By Lauren McCauley | Editor
“We’re not saying that 49% of people are poor. We’re saying that they’re not secure. Even if they’re paying all their bills, they’re paying all their bills at best.” - Gregory Acs, an Urban Institute fellow who worked on the American Affordability Tracker.
Republican gubernatorial nominee Bobby Charles signs a supporter’s t-shirt during a Sept. 23 campaign event. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/Maine Morning Star)
ELECTION 2026
By Eesha Pendharkar
The Maine Ethics Commission on Monday fined Republican gubernatorial candidate Bobby Charles more than $22,000 for violating state campaign finance laws.
ECONOMY
By Kevin Hardy, Stateline
As the political environment continues to sour for Republicans, a new analysis released by the Urban Institute on Monday underscores just how expensive everyday life has become in America: Gas and electricity prices are rising much faster than paychecks. Housing, childcare and healthcare are becoming a bigger strain for millions of people.
HEALTH CARE
By Kevin Hardy, Stateline
Across the 46 states with legislative seats on the ballot, a total of 3,824 women are running — up from 2022’s previous record of 3,621 women candidates, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Trump DOJ’s suit over California vote counting meets a doubtful appeals court panel | Jonathan Shorman, States Newsroom
What Peggy Flanagan’s Senate victory would mean for Indian Country | Max Nesterak, Minnesota Reformer
Many Medicare patients could lose access to remote monitoring devices | Arielle Zionts, KFF Health News
Data centers are now the largest financial bet in US history | Tim Henderson, Stateline
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