Political Guyentist

Monday · The daily brief

Oct 122026

8 leads27 briefs21 min

BoardScroll

Executive summary8 stories

News news5

  1. Four Republican senators join Democrats in demanding Trump reverse his Russian diesel deal, saying he skipped steps the law requiresThomas Massie (Rep-R Kentucky) backed the deal and urged lifting sanctions on other petroleum products, copper and aluminum too.
  2. Trump says Russia and Ukraine agreed to an immediate energy ceasefire; Moscow has not confirmed itA White House official told Axios the proposal covers only oil refineries on both sides, not power plants or the electric grid.
  3. Riyadh airport hit again Sunday, Oct. 11, killing one; Saturday's strike toll rises to at least 13, including an AmericanHouthi spokesman Yahya Saree warned that Saudi airports and airspace are now targets, while the FAA told U.S. airlines to use caution on Saudi flights.
  4. U.S. fighter jet disables a Panama-flagged cargo ship trying to evade the Iran port blockade, Central Command saysIt is the fourth ship U.S. forces have disabled since the blockade resumed July 14, Central Command says; it counts 135 others turned back.
  5. Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, calls the U.S. reply to Tehran's plan to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz insufficient and says Iran has stopped respondingRezaei also threatened regional undersea cables, data centers and AI facilities if heavy fighting resumes.

Not news news3

  1. Protect Our Care counts 52 maternity wards closed since Congress passed its July 2025 Medicaid cuts; two hospitals cited the cuts as a reasonProtect Our Care lists eight more wards with closures announced; Medicaid pays for about 40% of U.S. births.
  2. Average hourly pay grew 3% in the year to September, while prices rose 3.4% in the year to AugustThe Bureau of Labor Statistics' own inflation-adjusted figure shows an average hour of work bought 0.3% less in August 2026 than in August 2025.
  3. Texas Tech screens course materials with AI for compliance with its content limits; UT Austin ends four race, ethnicity and gender majorsA lawsuit from the American Association of University Professors alleges Texas Tech medical faculty were told not to treat transgender patients for any condition while a medical student was present.

News news5 stories

Ongoing24 earlier updates47 days

This story has run 25 times over 47 days, starting Aug 26.

  1. CIA chief Ratcliffe makes rare Moscow visit
  2. CIA chief reportedly warned Moscow against a limited Russian attack on NATO
  3. CIA chief secretly met Russian intelligence officials in Moscow
  4. UpdateCIA chief told Moscow to end the Ukraine war before Russia’s military and economy worsen
  5. Russian drone hits ammunition depot near Kyiv, killing 38; four remain missing
  6. Russia's finance minister returned to the G20 in person for the first time since the Ukraine invasion
  7. Witkoff and Kushner meet Putin in Moscow Sept. 5, Zelensky in Kyiv Sept. 6, carrying a U.S. proposal to end the war
  8. UpdatePutin orders 72-hour halt to strikes on Kyiv while Witkoff and Kushner visit, after a three-hour Kremlin meeting
  9. UpdateWitkoff and Kushner hold first Kyiv talks of the war, agreeing on next steps but no terms; announcement promised in weeks
  10. UpdateWitkoff says Moscow-Kyiv trip produced 'substantive progress' on scheduling more talks, with no date set and no terms disclosed
  11. UpdateRussia resumed strikes on Kyiv after the truce, killing 7; Trump and Putin then talked for an hour
  12. UpdateTrump says Russia's president wants a Ukraine peace deal after their phone call
  13. House schedules vote next week on authorizing 100% tariffs on Russian oil buyers
  14. UpdateVladimir Putin warned that sending European troops into Ukraine means war with Russia.
  15. Trump announced a Russia-Ukraine energy truce Kyiv calls conditional
  16. UpdateThe House voted 214-211 to advance 100% tariffs on buyers of Russian oil
  17. UpdateCongress sends Trump a bill letting him impose 100% tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil
  18. UpdateTrump signs the bill authorizing 100% tariffs on buyers of Russian oil
  19. Trump and Zelensky agree to New York talks, expected Sept. 22
  20. UpdateZelensky asks Trump for a mutual halt on energy and port strikes
  21. Zelensky (President, Ukraine) urges countries to limit trade with Russia to cut war funding
  22. UpdatePutin added a sale of Lukoil's foreign oil assets to US-Russia Ukraine talks; the buyers include Witkoff and Kushner business partners
  23. UpdateTreasury lifts U.S. sanctions on Russian diesel until April 7, 2027, after Trump says Russia will send 4.8 million tons
  24. UpdateRussian glide bombs kill 20 in Zaporizhzhia a day after the U.S. suspended Russian diesel sanctions; Putin tells Trump talks won't resume soon
  25. UpdateFour Republican senators join Democrats in demanding Trump reverse his Russian diesel deal, saying he skipped steps the law requires — this issue
PBS NEWSHOURUpdateRussia diesel deal

Four Republican senators join Democrats in demanding Trump reverse his Russian diesel deal, saying he skipped steps the law requires

Thomas Massie (Rep-R Kentucky) backed the deal and urged lifting sanctions on other petroleum products, copper and aluminum too.

