Transparency advocates push for stricter rules on influence-peddling in Washington.

Melting ice opens trade routes and resource access, intensifying geopolitical competition.

Public polling reveals deepening skepticism across partisan and demographic lines.

Former adversaries find common ground on economic cooperation and security.

State executives leverage expanded authority in an era of federal dysfunction.

Policy decisions on education debt carry enormous implications for the federal budget.

Military spending reflects new focus on cyber, space, and Pacific theater capabilities.

Authoritarian backsliding and democratic erosion mark a challenging year worldwide.

Anonymous spending in state court races raises questions about judicial independence.

Federal and state battles over ballot access continue to reshape American democracy.