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The public cost is that black voters in Alabama are left with only one majority-Black district, reducing their influence in Congress and setting a precedent for other states.
Why it matters: The public cost is that black voters in Alabama are left with only one majority-Black district, reducing their influence in Congress and setting a precedent for other states.
The Republican National Committee says it can still beat the odds and keep Congress in GOP hands. That matters because midterms usually punish the party in power, and this race...
Why it matters: The Republican National Committee says it can still beat the odds and keep Congress in GOP hands. That matters because midterms usually punish the party in power, and this race...
Michigan Republicans are pressing Jocelyn Benson over her past ties to the Southern Poverty Law Center after a DOJ indictment put the group under fire. The fight is not just abo...
Why it matters: Michigan Republicans are pressing Jocelyn Benson over her past ties to the Southern Poverty Law Center after a DOJ indictment put the group under fire. The fight is not just abo...
Florida is heading into a redistricting fight that could change who controls the U.S. House. The real issue is not just lines on a map; it is whether state power gets used to lo...
Why it matters: Florida is heading into a redistricting fight that could change who controls the U.S. House. The real issue is not just lines on a map; it is whether state power gets used to lo...
House Majority PAC has reserved $272 million in TV and digital ads, mostly aimed at Republican-held seats. That is a huge early-money move in the fight for control of Congress,...
Why it matters: House Majority PAC has reserved $272 million in TV and digital ads, mostly aimed at Republican-held seats. That is a huge early-money move in the fight for control of Congress,...
Virginia voters narrowly approved a redistricting measure after Northern Virginia carried it over the finish line. The vote matters because it keeps control of election maps in...
Why it matters: Virginia voters narrowly approved a redistricting measure after Northern Virginia carried it over the finish line. The vote matters because it keeps control of election maps in...
Virginia voters approved a redistricting measure that could reshape the state’s congressional map and help Democrats compete for up to four more House seats. That matters becaus...
Why it matters: Virginia voters approved a redistricting measure that could reshape the state’s congressional map and help Democrats compete for up to four more House seats. That matters becaus...
Virginia voters are being asked to weigh a redistricting plan that could shift congressional power. The vote matters because map lines can decide who gets a fair shot at represe...
Why it matters: Virginia voters are being asked to weigh a redistricting plan that could shift congressional power. The vote matters because map lines can decide who gets a fair shot at represe...
Vivek Ramaswamy has put $25 million of his own money into his Ohio governor campaign. That kind of self-funding can tilt a race before most voters are even paying attention. The...
Why it matters: Vivek Ramaswamy has put $25 million of his own money into his Ohio governor campaign. That kind of self-funding can tilt a race before most voters are even paying attention. The...
Analilia Mejia has been sworn into the U.S. House after winning a special election in New Jersey's 11th District. It matters because every seat now helps shape control of a very...
Why it matters: Analilia Mejia has been sworn into the U.S. House after winning a special election in New Jersey's 11th District. It matters because every seat now helps shape control of a very...
A Florida congresswoman resigned as the House moved toward a possible expulsion vote while she faces a federal trial over alleged theft of disaster funds. The case matters becau...
Why it matters: A Florida congresswoman resigned as the House moved toward a possible expulsion vote while she faces a federal trial over alleged theft of disaster funds. The case matters becau...
Former California Controller Betty Yee has dropped out of the governor’s race weeks before the June 2 primary. Her exit matters because it shows how money can decide who stays i...
Why it matters: Former California Controller Betty Yee has dropped out of the governor’s race weeks before the June 2 primary. Her exit matters because it shows how money can decide who stays i...
Virginia voters are facing a redistricting amendment that could temporarily reshape the state’s congressional map into a 10-1 Democratic advantage. That matters because the vote...
Why it matters: Virginia voters are facing a redistricting amendment that could temporarily reshape the state’s congressional map into a 10-1 Democratic advantage. That matters because the vote...
Virginia Democrats are under fire in the last stretch before a redistricting referendum that could reshape the state’s congressional map. The fight matters because this is not j...
Why it matters: Virginia Democrats are under fire in the last stretch before a redistricting referendum that could reshape the state’s congressional map. The fight matters because this is not j...
