The president is one part, but Congress is the group that decides what actually gets done.

How Congress Works

Congress is the part of the government that decides what becomes law. It’s made up of two parts: the House and the Senate.

The House of Representatives (the House)
• 435 members, based on state population
• Elections every two years
• Where most ideas for laws begin and where spending decisions are shaped

The Senate
• 100 members, two per state
• Longer terms (6 years)
• Reviews and approves laws, confirms judges, and weighs in on major national decisions

What Are Midterms

Midterm elections happen halfway through a president’s four-year term. During midterms, voters choose all House members and some senators.

Why This Matters in Real Life

Even if a plan is introduced, it doesn’t become law unless both the House and Senate agree. Congress decides what actually moves forward.

That can shape everyday things like taxes, healthcare access, student loans, and government spending.

If the same group controls both Congress and the presidency, it’s usually easier to pass laws. If control is split, things often slow down or stop.

The Simple Takeaway

Midterms decide who has the ability to move ideas forward or stop them, and that quietly affects what changes in our everyday lives.

A Supreme Court case could reshape who automatically becomes a U.S. citizen at birth.

The Big Story

The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing whether children born in the U.S. to parents who are not legally in the country are automatically granted citizenship.

The question centers on the 14th Amendment and whether “subject to the jurisdiction” allows limits.

The Two Spins

From the Left

• Birthright citizenship has been understood to apply to almost anyone born in the United States.

• Keeping it the same maintains a clear, consistent rule for citizenship at birth.

From the Right

• The wording of the 14th Amendment leaves room to decide who qualifies for citizenship.

• Setting limits changes how citizenship is granted depending on a parent’s status.

What This Means for Us

This is about how birthright citizenship is decided when a child is born in the U.S. It affects things like getting a birth certificate, starting school, and traveling.

It also helps cities plan for how many students, workers, and resources they’ll need over time.

How They Make Money

Social Security Administration

• A portion of paychecks goes into Social Security, but if information doesn’t match, it can end up in a “suspense file” and not be tied to a person.

• Social Security pays out over $1 trillion a year, making it one of the largest financial systems in the world.

Takeaway
The rules around citizenship don’t just define identity; they quietly shape who pays into the system and who benefits from it.

The Number That Stuck With Me

$168,600

In 2026, only income up to about $168,600 is taxed for Social Security; anything earned above that isn’t taxed for it.

The Big Story

President Trump has signaled possible changes to U.S. restrictions tied to Cuba and Venezuelan oil. Currently, the U.S. embargo limits trade with Cuba, and sanctions on Venezuela affect oil shipments that Cuba depends on for fuel and electricity.

The Two Spins

From the Left

• Easing restrictions increase oil flow and help stabilize supply and reduce price pressure.

• More consistent supply reduces volatility, especially in places where shortages disrupt daily life.

From the Right

• Adjusting restrictions expands global oil supply and eases market pressure.

• Increasing supply helps stabilize prices, but shifting policy creates uncertainty for energy markets.

What This Means for Us

Oil is traded globally, so supply changes affect all countries.

If more oil enters the market, it can help stabilize gas, airfare, and delivery costs. If supply stays limited, higher fuel costs can continue raising everyday expenses like groceries and gas prices.

How They Make Money

Kinder Morgan

• Kinder Morgan doesn’t drill oil; it operates over 80,000 miles of pipelines and charges every time fuel moves through its lines, like a toll road for energy.

• In 2023, it generated about $15 billion in revenue, mostly from long-term contracts, so it gets paid as long as oil and gas keep flowing.

Takeaway

The real money often isn’t in the oil; it’s in controlling how it moves.

The Number That Stuck With Me

12

Some areas in Cuba have experienced blackouts lasting up to 12 hours a day during fuel shortages.

The Big Story

Most airport screening is run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), but about 20 airports use private contractors instead.

TSA has high turnover rates in the double digits, and training new officers can take 2–3 months, limiting how many lanes stay open.

The Two Spins

From the Left

• Pay, retention, and working conditions influence how many trained officers stay.

• When turnover is high, fewer experienced agents are available, which can slow screening.

From the Right

• A private contractor program already exists but is used in a small number of airports.

• Expanding or improving that model could increase efficiency and reduce delays.

What This Means for Us

Two airports with similar crowds can feel completely different.

It often comes down to how many trained officers are available and how efficiently each checkpoint is being run that day.