A bipartisan group of senators said Sunday, Oct. 11, that Trump should reverse the license letting Russian diesel into the U.S. Their reasons: the administration never consulted Congress or gave the explanation the law requires, and the deal hands Moscow money while it keeps attacking Ukraine. AP counted six signers; Politico counted seven, adding Ron Wyden (Sen-D Oregon).

The Republicans. Susan Collins (Sen-R Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Sen-R Alaska), Thom Tillis (Sen-R North Carolina) and John Curtis (Sen-R Utah) signed on. Collins said she co-sponsored the sanctions law Trump "recently signed but is now not following."

The leverage. Tillis said there is a legitimate case the deal breaks the law, and tied it to funding talks: "If the president wants my support the president needs to understand this is a problem, and I'm not the only Republican concerned with this."

Catch upwhat happened before · 24 earlier issues
  • Sept. 15 — Trump announced a Russia-Ukraine truce on energy strikes; Kyiv called it conditional.
  • Sept. 16 — The House passed a bill letting the president put tariffs of up to 100% on the five biggest buyers of Russian oil or gas, 262-159, per Reuters.
  • Sept. 18 — Trump signed it, per the White House; the law, named for Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died in July, also sanctions Russian officials and shadow-fleet tankers.
  • Sept. 21–23 — Trump pressed Ukraine to stop hitting Russian refineries, citing diesel prices; Zelensky proposed a mutual halt on energy and port strikes.
  • Oct. 4 — Putin added a sale of Lukoil's foreign oil assets to talks; buyers include Witkoff and Kushner business partners.
  • Oct. 10 — Treasury suspended Russian diesel sanctions until April 7, 2027, after Trump said Russia would send diesel to the U.S.; Zelensky called it "a happy birthday present for Putin."
  • Oct. 11 — Russian glide bombs killed 20 in Zaporizhzhia; Putin told Trump talks would not resume soon.
23 earlier issues
Chart · pipeline render▲ label over mark

U.S. average retail diesel price

U.S. average retail diesel price Monthly last weekly observation Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EMD_EPD2D_PTE_NUS_DPG), dollars per gallon $3.00 $4.00 $5.00 $6.00 $7.00 $3.72 $6.20 June 2022 record $5.81 2022-06-27: June 2022 record $5.81 2021-11-29 2023-02-27 2024-05-27 2025-07-28 2026-10-05
Source: Bipartisan senators demand reversal of Russian diesel dealPOLI
TIMEUpdateRussia-Ukraine war

Trump says Russia and Ukraine agreed to an immediate energy ceasefire; Moscow has not confirmed it

A White House official told Axios the proposal covers only oil refineries on both sides, not power plants or the electric grid.

Trump said Sunday, Oct. 11, that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an energy ceasefire starting immediately. He published no terms, and Moscow has not publicly confirmed it.

Kyiv's answer. Volodymyr Zelensky (President, Ukraine) said the deal was news to him, and that Ukraine would join if Russia did: “If President Trump negotiated it with Putin, please tell us when the ceasefire begins. We are ready, and we will accept it.” Christopher Miller of the Financial Times reported that Zelensky's office had no information about the deal.

The strikes. After the announcement, Ukrainian officials reported Russian attacks on power facilities in Kyiv and Kharkiv.

Still open. Whether Russia accepts at all, and when any halt would start. The same White House official said Russia was still considering the proposal.

Days before Sunday, Oct. 11, Trump said Ukraine needs “a new president” and told Zelensky to stop striking Russian oil refineries. A U.S. official told Axios that Trump struck a Russian diesel deal after Zelensky ignored half a dozen U.S. requests to halt those strikes.

Red take

Washington should bank the refinery truce now, because a deal with one plain target is the only kind this war has any record of keeping. The broader March 2025 truce, covering refineries and electricity together, never even settled whether it began March 18 or March 25. Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president, says "We are ready, and we will accept it"; hold that yes hostage to the grid, and no energy site on either front gets a single night's reprieve.

Blue take

After Trump announced this truce, Ukrainian officials reported Russian strikes on power facilities in Kyiv and Kharkiv, and a refinery-only deal would not stop the next ones. A White House official told Axios the grid might be covered later, with no deadline. Washington should insist it go in writing now, as the Kremlin's own March 2025 list put it; otherwise Ukraine stands down on Russian refineries while its power stations stay open targets.

Ongoing13 earlier updates33 days

This story has run 14 times over 33 days, starting Sep 9.

  1. Houthi missiles and drones hit 4 Saudi cities, wounding 73 and halting Aramco's 400,000-barrel-a-day Jazan refinery
  2. Houthis capture Yemen's Mokha from Saudi-backed forces 46 miles from Bab el-Mandeb
  3. UpdateHouthi forces captured Mokha and Perim island in the 28-kilometer Bab el-Mandeb strait.
  4. UpdateA day after the Bab el-Mandeb capture, maritime monitors have recorded no new transit halts
  5. UpdateSaudi Arabia shuts Hormuz-bypass pipeline, oil rises more than $3 with 4% of supply at risk
  6. UpdateHouthis seize two more Red Sea islands as Saudi pipeline faces 3-to-5-week outage
  7. UpdateSaudi Arabia suspends loadings at its last open oil terminal; September cargoes cancelled
  8. Attacks on Saudi export pipeline push WTI crude to $107.02 a barrel, a 30-day high
  9. UpdateHouthi missiles hit Riyadh, burning a fuel depot near King Khalid airport
  10. UpdateSaudi Arabia says it intercepted a Houthi missile aimed at Riyadh
  11. UpdateTrump declined a prepared U.S. air campaign against the Houthis, giving Saudi Arabia intelligence and targeting data instead
  12. UpdateSaudi Arabia tested its shut east-west pipeline for a restart as oil fell below $98
  13. UpdateStrike on Riyadh airport kills 12, including an American; Trump says the U.S. "may" join Saudi strikes on the Houthis
  14. UpdateRiyadh airport hit again Sunday, Oct. 11, killing one; Saturday's strike toll rises to at least 13, including an American — this issue
NBC NEWSUpdateHouthis and the Saudis

