Section
Government & Politics
Federal policy, Congress, and the agencies that shape the nation.
Congress Clears Stopgap Budget Deal, Averting a Shutdown by Two Days
A bipartisan continuing resolution keeps federal agencies funded through the fall, but leaves the biggest spending fights unresolved until after the summer recess.
A Loaded Supreme Court Term: The Cases That Could Reshape Federal Power
From agency authority to digital privacy, the docket taking shape for the fall could redraw the boundaries between Washington and the states.
States Harden Election Systems Ahead of a High-Turnout Midterm
Officials are upgrading equipment, expanding paper trails, and running tabletop drills as they prepare for the fall vote.
White House Signs Executive Order Overhauling Federal Hiring Rules
The order shifts many civil service positions toward skills-based assessments and away from degree requirements, a change agencies will phase in over 18 months.
National Parks Draw Record Crowds, Straining a Stretched Budget
Visitation hit new highs this season, testing the Park Service's ability to maintain trails, staff entrances, and protect fragile landscapes.
Three Years In, the Infrastructure Push Is Rebuilding Bridges Coast to Coast
A national repair program has moved from planning to concrete, with thousands of bridge projects now underway from Pennsylvania to Oregon.
Federal and State Crews Brace for a Long, Dry Wildfire Season Out West
Forecasts point to elevated fire risk across the Mountain West, prompting early staffing and prepositioned resources.
Federal Agencies Get New Guidelines for Buying and Deploying AI
The guidance requires agencies to document risks, test for bias, and keep a human in the loop for consequential decisions.
Rural Broadband Buildout Reaches Communities That Waited Years for a Connection
Federal grants and state partnerships are stringing fiber to towns long stuck on slow or nonexistent service.