How They Make Money

Convenant Aviation Security

• Covenant runs screening at airports like San Francisco International Airport and Kansas City International Airport through federal contracts funded by the $5.60 security fee built into airline tickets.

• Contracts are tied to performance metrics like wait times and staffing, which can impact renewals.

Takeaway

Behind the scenes, airport security is partly a performance-based business, not just a government service.

The Number That Stuck With Me

12

Training a TSA officer can take up to 12 weeks, so staffing gaps don’t get fixed overnight.

The Big Story

Immigration plays a measurable role in how the U.S. economy runs day to day.

Immigrants make up about 18% of the U.S. workforce and contributed an estimated $579 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2022.

The Two Spins

From the Left

• Expands the workforce, increases tax contributions, and supports economic growth.

• Contributes to long-term programs like Social Security and helps support public funding as the population ages.

From the Right

• Affects wages, job competition, and demand on public services like schools, healthcare, and housing.

• Shapes how local governments plan budgets and allocate resources as population levels change.

What This Means for Us

Immigration moves a lot of money through the economy, including over $500 billion a year in taxes and consumer spending.

For everyday Americans, that can influence neighborhoods, local businesses, everyday pricing, and public funding.

How They Make Money

California

• California has the largest immigrant population in the U.S., about 10.6 million people (27%), contributing over $150 billion annually in taxes.

• Immigrants in California come from Mexico, China, India, and the Philippines and work across industries including technology, agriculture, healthcare, and construction.

Takeaway

California’s population means more House seats, more votes on laws, and a larger share of federal funding.

The Number That Stuck With Me

$12 billion

Money paid into Social Security each year by workers who may never use it.

The Big Story

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), part of the Department of Homeland Security, has increased enforcement activity in 2026.

That includes more local partnerships, added detention space, and temporary support roles at airports during staffing shortages.

The Two Spins

From the Left

• Enforcement is viewed through how policies affect people, families, and those going through immigration cases or court hearings.

• Clear rules and oversight help ensure people are treated the same and cases are handled properly.

From the Right

• Enforcement is seen as part of keeping immigration laws working as intended.

• Local partnerships and added resources help handle the number of people entering the system.

What This Means for Us

Immigration enforcement and processing can affect how long cases and applications take as well as how courts and visa offices handle volume.

For everyday Americans, that means longer wait times at airports, delays in visas or travel documents, and hiring delays in some industries.

How They Make Money

Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP

• Represents companies in employment-based immigration, including H-1B visas capped at 85,000 approvals per year.

• Supports companies during strict filing windows, as some visa programs only open once per year.

Takeaway

Immigration law has become a high-demand, high-revenue industry, as companies rely on it to hire and retain talent.

The Number That Stuck With Me

$10,000

Companies can spend over $10,000 per employee on visas and legal filings.

The Big Story

There’s been online chatter that Delta Air Lines stopped serving members of Congress.

There’s no confirmed policy showing that. More likely, this reflects routine business decisions to protect brand reputation and manage customer experience.

The Two Spins

From the Left

• Raises questions about how closely companies and political leaders work together.

• Treating everyone the same can help people feel like the system is more fair.

From the Right

• Looks like a routine business adjustment being framed as political.

• Companies regularly update contracts without signaling a broader position.

What This Means for Us

This shows how fast a headline can spread without the full story.

Airlines run on contracts and rules, so changes happen all the time. How people understand those changes can shape trust in both companies and government.

How They Make Money

Delta Air Lines

• Delta is the only U.S. airline that owns a refinery, the Trainer Refinery in Pennsylvania, helping it manage fuel costs instead of just reacting to price swings.

• The refinery processes about 185,000 barrels of oil per day, producing jet fuel, gasoline, and diesel that can be used, sold, or traded to help manage overall costs.

Takeaway

Thinking outside the box in business can be a big investment and create long-term stability for a stronger future.

The Number That Stuck With Me

$5 billion

Delta makes about $5 billion a year from its credit card partnership, showing airlines earn from more than just ticket sales.

The Big Story

The idea of a K-shaped economy took off after COVID, when parts of the country recovered at very different speeds.

It shows how two people can earn the same income, but one owns a home and invests, while the other rents. When markets rise, like stock prices or home values, the homeowner quietly builds wealth, while rising costs like rent, food, and debt take up more of the other person’s paycheck.

The Two Spins

From the Left

• Rising costs for housing, healthcare, and education are taking up a larger share of income for many households.

• Focusing on wages, affordability, and access to essential services helps ease that pressure.

From the Right

• Economic growth and investment opportunities have increased overall wealth, especially for those participating in markets.

