Politics and government news

What government is actually doing — laws and executive action, budgets and taxes, housing, schools, health, courts, public safety, transport, energy, voting and campaigns — across Washington, the states and city hall. Filter below or page through the full archive.

2,320 stories · page 6 of 78

News · LA

Louisiana AG sues states over abortion-pill shield laws

Health care

Attorney General Liz Murrill is challenging states whose laws protect abortion-pill providers.

The Ballot Louisiana DeskOct 3, 2026

News · NJ

Newark schools calls audit result a strong pass

Education

The district describes a positive audit outcome, but that phrase does not identify the auditors’ formal opinion or detailed findings.

The Ballot New Jersey News DeskOct 3, 2026

News · MN

Minnesota AG flags Xcel rate risk from Google project

Energy and environment

The attorney general warns that Google’s proposed Pine Island data center could lead to higher Xcel Energy rates.

The Ballot Minnesota News DeskOct 3, 2026

News · CA

Bass signs directive addressing ICE raids in Los Angeles

Immigration

Executive Directive 17 is intended to strengthen Los Angeles’ response to ICE raids and masked federal agents.

The Ballot California News DeskOct 3, 2026

News · IN

Indiana AG sues court commission, Lake County prosecutor

Public safety

The lawsuit creates a court dispute among the attorney general, a state court commission and the Lake County prosecutor.

The Ballot Indiana Policy DeskOct 3, 2026

News · ID

Idaho expands federal partnership on forest management

Elections and voting

Gov. Little commented on a broader state-federal effort intended to speed forest management work across Idaho.

The Ballot Idaho Policy DeskOct 3, 2026

News · MA

Massachusetts voting proposal raises competition question

Elections and voting

A proposed voting change has prompted debate over whether Republican candidates could compete more effectively in Massachusetts.

The Ballot Massachusetts News DeskOct 3, 2026

News · SD

Federal appeals court grants hearing in S.D. ballot case

Elections and voting

Attorney General Jackley says a federal appeals court will hear a dispute involving a South Dakota ballot question.

The Ballot South Dakota DeskOct 3, 2026

News · IL

Chicago council approves higher vote threshold for new debt

Elections and voting

The measure would require support from three-fifths of the 50-member City Council before Chicago could approve new borrowing.

The Ballot Illinois Policy DeskOct 3, 2026

News · MS

Mississippi Democrats weigh a new Senate push

Public safety

A young district attorney is urging party leaders and donors to compete despite a Democratic drought dating to 1982.

The Ballot Mississippi DeskOct 3, 2026

News · FL

Senate blocks Moody anti-fraud division bill

Health care

Senate Democrats stopped Florida Sen. Ashley Moody’s effort to pass an anti-fraud measure after a corresponding bill cleared the House.

The Ballot Florida News DeskOct 3, 2026

News · US

Congress changes cash payments with Common Cents Act

Elections and voting

The bipartisan congressional measure changes cash-payment policy as part of an effort to reduce government waste.

The Ballot National DeskOct 3, 2026

News · US

US, Australia close Brazil diplomatic services before vote

Elections and voting

Both governments cited security concerns for closures announced Friday, two days before Brazilians were scheduled to vote.

The Ballot National (US) Policy DeskOct 3, 2026

News · US

Congressional control turns on a group of midterm races

Elections and voting

A national map highlights the congressional contests whose combined results will determine control of Congress.

The Ballot National (US) News DeskOct 3, 2026

News · US

House Republicans set four-part message for final midterm push

Elections and voting

A leadership memo tells House Republicans to emphasize the border, government spending, the economy and public safety before the November midterms.

The Ballot National DeskOct 3, 2026

News · US

Iraq warns of ISIS risk from Syria after US troop exit

Immigration

Iraq is reinforcing its border posture as officials monitor ISIS activity in Syria following the end of the US military mission in Iraq.

The Ballot National (US) Policy DeskOct 3, 2026

News · US

Senate’s final week before midterms, captured in photos

Elections and voting

Images from Sept. 25 through Oct. 1 show senators, a Judiciary Committee hearing and activity around the Capitol.

The Ballot National (US) News DeskOct 3, 2026

News · FL

Miami judge rejects federal ban in noncitizen voting case

Elections and voting

The judge found the federal restriction at issue in the Miami case unconstitutional, opening the door to further court proceedings.

The Ballot Florida DeskOct 3, 2026

News · DE

Meyer vetoes bipartisan emergency-powers measure

Elections and voting

The veto blocks a bipartisan measure that sought to add checks on the use of emergency powers in Delaware.

The Ballot Delaware Policy DeskOct 3, 2026

News · FL

Two Florida measures seek recreational marijuana legalization

Elections and voting

Two newly filed Florida ballot measures would legalize recreational marijuana if they reach voters and receive approval.

The Ballot Florida Policy DeskOct 3, 2026

News · AZ

Prop 144 debate focuses on voter ID and mail voting

Elections and voting

The 2026 debate centers on whether proposed voter ID mandates would strengthen election safeguards or restrict Arizona mail voting.

The Ballot Arizona News DeskOct 3, 2026

News · KY

Kentucky lawmakers reject cigarette tax increase

Economy and jobs

Kentucky lawmakers turned down a proposal to raise the state tax on cigarettes.

The Ballot Kentucky News DeskOct 3, 2026

News · AZ

Senate backs Ciscomani bill for fourth Arizona national park

Elections and voting

The measure would add a fourth national park in Arizona if it completes the remaining federal process.

The Ballot Arizona DeskOct 3, 2026

News · MN

Minneapolis approves human monitor rule for driverless rides

Elections and voting

The Minneapolis City Council approved an ordinance requiring human oversight of driverless rideshare service in the city.

The Ballot Minnesota DeskOct 3, 2026

News · AZ

Phoenix-based Leslie’s files for Chapter 11

Elections and voting

The pool company is entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closing 76 stores.

The Ballot Arizona Policy DeskOct 3, 2026

News · OK

New charter school announced for downtown Oklahoma City

Education

The announcement comes as Oklahoma City Public Schools faces lower enrollment, putting attention on how the new school will take shape.

The Ballot Oklahoma DeskOct 3, 2026

News · TN

Tennessee halts executions after Christa Pike attempt

Health care

Christa Pike remained alive after Tennessee administered two doses of pentobarbital, prompting an outside review of the failed execution.

The Ballot Tennessee Policy DeskOct 3, 2026

News · AK

LaFrance proposes steady budget, warns of fiscal cliff

Economy and jobs

Anchorage Mayor LaFrance is seeking limited overall budget change while warning that the city faces greater financial pressure next year.

The Ballot Alaska DeskOct 3, 2026

News · MT

Daines Releases Crypto Tax Proposal

Economy and jobs

The ADAPT Act would change federal tax rules for stablecoins, small network fees, crypto sales, staking and lending.

The Ballot Montana DeskOct 3, 2026

News · MN

DOJ announces voter fraud indictments in Minnesota

Elections and voting

The federal charges are not directly linked to a candidate, political race or named election.

The Ballot Minnesota Policy DeskOct 3, 2026