Riyadh airport hit again Sunday, Oct. 11, killing one; Saturday's strike toll rises to at least 13, including an American

Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree warned that Saudi airports and airspace are now targets, while the FAA told U.S. airlines to use caution on Saudi flights.

The attacks. A projectile hit Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Sunday, Oct. 11, killing a Pakistani resident and injuring 11, Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority (GACA) said. NBC, citing Saudi aviation authorities, put Saturday's death toll at at least 13 after an injured Indian national died; CBS and The Washington Post reported 12. An American was among Saturday's dead, and the airport stays closed.

The threat. Saree said the airports and airspace "constitute a theatre of operations for our forces."

Still open. Trump said the U.S. is considering joining Saudi military operations against the Houthis. No mission, forces or timeline has been announced.

Catch upwhat happened before · 13 earlier issues
  • Sept. 13 — Houthi forces took the coast along the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a key Red Sea shipping lane; ships kept moving.
  • Sept. 14–16 — Drone attacks shut Saudi Arabia's Hormuz-bypass pipeline, Houthis seized two Red Sea islands, and Aramco halted loadings at Yanbu, its last open terminal.
  • Sept. 17 — U.S. crude prices hit a 30-day high.
  • Sept. 20–21 — Houthi missiles burned a fuel depot near Riyadh's airport; Saudi Arabia intercepted another aimed at the capital.
  • Sept. 22 — Trump declined a prepared U.S. air campaign, giving Saudi Arabia intelligence and targeting data instead.
  • Sept. 23 — Saudi Arabia tested a pipeline restart; oil fell below $98, down from $107.02 a barrel on Sept. 17.
  • Oct. 10 — A strike on King Khalid airport killed 12, including an American, and injured 309, GACA said; Trump said the U.S. "may" join Saudi strikes.
12 earlier issues
BackgroundWhat U.S. agencies have already ordered for travelers3 facts
  • The FAA caution notice runs through Dec. 10 and covers flying over, landing and taking off.
  • The U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia urges Americans to avoid Riyadh's airport.
  • U.S. government employees need special approval to use airports in Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam.
Ongoing8 earlier updates28 days

This story has run 9 times over 28 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. Pentagon inspector general puts U.S. equipment losses from Iranian strikes at $3.7 billion
  4. UK police arrest five men suspected of preparing a terrorist act near base used for U.S. strikes on Iran
  5. Iranian cruise missile hit a ship carrying 8 US Marines in the Strait of Hormuz on Sept. 14; the Pentagon never announced it
  6. UpdatePentagon sends about 9,000 more sailors and Marines toward Iran on the carrier Theodore Roosevelt and three amphibious ships
  7. Pentagon tells Central Command to ready new Iran strike options the White House wants usable before the Nov. 3 midterms
  8. UpdateTrump says the US will not attack Iran before the Nov. 3 midterms and keeps the naval blockade in force
  9. UpdateU.S. fighter jet disables a Panama-flagged cargo ship trying to evade the Iran port blockade, Central Command says — this issue
THE HILLUpdateIran war

U.S. fighter jet disables a Panama-flagged cargo ship trying to evade the Iran port blockade, Central Command says

It is the fourth ship U.S. forces have disabled since the blockade resumed July 14, Central Command says; it counts 135 others turned back.

Central Command said Sunday, Oct. 11, that a U.S. fighter jet struck the stern of the M/V Ocean Molica, a Panama-flagged cargo ship also known as Arika Sun, in the Gulf of Oman. The command said the ship ignored warnings and tried to slip the blockade of Iranian ports. According to the command, the strike knocked out the ship's engines without harming the crew. The command counts it as the fourth ship disabled since the blockade resumed Tuesday, July 14, with 135 more turned back; on Oct. 5 its tally was three and 130.

Catch upwhat happened before · 8 earlier issues
  • April 13 — U.S. forces began blockading ships bound to or from Iranian ports.
  • June 14–18 — The U.S. and Iran announced a memorandum to end the war; the U.S. lifted the blockade June 18.
  • July 7–14 — Iran fired on ships using routes it had not approved; Trump called the deal "over," and the blockade resumed July 14.
  • July 15–Aug. 11 — U.S. forces disabled three ships running it: the tankers Belma (July 15) and Lavine (July 24) and the cargo ship Vela Nova (Aug. 11).
  • Oct. 8 — The Pentagon told Central Command to ready strike options usable before the Nov. 3 midterms.
  • Oct. 9 — Trump said the U.S. would not attack Iran before Nov. 3 and kept the naval blockade in force; Brent crude hit $104.60.
7 earlier issues

Red take

Disabling the Ocean Molica is what keeps the Iran blockade from being a bluff: the Panama-flagged freighter ignored warnings, lost its propulsion, and its crew walked away unhurt, Central Command says. Four ships disabled while 135 others were turned back is restraint. Let runners slip through and Iran, which loaded no crude onto tankers in September by Bloomberg's preliminary count, refills its treasury, leaving the strikes Trump ruled out before Nov. 3 as the only pressure left.

