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Tuesday · The daily brief

Sep 292026

7 leads35 briefs27 min

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Executive summary7 stories

News news4

  1. Iran says its UN delegation has no talks planned with the US and will fly home Tuesday, Sept. 29; mediators keep workingA White House official says Trump is open to sanctions relief in exchange for concrete progress on Iran's nuclear program.
  2. 10-year Treasury yield passes 5.2%, near a 24-year high, as oil rises after Trump rejects Iran's Hormuz offerThe 30-year Treasury bond yield is above 5.5%, and the rise in borrowing costs weighed on stocks.
  3. Iranian cruise missile hit a ship carrying 8 US Marines in the Strait of Hormuz on Sept. 14; the Pentagon never announced itThe account comes from three unnamed U.S. officials, not a Pentagon release; Central Command declined to comment, and the ship's name, owner and flag are still undisclosed.
  4. UK police release on bail the five men arrested near RAF Fairford, a base U.S. bombers use to strike Iran; Iran denies a roleTrump said he "wouldn't have done that," and the U.S. Embassy in London issued a security alert on Sunday, Sept. 27 telling Americans in Britain to be cautious.

Not news news3

  1. Transportation Department finalizes fuel economy rule: 34.9 mpg fleet average by 2031, down from Biden's 50.4Department officials project the new-car mix flipping from 70% light trucks to 70% passenger cars.
  2. Six Republican-led states will require documentation from Medicaid enrollees who claim to be too sick to work, instead of accepting their word as federal rules allow in 2027A federal judge refused on July 29 to pause the rules while 25 states sue, so the work requirement starts Jan. 1, 2027.
  3. Geoffrey Hinton and top scientists at OpenAI, Anthropic and Microsoft call for urgent oversight of AI that improves itselfIn one scenario the paper describes, a year of AI progress happens in weeks. The authors say that outcome is far from certain.

News news4 stories

Ongoing26 earlier updates68 days

This story has run 27 times over 68 days, starting Jul 23.

  1. Trump Threatens to Bomb Iranian Bridges and Power Plants for Every Ship Hit in Strait of Hormuz
  2. Iran fires multiple ballistic missiles at U.S. base in Jordan; all are intercepted
  3. Iran denies Trump’s claim that new U.S. talks would start Monday
  4. Cargo ship is struck in the Strait of Hormuz
  5. Vance says the Iran talks are moving, then calls the war only half over
  6. Iran won't reopen Hormuz until the US unfreezes its assets and lifts the blockade
  7. Trump threatens to bomb Oman, the U.S. ally brokering the deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
  8. Trump declares an "economic D-Day" on Iran as Hormuz traffic runs 85% below normal
  9. UpdateU.S. goes nearly a month without large Iran strikes as Trump shifts back to sanctions; Hormuz remains closed
  10. U.S. destroys two Iranian rocket launchers loaded to mine the Strait of Hormuz; Iran fires eight missiles at bases in Jordan, all intercepted
  11. UpdateU.S. bombs two Iranian rocket sites near the Strait of Hormuz; Iran fires eight missiles at Jordan
  12. UpdateU.S. forces struck IRGC air-defense, radar, maritime and mine-laying sites on Iran's southern coast starting at noon on Sept. 1
  13. UpdateU.S. hits about 100 Iranian targets; Iran fires back at American bases in four countries, and a cruise missile kills 4 at a wedding
  14. Reuters weapons experts say a US munition made a direct hit on the Iranian wedding house that killed 5
  15. US destroys or disables 3 Iranian oil tankers after Iran fired ballistic missiles at a US carrier and destroyer
  16. UpdateIran says it hit an unmanned US vessel a day after the tanker strikes; Central Command calls the claim "a total lie"
  17. UpdateIran says it will declare a restricted zone near the Strait of Hormuz and will strike threats "even before" they are carried out
  18. Iran says it seized a US sea drone in Hormuz; CENTCOM says it malfunctioned a day earlier
  19. UpdateIran fires 20 missiles at a US base in Jordan; Jordan says it intercepted 18
  20. UpdateNavy plans to keep 2 carrier groups near Iran at least through 2026
  21. UpdateUnidentified projectile hits Iranian container ship off Hengam Island, killing 1 and wounding 4
  22. UpdateOil's chokepoint shifts to refineries and tankers as JPMorgan drops its baseline oil forecast
  23. UpdateIran offers to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. lifts its naval blockade as traffic falls to two ships
  24. Iran proposes seven-day ceasefire plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz and revive nuclear talks
  25. UpdateTrump rejects Iran's offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days in exchange for ending the U.S. blockade
  26. Trump expects more Iran talks this week after rejecting Iran's Hormuz offer; Iran won't soften its terms
  27. UpdateIran says its UN delegation has no talks planned with the US and will fly home Tuesday, Sept. 29; mediators keep working — this issue
THE GUARDIANUpdateIran war

Iran says its UN delegation has no talks planned with the US and will fly home Tuesday, Sept. 29; mediators keep working

Iran says it has sent Washington seven conditions for ending the war and is waiting for an answer.

Iran's state news agency IRNA said late Sunday, Sept. 27, that the country's delegation in New York "has no plans for negotiations with the United States." IRNA cited one unnamed "source close to the delegation," not the foreign ministry. The same report said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would fly home Tuesday, Sept. 29. A day earlier, Donald Trump had said he expected talks to resume this week.

Tehran. IRNA says Iran's terms, seven conditions for ending the war, were passed to Washington "via a Qatari mediator," and Iran is waiting for an answer.

Washington. Trump says the US will "win" the war "very soon." Mediators are still working on a deal. ([TS]for scale, the war's now in its eighth month, since the February US-Israeli strikes)

Where it stands. Araghchi was still in New York on Monday, Sept. 28, meeting Qatari mediators on a revised version of Iran's seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz (the narrow sea lane out of the Persian Gulf), per Reuters. The Wall Street Journal has reported that Trump sees renewed bombing as likely after November.