Former California state controller Betty Yee has left the governor’s race. Her exit narrows the field in a high-stakes contest that will shape the state’s next power center. The...
Why it matters: Former California state controller Betty Yee has left the governor’s race. Her exit narrows the field in a high-stakes contest that will shape the state’s next power center. The...
Donald Trump headlined a Turning Point USA rally in Phoenix and used the stage to pump up Republican voters ahead of the midterms. This matters because rallies like this are not...
Why it matters: Donald Trump headlined a Turning Point USA rally in Phoenix and used the stage to pump up Republican voters ahead of the midterms. This matters because rallies like this are not...
A federal judge in Rhode Island dismissed the Justice Department’s lawsuit seeking unredacted voter rolls from the state. The ruling matters because it blocks a federal demand f...
Why it matters: A federal judge in Rhode Island dismissed the Justice Department’s lawsuit seeking unredacted voter rolls from the state. The ruling matters because it blocks a federal demand f...
Trump said he likes Hungary’s incoming leader, Péter Magyar, and tried to distance himself from Viktor Orbán’s election loss. That matters because a U.S. president’s words can s...
Why it matters: Trump said he likes Hungary’s incoming leader, Péter Magyar, and tried to distance himself from Viktor Orbán’s election loss. That matters because a U.S. president’s words can s...
Virginia’s redistricting fight is really a fight over who gets to write the rules of representation. That matters now because the map itself can decide whether voters have a fai...
Why it matters: Virginia’s redistricting fight is really a fight over who gets to write the rules of representation. That matters now because the map itself can decide whether voters have a fai...
California’s Supreme Court stepped in and told a GOP sheriff to pause his election probe and preserve the ballots he seized. That matters because the fight is no longer just abo...
Why it matters: California’s Supreme Court stepped in and told a GOP sheriff to pause his election probe and preserve the ballots he seized. That matters because the fight is no longer just abo...
The Department of Justice is suing several states to obtain sensitive voter data, igniting a fierce debate over federal authority in elections. This issue matters now as it rais...
Why it matters: The Department of Justice is suing several states to obtain sensitive voter data, igniting a fierce debate over federal authority in elections. This issue matters now as it rais...
A man in Seattle was accused of trying twice to shove a stranger onto train tracks at a light rail station. The incident is frightening, but it is not the kind of story this sit...
Why it matters: A man in Seattle was accused of trying twice to shove a stranger onto train tracks at a light rail station. The incident is frightening, but it is not the kind of story this sit...
Federal election observers were once essential for ensuring fair voting processes. Now, political calls for changes threaten their role and the integrity of elections. 🧠 The mo...
Why it matters: Federal election observers were once essential for ensuring fair voting processes. Now, political calls for changes threaten their role and the integrity of elections. 🧠 The mo...
Political tensions are rising in Texas as three factors could shift the state's electoral landscape in favor of Democrats. The upcoming elections are shaping up to be a battlegr...
Why it matters: Political tensions are rising in Texas as three factors could shift the state's electoral landscape in favor of Democrats. The upcoming elections are shaping up to be a battlegr...
A New York congressional candidate is stirring controversy after criticizing Israel during an appearance on Hasan Piker’s show. This debate matters now as it highlights the shif...
Why it matters: A New York congressional candidate is stirring controversy after criticizing Israel during an appearance on Hasan Piker’s show. This debate matters now as it highlights the shif...
Macquline King has been appointed as the permanent CEO of Chicago Public Schools amid a looming budget deficit. Her leadership comes at a critical time with upcoming school boar...
Why it matters: Macquline King has been appointed as the permanent CEO of Chicago Public Schools amid a looming budget deficit. Her leadership comes at a critical time with upcoming school boar...
The Tennessee House has moved forward with two bills aimed at protecting religious expression in schools. This matters right now because it could set a precedent for how religio...
Why it matters: The Tennessee House has moved forward with two bills aimed at protecting religious expression in schools. This matters right now because it could set a precedent for how religio...
A group of former FBI agents is suing FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi after being fired for their involvement in the Trump 2020 election probe. This lawsu...
