National

Data: Ballot Initiative Strategy Center; Map: Simran Parwani/Axios

The November elections will give voters across the country opportunities to directly weigh in on issues from abortion to democracy to criminal justice reform. 

Why it matters: When Congress is gridlocked, policy decisions shift to state legislatures — and increasingly to ballot measures.

By the numbers: 137 ballot measures this year have been certified for ballots in 37 states, in addition to one in the District of Columbia, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Five have already been voted on in Alabama, Kansas, Texas and South Dakota. 

What we're watching: With the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision sending the abortion issue back to the states, five ballot measures related to reproductive rights are expected to draw voters from across both sides of the aisle to the polls. 

That's the most in one year since the Roe v. Wade ruling a half-century ago, according to Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, executive director of the progressive Ballot Initiative Strategy Center. 

In Kansas, voters in August rejected an amendment that would have gotten rid of abortion protections in the state's constitution.

In Michigan, a ballot initiative that would create a state constitutional right to reproductive freedom received over 750,000 signatures — a record in the state. It will appear on the November ballot. 

Voters in four other states —  California, Kentucky, Montana and Vermont — will consider ballot measures that would either further protect or restrict abortion access.

Meanwhile, moves are underway in red and purple states to make it more difficult to legislate through the ballot process. 

That follows successful Democratic moves to expand Medicaid, legalize marijuana, raise the minimum wage and restore voting rights to people with felony convictions in states.

In South Dakota, voters in June rejected a measure that would raise the threshold for approval of a ballot measure to a three-fifths (60%) supermajority.

Other ballot measures in Arizona and Arkansas that would make initiatives harder to pass, or to get them in front of voters in the first place, have qualified for the November ballot. 

The big picture: A smattering of other issues — including criminal justice reform, marijuana legalization, gun control and workers' rights — also are on the ballot in some states.

Voters in Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee, Vermont and Oregon will be able to vote to strike language from their state constitutions that allows for enslavement or involuntary servitude as punishments for crimes. 

It's a continuing trend from the 2018 and 2020 cycles, when Colorado, Nebraska and Utah eliminated similar language via ballot initiatives. 

Five marijuana legalization measures will be voted on in 2022 — in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Other ballot measures would raise the minimum wage in Nevada and Nebraska, and remove the sub-minimum wage for tipped workers in D.C. 

A gun control measure on the ballot in Oregon would ban magazines that hold more than 10 rounds and require criminal background checks.

Ballot initiatives to watch

State initiatives will let voters directly weigh in on abortion, democracy and criminal justice.

Deep Dive - 2022 midterms

The November elections will give voters across the country opportunities to directly weigh in on issues from abortion to democracy to criminal justice reform. Why it matters: When Congress is gridlocked, policy decisions shift to state legislatures — and increasingly to ballot measures.

President Biden has made the COVID-19 crisis and a post-Trump return to national unity and traditional democratic ideals his top priorities. From vaccinations to stimulus to schools, Biden is seeking bipartisan compromise while showing a willingness to use executive authority and bare Democratic majorities in the U.S. House and Senate to implement his policies. Republican leaders are navigating deep party divisions over if and how to move beyond former President Trump.

Politics & Policy

Judge Aileen Cannon ruled Thursday that former President Trump no longer has to submit a sworn statement about the accuracy of the FBI's inventory on items seized from Mar-a-Lago, as the deadline to do so from the special master loomed.

Why it matters: Cannon sided with Trump's legal team, which objected to special master Raymond Dearie's request he back up his claims, at least until he has had a chance to review the records. Trump has claimed, without evidence, that the FBI planted evidence at the property during the August search.

Driving the news: In the same filing, Cannon, a Trump appointee who sits on the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Florida, also pushed back the deadline for the completion of the special master's review of the documents from Nov. 30 to Dec. 16.

She ruled that Trump does not have to make claims about which types of executive privilege he wants to assert over which documents on a rolling basis, as Dearie had required. 

Instead, he can wait and file "one comprehensive annotated copy" after the midterm elections, indicating whether each document should be covered by attorney-client privilege, attorney work product privilege, executive privilege or is personal record. 

How we got here: On Wednesday, Trump's lawyers wrote to Dearie objecting to his request to address whether they disputed the accuracy of the FBI's list of documents.

Trump's lawyers claimed that the demand in Dearie's case management plan "exceeds the grant of authority" given to Dearie. 

The bottom line: Cannon's most recent ruling effectively overrules Dearie's challenge for Trump to "put up or shut up" regarding some of the public statements he's made.

Trump doesn't have to attest to accuracy of FBI's inventory list, Judge Cannon says

Judge Aileen Cannon ruled that former President Trump no longer has to submit a sworn statement about whether the FBI's inventory of items seized from Mar-a-Lago is accurate, at least until he has had a chance to review the records.

Former President Trump’s residence in Mar-A-Lago, Palm Beach, Florida on August 9, 2022.