• Expanding access to jobs, homeownership, and investing helps more people build long-term wealth.

What This Means for Us

For some, rising home values and investments create more financial breathing room. For others, higher rent and everyday costs mean stretching paychecks further.

It can feel like the same economy but two very different experiences depending on whether your money is growing in assets like homes and stocks or going toward bills.

How They Make Money

Vanguard

• Makes profit by charging lower fees, attracting more investors, and growing the total money they manage over time.

• Their very small fees, like 0.03%–0.10%, add up to billions because they’re applied across trillions of dollars invested.

Takeaway

When the money is big, even the smallest cut becomes a big business.

The Number That Stuck With Me

10%

The top 10% of households own about 67% of total U.S. wealth.

The Big Story

Large investment firms have been buying single-family homes across the United States and renting them out.

Research estimates institutional investors owned about 574,000 rental houses in 2022. During the pandemic housing boom, investors bought up to one in five homes sold, especially in cities like Atlanta, Phoenix, Charlotte, Tampa, and Dallas.

The Two Spins

From the Left

• Companies buying homes as investments add another type of buyer competing with families trying to purchase houses.

• Housing is primarily a place for families to build stability and long-term wealth.

From the Right

• Large investors bring capital into housing markets and expand the supply of rental homes.

• Investors buy homes to generate steady rental income, similar to other long-term real estate investments.

What This Means for Us

For many families, buying a home has been one of the main ways they build wealth over time.

When more homes are owned by investors, rent payments become income for companies instead. Over time, that can affect how people build savings and who benefits financially from homeownership in local communities.

How They Make Money

Invitation Homes

• Partners with builders to create built-to-rent communities, where new homes are added directly to its rental portfolio instead of being sold.

• Owns about 80,000 single-family rental homes, mainly in fast-growing regions like the Southeast, Texas, and the West.

Takeaway

When homes are owned at scale, housing can start to function like a steady-income business, shaping rent prices and the path to buying a home.

The Number That Stuck With Me

20%

During the pandemic housing boom, investors bought 20% of homes sold (that’s about 1 in 5 homes purchased).

The Big Story

For Gen Z, adulthood costs more than it did for their parents.

In 1975, nearly half of young adults hit major milestones by their early 30s. Today, it’s closer to one in four.

Housing plays a big role; buying a home can take over 40% of a typical income.

The Two Spins

From the Left

• Younger workers hold less wealth as basics like housing, healthcare, and education take up more income.

• Lowering these costs could make it easier to save.

From the Right

• Limited housing supply and higher interest rates are pushing up the cost of buying.

• Building more homes and easing restrictions could help bring costs down.

What This Means for Us

Young adults are renting longer, delaying homeownership, and pushing back major life decisions.

When more of a paycheck goes to rent, there’s less left for savings or emergencies, making it harder to move forward financially.

How They Make Money

Rocket Mortgage

• Makes money by giving out home loans, charging upfront fees, and selling those loans while still handling borrowers’ monthly payments.

• Some loans can be approved in minutes using automated systems, speeding up how quickly buyers can act.

Takeaway

The mortgage system runs on monthly payments, and when those rise, fewer people can afford to buy.

The Number That Stuck With Me

40

The median age of a first-time homebuyer is now the highest on record.

The Big Story

More Gen Z workers are choosing smaller cities instead of traditional hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Housing is a big reason. Manhattan’s median rent recently passed $4,000 a month, while many mid-size cities average closer to $1,200–$1,600.

Remote work also changed the math. About one in four U.S. workers now works remotely at least part-time, making it easier to live far from major job centers.

The Two Spins

From the Left

• Lower housing costs and remote work can make smaller cities more affordable for workers and businesses.

• Smaller cities gaining young workers often brings new businesses, fresh investment, and momentum to local economies.

From the Right

• High housing costs, taxes, and regulations can make large metro areas more expensive for workers and businesses.

• When residents and companies leave, cities can lose tax revenue, jobs, and local economic activity.

What This Means for Us

Big cities run on young workers.

They rent apartments, start first jobs, and spend money at restaurants, concerts, and neighborhood businesses.

If fewer young adults move in, cities will feel it through slower housing demand and less spending across local economies.

How They Make Money

Zillow

• Zillow makes most of its money through its Premier Agent program, where real estate agents pay to appear next to listings and connect with potential home buyers.

• The site tracks billions of home searches each year, giving it an early look at where people are thinking about moving.