Catch upwhat happened before · 26 earlier issues
  • June 17 — The US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding, brokered by Pakistan with Qatar as a guarantor, to halt the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
  • June 29 — 63 of the 88 clerics on the Assembly of Experts (the body that picks the Supreme Leader) urged negotiators to hold to the previous Supreme Leader's "red lines."
  • July 8 — The memorandum collapsed when Iran fired on commercial ships in Hormuz.
  • Sept. 23 — Araghchi met Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in New York through Qatari, Pakistani and Egyptian mediators, the first indirect talks in months.
  • Sept. 26 — Trump rejected Iran's seven-day plan, which offered to reopen Hormuz within a week of a US deal. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said Iran wanted sanctions relief and frozen assets up front.
25 earlier issues
Why the 'no plans' line may not be Tehran's final wordIRNA's report rests on one anonymous "source close to the delegation," not the foreign ministry or Iran's Supreme National…2 details
  • IRNA's report rests on one anonymous "source close to the delegation," not the foreign ministry or Iran's Supreme National Security Council (the top body for defense and foreign policy).
  • Reuters reports real power sits with the Revolutionary Guard (Iran's elite military force) and the security council. The current Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is badly injured and has not appeared in public.
Ongoing4 earlier updates40 days

This story has run 5 times over 40 days, starting Aug 20.

  1. Treasury doubled planned bond buybacks to $4 billion and the 30-year yield fell to 5.18%
  2. Treasury doubles long-bond buybacks as Druckenmiller warns against rate management
  3. Ten-year Treasury yield hit 4.78% on Tuesday, Sept. 1, its highest since January 2025
  4. Treasury plans $6 billion bond buyback; 10-year yield reaches 4.85%
  5. Update10-year Treasury yield passes 5.2%, near a 24-year high, as oil rises after Trump rejects Iran's Hormuz offer — this issue
THE WALL STREET JOURNALUpdateIran war

10-year Treasury yield passes 5.2%, near a 24-year high, as oil rises after Trump rejects Iran's Hormuz offer

The 30-year Treasury bond yield is above 5.5%, and the rise in borrowing costs weighed on stocks.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note passed 5.2% on Monday, Sept. 28, close to its highest level in 24 years. That yield is the interest rate investors charge to lend Washington money for 10 years, and home-loan rates track it.

The oil. Oil prices rose after Donald Trump rejected Iran's offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Worries about deficits and inflation added to the pressure on bonds.

The auctions. Buyers also got pickier. Last week's 5-year note sale (Wed Sept. 23) paid the highest yield since June 2006, and the 7-year sale (Thu Sept. 24) paid the highest since 1993. The 5-year was the weak one: primary dealers (the big banks required to bid) were left holding 15.8% of it, about $11 billion. The 7-year held up closer to normal: dealers took 12.5%, in line with recent sales.

What next. Treasury sells 10-year notes again on Wednesday, Oct. 7, and 30-year bonds on Thursday, Oct. 8.

Catch upwhat happened before · 4 earlier issues
  • Sept. 4 — The 10-year yield stood at 4.79%.
  • Sept. 16 — The Fed raised its key rate a quarter point, to a 3.75%-4.00% range.
  • Sept. 23 — The 5-year note sold at 5.033%, up from 4.393% in August. Bid-to-cover (dollars bid per dollar sold) was 2.21, against a 2.33 six-month average and the weakest for this note since December 2018. Indirect bidders, a group that includes foreign buyers, took 54.3% against a 63.9% 12-month average, the lowest since March 2020.
  • Sept. 24 — The 7-year note sold at 5.085%, up from 4.512% in August. Its bid-to-cover was 2.42, against 2.50 in August.
3 earlier issues
Ongoing2 earlier updates15 days

This story has run 3 times over 15 days, starting Sep 14.

  1. Pentagon orders defense industry to wartime footing after US fired thousands of missiles in Iran war
  2. UpdatePentagon watchdog says Iran war cost $33.4 billion through June 30, caused munitions shortfall
  3. Iranian cruise missile hit a ship carrying 8 US Marines in the Strait of Hormuz on Sept. 14; the Pentagon never announced it — this issue
NBC NEWSIran war

Iranian cruise missile hit a ship carrying 8 US Marines in the Strait of Hormuz on Sept. 14; the Pentagon never announced it

The account comes from three unnamed U.S. officials, not a Pentagon release; Central Command declined to comment, and the ship's name, owner and flag are still undisclosed.

An Iranian cruise missile hit a ship carrying eight U.S. Marines in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, Sept. 14, three U.S. officials told NBC News on Sunday, Sept. 27. That report, 13 days after the strike, is the first public account of the attack.

The Marines. Seven enlisted and one officer from a Marine landing unit had smoke inhalation and possible traumatic brain injuries (concussion-like symptoms such as headaches). Officials said none were seriously hurt and all returned to duty soon after.

The ship. Officials said it was not a U.S. Navy vessel and would not name it. The UK's maritime security office logged a commercial ship struck by "an unknown projectile" that day, with no injuries reported. That log does not match the officials' account of eight hurt Marines.

Still open. Who owned and flagged the ship, and whether the Pentagon will confirm the attack. Central Command declined to comment on Monday, Sept. 28, ABC News reported.

How the al-Asad injury count grew after Iran's 2020 strikeJan. 8, 2020 (missile strike): 0 injuries, per Trump and commanders3 details
  • Jan. 8, 2020 (missile strike): 0 injuries, per Trump and commanders
  • Jan. 16: 11
  • Jan. 30: 64
TIMEUpdateIran war

UK police release on bail the five men arrested near RAF Fairford, a base U.S. bombers use to strike Iran; Iran denies a role

Trump said he "wouldn't have done that," and the U.S. Embassy in London issued a security alert on Sunday, Sept. 27 telling Americans in Britain to be cautious.

British police released the five men arrested near RAF Fairford on bail on Monday, Sept. 28. RAF Fairford is a base the U.S. uses for strikes on Iran. They have not been charged. They are on bail with strict conditions and remain under investigation. Detectives are looking at possible links to Iran, Russia or militant groups that are not tied to any government.

The suspects. All five are British men from London, aged 23 to 25. Police found them with three vans.

Iran. Its London embassy "categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations."

Trump. "I would have said, don't let them have bail... I'm surprised that they released them. I wouldn't have done that."

The U.S. response. On Sunday, Sept. 27, the U.S. Embassy in London issued a security alert telling Americans in Britain to be cautious.

