Daniel Brooks

Republicans are using mid-decade redistricting, heavy campaign spending and government-backed messaging to protect their narrow congressional majorities before the November 2026 midterms. The push matters because control of both the House and Senate is in play.

A small share of Americans say Social Security should be phased out, while a large majority say benefits should not be reduced at all. The divide matters as the program’s trustees project its combined reserves will run short in 2034 under current law.

Several states temporarily suspended fuel taxes in 2022 as gasoline prices surged, trimming per gallon costs for drivers in places including Georgia, Maryland, Connecticut, New York and Florida. Official records show the breaks lowered taxes at the pump, but energy data indicates broader oil market shifts were a larger driver of the nationwide price decline later that year.

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Oct. 5 in a case over whether Boulder County and other local governments can pursue state court claims against ExxonMobil and Suncor over climate-related costs. The ruling could affect dozens of similar lawsuits around the country.

New insurance data shows home and auto coverage are taking a larger share of household income, while regulators and industry researchers say affordability and availability strains are likely to remain a live issue into 2027.

U.S. households are projected to spend an average of $1,030 to heat their homes this winter, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. The increase comes as federal heating aid faces pressure and some regions, especially the Northeast, brace for steeper fuel costs.