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Articles by Allan Smith
Why AOC was in a deep-red part of Michigan: From the Politics Desk
Welcome to From the Politics Desk, a daily newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team’s latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail. In today’s edition, Jonathan Allen digs into Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Plus, Allan Smith rounds up the battleground Republican candidates who are distancing themselves from President Donald Trump’s tariffs. — Adam Wollner Rep.
Why AOC was in a deep-red part of Michigan: From the politics desk
Welcome to From the Politics Desk , a daily newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team's latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail. In today's edition, Jonathan Allen digs into Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's campaign trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Plus, Allan Smith rounds up the battleground Republican candidates who are distancing themselves from President Donald Trump's tariffs.
Some Republicans in key races break with Trump over tariffs
In a handful of battleground races, Republican candidates are trying to distance themselves from one of President Donald Trump’s signature policy initiatives: tariffs.
Michigan GOP Senate nominee Mike Rogers on whether Iran war was a mistake: ‘We’ll find out’
FOR SUBSCRIBERS Michigan GOP Senate nominee Mike Rogers on whether Iran war was a mistake: ‘We’ll find out’ Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed spoke to “NBC Nightly News” about Iran, the economy and the issues driving the tight Michigan Senate race.
Mike Rogers bets he can outflank Abdul El-Sayed with a low-key campaign in Michigan’s Senate brawl
Mike Rogers bets he can outflank Abdul El-Sayed with a low-key campaign in Michigan’s Senate brawl Rogers, a former Republican congressman who is seeking to flip a Democratic seat against a pugnacious millennial, prefers “small meetings” to El-Sayed’s “big stages.”
Live updates: Trump to rally for GOP candidates in Alaska
Democrat Janelle Stelson, a newscaster seeking to beat GOP Rep. Scott Perry in a battleground House district in Pennsylvania, launched an ad today taking aim at Perry saying last year that Democrats “hate the military.” Stelson’s ad features commentary from a disabled Iraq War veteran named Kevin P., who offers a direct-to-camera response to Perry’s comments “I served our country for nine years and fought in Iraq,” Kevin says.
Democratic congressional candidates run anti-data center ads in states the party controls
FOR SUBSCRIBERS William Lawrence, a Democratic congressional candidate in Michigan, has been running anti-data center ads against his Republican opponent. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has shifted on data centers, calling for more guardrails. AP Oct. 10, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT Democratic congressional candidates across the country are running TV ads against data centers, casting their Republican opponents as doing the industry’s bidding or promoting their own tough-on-data-center bona fides. Just a moment.
Trump says Nobel committee not awarding him the peace prize leaves ‘indelible stain’ on Norway Original
Oct.
Trump says Nobel committee not awarding him Peace Prize leaves ‘indelible stain’ on Norway
World News 11 hours ago Nobel, Trump: “Pillay’s victory is a stain on Norway; we will not forget” LaPresseUSA • 11h Rome, 10 Oct.
Trump says Nobel committee not awarding him the peace prize leaves ‘indelible stain’ on Norway
Trump says Nobel committee not awarding him the peace prize leaves ‘indelible stain’ on Norway At a rally in Syracuse, N.Y., the president also called state Attorney General Letitia James “that disgusting Letitia dog.” President Donald Trump lamented the Norwegian Nobel Committee choosing not to award him with its annual peace prize on Friday, telling rallygoers the decision leaves “an …
Trump administration deal with Nevada adds fuel to the fight over data centers in governor’s race
Trump administration deal with Nevada adds fuel to the fight over data centers in governor’s race The agreement signed by Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo and the administration could make it easier to build data centers on public land.
Abdul El-Sayed tries to woo MAHA voters as Democrats seek inroads with RFK’s supporters
Abdul El-Sayed tries to woo MAHA voters as Democrats seek inroads with RFK’s supporters “We need to own this lane,” Michigan’s Democratic Senate nominee said in an interview, “but we have to be bold.”
OpenAI’s powerful safety committee faces scrutiny after rogue agent incidents
An OpenAI committee meant to have the final word on the company’s safety protocols is facing increasing scrutiny in the wake of high-profile incidents involving rogue AI agents.
