Clean News Today — October 26, 2026

As the US heads into the midterm elections, climate change and clean energy are taking center stage in various ways. In Iowa, Republicans are courting farmers with plans to increase demand for fuels like ethanol, a move that could have implications for the state's agricultural industry and the country's energy landscape. Meanwhile, in Michigan, some opponents of clean energy are surprisingly backing a climate activist for Congress, highlighting the complexities of the climate debate and the diverse perspectives within different communities.

These developments come as the consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent. New studies on the Thwaites glacier in Antarctica show that it is melting at an alarming rate, contributing to sea level rise and posing significant risks to coastal ecosystems and communities. Climate change is also having far-reaching impacts on public health and safety, including a link to increased gun violence. Research suggests that higher temperatures are contributing to this trend, and quantifying the relationship between climate change and gun violence can help inform policies to address both issues. As the US navigates these challenges, the intersection of climate, energy, and politics will likely continue to be a key theme in the lead-up to the midterms and beyond.

Today's signal:
• Ahead of Midterms, Republicans Court Iowa Farmers With Fuel Plans (insideclimatenews.org)
• Why clean energy opponents in Michigan are backing a climate activist for Congress (grist.org)
• Thwaites is a runaway climate disaster. New studies show how. (grist.org)
• Higher temperatures fuel gun violence. Now we know how much is from climate change. (grist.org)