Blue take

Firing on foreign merchant ships without a stated legal basis should stop now. Central Command, which runs U.S. forces in the Middle East, disabled the Panama-flagged Ocean Molica but has published no legal basis and named no port for the ship or its crew. With the Pentagon already readying strike options usable before the Nov. 3 midterms, each unexplained hit makes the next one easier, and the country edges toward war with no public account of the rules.

Ongoing31 earlier updates81 days

This story has run 32 times over 81 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. UpdateTrump says he is choosing among wiping Iran out, letting it rot economically, or a deal, and would "probably" meet Pezeshkian at the UN this week
  24. UpdateIran offers to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. lifts its naval blockade as traffic falls to two ships
  25. Iran proposes seven-day ceasefire plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz and revive nuclear talks
  26. UpdateTrump rejects Iran's offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days in exchange for ending the U.S. blockade
  27. Trump expects more Iran talks this week after rejecting Iran's Hormuz offer; Iran won't soften its terms
  28. UpdateIran says its UN delegation has no talks planned with the US and will fly home Tuesday, Sept. 29; mediators keep working
  29. UpdateQatari compromise to end the U.S.-Iran war stalls; Trump denies aides' account that he offered Iran sanctions relief
  30. Rubio orders Iran's UN delegation out of New York; Trump says Iran will "sign a very fair deal, or they won't exist any longer"
  31. UpdateCRS: 81 U.S. aircraft and drones lost or damaged in Iran war, up from 42 in May
  32. Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, calls the U.S. reply to Tehran's plan to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz insufficient and says Iran has stopped responding — this issue
REUTERSIran war

Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, calls the U.S. reply to Tehran's plan to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz insufficient and says Iran has stopped responding

Rezaei also threatened regional undersea cables, data centers and AI facilities if heavy fighting resumes.

Rezaei, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (the body that sets Iran's war and security policy), said Sunday, Oct. 11, that the U.S. had accepted some of Iran's conditions but had to clarify others, and that Tehran was no longer responding.

The threat. If intense fighting resumes, Rezaei said, Iran could hit regional undersea cables, data centers, AI facilities and other sites.

Still open. Rezaei did not say which conditions the U.S. accepted or which remain unclear.

What reopening the strait still requires after any dealShipowners' group BIMCO wants mine-free routes and safety assurances from both Iran and the U.S. before ships sail.3 details
  • Shipowners' group BIMCO wants mine-free routes and safety assurances from both Iran and the U.S. before ships sail.
  • War insurance is priced ship by ship; in August some stranded owners could not get adequate cover.
  • After the short-lived June memorandum to end the war, BIMCO estimated shipping would take a couple of months to recover once safe passage was confirmed.

Quick bites5

How immigration raids go wrong2 bites

  1. New York city will investigate ICE's shooting of Oscar Belgal, mayor Zohran Mamdani says

    BLOOMBERGUpdateICE shootings

    Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Sunday, Oct. 11, that the city will investigate the ICE shooting of Oscar Belgal, 28, in Marble Hill and faulted the plainclothes officer for not clearly identifying himself. ICE says Belgal tried to drive into officers. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told CNN he was sure body-camera footage would be released, but gave no date. Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark opened her own investigation Friday, Oct. 9, per CNN.

    Catch upwhat happened before · 4 earlier issues
    • Oct. 8 — An ICE officer shot Oscar Belgal in his car in Marble Hill, a sliver of Manhattan attached to the Bronx. DHS says he drove at officers.
    • Oct. 9 — NYPD video showed plainclothes officers walking up to Belgal's car, one with a gun drawn, before it left the frame; the shots are off camera. The officers went on administrative leave, and a judge barred Belgal's deportation while he challenges his detention.
    3 earlier issues
    Belgal's wound, two accountsHis lawyers: the bullet was still lodged in his neck as of Sunday, Oct. 11, with no surgery yet2 details
    • His lawyers: the bullet was still lodged in his neck as of Sunday, Oct. 11, with no surgery yet
    • DHS described the neck wound as superficial on Oct. 9
    Ongoing4

    This story has run 5 times over 20 days, starting Sep 22.

    1. UpdateMan shot once in the back by an ICE officer in Austin is held at a detention center with the bullet still in him, his lawyer says
    2. UpdateVenezuelan driver shot by ICE is rehospitalized after detention with bullet near spine
    3. UpdateDHS says ICE officers shot Oscar Belgal because he drove at them; a judge bars his deportation while he challenges his detention
    4. UpdateNYPD video shows federal officers approaching Oscar Belgal's car with guns drawn just before an ICE agent shot him
    5. UpdateNew York city will investigate ICE's shooting of Oscar Belgal, mayor Zohran Mamdani says — this issue

  2. ICE vehicle hit a fleeing man, breaking his leg, in a Houston-area raid targeting another man

    THE GUARDIANICE shootings

    An ICE officer chased Miguel Parra-Hernandez and hit him with a vehicle in northwest Harris County, surveillance footage shows. DHS says its real target, Jose Mendoza-Cervantes, had a final removal order and was still at large as of the morning of Saturday, Oct. 10.