Why it matters: A group of former FBI agents is suing FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi after being fired for their involvement in the Trump 2020 election probe. This lawsu...
Democrats’ hopes of reclaiming the U.S. Senate are colliding with a fight within their own party. In Maine, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has thrown his weight behind Gov...
Why it matters: Democrats’ hopes of reclaiming the U.S. Senate are colliding with a fight within their own party. In Maine, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has thrown his weight behind Gov...
President Donald Trump's preferred candidate in Alabama is bucking "conventional wisdom" by trailing badly in the Republican primary. The president endorsed former state GOP cha...
Why it matters: President Donald Trump's preferred candidate in Alabama is bucking "conventional wisdom" by trailing badly in the Republican primary. The president endorsed former state GOP cha...
An aide for New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, a New York City council member, and a retired NYPD sergeant are all tied to a federal bribery investigation involving migrant...
Why it matters: An aide for New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, a New York City council member, and a retired NYPD sergeant are all tied to a federal bribery investigation involving migrant...
Average gasoline prices hit $4 per gallon today as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. As we’ll discuss below, President Trump doesn’t really care whether it opens...
Why it matters: Average gasoline prices hit $4 per gallon today as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. As we’ll discuss below, President Trump doesn’t really care whether it opens...
The Supreme Court is hearing a case that could decide whether children born in the United States can be denied citizenship by executive order. That is not a small legal tweak. I...
Why it matters: The Supreme Court is hearing a case that could decide whether children born in the United States can be denied citizenship by executive order. That is not a small legal tweak. I...
Wisconsin’s spring election on April 7 could change who controls local schools and the state Supreme Court. That matters because these races shape what children learn, how votin...
Why it matters: Wisconsin’s spring election on April 7 could change who controls local schools and the state Supreme Court. That matters because these races shape what children learn, how votin...
A Florida election volunteer has been charged with stealing a key to a voting terminal. The case matters because election systems only work when basic security holds, and this o...
Why it matters: A Florida election volunteer has been charged with stealing a key to a voting terminal. The case matters because election systems only work when basic security holds, and this o...
Florida — Democrats pulled off another upset in Florida, winning a normally very Republican state Senate district in West Tampa. Navy veteran and electrical workers union leader...
Why it matters: Florida — Democrats pulled off another upset in Florida, winning a normally very Republican state Senate district in West Tampa. Navy veteran and electrical workers union leader...
Each year in March, the United States observes Women’s History Month—a time to recognize and reflect on the contributions women have made to the nation’s history, civic life, an...
Why it matters: Each year in March, the United States observes Women’s History Month—a time to recognize and reflect on the contributions women have made to the nation’s history, civic life, an...
Donald Trump’s endorsement is the prize in Texas’s Republican Senate fight, and both camps know it. That matters because in a close primary, Trump’s blessing can decide who gets...
Why it matters: Donald Trump’s endorsement is the prize in Texas’s Republican Senate fight, and both camps know it. That matters because in a close primary, Trump’s blessing can decide who gets...
A top Justice Department official said Trump’s team is worried about future investigations if Democrats regain power. That matters because it shows how much the White House is t...
Why it matters: A top Justice Department official said Trump’s team is worried about future investigations if Democrats regain power. That matters because it shows how much the White House is t...
California’s governor’s race could be warped by vote splitting before most voters even get to November. That matters because a crowded primary can hand the final ballot to the s...
Why it matters: California’s governor’s race could be warped by vote splitting before most voters even get to November. That matters because a crowded primary can hand the final ballot to the s...
A ransomware attack has knocked the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in Indiana completely offline. The office’s computers, Wi-Fi, and reporting systems were disabled, which mean...
Why it matters: A ransomware attack has knocked the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in Indiana completely offline. The office’s computers, Wi-Fi, and reporting systems were disabled, which mean...
University of Maryland students are set to vote in the Student Government Association presidential race next week. The race matters to campus life, but it is a local student ele...
Why it matters: University of Maryland students are set to vote in the Student Government Association presidential race next week. The race matters to campus life, but it is a local student ele...
