Affordability: The issue that boosted Trump and Republicans in 2024 deflated them in 2025
Democrats claim major 2025 election victories fueled by focus on affordability and inflation concerns that previously hurt the party in 2024 races.
POLITICS
Urban Disorder: Petty Theft Leads to Fatal Crash in Portland
Misdemeanor theft cases dropped 60 percent from 2019 to 2023 in Multnomah County thanks to ‘catch and release’ policies The damaged traffic box at the site of a fatal accident in Portland. The traffic lights lost function after a thief stole copper wire from the box. (City of Portland) A Portland thief who stole copper
2025 shockers: The biggest moments that rocked the campaign trail
Political power shifts dominated 2025 as Trump pushed redistricting battles and Democrats overperformed in elections, setting the stage for 2026 midterms.
California Ends Lawsuit Against Federal Government Over High-Speed Rail Funding
A drone view of a high-speed rail bridge in Fresno, Calif., on June 8, 2025. Fred Greaves/ Reuters California dropped its lawsuit this week against the Trump administration over the federal government’s decision to pull $4 billion in funding for the state’s long-delayed high-speed rail project. The California High-Speed Rail Authority filed a notice of
Most shocking examples of Chinese espionage uncovered by the US this year: ‘Just the tip of the iceberg’
A string of Chinese-linked espionage cases made public in 2025 spans toxin smuggling, U.S. troop recruitment and hacking that hit both the public and private sectors.
Junk Food Bans for SNAP Users in Some States Starting 2026: What to Know
Americans using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase groceries may need to adjust their shopping habits in 2026 as some states will prohibit the use of SNAP funds to purchase certain “junk foods.” Also starting next year, states will have to shoulder a larger portion of the cost of running the program. In
‘Perception vs. reality’: Trump’s economy picks up speed — but voters aren’t buying it yet
Economist Stephen Moore says economic momentum is building under President Donald Trump, but lingering voter pessimism and cost-of-living concerns are creating a messaging challenge.