    What officials saidHarris County sheriff's office: Parra-Hernandez suffered a broken leg and was taken to a hospital2 details
    • Harris County sheriff's office: Parra-Hernandez suffered a broken leg and was taken to a hospital
    • CNN separately confirms an ICE vehicle struck a man fleeing on foot during the operation
Also tonight3 bites

  1. Federal judge orders a halt to taxpayer-funded ads featuring Trump

    REUTERSTaxpayer-funded ads

    U.S. District Judge Jennifer Rochon in Manhattan on Sunday, Oct. 11, ordered the Department of Homeland Security to stop airing TV ads featuring Trump, bought under a $20 million Customs and Border Protection contract. Common Cause, the union SEIU 32BJ and others sued, arguing the spending exceeded what Congress authorized and broke limits on taxpayer-funded publicity and propaganda. A Border Patrol official had already told the court the campaign would end that night; Rochon ruled the case was not moot, canceled that evening's airings and barred any further spending on the ads for 14 days.

  2. Trump and Rubio weigh firing Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle over alleged request that a donor pay her $100,000 credit-card bill

    FOX NEWSUpdateGuilfoyle inquiry

    Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are weighing whether to remove Guilfoyle, per Fox News, The Guardian and The Washington Post. No decision has been announced. The allegation: she asked a Trump donor to pay a $100,000 credit-card bill, per Fox News, the Washington Examiner and CBS News. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (Sen-R Wyoming) calls the reports troubling. He expects a probe. Her lawyer says the messages are not real.

    Catch upwhat happened before · 4 earlier issues
    • Oct. 7 — In Athens, Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Guilfoyle "a strong ambassador."
    • Oct. 8 — Messages showed Guilfoyle asked a Trump donor, before her confirmation hearing, to pay her American Express bill.
    • Oct. 9 — Donor Eric Deters called it "pay to play" and said he never paid. Her attorney called the texts fake. House Democrats demanded her records by Oct. 22.
    • Oct. 10 — The State Department inspector general opened an investigation. Trump said, "I just heard about it, too bad she was always very nice."
    • Oct. 11 — The Wall Street Journal published texts in which she offered donors access to Trump.
    3 earlier issues
    The allegationsAlleged request: a Trump donor would pay her $100,000 credit-card bill while she offered access to administration officials3 details
    • Alleged request: a Trump donor would pay her $100,000 credit-card bill while she offered access to administration officials
    • Donor Eric Deters did not make the payment, per Fox's account of the Journal reporting
    • State Department inspector general is investigating, per Fox News and The Guardian
    Ongoing4

    This story has run 5 times over 4 days, starting Oct 8.

    1. Kimberly Guilfoyle asked a Trump donor to wire $100,000 to her American Express bill before her ambassador confirmation hearing, messages show
    2. UpdateDonor says Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle's $100,000 credit-card request was 'pay to play'; House Democrats request her records by Oct. 22
    3. UpdateState Dept inspector general investigates Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle over alleged $100,000 request to a donor
    4. UpdateState Department watchdog investigates Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle as the WSJ publishes texts offering donors access to Trump
    5. UpdateTrump and Rubio weigh firing Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle over alleged request that a donor pay her $100,000 credit-card bill — this issue

  3. US manufacturing employment is still below its January 2025 level despite job gains this year

    ABC NEWSJobs reports

    Factories employed 12,652,000 people in September, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics: up 72,000 from a December 2025 low but about 21,000 below January 2025, when Trump returned to office. In an AP report carried by ABC News, laid-off workers blame tariffs. Clockmaker Howard Miller closed its Zeeland, Michigan, factory last year and laid off nearly 200 workers; its clock sales were already falling and it relied on imported parts before the tariffs. The report does not say how much the tariffs drove the closure.

    Both sides of the argumentLaid-off designer Nelson Vandermeer, who voted Republican for decades: “So much for bringing jobs back.” He plans to vote straight…2 details
    • Laid-off designer Nelson Vandermeer, who voted Republican for decades: “So much for bringing jobs back.” He plans to vote straight Democrat.
    • White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers cites growth in factory output and construction jobs: “Factory construction jobs of today mean more manufacturing jobs down the road.”

Elections22 races

The midterms · 22 days out · November 3, 2026

D or R take the House / Senate?

Oct 11, 8:42 PM CT

U.S. House: chance Democrats take it, Polymarket 91%, Kalshi 90%. U.S. Senate: chance Democrats take it, Polymarket 64%, Kalshi 62%. Full day-by-day figures are in the table below.

U.S. House — Democrats take it, 89.5–90.5%
91%90%chance Democrats take it · 1.0pp apart · both venues down this week
U.S. House: chance Democrats take it. Today, Polymarket 91% and Kalshi 90%.
U.S. Senate — Democrats take it, 61.5–63.5%
64%62%chance Democrats take it · 2.0pp apart · both venues down this week
U.S. Senate: chance Democrats take it. Today, Polymarket 64% and Kalshi 62%.