Michigan Republicans break with Trump on Iran, AI and data centers
FOR SUBSCRIBERS Former Representative Mike Rogers, a Republican from Michigan and US Senate candidate, earlier this month. A Drago / Bloomberg via Getty Images file Sept. 23, 2026, 8:17 PM EDT GOP candidates locked in crucial midterm races in Michigan are breaking with President Donald Trump on the war in Iran, AI and data centers — part of a broader trend as more Republicans across the country have started putting some distance between themselves and the president. Just a moment.
How Josh Shapiro changed his tune on data centers
PITTSBURGH — Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro thinks he’s figured out the path forward on data centers as part of an evolution that’s caught both detractors and some allies by surprise.
The escalating standoff between the CDC and Pennsylvania over measles deaths
The escalating standoff between the CDC and Pennsylvania over measles deaths Pennsylvania has reported fourth deaths associated with measles, but the CDC has not included them in its national total — a conflict rarely seen in public health.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom inks AI oversight executive order to improve safety ‘before it’s too late’ Original
Sept. 18, 2026, 2:59 PM EDT California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday signed an executive order intended to increase oversight of and safety measures regarding AI “before it’s too late.” Newsom, widely seen as a 2028 presidential hopeful, is the latest of a growing number of Democrats and potential White House contenders to call for stronger regulation of AI amid increasing concern nationally over how rapidly the technology is advancing.
Trump administration live updates: Josh Shapiro presses for AI regulation instead of pause in development
SHAPIRO ON AI: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, said in an interview with NBC News that the federal government should quickly pass regulations to rein in the AI industry, but he opposed calls to pause development on advanced models until such regulations are enacted.
Republicans seek daylight with Trump: From the Politics Desk
Welcome to From the Politics Desk, a daily newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team’s latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail. In today’s edition, Jonathan Allen digs into the growing number of Republicans on the ballot this fall who are putting distance between themselves and President Donald Trump. Plus, Bridget Bowman and Allan Smith take stock of how AI concerns are — and aren’t — manifesting on the campaign trail.
Josh Shapiro urges swift AI rules, says relying on tech companies is ‘flat-out wrong’
Shapiro’s remarks come after researchers and leaders at Anthropic, OpenAI and Google sounded the alarms about the risks of advanced AI systems.Jared Soares for NBC News Sept. 17, 2026, 10:48 PM EDT PITTSBURGH — Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sought to plant his flag in the intensifying debate over AI safety, pushing for the federal government to quickly pass new regulations to rein in the industry but opposing calls to pause development on advanced models until such regulations are enacted.
Campaigns keep focus on the economy as AI concerns spike ahead of the midterms
Campaigns keep focus on the economy as AI concerns spike ahead of the midterms Some Republicans in competitive races are breaking with President Donald Trump on the issue of AI, calling for more guardrails around the technology’s development.
Trump administration live updates: Americans give AI in schools a poor grade
AI'S BAD GRADE: Most American adults think artificial intelligence is going to do more harm than good in education, according to this month’s NBC News Decision Desk Poll powered by SurveyMonkey. A growing share of U.S. adults also believe schools that shun the technology will better help students grow than schools that embrace it.
Poll: Most Americans think AI is doing more harm than good in schools Original
Sept. 17, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT Most American adults think artificial intelligence is going to do more good than harm in education, according to this month’s NBC News Decision Desk Poll powered by SurveyMonkey. And a growing share of U.S. adults believe schools that shun the technology will better help students grow than schools that embrace it. The survey found that 53% of adults believe AI does more harm than good in K-12 education, compared with 27% who believe it does more good than harm.
The left finally has a chance to win big battleground races. Michigan is at the center of the fight.
EAST LANSING, Mich. — William Lawrence sat at a crowded table in the back of a small-town diner earlier this month, flanked by opponents of local data center developments as a model train whirled around a track set along the restaurant’s ceiling.
At the midterm convention, Trump and Republicans ask voters to be patient on the economy
FOR SUBSCRIBERS President Donald Trump speaks during the second day of the Republican National Committee midterm convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on Thursday.Kent Nishimura / AFP via Getty Images Sept. 10, 2026, 11:40 PM EDT DALLAS — President Donald Trump and his Republican allies sought to tackle voters’ concerns about the economy and the rising cost of living at their two-day midterm convention, with affordability proving to be one of the biggest themes throughout.
