 28, 2026
News · US
How to make a voting plan for a Massachusetts election
Elections and votingSomerville voters can prepare by checking election details, choosing a voting method and reviewing their ballot before voting.
The Ballot National DeskSep 28, 2026
News · US
Yui says Trump-Xi talks did not focus on Taiwan
Foreign policyTaiwan’s U.S. representative said Taiwan was discussed by Trump and Xi but was not a main topic of their latest meeting.
The Ballot National (US) Policy DeskSep 28, 2026
News · US
Face the Nation transcript: Iran, Taiwan and the midterms
Foreign policyThe Sept. 27 broadcast featured Iran’s president, Taiwan’s U.S. representative and two members of Congress.
The Ballot National (US) News DeskSep 28, 2026
News · US
Cammack says Iran was involved in thwarted UK base plot
Foreign policyThe Florida Republican said investigators must determine whether Iran was tied to an alleged plan targeting a U.S. air base in Britain.
The Ballot National DeskSep 28, 2026
News · US
Trump plans October swing through Republican-leaning states
Elections and votingTrump plans to campaign across several states that regularly support Republicans, without a named race or election tied to the October travel.
The Ballot National (US) Policy DeskSep 28, 2026
News · US
Southern Democrats look to midterm voter discontent
Elections and votingDemocrats in the South see a political opening and want to turn dissatisfaction among midterm voters into broader support.
The Ballot National (US) News DeskSep 28, 2026
News · US
Chicago council approves campaign ethics rule changes
Elections and votingThe City Council changed Chicago’s campaign ethics framework as election activity increases, without tying the action to a specific race.
The Ballot National DeskSep 28, 2026
News · US
Infantino selects Sorrell’s Monks for FIFA campaign
Elections and votingInfantino has chosen Sorrell’s Monks to support a FIFA election campaign, a development not tied to a US public election.
The Ballot National (US) Policy DeskSep 28, 2026
News · US
Khanna frames possible Trump impeachment as accountability
Elections and votingRep. Ro Khanna said a third impeachment effort would aim to set an accountability standard if Democrats take control of Congress.
The Ballot National (US) News DeskSep 28, 2026
News · US
Fernandes Discusses Re-Election Campaign on WATD
Elections and votingFernandes spoke about a re-election campaign on WATD 95.9 FM, with no specific race, election or policy platform identified.
The Ballot National DeskSep 28, 2026
News · US
Susie Wiles describes cancer treatment while leading White House
Energy and environmentTrump’s chief of staff said chemotherapy affected her stamina, movement and focus as she continued overseeing White House staff.
The Ballot National (US) Policy DeskSep 28, 2026
News · US
Trump, Anthropic CEO set for private White House dinner
Elections and votingDario Amodei will meet President Donald Trump after raising concerns about the risks posed by artificial intelligence.
The Ballot National (US) News DeskSep 28, 2026