Midterm Results, Data Centers and Manufacturing: The Wrap Up

PragerU’s The Wrap Up reviews the 2026 US midterms, data-center ballot measures, manufacturing and several shorter stories. The host discusses preliminary election counts and voting patterns.

The program reports Democratic wins in both chambers of Congress and cites Fox News counts as of Thursday. The Associated Press also called control of both chambers for Democrats; the newly elected Congress takes office in January 2027. Source: https://www.ap.org/the-definitive-source/behind-the-news/calling-control-of-congress-in-the-2026-midterm-elections/

The host points to polling on the Iran war and rising gasoline prices as possible factors in the result. The program plays a clip in which President Trump acknowledges the political impact while defending the policy.

Affordability, inflation and interest rates are discussed alongside immigration enforcement. The program cites voter-poll estimates for Hispanic and younger voters; these are survey estimates, not a definitive account of every voter’s reasons.

The host notes that the president’s party historically tends to lose House seats in midterms. The election result sets up divided government, while the effects on legislation remain to be seen.

The program says voters considered measures affecting data-center construction in several states. It describes local concerns about power bills, water, air quality and property rights, and reports that Texas governor-elect Gina Hinojosa supported a pause pending action by lawmakers.

The host also presents the employment argument: data centers require electricians, plumbers and other skilled trades. Citing Northern Virginia union pay, the program contrasts paid apprenticeships with the cost of college; pay varies by job and location.

The program describes a technology-company pledge to bring or buy power for new AI data centers, intended to limit costs shifted to other electricity customers. Whether particular projects achieve that result depends on implementation.

The host cites an October manufacturing purchasing managers’ index of 55.5, up from 54.5 in September. The Institute for Supply Management’s report identifies this as the tenth consecutive month of manufacturing expansion. Source: https://www.ismworld.org/supply-management-news-and-reports/reports/ism-pmi-reports/pmi/october/

The program reports low weekly initial unemployment claims and economic growth, while noting higher raw-material costs and recently announced layoffs or buyouts at some large companies. These indicators describe different parts of the labor market.

Ahead of Veterans Day, the program tells the story of an Army veteran and father of five whose family received a vehicle and a college scholarship during a Miami Heat game. The host identifies several organizations involved in the gifts.

In brief, the host discusses a temporary pause in fighting in Oleshky, Ukraine, and a fatal private-jet crash in Florida. The crash investigation was ongoing, so the reported wreckage and weather observations do not establish a final cause.

The program flags a recall of Once Upon a Farm Tractor Wheels toddler bars because of a choking hazard. The FDA says all lots and flavors were recalled and advises consumers not to serve them. Source: https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-consumers-not-buy-or-serve-once-upon-farm-tractor-wheels-organic-toddler-soft-baked-bars

The host reports that NASA’s Swift Observatory reentered the atmosphere after about two decades studying gamma-ray bursts. The episode closes with an update from Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell on his recovery from a neck injury.