Former President Trump’s residence in Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach, Fla., on Aug. 9. Photo: Giorgio Viera/AFP via Getty Images

Mar-a-Lago

Axios Sneak Peek

Data: Brendan J. Doherty and Mark Knoller, Axios research; Chart: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals

President Biden has trimmed his own wings, flying less for domestic political purposes — and hosting fewer out-of-town fundraisers — than his two most recent predecessors in corresponding midterm cycles, according to data analyzed by Axios. 

Why it matters: Air Force One can confer unrivaled advantages for sitting presidents looking to take center stage, drive local news coverage and raise money for their parties or targeted candidates all at once.

Biden's tour schedule has been hobbled by his own COVID-19 double-bout and underwater job ratings, which arguably made him as much a liability as an asset to Democratic candidates in some battleground races.

By the numbers: In the first nine months of 2010, then-President Obama visited 78 cities, holding fundraisers in 16 of them, according to data compiled by Brendan Doherty, a U.S. Naval Academy professor and author of "The Rise of the President’s Permanent Campaign."

In the first three quarters of 2018, then-President Trump hit 57 cities and squeezed in some 27 fundraisers. 

Through Sept. 30 this year, Biden has traveled to 47 cities, where he’s held 11 fundraisers, according to data gathered by Mark Knoller, a former CBS radio correspondent. 

Zoom in: Many of Biden’s trips have been to friendly coastal cities, like Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia. He's also visited swing states including Michigan and Ohio, where he's been eager to tout his manufacturing message. 

Biden's stops in red states like Alabama, meanwhile, have been few and far between. 

Some vulnerable Democrats in tight races have hinted at the downsides to joint appearances. In Ohio, Rep. Tim Ryan, Democrats' nominee for the open Senate seat, told Fox News: "I want to be the face of this campaign. I don't want any distractions."

Vice President Kamala Harris' midterm road trips have focused on turning out young voters and voters of color.

What they're saying: "The president has made historic investments in the different [Democratic fundraising] committees ... to make sure we keep the Senate and House," White House director of political strategy and outreach Emmy Ruiz told Axios, pointing also to Biden's virtual efforts.

"We are out there and the president is front and center and we’ll see in a few weeks, the pace is going to pick up."

Flashback: Obama and Trump both racked up the frequent flier miles in the last six weeks of the campaign season that followed their respective first years in office.

During those spans, Trump rallied in 26 cities and Obama headlined rallies in 14 cities.

Despite their efforts, each lost control of the House. 

What's next: Biden plans to travel to New York and New Jersey on Thursday to tout his policies and raise money. 

Air Force One log: Obama, Trump outflew Biden in midterms

Two bouts of COVID and underwater poll ratings took tolls on the president's domestic and campaign travel.

Joe Biden

President Biden has trimmed his own wings, flying less for domestic political purposes — and hosting fewer out-of-town fundraisers — than his two most recent predecessors in corresponding midterm cycles, according to data analyzed by Axios. Why it matters: Air Force One can confer unrivaled advantages for sitting presidents looking to take center stage, drive local news coverage and raise money for their parties or targeted candidates all at once.

Between Nov. 3, 2020, and President Biden's inauguration, Mark Meadows' cellphone became a key channel for dozens of elected officials as well private citizens to convey outlandish conspiracy theories and last-ditch ideas to overturn the election, according to a new book by an ex-adviser to the Jan. 6 committee.

The big picture: "The Breach" by former Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-Va.) claims that former President Trump's chief of staff received texts from 39 House members and five U.S. senators. It cites texts from GOP lawmakers to paint a picture of how invested many were in Trump's effort to overturn the election.

Driving the news: The book, which has not been authorized by the committee, is set for release Tuesday and was obtained in advance by Axios. Riggleman left his position as a senior technical adviser to the committee in April, before the start of its blockbuster summer hearings.

Why it matters: The Meadows texts are the "crown jewels" that "gave us keys to the kingdom," Riggleman writes.

The timing of the book's release gives it a narrow window to impact the committee's work and the public's understanding.

Wednesday's hearing is perhaps the last public one before the release of a final report on the committee's findings and recommendations. 

Details: The book reveals Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) sent Meadows a forwarded note from North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley, who shared his own idea for a "last-ditch effort" to demand statewide recounts of absentee and mail-in ballots in crucial states.

Meadows received texts in late 2020 from Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) about "dead voters" and Dominion voting machines. Riggleman notes that one of Gosar’s texts included a link to a movie about "cyber warfare" from an anti-vaccine conspiracy blog called "Some Bitch Told Me."

On Nov. 5, 2020, Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) touted his experience as an attorney and offered to come to the White House, to which Meadows responded: "Most of this is being handled at the campaign. Would love your help and would love you going on TV."

Republican Reps. Chip Roy and Brian Babin, both of Texas, also reached out to Meadows for direction on how to challenge the election on the morning of Nov. 5. 