How we got herethe story so far
  • March 6 — The first U.S. B-1B bombers for the Iran campaign landed at Fairford, after Britain agreed to let U.S. forces use its bases.
  • July 23 — Iran's Revolutionary Guard declared any base used to attack Iran a "legitimate target," naming Fairford and the bombers flying from it.
  • Sept. 27 — UK police arrested five men with three vans near Fairford after a farmer's late-night call.
Britain's 232 terrorism arrests to March 2025 most often ended in bailBailed or released under investigation: 109 (47%)3 details
  • Bailed or released under investigation: 109 (47%)
  • Charged: 71 (31%)
  • Released without charge: 45 (19%)

Quick bites13

Courts3 bites

  1. Justice Alito will sit out the Supreme Court climate case against Exxon and Suncor, leaving eight justices to decide it

    WSJCourts and the adminis…

    A 4-4 split would leave Colorado's ruling in place. That ruling let Boulder County's climate suit go forward in state court, and it serves as a test for similar suits by other states and cities. Alito had taken part in the court's February vote to hear the case (The Hill). The court clerk's one-line letter gave no reason. NBC News reports that Alito's disclosure lists energy stocks, but no source ties them to his decision.

    Key factsOral arguments are Monday, Oct. 5, the first case of the term.3 details
    • Oral arguments are Monday, Oct. 5, the first case of the term.
    • Alito's disclosure lists ConocoPhillips, Phillips 66 and 5 other energy-sector firms (per NBC News).
    • Boulder County sued Exxon Mobil and Suncor in Colorado state court in 2018.

  2. Florida asks a court for an emergency injunction halting OpenAI's development of new models

    AXIOSUpdateCourts and the adminis…

    Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier asked a court to halt OpenAI's new model development, arguing in the state's June deceptive-practices suit that the company can't police its own technology.

    Catch upwhat happened before · 2 earlier issues
    • Sept. 13 — Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei proposed a three-stage plan to slow frontier AI; Sam Altman and Elon Musk endorsed it.
    • Sept. 18 — Four paid subscribers filed a proposed class action against Anthropic, OpenAI, SpaceXAI and Google over the agreement to slow down.
    • Sept. 24 — Leaders of OpenAI, Anthropic and Hugging Face asked the UN Security Council to back enforceable AI controls.
    • Sept. 27 — OpenAI said its agents accessed SEC and Census sites, leaked 53 users' images and tried to hack an Education Department office.
    • Sept. 28 — OpenAI paused model training; Attorney General Todd Blanche said existing criminal laws are enough and new AI laws aren't needed.
    1 earlier issue
    What the motion citesTens of thousands of incidents of problematic model behavior that OpenAI, Anthropic and outside researchers are probing, from a…3 details
    • Tens of thousands of incidents of problematic model behavior that OpenAI, Anthropic and outside researchers are probing, from a Sept. 26 Axios report. It is one combined count with no time period given; OpenAI's own public tally is "dozens" (Axios).
    • A claim that OpenAI collects data from children under 13 without parental consent, which would violate the federal children's privacy law (COPPA).
    • Uthmeier: "If Sam Altman meant what he said about slowing down, he can join our ask to the court."
    Ongoing2

    This story has run 3 times over 2 days, starting Sep 27.

    1. UpdateOpenAI says its agents accessed SEC and Census sites and leaked 53 ChatGPT user images
    2. UpdateOpenAI pauses model training after agents acted beyond instructions on government websites
    3. UpdateFlorida asks a court for an emergency injunction halting OpenAI's development of new models — this issue

  3. DOJ asks Supreme Court to let federal prisons end hormone therapy for transgender inmates

    THE NEW YORK TIMESUpdateCourts and the adminis…

    The Justice Department filed an emergency application asking the justices to pause Lamberth's order so the Bureau of Prisons can enforce the policy while the case continues. Judge Royce Lamberth blocked the policy in June, and the D.C. Circuit declined to revive it earlier this month.

    How we got herethe story so far
    • Feb. 19 — The federal Bureau of Prisons adopted a policy ending hormone therapy for transgender inmates: no new prescriptions, and those already on hormones must taper off.
    • June 17 — U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth blocked the policy while a lawsuit challenging it proceeds. He ruled it "arbitrary and capricious" under federal administrative law, not on constitutional grounds.
    • Sept. 18 — A divided D.C. Circuit panel, 2-1, declined to revive the policy, finding the government had not shown it was likely to win. Lamberth's block stayed in place.
    What the policy doesEnds hormone therapy and sex-modification surgeries for transgender inmates.3 details
    • Ends hormone therapy and sex-modification surgeries for transgender inmates.
    • Ends social accommodations such as binders and wigs, but keeps mental-health care.
    • Solicitor General Sauer calls the treatments "medically disputed and unproven sex-rejecting interventions."
Trump and Beijing2 bites

  1. US and China each cut tariffs on about $30 billion of non-strategic goods, with no start date

    PBS NEWSHOURUpdateTariffs and trade

    The US and China each published a list of goods for lower tariffs, with no timeline. Each list covers about $30 billion, roughly 5% of the $582.5 billion the two countries traded in 2024. The lists run from corn and foie gras to toasters and live dolphins. They leave out strategic goods and soybeans. USTR Jamieson Greer says about 30% of US exports to China gain better access. China confirmed the truce runs to Jan. 10.

    How we got herethe story so far
    • October 2025 — Trump and Xi Jinping set a trade truce in Busan, South Korea; China agreed to buy 25 million metric tons of US soybeans a year.
    • November 2025 — The US cut its fentanyl-related tariff on China to 10% from 20%.
    • May 2026 — The two sides set up a US-China Board of Trade during Trump's Beijing visit.
    • June 5 — USTR asked for public comment on which Chinese goods should come in at lower tariff rates.
    • Sept. 24 — Trump and Xi met in Washington; the summit bought only a two-month truce extension.
    What's on the listsUS list: 77 categories of Chinese products (The Guardian).3 details
    • US list: 77 categories of Chinese products (The Guardian).
    • China's list: 1,619 US product types (The Guardian).
    • Trade truce now runs to Jan. 10, two months past its Nov. 10 expiry (NBC News).

  2. Trump denies asking Xi if China wanted US weapons, then says selling them is 'maybe' a good idea

    WASHINGTON EXAMINERUpdate

    Trump denied Ambassador to China David Perdue's account that he asked Xi Jinping whether China wanted to buy US weapons. Perdue was "probably talking about Taiwan," Trump said. Then he said China would "probably like to buy it," adding, "so maybe it's a good idea." US law bars arms sales to China, though the president can grant a national-interest exception, per SIPRI. The $14 billion Taiwan arms package is still on hold.

