The court paused a lower-court ruling while it considered the latest move in a monthslong fight over who is entitled to low rates for political ads.

© Tierney L. Cross for The New York Times

As the Republicans try to hold their majority, the Senate Leadership Fund is diverting resources to Kansas, which has become a growing concern for the party.

© Kenny Holston/The New York Times

The Senate Leadership Fund is diverting money to Kansas, which has become a growing concern for the party as it seeks to hold its majority.

© Kenny Holston/The New York Times

Across the country, especially in the North Carolina Senate race, Republicans have charged opponents with being soft on crime, even as crime rates plummet.

© Kate Medley for The New York Times