3 closest races

  • oNevada governorAaron Ford 52.5%▲1.0Joe Lombardo 47.0%

    POLYMARKET: Nevada governor — general election

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

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

    Two markets, one question

    Nevada governor

    Oct 11, 8:42 PM CT
    widest venue gap 2.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Nevada governor. Aaron Ford (D): Polymarket 53.5%, Kalshi 51.5%; Joe Lombardo (R): Polymarket 46.5%, Kalshi 47.5%. 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.

  • nGeorgia governorRick Jackson 54.5%▲2.3Keisha Lance Bottoms 46.5%

    POLYMARKET: Georgia governor — general election

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

    Georgia's governor's office is open, and the Republican side holds a narrow lead.

    Two markets, one question

    Georgia governor

    Oct 11, 8:42 PM CT
    widest venue gap 2.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Georgia governor. Rick Jackson (R): Polymarket 53.5%, Kalshi 55.5%; Keisha Lance Bottoms (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.

  • jIowa SenateAshley Hinson 58.0%▲0.7Josh Turek 42.5%

    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 that has barely moved in a week.

    Two markets, one question

    Iowa Senate

    Oct 11, 8:42 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 57.5%; Josh Turek (D): 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 · 13 still in doubt · Oct 11, 8:42 PM CT · markets, not polling

Senate9 of 10

  • iAlaska SenateMary Peltola 73.3%▲0.2Dan Sullivan 27.5%

    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 that has barely moved in a week.

    Two markets, one question

    Alaska Senate

    Oct 11, 8:42 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 74.0%; 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.

  • qGeorgia SenateJon Ossoff 95.78%▲0.2Collins 4.17%

    POLYMARKET: Georgia Senate — general election

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

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

    Two markets, one question

    Georgia Senate

    Oct 11, 8:42 PM CT
    widest venue gap 1.1pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Georgia Senate. Jon Ossoff (D): Polymarket 96.20%, Kalshi 95.35%; Mike Collins (R): Polymarket 3.65%, Kalshi 4.70%. 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.

  • gMaine SenateTroy Jackson 58.0%▲0.2Susan Collins 42.3%

    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 that has barely moved in a week.

    Two markets, one question

    Maine Senate

    Oct 11, 8:42 PM CT
    widest venue gap 1.5pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Maine Senate. Troy Jackson (D): Polymarket 58.5%, Kalshi 57.5%; Susan Collins (R): Polymarket 41.5%, Kalshi 43.0%. 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.

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

  • kMichigan SenateAbdul El-Sayed 68.5%▲3.8Rogers 32.3%

    POLYMARKET: Michigan Senate — general election

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

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

    Two markets, one question

    Michigan Senate

    Oct 11, 8:42 PM CT
    widest venue gap 2.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Michigan Senate. Abdul El-Sayed (D): Polymarket 69.5%, Kalshi 67.5%; Mike Rogers (R): Polymarket 31.5%, Kalshi 33.0%. 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.

  • rNebraska SenatePete Ricketts 72.3%▲0.2Osborn 28.0%

    POLYMARKET: Nebraska Senate — general election

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

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

    Two markets, one question

    Nebraska Senate

    Oct 11, 8:42 PM CT
    widest venue gap 1.5pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Nebraska Senate. Pete Ricketts (R): Polymarket 71.5%, Kalshi 73.0%; Dan Osborn (I): Polymarket 28.5%, Kalshi 27.5%. 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.

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

  • sNew Hampshire SenateChris Pappas 89.3%▲2.810.5%Sununu

    POLYMARKET: New Hampshire Senate — general election

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

    The Democratic side holds a commanding lead after gaining about three points in six days.

    Two markets, one question

    New Hampshire Senate

    Oct 11, 8:42 PM CT
    widest venue gap 0.5pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    New Hampshire Senate. Chris Pappas (D): Polymarket 89.5%, Kalshi 89.0%; John E. Sununu (R): Polymarket 10.5%, Kalshi 10.5%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 0.5pp. 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.

  • pNorth Carolina SenateRoy Cooper 95.8%Whatley 4.4%

    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

    Oct 11, 8:42 PM CT
    widest venue gap 1.3pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    North Carolina Senate. Roy Cooper (D): Polymarket 96.3%, Kalshi 95.2%; Michael Whatley (R): Polymarket 3.8%, Kalshi 5.1%. 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.

  • lOhio SenateSherrod Brown 60.5%▲1.9Jon Husted 39.5%

    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

    Oct 11, 8:42 PM CT
    widest venue gap 2.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Ohio Senate. Sherrod Brown (D): Polymarket 61.5%, Kalshi 59.5%; Jon Husted (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.

  • hTexas SenateJames Talarico 62.5%▲1.4Ken Paxton 37.5%

    POLYMARKET: Texas Senate — general election

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

    The Democratic side holds a commanding lead.

    Two markets, one question

    Texas Senate

    Oct 11, 8:42 PM CT
    widest venue gap 0.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Texas Senate. James Talarico (D): Polymarket 62.5%, Kalshi 62.5%; Ken Paxton (R): Polymarket 37.5%, Kalshi 37.5%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 0.0pp. 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

  • uAlaska governorWilson 19.75%79.2%Begich 0.95%

    POLYMARKET: Alaska governor — general election

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

    Wilson holds a clear lead.