Takeaway

Home searches often shift before people actually move, so Zillow’s data reveals where the next housing booms and economic growth may appear first.

The Number That Stuck With Me

32%

During the pandemic, about 32% of Gen Z moved to smaller towns or rural areas, searching for cheaper housing and more space.

The Big Story

A federal court ruled that the government’s SAVE student-loan repayment plan went beyond what the law allows.

The program lowered monthly payments and sped up forgiveness for some borrowers, but judges said changes that big should be approved by Congress, not a federal agency.

The Two Spins

From the Left

• Lower monthly payments can help borrowers keep up with their loans and avoid falling behind.

• Adjusting repayment plans is one way to respond to rising college costs and growing student debt.

From the Right

• Big changes to student loan payments should come from Congress.

• When taxpayer-backed loans are involved, elected lawmakers should decide the rules.

What This Means for Us

For borrowers, the biggest impact right now is uncertainty.

Some people who signed up for the SAVE plan may eventually move into different repayment programs, which could change monthly payments.

The ruling also means Congress, the lawmakers elected by voters, will likely play a bigger role in deciding what student loan repayment rules look like next.

How They Make Money

U.S. Department of Education

• As of today, the Department of Education manages about $1.7 trillion in federal student loans. That’s more debt than the total credit card balances of Americans.

• Borrowers make monthly payments with interest, and that money flows back to the federal government over time.

Takeaway

The Department of Education quietly runs one of the largest lending systems in the country.

The Number That Stuck With Me

90%

About nine out of ten student loans in the U.S. are held by the federal government.

The Big Story

Howard Schultz, the former Starbucks CEO who helped turn the company into a global coffee brand, recently moved from Seattle to Florida after more than 40 years in Washington.

The move comes as state lawmakers consider a new tax on income above $1 million. Schultz hasn’t said the tax caused the move, but it has sparked conversation about how taxes and business climates influence where wealthy entrepreneurs choose to live.

The Two Spins

From the Left

• Taxes on very high incomes help fund public schools, roads, childcare programs, and other state services people use every day.

• Higher taxes on top earners allow states to invest more in education, infrastructure, and programs that support working families.

From the Right

• When wealthy residents leave a state, local governments lose taxpayers who contribute a large share of income-tax revenue.

• High-income residents often invest locally, supporting businesses, jobs, and charities in their communities.

What This Means for Us

Most people will never pay a tax aimed at million-dollar incomes.

But where wealthy business leaders choose to live still matters. Their companies create jobs, their investments support local businesses, and the taxes they pay help fund services like schools, transportation, and public programs.

How They Make Money

Starbucks

• Uses location data and foot-traffic analysis to decide where to open stores, often placing multiple locations in busy areas to capture more customers.

• Starbucks in airports, hotels, and retail stores are licensed locations, meaning another company runs the store while paying Starbucks fees and buying its coffee.

Takeaway

Location strategy can be just as powerful as the business itself.

The Number That Stuck With Me

$36 billion

The net amount of household income Florida gained from people moving there in 2022.

The Big Story

States are passing new laws affecting transgender Americans, especially around sports participation and healthcare for minors.

The policies are fueling political debate and creating new legal and compliance challenges for schools, hospitals, and state governments.

The Two Spins

From the Left

• Gender-affirming care, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, may be medically necessary for some transgender youth.

• Bans on these treatments or restrictions in school sports may violate civil rights protections.

From the Right

• Restrictions help prevent minors from undergoing medical treatments that may have long-term or irreversible effects.

• Limiting transgender girls’ participation in girls’ sports helps maintain competitive fairness in women’s athletics.

What This Means for Us

These laws will likely show up in everyday places like school sports and medical decisions for minors.

Parents may see new eligibility rules for school athletics, while doctors may face limits on certain treatments.

Because many of these laws are being challenged in court, states could spend years, and millions of taxpayer dollars, defending them.

How They Make Money

National Collegiate Athletic Association

• Over 1,100 colleges and universities belong to the NCAA, and eligibility rules apply to about 530,000 student-athletes across the country.

• NCAA eligibility rules aren’t written by one person. Rules are developed by committees of university leaders and athletic officials, with member schools voting on final changes.

Takeaway
Eligibility rules in college sports don’t just affect athletes; they shape how schools structure teams, scholarships, and competition.

The Number That Stuck With Me

27

The number of states that have passed laws limiting transgender girls’ participation in girls’ sports.

The Big Story

Joe Kent, former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned this week after saying he could not support the U.S. decision to go to war with Iran.