Election 2026 live updates: Trump headlines GOP convention amid midterm battle for Congress
TRUMP KEYNOTES CONVENTION: Republicans from across the country are convening in Dallas for their party’s first midterm convention, with President Donald Trump putting himself front and center in the closing stages of the midterm election cycle. CAMEO SURPRISE: With just eight weeks to go before the midterm elections, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., gave Republicans a boost last night, appearing on video at the Republican midterm convention, praising Sen.
Sen. John Fetterman makes a surprise cameo praising Republicans at the GOP convention Original
Sept. 9, 2026, 7:19 PM EDT DALLAS — Just eight weeks out from the midterm elections, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., gave Republicans a boost on Wednesday night. Fetterman appeared on video at the Republican midterm convention, praising President Donald Trump and Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa. The senator boosted their efforts to shape last year’s merger between U.S. Steel, which is headquartered in Pittsburgh, and Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel. “Yes, I’m a Democrat. Why am I here talking to you today?
Sen. John Fetterman makes a surprise cameo praising Republicans at the GOP convention
U.S. Politics 2 hours ago Trump promises Americans $5K if GOP wins; New details emerge in Amazon crash Straight Arrow - Jason K.
Rhode Island House Primary Results 2026
The expected vote is the total number of votes that are expected in a given race once all votes are counted. This number is an estimate and is based on several different factors, including information on the number of votes cast early as well as information provided to our vote reporters on Election Day from county election officials. The figure can change as NBC News gathers new information. Source: Vote data via the Associated Press. Projections by the NBC News Decision Desk.
Rhode Island House District 2 Primary Results 2026
IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Republicans Polls close at 8:00 PM ET Votes Pct.Percentage Democrats Polls close at 8:00 PM ET Votes Pct.Percentage This race is uncontested.
Data center backlash is everywhere. The biggest pro-AI group is getting ready to fight back.
People protest data center expansion at a rally at the Texas Capitol in Austin before a state Senate Finance Committee hearing in July.Jay Janner / The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images file Sept. 9, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT Backlash against the nationwide data center buildout is threatening to shape the 2026 midterm elections.
Election live updates: New Hampshire voters to set Senate general election matchup
NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARIES: In New Hampshire's Senate primary today, former Sen. John Sununu is running in a GOP field that includes another former senator, Scott Brown, while on the Democratic side, Rep. Chris Pappas is looking to fend off democratic socialist opponent Karishma Manzur. DIVING IN: New Hampshire is not expected to be a key Senate battleground this fall, but Republicans have their fingers crossed for a democratic socialist victory that would scramble that thinking.
Zohran Mamdani packs schedule with 9/11 commemorations, including speaking at NYPD’s official ceremony
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani will attend at least eight events over the next week to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City, according to a schedule his office shared with NBC News.
Jewish voters have long backed Democrats. Key midterm races are testing that support.
Many Jewish Americans who have reliably voted Democratic are considering withholding support from the party — or even crossing the aisle in November — over concerns about rising antisemitism and progressive candidates’ stances on Israel.
Republican concerns mount as Sen. Jon Husted navigates a tricky race in Ohio
Aug. 31, 2026, 1:34 PM EDT MASSILLON, Ohio — When Sen. Jon Husted filed his most recent campaign finance report in July, the Ohio Republican boasted a war chest of more than $6 million. But the cash is not for Husted’s battle with Democrat Sherrod Brown in what is expected to be one of the year’s most expensive Senate races. Rather, it is the remaining balance in an account that Husted established years ago to fund his long-held ambition of being governor. Just a moment.
Pro-AI group jumps into the data center fight with new ads aimed at reshaping public opinion
FOR SUBSCRIBERS People hold up signs at a public hearing on data centers in Tucson, Ariz., on Aug. 5.Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star via Getty Images file Aug. 31, 2026, 6:00 AM EDT One of the largest pro-AI groups involved in the midterm elections announced a new effort Monday aimed at shifting public opinion on data centers as they have become a flashpoint in the battle for control of Congress and state and local governments. Just a moment. We are getting your experience ready.
Republicans wrestle with data center backlash as Trump promotes the benefits
Republicans wrestle with data center backlash as Trump promotes the benefits GOP candidates have sprinted to get in line with voter skepticism about data centers as they emerge as a top midterms issue. “It’s a full-on fever pitch now,” one strategist said.