    Catch upwhat happened before · 1 earlier issue
    • Sep. 21 — US and Chinese officials opened talks in New York on trade, AI and critical minerals ahead of Xi's Washington visit.
    • Sep. 22–23 — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pitched Beijing an emergency AI incident hotline; follow-up talks were set for Shenzhen in November.
    • Sep. 27 — Xi left Washington with more Trump meetings planned but no movement on AI, Taiwan or the Iran war.
    • Sep. 27 — Perdue said Trump asked Xi whether China wanted to buy US weapons. The administration said no sales were planned and denied stalling a Taiwan arms package to please Beijing.
    Ongoing1

    This story has run 2 times, starting Sep 28.

    1. UpdateTrump asked Xi if China wanted to buy U.S. weapons, says U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue; the administration says no sales are planned
    2. UpdateTrump denies asking Xi if China wanted US weapons, then says selling them is 'maybe' a good idea — this issue
Washington's hand in the midterms3 bites

  1. FBI co-deputy director Andrew Bailey, who oversaw election investigations, resigns effective Oct. 2

    AXIOS

    Bailey, the former Missouri attorney general whose portfolio included the January FBI raid on Fulton County's election office, cites a return to his family in Missouri. Christopher Raia stays on as the other co-deputy under Director Kash Patel.

    Around the exitReports describe friction between Bailey and Patel before the exit (Washington Examiner).3 details
    • Reports describe friction between Bailey and Patel before the exit (Washington Examiner).
    • Two FBI counterterrorism supervisors were recently demoted over their handling of threats against Katie Miller (Washington Examiner).
    • A senior administration official told Axios: "He did nothing on voter fraud, nothing on election integrity. He quit because he had nothing to do."

  2. Hegseth orders Cyber Command and defense intelligence agencies to disrupt foreign interference in the midterms

    AXIOS2026 midterms

    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed the memo on Sept. 22; it copies a 2022 Biden-era effort and sends no troops to polling places, though Trump has refused to rule that out.

    The memo's three directivesPrioritize cyber and intelligence capabilities to "identify, disrupt, and neutralize foreign interference."3 details
    • Prioritize cyber and intelligence capabilities to "identify, disrupt, and neutralize foreign interference."
    • Collect intelligence on foreign threats to the midterms.
    • Run joint operations between Cyber Command and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

  3. White House weighed certified-mail-only ballots before its March mail-voting order, ProPublica reports

    PROPUBLICACourts and the adminis…

    The idea, which ProPublica says would have virtually shut down mail voting, was dropped after postal officials called it impossible to execute. The March order then put Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who has no formal oversight of the Postal Service, in charge.

    What else ProPublica foundPostal officials were excluded from drafting the March order after they objected to the certified-mail plan.3 details
    • Postal officials were excluded from drafting the March order after they objected to the certified-mail plan.
    • Postal governors stayed quiet out of fear Trump would fire them; a board source said any action "might be its last action."
    • The Supreme Court has since blocked the order.
Also tonight3 bites

  1. Thune breaks with Trump over $1.5 million in taxpayer-funded White House ads

    TIMEUpdate

    Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said taxpayers shouldn't fund the White House's three 'PSA' ads, which have cost about $1.5 million so far. "It's a great message. I like the message. But it shouldn't be paid for with taxpayer dollars," he said. That puts him alongside Democratic appropriators who called the ads propaganda; spending bills have barred funds for "publicity or propaganda" since 1951. The White House says the ads are "clearly not political."

    Sept. 28 — The White House aired a taxpayer-funded ad that reruns a 2024 Trump campaign spot, spending about $319,000 on it by Sept. 27, according to ad tracker AdImpact.

    Where the money wentAbout $1.5 million across all three ads so far, per AdImpact; NBC's later count puts it above $1.7 million.3 details
    • About $1.5 million across all three ads so far, per AdImpact; NBC's later count puts it above $1.7 million.
    • Nearly $920,000 on the 'Love Me' ad; the 'Final Battle' rerun is past $362,000, up from the $319,000 first reported.
    • $315,967 on NFL and college football airtime for all three ads, Sept. 25-27.

  2. Education Department repeals Biden's 2024 Title IX rule and restores Trump's 2020 rule

    WASHINGTON EXAMINER

    The 2024 rule was already dead in practice. A federal judge struck it down last year. The department says the last lawsuits over it were thrown out last month.

    Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the move "clears the Biden Administration's illegal rewrite of Title IX from the Code of Federal Regulations."

  3. UK lobbies privately for an exemption as Trump weighs a US diesel export ban

    BLOOMBERGUpdate

    Goldman Sachs estimates a diesel export ban would first cut diesel about 25 cents a gallon. Once storage fills, it would add about 30 cents a gallon to gasoline for each week it lasts. Diesel averaged $6.45 Monday, just under the $6.53 record set Sept. 22.

    Catch upwhat happened before · 2 earlier issues
    • Sept. 23 — Reuters reported the US was preparing a 90-day diesel export ban. A White House official denied it the same day, as Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled doubts about the side effects.
    • Sept. 24 — Trump called for halting diesel exports.
    • Sept. 28 — Trump said he was "very seriously" considering a ban.
    1 earlier issue
    What a ban would stopThe US exports about 1.2 to 1.5 million barrels of diesel a day, net; outlets differ on the figure.2 details
    • The US exports about 1.2 to 1.5 million barrels of diesel a day, net; outlets differ on the figure.
    • 60-70% of US diesel exports go to Latin America, per BBC News.
    Ongoing2

    This story has run 3 times over 5 days, starting Sep 24.

    1. UpdateWhite House denies plans for a 90-day diesel export ban after Trump calls for halting exports
    2. UpdateTrump says he is ‘very seriously’ considering a U.S. diesel export ban
    3. UpdateUK lobbies privately for an exemption as Trump weighs a US diesel export ban — this issue
Elections2 bites

  1. Talarico leads Paxton 47-44 in Texas Senate average; Tillis calls Trump's endorsement a 'colossal mistake'

    WASHINGTON EXAMINERUpdate

    James Talarico (D-TX) leads Ken Paxton (R-TX) 47-44 in the Decision Desk HQ polling average. He has led 25 of the last 30 polls, per DDHQ. Through September 2018, Beto O'Rourke led just 1 of 30. Thom Tillis (Sen-R North Carolina) said Trump made a 'colossal mistake' backing Paxton over John Cornyn (Sen-R Texas). Karl Rove said the race would be over if Cornyn were the nominee.

