Upshot: Is a blue wave forming?
Also: An arch and A.I.
The Upshot
September 17, 2026

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WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS

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Finn Gomez/Getty Images

Park Service Steamrolls Through Review of Trump’s Arch

Despite objections from preservationists, final approval for the 250-foot-tall monument appears on track for November.

By Emily Badger

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Illustration by The New York Times

The Subtle Sign That A.I. Is Not Yet a National Political Issue

A Times/Siena poll shows many voters are still uncertain on the issue, including which party would do a better job on it.

By Nate Cohn

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The New York Times

How A.I. Risks Are Splitting Silicon Valley and Washington

What began as a philosophical question — how dangerous might artificial intelligence become? — has hardened into increasingly entrenched rival camps.

By Emmy Martin and Rebecca Lieberman

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Want to Entice New Residents? Offer Cash, for a Start.

Relocation incentives have a mixed record of helping cities and towns stand out as people return to rural America.

By Lydia DePillis and Chase Castor

POLLING AROUND THE NATION

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Latest Polls

Track all the polls from today, including the latest data on the 2026 midterm elections, governor’s races, President Trump’s approval rating and more.

A dot plot showing the percentage of likely voters who would vote for the Democratic candidate and the Republican candidate if the election for Congress were held today, according to a New York Times/Siena poll. Fifty-one percent of likely voters said they would vote for the Democratic candidate, and 43 percent said they would vote for the Republican candidate.

Edison Wu/The New York Times

Democrats Gain Edge as Trump Drags Down G.O.P., New Poll Finds

Even some Republicans are losing faith in Trump’s economy, a New York Times/Siena poll found, and Democrats were favored on the top issues as the sprint to the midterms gets underway.

By Shane Goldmacher, Ruth Igielnik and Sophia June

Cross-Tabs: September 2026 Times/Siena Poll of the Likely Electorate

Results of a New York Times/Siena poll conducted among 1,503 voters from Sept. 8 to 13, 2026.

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President Trump’s Approval Rating: Latest Polls

Track the latest approval rating and polls on Americans’ approval of President Trump.

By Annie Daniel, Jon Huang, Ruth Igielnik, Jasmine C. Lee, Alex Lemonides, Jonah Smith, Caroline Soler, Albert Sun and Rumsey Taylor

Sports corner: Does your college football roster cost $8 million or $50 million? Here’s the Athletic’s report on 68 teams.

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