In his resignation letter, Kent said he did not believe Iran posed an imminent threat to the United States.

The Two Spins

From the Left

• Congress should play a larger role in authorizing military action and reviewing intelligence before conflicts begin.

• Past Middle East wars are a reason to carefully examine the justification and long-term strategy behind new military operations.

From the Right

• Emphasize responding strongly to governments or groups they believe threaten U.S. interests or regional allies.

• Argue that intelligence and national security decisions are often handled by the executive branch, especially during active conflicts.

What This Means for Us

Most Americans will never interact with the National Counterterrorism Center.

Leadership changes during a conflict matter because the agency analyzes terrorism threats and shares intelligence across U.S. security agencies. That work helps officials monitor threats, protect travel and public spaces, and evaluate risks during international conflicts.

How They Make Money

United States Special Operations Command

• SOCOM oversees elite units like Navy SEALs and Army Green Berets. Its budget is about $13 billion. It also directs counterterrorism missions in more than 70 countries each year.

• Forces rely on specialized aircraft, drones, and intelligence networks designed for small, rapid missions.

Takeaway
Modern counterterrorism rarely looks like a traditional war; it often involves small teams operating quietly around the world.

The Number That Stuck With Me

21

The United States spent 21 years fighting in Afghanistan, the longest war in American history.

The Big Story

Southwest Airlines is facing viral backlash after TikTok videos claimed the airline now requires some larger passengers to buy a second seat.

The airline updated its Customer of Size policy, saying passengers who cannot sit between armrests or who encroach on a neighboring seat may need to purchase an additional seat.

The issue has sparked debate online about airline seat sizes, passenger comfort, and how airlines handle limited space.

The Two Spins

From the Left

• Shrinking seat sizes are the real issue and airlines are shifting the burden onto passengers instead of improving cabin design.

• Undefined policies risks embarrassing travelers, more consistent policies are needed.

From the Right

• Seat policies protect fairness so passengers who paid for a seat aren’t forced to give up space.

• Airlines operate on tight margins, and standardized rules help crews manage limited seating fairly.

What This Means for Us

Most of us don’t think about airline seat policies until we’re packed into a full flight.

But the conversation highlights a larger trend: airlines have gradually added more seats to planes over time to improve efficiency and keep ticket prices competitive.

The question now is how far airlines can push that balance between efficiency and comfort before passengers start pushing back.

How They Make Money

Southwest Airlines

• If a seat sells for about $200 and a plane flies 5 trips a day, that same seat generates roughly $365,000 in ticket revenue per year.

• Southwest planes often spend about 35 minutes on the ground between flights, allowing aircraft to fly more trips per day and sell more tickets.

Takeaway

In aviation, profits come down to how many seats a plane has, and how often it flies.

The Number That Stuck With Me

30

Economy seats on many airlines offer about 30 inches of legroom, roughly the length of a skateboard.

The Big Story

In May 2024, a New York jury convicted Donald Trump of 34 felony counts tied to falsifying business records.

But the United States Constitution only requires three things to run for president: be 35 years old, be a natural-born citizen, and live in the U.S. for 14 years.

Some lawsuits tried to remove Trump from ballots using the Fourteenth Amendment. But in Trump v. Anderson, the Supreme Court ruled states cannot enforce that clause against presidential candidates.

The Two Spins

From the Left

• The conviction shows the legal system can hold powerful political figures accountable.

• The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution should be considered when deciding whether candidates tied to an insurrection can hold office.

From the Right

• Criticize the prosecution of Donald Trump and describe the case as politically motivated.

• Desire for voters, not courts, to ultimately decide whether candidates facing criminal convictions should serve as president.

What This Means for Us

This case revealed something many Americans don’t realize: a criminal conviction does not automatically prevent someone from running for president.

The United States Constitution sets only three requirements for the job, which means most decisions about candidates are ultimately left to voters.

So even major legal cases can become part of what voters consider when deciding who should lead the country.

How They Make Money

The Trump Organization

• Many buildings with the Trump name are not owned by Trump. Developers pay to license the Trump brand, meaning the company can earn money from projects it didn’t build or finance.

• The business traces back to the 1920s and has operated in its modern form for more than 50 years under Donald Trump.

Takeaway
Sometimes the business isn’t the building; it’s the brand. Developers have paid to use the Trump name on projects like Trump International Golf Club Dubai, even though the property itself isn’t owned by Trump.