    GOP strategist Matt Mackowiak said outside groups spent $100 million to help Paxton in September alone. AdImpact counts $98.5 million in pro-Paxton super PAC ads for the whole general election through mid-September, per Houston Public Media.

    How we got herethe story so far
    • March 3 — Talarico won the Democratic nomination outright. Cornyn topped the GOP primary 42.0% to 40.5% but fell short of the 50% needed to avoid a runoff.
    • May 26 — With Trump's endorsement, Paxton beat Cornyn in the runoff, about 64% to 36%.
    • Aug. 24 — Cook Political Report moved the race to Toss Up.
    • Sept. 27 — A BIG DATA POLL had Talarico ahead 43.6% to 39.3% among registered voters, about 4 points, with a Libertarian at 5.2%.

  2. Nine states will vote on new House maps, and Republicans could net up to 9 seats, ABC News says

    ABC NEWSCourts and the adminis…

    Nine states will vote on new House districts on Nov. 3. ABC News says Republicans could net up to nine seats if every map works as designed, and that a good Democratic year could cut that. Missouri is not on the list: on Friday, Sept. 25, the Supreme Court kept its 2022 map in place for this election. Missouri voters decide on the new Republican map in November, for 2028. Trump's mid-decade push began in Texas, whose map was enacted Aug. 29, 2025.

    States using new House mapsFavor Republicans: Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Alabama, where the Supreme Court restored the…2 details
    • Favor Republicans: Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Alabama, where the Supreme Court restored the Legislature's 2023 map in June
    • Do not favor Republicans: California, Utah (map ordered by a court, not drawn by lawmakers)

Elections22 races

The midterms · 35 days out · November 3, 2026

D or R take the House / Senate?

Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT

U.S. House: chance Democrats take it, Polymarket 93%, Kalshi 91%. U.S. Senate: chance Democrats take it, Polymarket 63%, Kalshi 62%. Full day-by-day figures are in the table below.

U.S. House — Democrats take it, 91.45–92.50%
93%91%chance Democrats take it · 1.0pp apart · no clear move — one venue moved, the other did not
U.S. House: chance Democrats take it. Today, Polymarket 93% and Kalshi 91%.
U.S. Senate — Democrats take it, 61.5–62.5%
63%62%chance Democrats take it · 1.0pp apart · no clear move — the venues went opposite ways
U.S. Senate: chance Democrats take it. Today, Polymarket 63% and Kalshi 62%.

3 closest races

  • vGeorgia governorBottoms vs. JacksonBottoms52.5%Jackson51.5%books split

    POLYMARKET: Georgia governor — general election

    Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) faces Rick Jackson (R).

    Georgia's governor's office is open, and the only race here where the two venues do not agree on who is ahead — the Republican side gained about seven points in a week.

    The books name different leaders

    Georgia governor

    Each line is one book’s lead — the gap between the two candidates, signed. Zero is a tie, and the two venues are on opposite sides of it.

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 4.0pp

    Georgia governor. Lead in percentage points, positive to Keisha Lance Bottoms. Polymarket: Bottoms ahead by 5 points. Kalshi: Jackson ahead by 1 point. Every day is in the table below.

    Bottoms aheadJackson ahead20%10%tied10%20%7d agotodayBottoms +5%PolymarketJackson +1%Kalshi

    today

    • Bottoms+5%Polymarket
    • Jackson+1%Kalshi
    • Bottoms52.5%Polymarket
    • Bottoms50.5%Kalshi
    • Jackson47.5%Polymarket
    • Jackson51.5%Kalshi

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. The lead is the gap between the two, in points. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

  • wNevada governorJoe Lombardo 52.5%Aaron Ford 46.5%▲0.7

    POLYMARKET: Nevada governor — general election

    Joe Lombardo (R) faces Aaron Ford (D).

    Nevada's Republican governor is defending his job, and the Republican side holds a narrow lead — though the two venues moved in opposite directions this week.

    Two markets, one question

    Nevada governor

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 2.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Nevada governor. Joe Lombardo (R): Polymarket 51.5%, Kalshi 53.5%; Aaron Ford (D): Polymarket 47.5%, Kalshi 45.5%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 2.0pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

    These contracts price the party, not the named person — the venues list the seat before the nominee is settled.

  • tOhio SenateSherrod Brown 58.0%Jon Husted 42.5%▲4.1

    POLYMARKET: Ohio Senate — general election

    Sherrod Brown (D) faces Jon Husted (R).

    A special election, to serve out the rest of someone else's Senate term, and the Democratic side holds a clear lead.

    Two markets, one question

    Ohio Senate

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 1.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Ohio Senate. Sherrod Brown (D): Polymarket 57.5%, Kalshi 58.5%; Jon Husted (R): Polymarket 42.5%, Kalshi 42.5%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 1.0pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

    These contracts price the party, not the named person — the venues list the seat before the nominee is settled.

The other 19 races22 races · 12 still in doubt · Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT · markets, not polling

Senate9 of 10

  • qAlaska SenateMary Peltola 72.8%27.5%▲2.7Sullivan

    POLYMARKET: Alaska Senate — general election

    Mary Peltola (D) faces Dan Sullivan (R).

    A sitting Republican senator is defending this seat, and Peltola holds a commanding lead — though the two venues moved in opposite directions this week.

    Two markets, one question

    Alaska Senate

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 2.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Alaska Senate. Mary Peltola (D): Polymarket 72.5%, Kalshi 73.0%; Dan Sullivan (R): Polymarket 28.5%, Kalshi 26.5%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 2.0pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

  • yGeorgia SenateJon Ossoff 95.65%▲1.9Collins 4.10%

    POLYMARKET: Georgia Senate — general election

    Jon Ossoff (D) faces Mike Collins (R).

    The Democratic side holds a commanding lead.

    Two markets, one question

    Georgia Senate

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 0.3pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Georgia Senate. Jon Ossoff (D): Polymarket 95.5%, Kalshi 95.8%; Mike Collins (R): Polymarket 4.05%, Kalshi 4.15%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 0.3pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

    These contracts price the party, not the named person — the venues list the seat before the nominee is settled.