Democrat leads in Pennsylvania legislative district Trump won by more than 18 points in 2024
Democrat leads in Pennsylvania legislative district Trump won by more than 18 points in 2024 Brandon Dukes, a Democrat running in a special election for a state legislative seat in western Pennsylvania, held a narrow lead in the pro-Trump district on Wednesday.
Gov. Josh Shapiro takes a hard line against ‘predatory’ data center developers in Pennsylvania Original
Aug. 18, 2026, 5:05 PM EDT Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced significant restrictions on data center projects Tuesday, signing an executive order to stop “predatory” backers and “bad proposals from infecting our commonwealth.” The order, along with the warnings in his remarks for potential data center developers, marked a notable shift for Shapiro, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, who had sought to encourage the industry’s build-out in his state.
Democrats reckon with ‘Woke 1’ as the party seeks to define an era — and distance themselves from it
For years, Democrats have debated whether the progressive politics that surged around 2020 went too far. Now, as old tweets and once-prominent positions resurface in midterm races, some on the left are revisiting the era increasingly known as “Woke 1.”
How Rep. Max Miller’s Democratic opponent is navigating a ‘surreal’ political opportunity
BROOK PARK, Ohio — Brian Poindexter has spent the last weeks in a political whirlwind.
How David Crowley pulled off the ‘unbelievable’: Winning in Wisconsin after dropping out
How David Crowley pulled off the ‘unbelievable’: Winning in Wisconsin after dropping out Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, entered the primary for governor with a polling lead. But several missteps — and a key phone call — pushed Crowley to the Democratic nomination.
The Senate’s newest odd couple is raising Republican eyebrows — and Democratic alarms
The Senate’s newest odd couple is raising Republican eyebrows — and Democratic alarms Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick promote themselves as Pennsylvania’s power duo. Republicans see a model for bipartisanship. Democrats see one of their own getting burned.
How the booming backlash to AI data centers is shaping the midterm election
How the booming backlash to AI data centers is shaping the midterm election Candidates are cutting ads touting anti-data center credentials. Protesters are showing up at events. Industry players are taking note.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer backs Haley Stevens in contested Democratic Senate primary Original
July 24, 2026, 3:38 PM EDT Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer waded into her state’s divisive Democratic Senate primary Friday, endorsing Rep. Haley Stevens. “As governor I’ve had one strategy: Get things done. And that strategy informs everything that I do, and that’s why I’m endorsing Haley Stevens for the U.S. Senate,” Whitmer said in a video Stevens shared on X.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul explains why she signed the first statewide moratorium on data centers Original
July 23, 2026, 6:19 PM EDT New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she felt the need to sign the nation’s first statewide moratorium on data center development because tech giants “are flooding the zone” with construction efforts faster than states and localities can keep up.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul explains why she signed the first statewide moratorium on data centers
Conservative View 4 hours ago Mamdani slow to respond to suspected antisemitic stabbing as Hochul, other NY officials condemn attack Fox News - Leo Briceno • 4h New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani remained silent for serveal hours on what officials described as an antisemitic stabbing in New York City on Thursday afternoon, choosing to instead post about his millionaire housing tax initiative — even as the attack drew attention from other state officials.
Zohran Mamdani puts his democratic socialist version of DOGE to the test
FOR SUBSCRIBERS Politics News New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has created the Commission on Government Efficiency, or COGE, which seeks to streamline government and cut red tape.Roshni Khatri for NBC News July 20, 2026, 5:11 AM EDT For roughly three hours last week, New Yorkers testified before roughly a dozen commissioners chosen by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to lead one of his signature initiatives: how to make government more efficient. Just a moment. We are getting your experience ready.
The (election) losers fighting to replace Graham Platner in Maine
The (election) losers fighting to replace Graham Platner in Maine All the candidates lost or withdrew from Democratic Senate, gubernatorial or congressional primaries this year. Another ran against Sen. Susan Collins in 2014 and lost by 37 points.
Democratic rising stars who spoke at the party’s 2024 convention keep losing
When Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow ended her Senate campaign Sunday, it marked the end of a bid for a candidate who entered with considerable fanfare and a national brand, seen by many as a rising star in the party. The organizers of the 2024 Democratic National Convention gave McMorrow a coveted speaking slot to take aim at Project 2025.
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