Year: 2026
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OpenAI and Common Sense Media announce joint California ballot initiative to regulate use of AI chatbots by minors
OpenAI and Common Sense Media, which both previously filed separate ballot initiatives in California related to the use of AI chatbots by minors, announced on Jan. 9 that they had filed a joint ballot initiative. The campaign has titled the initiative the Parents & Kids Safe AI Act. The initiative would amend state law to…
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House passes three-year extension of expanded ACA subsidies
On Jan. 8, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, also known as the expanded premium tax credit (ePTC), for three years. Seventeen Republicans joined Democrats to pass the measure 230–196. The legislation would revive the ePTC, which expired on December 31, 2025. Supporters said the vote…
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Doug LaMalfa’s death leaves California’s 1st Congressional District vacant
On Jan. 6, 2026, Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) died, leaving California's 1st Congressional District vacant. According to NBC News' Scott Wong and Kyle Stewart, LaMalfa died in surgery following a medical emergency at his residence. The vacancy now brings the Republican majority in the chamber to 218 to 213, with four vacancies. LaMalfa’s electoral history in…
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Rep. Steny Hoyer becomes the 45th U.S. House member who is not seeking re-election in 2026
Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) announced on Jan. 7, 2026, that he will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026. In a speech announcing his retirement, Hoyer said, “I stand here now after some 60 years in public service, including nearly 45 years as a Member of this House. I’ve won elections…
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Rep. Julia Brownley becomes the 46th U.S. House member who is not seeking re-election in 2026
Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Calif.) announced on Jan. 8, 2026, that she will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026. In a statement announcing her retirement, Brownley wrote, “Serving our community and our country has been the honor of my lifetime. Every step of this journey has been shaped by the people…
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How states provide oversight of federal grants
Federal grants make up a significant share of state budgets, and states use a wide range of statutory frameworks to review, approve, and manage these funds. These frameworks determine which actors—governors, legislatures, agencies, auditors, or the public—play a role in evaluating grant applications, accepting federal dollars, and regulating how entities administer those funds. Collectively, these…
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China launches first corporate climate disclosure standards
On Jan. 5, China's Ministry of Finance released the country’s first national corporate climate report framework, titled Corporate Sustainable Disclosure Standard No. 1 – Climate (Trial). The standard sets voluntary guidelines for companies to disclose climate-related information and is intended to align with international reporting frameworks. The framework will start on a voluntary, trial basis,…
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Share of Illinois state legislative incumbents in contested primaries lowest since 2016
In 2026, 12.7% of the state legislative incumbents running for election in Illinois will face primary contests, down from 14.4% in 2024 and the lowest percentage since 2016, when 11.8% of incumbents faced primaries. In total, 18 incumbents face contested primaries across the Illinois House and Senate. The average number of incumbents contested each election…
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Arkansas to see fewest state legislative incumbent primaries since 2014
Nine Arkansas state legislative incumbents face primary contests this year, the fewest since eight incumbents ran in contested 2014 primaries. All nine of the contested incumbents are Republicans. Three are state senators and six are state representatives. This is the first year without any Democratic incumbents in contested primaries in the state since Ballotpedia began…