The Number That Stuck With Me

1927

The year Fred Trump started the family real estate business, long before Donald Trump entered politics.

The Big Story

After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the United States and many allied countries placed major sanctions on Russia’s banks, companies, and wealthy individuals.

The idea was to put economic pressure on Russia and make it harder to fund the war.

Recently, President Trump said he plans to lift or reduce some of those sanctions as part of talks to end the conflict and reopen trade.

The Two Spins

From the Left

• Lifting sanctions too soon could reduce pressure on Russia while the war in Ukraine is still ongoing.

• Economic sanctions are seen as one of the strongest non-military ways to hold governments accountable.

From the Right

• Sanctions can affect global markets, including energy supplies, and may push Russia to work more closely with countries like China.

• Removing or easing sanctions can be used as a bargaining tool during negotiations to help move peace talks forward.

What This Means for Us

Sanctions can push countries to find new trading partners. Most Americans won’t feel them directly, but they can show up in everyday prices.

When the U.S. and Europe reduced purchases of Russian energy, Russia began selling more oil to China and India, reshaping global trade routes.

How They Make Money

Russia

• Russia uses a large “shadow fleet” of oil tankers to keep exporting oil despite sanctions, mostly to buyers like China and India.

• Russia supplies a large share of the world’s fertilizer, which can affect global food prices when exports are disrupted.

Takeaway

Even with sanctions, Russia still exports about 7–8 million barrels of oil per day, keeping it a major player in global energy markets.

The Number That Stuck With Me

11

Russia stretches across 11 time zones and about 11% of Earth’s land, making it the largest country on Earth.

The Big Story

The United States and Israel recently carried out major strikes on Iran, triggering retaliation across the region and raising fears of a wider Middle East conflict.

The fighting sits near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important energy-shipping routes in the world.

Roughly 20% of the global oil supply moves through that narrow waterway.

From the Left

• Military escalation could pull the U.S. into another long Middle East war with major humanitarian and economic costs.

• Diplomacy and international pressure are seen as more stable long-term ways to reduce tensions.

From the Right

• Iran’s connections to groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and allied militias in Iraq and Syria are viewed as major regional security concerns.

• Confronting those networks is seen as a way to protect U.S. allies and keep key shipping routes open.

What This Means for Us

For most of us, the first impact usually shows up in energy prices.

If fighting disrupts oil shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices can rise quickly.

When oil rises, gas, shipping, and transportation costs often rise too, which slowly push up the price of everyday things like groceries, travel, and deliveries.

How They Make Money

Lockheed Martin

• Lockheed Martin is the largest defense contractor in the world, generating about $67 billion a year, mostly from government contracts.

• The company builds major systems like the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet and missile defense technology used by the U.S. and its allies.

Takeaway

Wars are fought by governments, but the technology behind them is often built by private companies.

The Number That Stuck With Me

$2.4 trillion

Roughly what the world spends on defense every year, showing how large the global military industry has become.

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Midterms decide who controls Congress, and they also trigger billions of dollars in campaign spending.

The Big Story

The next U.S. midterm elections take place on November 3, 2026, when voters will decide all 435 House seats and 34 Senate seats.

Historically, the president’s party loses seats in midterms.

But this cycle is unusual because more than 47 House members have announced retirements, leaving many open seats where voters will choose between entirely new candidates.

The Two Spins

From the Left

• Midterms can act as a public check on a president’s agenda when voters want more balance or oversight in Washington.

• A large number of open seats could create opportunities for new candidates and shift the makeup of Congress.

From the Right

• Midterm losses often reflect voters pushing back when they disagree with a president’s policies or the country’s direction.

• Winning congressional seats is seen as a way to limit a president’s power and change the direction of policy.

What This Means for Us

Midterms decide which party controls Congress, and that affects whether lawmakers can pass budgets and major laws.

Recent government shutdown fights are a good example. When Congress can’t agree on spending, federal workers can miss paychecks, and public services people rely on can pause.

How They Make Money

Nexstar Media Group

• Largest owner of local TV stations in the U.S., operating about 197 stations across 116 markets and reaching roughly 70% of American TV households.

• In the 2022 midterms, campaigns flooded TV with ads, helping Nexstar bring in about $506 million in political advertising revenue.

Takeaway

When election season arrives, it’s not just about votes because media companies make BIG money from campaign ads.

The Number That Stuck With Me

$8.9 billion

That’s how much was spent on U.S. federal elections during the 2022 midterms, one of the most expensive midterm cycles ever.

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