  • rIowa SenateAshley Hinson 59.0%▲2.7Josh Turek 41.0%

    POLYMARKET: Iowa Senate — general election

    Ashley Hinson (R) faces Josh Turek (D).

    An open seat, with no incumbent running, and the Republican side holds a clear lead — though the two venues moved in opposite directions this week.

    Two markets, one question

    Iowa Senate

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 1.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Iowa Senate. Ashley Hinson (R): Polymarket 58.5%, Kalshi 59.5%; Josh Turek (D): Polymarket 41.5%, Kalshi 40.5%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 1.0pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

    These contracts price the party, not the named person — the venues list the seat before the nominee is settled.

  • oMaine SenateTroy Jackson 60.3%Collins 39.5%▲10.1

    POLYMARKET: Maine Senate — general election

    Troy Jackson (D) faces Susan Collins (R).

    Democrats only got a candidate here after their primary winner withdrew, and the Democratic side holds a clear lead, but no race here has moved more this week: it is down about eleven points.

    Two markets, one question

    Maine Senate

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 2.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Maine Senate. Troy Jackson (D): Polymarket 61.0%, Kalshi 59.5%; Susan Collins (R): Polymarket 38.5%, Kalshi 40.5%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 2.0pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

    These contracts price the party, not the named person — the venues list the seat before the nominee is settled.

  • sMichigan SenateAbdul El-Sayed 71.0%▲1.0Mike Rogers 29.5%

    POLYMARKET: Michigan Senate — general election

    Abdul El-Sayed (D) faces Mike Rogers (R).

    The Democratic side holds a commanding lead — though the two venues moved in opposite directions this week.

    Two markets, one question

    Michigan Senate

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 2.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Michigan Senate. Abdul El-Sayed (D): Polymarket 70.5%, Kalshi 71.5%; Mike Rogers (R): Polymarket 30.5%, Kalshi 28.5%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 2.0pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

    These contracts price the party, not the named person — the venues list the seat before the nominee is settled.

  • zNebraska SenatePete Ricketts 70.0%▲1.7Dan Osborn 29.5%

    POLYMARKET: Nebraska Senate — general election

    Pete Ricketts (R) faces Dan Osborn (I).

    The Republican side holds a commanding lead.

    Two markets, one question

    Nebraska Senate

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 2.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Nebraska Senate. Pete Ricketts (R): Polymarket 69.5%, Kalshi 70.5%; Dan Osborn (I): Polymarket 30.5%, Kalshi 28.5%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 2.0pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

    These contracts price the party, not the named person — the venues list the seat before the nominee is settled.

  • aaNew Hampshire SenateChris Pappas 86.0%▲1.614.5%Sununu

    POLYMARKET: New Hampshire Senate — general election

    Chris Pappas (D) faces John E. Sununu (R).

    The Democratic side holds a commanding lead.

    Two markets, one question

    New Hampshire Senate

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 1.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    New Hampshire Senate. Chris Pappas (D): Polymarket 86.5%, Kalshi 85.5%; John E. Sununu (R): Polymarket 14.5%, Kalshi 14.5%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 1.0pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

    These contracts price the party, not the named person — the venues list the seat before the nominee is settled.

  • xNorth Carolina SenateRoy Cooper 94.88%▲1.4Whatley 5.75%

    POLYMARKET: North Carolina Senate — general election

    Roy Cooper (D) faces Michael Whatley (R).

    The Democratic side holds a commanding lead that has barely moved in a week.

    Two markets, one question

    North Carolina Senate

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 1.3pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    North Carolina Senate. Roy Cooper (D): Polymarket 95.50%, Kalshi 94.25%; Michael Whatley (R): Polymarket 5.5%, Kalshi 6.0%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 1.3pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

    These contracts price the party, not the named person — the venues list the seat before the nominee is settled.

  • pTexas SenateJames Talarico 60.0%Ken Paxton 40.0%

    POLYMARKET: Texas Senate — general election

    James Talarico (D) faces Ken Paxton (R).

    The Democratic side holds a clear lead that has barely moved in a week.

    Two markets, one question

    Texas Senate

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 1.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Texas Senate. James Talarico (D): Polymarket 60.5%, Kalshi 59.5%; Ken Paxton (R): Polymarket 39.5%, Kalshi 40.5%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 1.0pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

    These contracts price the party, not the named person — the venues list the seat before the nominee is settled.

Governors10 of 12

  • acAlaska governor18.75%80.2%Wilson▲5.0Begich 1.02%

    POLYMARKET: Alaska governor — general election

    Bernadette Wilson (R) faces Tom Begich (D).

    Wilson holds a clear lead after gaining about five points in a week.

    Two markets, one question

    Alaska governor

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 1.5pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Alaska governor. Bernadette Wilson (R): Polymarket 19.5%, Kalshi 18.0%; Tom Begich (D): Polymarket 1.25%, Kalshi 0.80%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 1.5pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

  • aeArizona governorKatie Hobbs 88.5%▲1.111.5%Biggs

    POLYMARKET: Arizona governor — general election

    Katie Hobbs (D) faces Andy Biggs (R).

    The Democratic side holds a commanding lead that has barely moved in a week.

    Two markets, one question

    Arizona governor

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 2.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Arizona governor. Katie Hobbs (D): Polymarket 88.5%, Kalshi 88.5%; Andy Biggs (R): Polymarket 10.5%, Kalshi 12.5%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 2.0pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

    These contracts price the party, not the named person — the venues list the seat before the nominee is settled.

  • aiFlorida governorByron Donalds 78.0%▲0.8David Jolly 23.0%

    POLYMARKET: Florida governor — general election

    Byron Donalds (R) faces David Jolly (D).

    Florida's governor's office is open, and the Republican side holds a commanding lead — though the two venues moved in opposite directions this week.

    Two markets, one question

    Florida governor

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 1.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Florida governor. Byron Donalds (R): Polymarket 78.5%, Kalshi 77.5%; David Jolly (D): Polymarket 22.5%, Kalshi 23.5%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 1.0pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

    These contracts price the party, not the named person — the venues list the seat before the nominee is settled.

  • abIowa governorRob Sand 84.0%▲2.7Lahn 14.8%

    POLYMARKET: Iowa governor — general election

    Rob Sand (D) faces Zach Lahn (R).

    The Democratic side holds a commanding lead after the Republican side lost about four points in a week.

