Voters head to polls in record-cost election with Congress in play

The 2026 midterm elections arrive today with the highest price tag in U.S. history. A record number of lawmakers are stepping down, creating an opening for Democrats to retake Congress. This shift comes as President Trump’s popularity hits an all-time low.

Voters in states like Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, and Iowa are deciding the balance of power. They cite the war in Iran, rising gas prices, and corruption as top concerns. Many feel neglected by the president’s focus on grand events rather than local priorities. Republicans are asking for two more years to fix issues, while Democrats argue the administration has had enough time.

President Trump told supporters yesterday that a portion of their vote could secure a landslide. He acknowledged the challenges ahead in a tone that differed from his usual style. His team will watch Republican turnout closely in Senate races in Ohio, Kansas, and South Carolina. Close results in South Carolina or Florida could signal a difficult night for the GOP.

On the international front, Iran is using the midterms to pressure the U.S. back to negotiations. The country offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in two days if talks resume. This offer shortens the seven-day window proposed in September. Iranian inflation stands at approximately 90%, and officials are urging citizens to conserve energy as winter approaches. Tehran hopes to wait out the election and see the president’s party lose control of Congress.

In Massachusetts, Plymouth Superior Court Judge William Sullivan is considering a motion to dismiss the case against Lindsay Clancy. He will announce his decision later this month. Clancy’s attorney requested dismissal or a new trial in court yesterday. She faces first-degree murder charges for the 2023 deaths of her three young children in their Duxbury home. The previous trial ended in a mistrial in September when jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict.

The Plymouth County district attorney’s office has not yet disclosed its next steps. Prosecutors have not said whether they will seek a new trial or pursue lesser charges. In a recent motion, the office stated it aims to pursue justice for Clancy’s children.

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected the Department of Justice’s request to intervene in a dispute with California over voter rolls. The DOJ sought to halt the processing of ballots for individuals identified as likely noncitizens. Meanwhile, the U.S. conducted defensive strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz last night. These included Qeshm Island, a key launch point for Iranian attacks.

Virginia and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit to stop the construction of the proposed 250-foot Trump arch. The National Symphony Orchestra is currently seeking new venues in the D.C. area while its home at the Kennedy Center is tied up in federal court. Raja, a 10,000-pound Asian elephant, has moved from the St. Louis Zoo to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.