Meadows was in touch with a rally organizer who led protests against the election, as well as ordinary citizens peddling QAnon conspiracy theories. 

Between the lines: Riggleman's headline-grabbing book and accompanying media tour have rankled some members of the committee, which has sought to downplay his insight into the panel's investigation.

"In his role on the Select Committee staff, Mr. Riggleman had limited knowledge of the committee’s investigation. He departed from the staff in April prior to our hearings and much of our most important investigative work," a Jan. 6 committee spokesperson told Axios in a statement.

Thousands of Meadows' texts are known to be in the possession of the committee, however, and many communications among Meadows and Trump family members, attorneys and political advisers related to Jan. 6 have previously been reported. 

"I am an intelligence officer by training," Riggleman writes in the book's introduction. "There is nothing more valuable than raw data. I tried my best to get out of its way. I am not asking you to like me or even to trust me. I want to let the data do the talking."

Editor's note: This story has been updated with comment from the Jan. 6 committee.

Mark Meadows' inbox

Riggleman's headline-grabbing book has rankled some members of the committee.

Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Mark Meadows (North Carolina politician)

Between Nov. 3, 2020, and President Biden&#x27;s inauguration, Mark Meadows&#x27; cellphone became a key channel for dozens of elected officials as well private citizens to convey outlandish conspiracy theories and last-ditch ideas to overturn the election, according to a new book by an ex-adviser to the Jan. 6 committee.The big picture: &quot;The Breach&quot; by former Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-Va.) claims that former President Trump&#x27;s chief of staff received texts from 39 House members and five U.S. senators. It cites texts from GOP lawmakers to paint a picture of how invested many were in Trump&#x27;s effort to overturn the election.

The Biden administration announced new sanctions on Russia for its purported annexation of regions of Ukraine.

Why it matters: The sanctions come in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin laying claim to four regions in Ukraine, which Russia only partly controls. The Kremlin helped stage referendums that most western governments labeled a "sham."

Driving the news: Hundreds of Russian government officials and their family members, Russian and Belarusian military officials and defense procurement networks, including international suppliers supporting Moscow's military effort, are targets of the new sanctions.

"Russia is violating international law, trampling on the United Nations Charter, and showing its contempt for peaceful nations everywhere," President Biden said.

The details: A crucial target is Elvira Nabiullina, the head of the Central Bank of Russia, who has played a big role in helping to keep Russia's economy afloat in the face of Western sanctions.

The Department of Treasury sanctioned 14 international suppliers for supporting Russia's military supply chains, and 278 members of Russia’s legislature for enabling Russia's attempt at annexation.

The State Department is imposing visa restrictions on Russian national Ochur-Suge Mongush for torturing a Ukrainian prisoner of war.

It's also imposing visa restrictions on another 910 persons, including members of the Russian military, Belarusian military officials and proxies acting in Russia-held portions of Ukraine.

The Department of Commerce is also adding 57 entities to the Entity List for violating U.S. export controls.

Between the lines: The Department of Commerce is warning that current U.S. export controls can be applied to entities in third countries trying to provide material support for Russia's military and industrial sectors.

What they're saying: "We will not stand by as Putin fraudulently attempts to annex parts of Ukraine," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement.

"We will continue the United States' powerful, coordinated efforts to hold Russia to account, cut Russia’s military off from global commerce and severely limit its ability to sustain its aggression and project power," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

Biden admin slaps new sanctions on Russia after annexation

The new sanctions have been imposed on hundreds of Russian government officials and their family members.

President Biden speaks about Ukraine in the Roosevelt Room in February.

President Biden speaks about Ukraine in the Roosevelt Room in February. Photo: Alex Wong via Getty Images

Russian invasion of Ukraine

Russia

The Biden administration announced new sanctions on Russia for its purported annexation of regions of Ukraine.Why it matters: The sanctions come in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="laying claim to four regions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/30/putin-claims-annexation-four-ukrainian-oblasts" data-vars-content-id="b9cbe215-61ab-475b-b25c-e7eb215521fb" data-vars-headline="Biden admin slaps new sanctions on Russia after annexation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/30/putin-claims-annexation-four-ukrainian-oblasts" target="_self">laying claim to four regions</a> in Ukraine, which Russia only partly controls. The Kremlin helped stage referendums that most western governments labeled a &quot;sham.&quot;

China is becoming the most formidable rival America has faced, and the risk of confrontation with Russia, North Korea or Iran still looms. Authoritarians are rising, the chaotic Afghanistan exit revealed the limits of U.S. power, and the pandemic, climate change and other critical challenges continue to pose grave threats.

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Air Force One log: Obama, Trump outflew Biden in midterms

Ballot initiatives to watch

Biden admin slaps new sanctions on Russia after annexation

Trump doesn't have to attest to accuracy of FBI's inventory list, Judge Cannon says

Mark Meadows' inbox