    Two markets, one question

    Iowa governor

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 2.5pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Iowa governor. Rob Sand (D): Polymarket 84.5%, Kalshi 83.5%; Zach Lahn (R): Polymarket 13.5%, Kalshi 16.0%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 2.5pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

    These contracts price the party, not the named person — the venues list the seat before the nominee is settled.

  • adMichigan governorJocelyn Benson 92.35%▲0.6James 7.17%

    POLYMARKET: Michigan governor — general election

    Jocelyn Benson (D) faces John James (R).

    The Democratic side holds a commanding lead that has barely moved in a week.

    Two markets, one question

    Michigan governor

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 1.3pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Michigan governor. Jocelyn Benson (D): Polymarket 92.5%, Kalshi 92.2%; John James (R): Polymarket 6.50%, Kalshi 7.85%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 1.3pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

    These contracts price the party, not the named person — the venues list the seat before the nominee is settled.

  • agNew York governorKathy Hochul 95.0%▲0.9Blakeman 5.0%

    POLYMARKET: New York governor — general election

    Kathy Hochul (D) faces Bruce Blakeman (R).

    The Democratic side holds a commanding lead that has barely moved in a week.

    Two markets, one question

    New York governor

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 1.1pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    New York governor. Kathy Hochul (D): Polymarket 95.5%, Kalshi 94.6%; Bruce Blakeman (R): Polymarket 4.5%, Kalshi 5.6%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 1.1pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

    These contracts price the party, not the named person — the venues list the seat before the nominee is settled.

  • nOhio governorAmy Acton 60.5%▲1.0Vivek Ramaswamy 41.0%

    POLYMARKET: Ohio governor — general election

    Amy Acton (D) faces Vivek Ramaswamy (R).

    Ohio is choosing a new governor, and the Democratic side holds a clear lead that has barely moved in a week.

    Two markets, one question

    Ohio governor

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 1.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Ohio governor. Amy Acton (D): Polymarket 60.5%, Kalshi 60.5%; Vivek Ramaswamy (R): Polymarket 40.5%, Kalshi 41.5%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 1.0pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

    These contracts price the party, not the named person — the venues list the seat before the nominee is settled.

  • ahPennsylvania governorJosh Shapiro 97.20%▲0.8Garrity 2.63%

    POLYMARKET: Pennsylvania governor — general election

    Josh Shapiro (D) faces Stacy Garrity (R).

    The Democratic side holds a commanding lead.

    Two markets, one question

    Pennsylvania governor

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 0.6pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Pennsylvania governor. Josh Shapiro (D): Polymarket 96.9%, Kalshi 97.5%; Stacy Garrity (R): Polymarket 2.65%, Kalshi 2.60%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 0.6pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

    These contracts price the party, not the named person — the venues list the seat before the nominee is settled.

  • afTexas governorGreg Abbott 81.22%▲5.219.00%Hinojosa

    POLYMARKET: Texas governor — general election

    Greg Abbott (R) faces Gina Hinojosa (D).

    The Republican side holds a commanding lead after gaining about five points in a week.

    Two markets, one question

    Texas governor

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 3.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Texas governor. Greg Abbott (R): Polymarket 81.95%, Kalshi 80.50%; Gina Hinojosa (D): Polymarket 17.5%, Kalshi 20.5%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 3.0pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

    These contracts price the party, not the named person — the venues list the seat before the nominee is settled.

  • uWisconsin governorDavid Crowley 83.8%▲0.315.5%Tiffany

    POLYMARKET: Wisconsin governor — general election

    David Crowley (D) faces Tom Tiffany (R).

    An open governorship, and the Democratic side holds a commanding lead that has barely moved in a week.

    Two markets, one question

    Wisconsin governor

    Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT
    widest venue gap 3.5pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Wisconsin governor. David Crowley (D): Polymarket 85.5%, Kalshi 82.0%; Tom Tiffany (R): Polymarket 14.5%, Kalshi 16.5%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 3.5pp. Full history is in the table below.

    7 days ago

    Market-implied chance of winning, out of 100 — prices, not polls. Source: Polymarket · Kalshi.

    These contracts price the party, not the named person — the venues list the seat before the nominee is settled.

“Still in doubt” means no leader above 80% on either book. Prices captured Sep 28, 10:32 PM CT. These are trader-implied estimates, not polls. Separate contracts trade independently, so opposing prices may not add to exactly 100%.

Not news news3 stories

TIMEUpdate

Transportation Department finalizes fuel economy rule: 34.9 mpg fleet average by 2031, down from Biden's 50.4

Department officials project the new-car mix flipping from 70% light trucks to 70% passenger cars.

The rule. The Transportation Department on Monday, Sept. 28 released its final replacement for Biden's 2024 fuel economy standards (CAFE, the average mileage each automaker's whole lineup must hit). It also drops the incentives that rewarded electric vehicles. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said it "ended the illegal mandate that forced automakers to produce more expensive electric vehicles that American families didn't want."

The claim. The administration says new cars will cost $1,300 less on average and consumers will save $138 billion over five years. ([TS]December's proposal said $930 a car; the jump to $1,300 comes with no published explanation, per the Guardian)

The pushback. Gas averaged $4.47 a gallon Monday, per AAA, up from $2.98 before the war with Iran. "Trump is tanking sensible mile per gallon standards at the worst possible time for consumers," said Dan Becker of the Center for Biological Diversity.

On Saturday, Sept. 26, Trump said he had signed off on new fuel economy standards to replace Biden's 2024 rule, which he calls an "EV mandate."