    Two markets, one question

    Alaska governor

    Oct 11, 8:42 PM CT
    widest venue gap 0.6pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Alaska governor. Bernadette Wilson (R): Polymarket 19.5%, Kalshi 20.0%; Tom Begich (D): Polymarket 1.25%, Kalshi 0.65%. 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.

  • wArizona governorKatie Hobbs 87.5%12.3%Biggs

    POLYMARKET: Arizona governor — general election

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

    The Democratic side holds a commanding lead.

    Two markets, one question

    Arizona governor

    Oct 11, 8:42 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 86.5%; Andy Biggs (R): Polymarket 12.0%, 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.

  • aaFlorida governorByron Donalds 78.0%▲0.7David 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 that has barely moved in a week.

    Two markets, one question

    Florida governor

    Oct 11, 8:42 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.

  • tIowa governorRob Sand 87.0%▲2.112.5%Lahn

    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 three points in a week.

    Two markets, one question

    Iowa governor

    Oct 11, 8:42 PM CT
    widest venue gap 1.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Iowa governor. Rob Sand (D): Polymarket 86.5%, Kalshi 87.5%; Zach Lahn (R): Polymarket 12.5%, Kalshi 12.5%. 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.

  • vMichigan governorJocelyn Benson 93.35%James 6.75%

    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

    Oct 11, 8:42 PM CT
    widest venue gap 1.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Michigan governor. Jocelyn Benson (D): Polymarket 93.85%, Kalshi 92.85%; John James (R): Polymarket 6.3%, Kalshi 7.2%. 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.

  • yNew York governorKathy Hochul 95.45%Blakeman 4.80%

    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

    Oct 11, 8:42 PM CT
    widest venue gap 1.1pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    New York governor. Kathy Hochul (D): Polymarket 95.85%, Kalshi 95.05%; Bruce Blakeman (R): Polymarket 4.25%, Kalshi 5.35%. 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.

  • fOhio governorAmy Acton 68.5%▲1.4Vivek Ramaswamy 32.0%

    POLYMARKET: Ohio governor — general election

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

    Ohio is choosing a new governor, and the Democratic side holds a commanding lead.

    Two markets, one question

    Ohio governor

    Oct 11, 8:42 PM CT
    widest venue gap 2.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Ohio governor. Amy Acton (D): Polymarket 67.5%, Kalshi 69.5%; Vivek Ramaswamy (R): Polymarket 32.5%, Kalshi 31.5%. 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.

  • zPennsylvania governorJosh Shapiro 97.22%▲0.3Garrity 2.58%

    POLYMARKET: Pennsylvania governor — general election

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

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

    Two markets, one question

    Pennsylvania governor

    Oct 11, 8:42 PM CT
    widest venue gap 0.4pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Pennsylvania governor. Josh Shapiro (D): Polymarket 97.40%, Kalshi 97.05%; Stacy Garrity (R): Polymarket 2.40%, Kalshi 2.75%. Widest disagreement between the two venues: 0.4pp. 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.

  • xTexas governorGreg Abbott 79.88%▲6.9Hinojosa 20.25%

    POLYMARKET: Texas governor — general election

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

    The Republican side holds a commanding lead, but no race here has moved more this week: it is up about seven points.

    Two markets, one question

    Texas governor

    Oct 11, 8:42 PM CT
    widest venue gap 1.5pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Texas governor. Greg Abbott (R): Polymarket 79.25%, Kalshi 80.50%; Gina Hinojosa (D): Polymarket 21.0%, Kalshi 19.5%. 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.

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

  • mWisconsin governorDavid Crowley 80.5%▲0.7Tiffany 19.0%

    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

    Oct 11, 8:42 PM CT
    widest venue gap 1.0pp
    • Polymarket, solid
    • Kalshi, dashed
    • shaded = the gap between them

    Wisconsin governor. David Crowley (D): Polymarket 80.5%, Kalshi 80.5%; Tom Tiffany (R): Polymarket 18.5%, Kalshi 19.5%. 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.

“Still in doubt” means no leader above 80% on either book. Prices captured Oct 11, 8:42 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

THE GUARDIANMedicaid and ACA cuts

Protect Our Care counts 52 maternity wards closed since Congress passed its July 2025 Medicaid cuts; two hospitals cited the cuts as a reason

Protect Our Care lists eight more wards with closures announced; Medicaid pays for about 40% of U.S. births.

The count. Protect Our Care, a health-care advocacy group, counted 52 hospital maternity wards that have closed since HR1, the 2025 Republican tax-and-spending law that cuts Medicaid funding and tightens eligibility, was announced in July 2025. ([TS]for scale, the University of Minnesota counted 67 hospitals that dropped obstetric care in 2024 alone) The group lists eight more with closures announced. Its count does not show that the law caused every closure.

The named cases. Two hospitals did name it. Centra Southside Community Hospital in Farmville, Virginia, and St Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital in Lavonia, Georgia, both cited upcoming federal Medicaid changes when they shut their units.