A Republican lawmaker is calling for Senate Majority Leader John Thune to step aside while the government shutdown drags on. The demand shows how the shutdown has turned into a...
Why it matters: A Republican lawmaker is calling for Senate Majority Leader John Thune to step aside while the government shutdown drags on. The demand shows how the shutdown has turned into a...
Democrats are on a surprising winning streak in state legislative special elections. That matters because these races can hint at where voter anger and turnout are heading befor...
Why it matters: Democrats are on a surprising winning streak in state legislative special elections. That matters because these races can hint at where voter anger and turnout are heading befor...
Marco Rubio is trying to defend U.S. strategy on the Iran war while G7 allies question the White House’s message. The stakes are bigger than one meeting: when allies doubt U.S....
Why it matters: Marco Rubio is trying to defend U.S. strategy on the Iran war while G7 allies question the White House’s message. The stakes are bigger than one meeting: when allies doubt U.S....
The EPA is temporarily allowing sales of a higher-ethanol fuel blend to try to lower gas prices. It is a fast policy shift with real tradeoffs: relief at the pump now, and more...
Why it matters: The EPA is temporarily allowing sales of a higher-ethanol fuel blend to try to lower gas prices. It is a fast policy shift with real tradeoffs: relief at the pump now, and more...
A federal judge rejected the NCAA’s bid to stop DraftKings from using terms like “March Madness” and “Final Four” in betting promotions. The ruling keeps the door open for sport...
Why it matters: A federal judge rejected the NCAA’s bid to stop DraftKings from using terms like “March Madness” and “Final Four” in betting promotions. The ruling keeps the door open for sport...
A Shasta County election official known for questioning elections is now overseeing them. That matters because election systems only work when the people running them protect th...
Why it matters: A Shasta County election official known for questioning elections is now overseeing them. That matters because election systems only work when the people running them protect th...
California’s top-two primary could split the Democratic vote and open a path for Republicans in the governor’s race. That matters because the state’s election rules can shape th...
Why it matters: California’s top-two primary could split the Democratic vote and open a path for Republicans in the governor’s race. That matters because the state’s election rules can shape th...
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco says seizing more than 600,000 ballots was just “normal law enforcement.” That claim lands in the middle of a live fight over who gets to to...
Why it matters: Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco says seizing more than 600,000 ballots was just “normal law enforcement.” That claim lands in the middle of a live fight over who gets to to...
Virginia’s new state superintendent, Jenna Conway, got a warm bipartisan welcome at her first Board of Education meeting. That calm start matters because this job shapes how Vir...
Why it matters: Virginia’s new state superintendent, Jenna Conway, got a warm bipartisan welcome at her first Board of Education meeting. That calm start matters because this job shapes how Vir...
A 14-year-old has become the first teenager to land on Vermont’s general election ballot for governor. It is a small race with a big civic lesson: ballot rules decide who can ev...
Why it matters: A 14-year-old has become the first teenager to land on Vermont’s general election ballot for governor. It is a small race with a big civic lesson: ballot rules decide who can ev...
A national right-wing PAC is flooding Wisconsin school board races with outside money. That matters because local school boards control real decisions about classrooms, budgets,...
Why it matters: A national right-wing PAC is flooding Wisconsin school board races with outside money. That matters because local school boards control real decisions about classrooms, budgets,...
A Democrat won a Florida state House seat in Donald Trump’s home district, flipping a seat Republicans had held easily. The result matters because it shows a crack in GOP contro...
Why it matters: A Democrat won a Florida state House seat in Donald Trump’s home district, flipping a seat Republicans had held easily. The result matters because it shows a crack in GOP contro...
Donald Trump got called out in real time for attacking mail-in voting while admitting he used it himself. The clash matters because he is also pushing election rules that would...
Why it matters: Donald Trump got called out in real time for attacking mail-in voting while admitting he used it himself. The clash matters because he is also pushing election rules that would...
Virginia’s new gun bills are forcing Governor Abigail Spanberger into a fast and public test of power. The fight matters now because her response could shape state law, the gun...
Why it matters: Virginia’s new gun bills are forcing Governor Abigail Spanberger into a fast and public test of power. The fight matters now because her response could shape state law, the gun...