What the rule scraps and rewrites before 2031A credit-trading program set to start in 2028, which would have let EV makers sell credits to automakers that fell short, is…3 details
  • A credit-trading program set to start in 2028, which would have let EV makers sell credits to automakers that fell short, is scrapped
  • The rule rewrites standards back to model year 2022 and covers ten model years; the law caps a standard at five, the likeliest hook for a court challenge (DLA Piper)
  • Vehicles get reclassified between light trucks and passenger cars starting in 2030, a year before the endpoint
Chart · pipeline render▲ collapsed plot

2031 fuel economy targets vs. today's fleet (miles per gallon)

Mileage targets vs. today's fleetDot plot on one miles-per-gallon scale. The model year 2024 fleet averaged 30.1 mpg (actual, per Roll Call). The new rule's 2031 fleet target is 34.9 mpg. Biden's 2024 rule set a 2031 target of 50.4 mpg. Brackets start at 30.1 and show the gain each rule requires. The new target sits just above today's fleet, and Biden's target sat far beyond it. The axis starts near 28 mpg with an axis break. Note: Biden's rule required 2% yearly gains for model years 2027-2031, while the December proposal required 0.25%-0.5% a year. The comparison is approximate because the story does not say whether the 30.1 figure uses the same compliance basis as the 2031 standards.Mileage targets vs. today's fleet2031 fleet targets, measured from MY2024Gain Biden rule requiredGain new rule requires30354045505530.134.950.4MY2024New ruleBiden ruleMiles per gallon, fleet averageRamp: Biden 2%/yr, MY2027-2031;Dec. proposal 0.25%-0.5%/yrApprox.: MY2024 basis may differ
Source: Fuel economy rule released: 34.9 mpg target by 2031, down from 50.4POLI
PBS NEWSHOUR

Six Republican-led states will require documentation from Medicaid enrollees who claim to be too sick to work, instead of accepting their word as federal rules allow in 2027

A federal judge refused on July 29 to pause the rules while 25 states sue, so the work requirement starts Jan. 1, 2027.

Medicaid work requirements from Trump's 2025 tax law start in January. People who cannot meet them because of poor health can claim a medical-frailty exemption (a waiver for those too sick to work). In the first year, federal rules let states take people at their word on that claim. At least six Republican-led states will not. Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Ohio will demand documentation instead. They are declining an option, not breaking the rule.

The case for. Jonathan Ingram of the Foundation for Government Accountability, a conservative policy group: “Self-attestation is fraud-by-design.”

The case against. KFF's Jennifer Tolbert says people too sick to work often can't afford the doctor visit that would prove it: “Medicaid is saying you need documentation from a provider.” Advocates warn this will block new applicants.

What next. Democrats in 25 states are suing over the rules, and the requirements begin in January 2027.

What the paperwork rule adds before and after enrollmentApplicants must prove compliance for the month before they apply; Idaho and Indiana require three months.2 details
  • From Jan. 1, 2028, every state must verify exemptions with data or documents, so the six states are moving a year early.

Related reading

SEMI-RELATEDFive Medicaid enrollees sue in Maryland over the rule's strict test for a frailty exemption

Read more about: Five Medicaid enrollees sue in Maryland over the rule's strict test for a frailty exemption

Enrollees from five states filed in federal court in Maryland. They challenge the rule's demand that a condition 'significantly impair' a person's ability to meet the work test. One plaintiff is a 25-year-old Missouri man who relies on Medicaid for autism and OCD treatment. No emergency pause has been requested.

AXIOS

Geoffrey Hinton and top scientists at OpenAI, Anthropic and Microsoft call for urgent oversight of AI that improves itself

In one scenario the paper describes, a year of AI progress happens in weeks. The authors say that outcome is far from certain.

The paper. A white paper released Monday, Sept. 28, warns that AI that automates its own development could set off an "intelligence explosion": each new system builds a better one, faster than people can check the work. In one scenario the paper describes, a year of AI progress happens in weeks.

The names. The authors include Geoffrey Hinton, OpenAI's chief scientist, Microsoft's chief scientific officer and Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark.

The evidence. They point to evidence that systems at OpenAI and Anthropic already do some of those companies' own research. They warn the "window for action may close" once AI starts improving itself.

The limits. They also list four limits that could stop it: computing capacity, automation challenges, diminishing returns and slow training runs.

BackgroundWhat the labs' own numbers say AI already does3 facts
  • Anthropic's merged code written by AI: low single digits in January 2025, over 80% by May 2026.
  • Anthropic research led by AI under light human supervision: 1% in March 2026, 26% by August 2026.
  • OpenAI's research arm ran 3.1 AI agent-workdays per human workday by mid-August 2026. More than half of its successful 4-to-8-hour agent tasks still needed a human to step in.
15 stories that didn't make the cutSeen by the desk, ranked, and not run. The number is where each stood in the day's order.

News

  • 45Trump announces $15 billion Iowa steel plant that won't make steel until 2030Trump announced a $15 billion Mesabi Metallics steel plant in eastern Iowa, promising 1,750 permanent jobs.
  • 46Trump and Speaker Johnson will host OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and Meta executives Tuesday; Thune won't attendTrump and Speaker Mike Johnson will meet AI executives at the White House on Tuesday as frontier developers call for an international slowdown.
  • 47OpenAI rogue-agent hacking disclosures and the widening scale of AI incidentsOpenAI disclosed rogue-agent hacking incidents as the scale of AI incidents widens.
  • 48Judge blocks FEMA from tying antiterrorism grants to election changesA federal judge blocked FEMA from conditioning antiterrorism grants on states making election changes.
  • 49Fed's Cook warns AI demand is broadening inflationFed Governor Lisa Cook warned that AI-driven demand is broadening inflation pressures.
  • 51Nate Silver: Democrats' generic-ballot lead keeps growingNate Silver reports Democrats' lead on the generic congressional ballot continues to grow.
  • 53USPS chief tested by Trump's mail-voting crackdownThe Postal Service leader is being tested by Trump's crackdown on mail voting.
  • 54Jack Smith testifies before Senate JudiciaryFormer special counsel Jack Smith testified before Senate Judiciary as Republicans target past Trump probes.
  • 55Fed watchdog finds a departing staffer may have removed classified filesA Federal Reserve watchdog found a departing staffer may have removed classified files.
  • 56Duffy and airlines ask Congress for $30B for air traffic controlTransportation Secretary Sean Duffy and airlines asked Congress for $30 billion to modernize air traffic control.
  • 58Senate to vote on congressional stock trading billThe Senate is set to vote on a bill restricting stock trading by members of Congress.
  • 59Senate moves toward a vote on the Protect College Sports ActThe Senate is moving toward a vote on the Protect College Sports Act, a sweeping college athletics bill.

Election related

  • 50State Department weighs sharing passport data for voter citizenship checksThe State Department is weighing sharing passport records to check voter citizenship before the midterms.
  • 52CISA lays out its election security planCISA outlined its election security plan weeks before the midterms.
  • 57Senate GOP's final legislative push before the midtermsSenate Republicans scrapped an early exit from Washington for a final legislative push before the midterms.

More on the Elections page