“Losing these services means fewer places to deliver safely and fewer options for pregnancies requiring specialized care.”Erin Jones, March of Dimes

Still open. How many of the 52 trace to the law. The tally alone does not show why each ward closed.

Where the two named closures leave expectant mothersFarmville families are sent to Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital in Lynchburg, about an hour's drive away.3 details
  • Farmville families are sent to Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital in Lynchburg, about an hour's drive away.
  • Sacred Heart says the nearest delivery hospital is about 30 minutes from Lavonia; CBS reported 45-90 minute trips to Athens or Greenville.
  • Centra Southside delivered fewer than 200 babies in 2024, under four a week, and also reported a shortage of obstetricians.
WASHINGTON EXAMINERJobs reports

Average hourly pay grew 3% in the year to September, while prices rose 3.4% in the year to August

The Bureau of Labor Statistics' own inflation-adjusted figure shows an average hour of work bought 0.3% less in August 2026 than in August 2025.

Average hourly earnings for U.S. private-sector workers rose 3% over the year ending in September, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is the slowest pace since May 2021, The Wall Street Journal and CNBC reported. Prices rose faster: consumer inflation was 3.4% over the year ending in August. September's inflation figure is not out yet. Labor economist Aaron Sojourner said people "can buy less with a sort of average hour of work than they could a year before."

Yearly pay growth, by month:

June
3.4%
July
3.2%
August
3.1%
September
3%
How weekly and typical-worker pay measures point the other wayAverage workweek, Aug. 2025 to Aug. 2026: up 0.6%, so people worked more hours3 details
  • Average workweek, Aug. 2025 to Aug. 2026: up 0.6%, so people worked more hours
  • Real weekly earnings over the same year: up 0.3%, because the longer hours outweighed the hourly loss
  • Atlanta Fed median wage growth for the same workers tracked a year apart: 4.1% in August, up from 3.8% in July
THE ATLANTIC

Texas Tech screens course materials with AI for compliance with its content limits; UT Austin ends four race, ethnicity and gender majors

A lawsuit from the American Association of University Professors alleges Texas Tech medical faculty were told not to treat transgender patients for any condition while a medical student was present.

Two Texas public university systems are narrowing what can be taught, from single syllabi to whole degree programs, The Atlantic reports.

Texas Tech. Every course's materials must pass an AI-assisted Course Content Review Process. The software flags anything that may break the university's limits on what can be taught.

The lawsuits. Faculty suits allege the rules reached teaching about racial disparities, texts that discuss sexuality, and clinical teaching on transgender patients. Texas Tech said its written guidance expressly protects instruction needed for licensure and patient care. ([TS]only if faculty disclose that material to a regents' committee that can then order changes, per the April 9 memo)

UT Austin. The University of Texas at Austin separately announced it will end four majors: Africana studies, Mexican American and Latino studies, women's and gender studies, and race and migration studies.

BackgroundWhat Texas Tech's AI review and UT's major cuts leave open3 facts
  • UT spokesperson Mike Rosen said current students in the four cut majors can finish their degrees. Only new enrollment ends. UT did not give enrollment counts.
  • Professor Alan Barenberg said he was told he could not appeal an AI flag. The published rules name no final judge and no appeal deadline.
  • The medical-school accreditor's 2026–27 standards (LCME Element 7.6) require teaching on bias and health-care disparities. Accreditation is what lets graduates sit for licensing exams.
13 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

  • 36Zelensky and European allies push back after Trump demands new Ukrainian leadership and an end to refinery strikesZelensky and European allies push back after Trump demands new Ukrainian leadership and an end to refinery strikes
  • 37The US threatens to block arms for Ukraine unless Kyiv stops attacking Russian refineriesThe US threatens to block arms for Ukraine unless Kyiv stops attacking Russian refineries
  • 38The Pentagon revises the US military death toll in the Iran war to 21The Pentagon revises the US military death toll in the Iran war to 21
  • 39Harmeet Dhillon reshapes DOJ’s civil rights mission and workforceHarmeet Dhillon reshapes DOJ's civil rights mission and workforce
  • 41Threats of political violence reshape elected officials’ lives and securityThreats of political violence reshape elected officials' lives and security
  • 42Job seekers increasingly exhaust unemployment benefits before finding workJob seekers increasingly exhaust unemployment benefits before finding work
  • 43New York and Pennsylvania pursue different approaches to measlesNew York and Pennsylvania pursue different approaches to measles
  • 44Markets await September inflation data and Warsh’s appearance for clues to the Fed’s rate pathMarkets await September inflation data and Warsh's appearance for clues to the Fed's rate path
  • 45Competitive Senate candidates court independent voters who could decide the majorityCompetitive Senate candidates court independent voters who could decide the majority
  • 46A Democratic Senate could block Trump’s Supreme Court and Cabinet nomineesA Democratic Senate could block Trump's Supreme Court and Cabinet nominees
  • 47DOJ announces voting-related charges against foreign nationals across 17 statesDOJ announces voting-related charges against foreign nationals across 17 states
  • 48Arizona Republicans back election denier Alexander Kolodin to lead state electionsArizona Republicans back election denier Alexander Kolodin to lead state elections

Election related

  • 40House race ratings and shifting districts point to worsening Republican prospectsHouse race ratings and shifting districts point to worsening Republican prospects

More on the Elections page