The Senate defeated an amendment that would have required photo ID to vote in person or by mail. The vote matters because voter ID rules can shape who gets to cast a ballot and...
Why it matters: The Senate defeated an amendment that would have required photo ID to vote in person or by mail. The vote matters because voter ID rules can shape who gets to cast a ballot and...
The Supreme Court is hearing a case that could change how election-day deadlines work in federal races. The outcome could affect whether states can count ballots received after...
Why it matters: The Supreme Court is hearing a case that could change how election-day deadlines work in federal races. The outcome could affect whether states can count ballots received after...
Graham Platner is leading early polls in Maine’s Democratic Senate primary. The race matters because it could help decide which party controls the U.S. Senate. The move: A new p...
Why it matters: Graham Platner is leading early polls in Maine’s Democratic Senate primary. The race matters because it could help decide which party controls the U.S. Senate. The move: A new p...
A South Carolina Republican is pushing a new federal rule that would force election vendors to disclose more about who they are and who owns them. The fight matters because it c...
Why it matters: A South Carolina Republican is pushing a new federal rule that would force election vendors to disclose more about who they are and who owns them. The fight matters because it c...
Donald Trump voted by mail in Florida just days after calling mail-in voting “cheating.” The contradiction matters because he still backs tougher voting rules while using the sa...
Why it matters: Donald Trump voted by mail in Florida just days after calling mail-in voting “cheating.” The contradiction matters because he still backs tougher voting rules while using the sa...
Spotsylvania supervisors are backing Career and Technical Education in words while cutting three school positions in the latest budget proposal. That matters because school budg...
Why it matters: Spotsylvania supervisors are backing Career and Technical Education in words while cutting three school positions in the latest budget proposal. That matters because school budg...
A Rapid7 investigation says a China-nexus threat actor has been planting stealthy backdoor access inside telecommunications networks. That matters because telecom systems carry...
Why it matters: A Rapid7 investigation says a China-nexus threat actor has been planting stealthy backdoor access inside telecommunications networks. That matters because telecom systems carry...
Alexandria City Public Schools is planning to make April 21 a student holiday. The timing is not random. It is meant to line up the school calendar with Virginia’s election day...
Why it matters: Alexandria City Public Schools is planning to make April 21 a student holiday. The timing is not random. It is meant to line up the school calendar with Virginia’s election day...
USC canceled a planned California governor debate after its candidate-selection rules left several Democrats off the stage. The fight matters because debate access shapes who ge...
Why it matters: USC canceled a planned California governor debate after its candidate-selection rules left several Democrats off the stage. The fight matters because debate access shapes who ge...
Rep. Darrell Issa is challenging how much discretion the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has over patent review decisions. The dispute matters because it could change how paten...
Why it matters: Rep. Darrell Issa is challenging how much discretion the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has over patent review decisions. The dispute matters because it could change how paten...
A former Trump immigration official clashed on CNN over whether ICE could be used near polling places. The debate matters because even the suggestion can chill voters and blur t...
Why it matters: A former Trump immigration official clashed on CNN over whether ICE could be used near polling places. The debate matters because even the suggestion can chill voters and blur t...
The U.S. Justice Department has charged three people with conspiring to smuggle sensitive artificial intelligence technology to China. The case matters because it shows how fast...
Why it matters: The U.S. Justice Department has charged three people with conspiring to smuggle sensitive artificial intelligence technology to China. The case matters because it shows how fast...
North Carolina Senate Leader Phil Berger has conceded after a recount confirmed he lost a Republican primary by 23 votes. That is not just a close race. It is a power shift that...
Why it matters: North Carolina Senate Leader Phil Berger has conceded after a recount confirmed he lost a Republican primary by 23 votes. That is not just a close race. It is a power shift that...
New Hanover County Schools is weighing whether students can leave campus during the school day for bible-based instruction. The decision could shape how public schools balance p...
Why it matters: New Hanover County Schools is weighing whether students can leave campus during the school day for bible-based instruction. The decision could shape how public schools balance p...
The Supreme Court appears likely to uphold a policy that lets the federal government turn back asylum seekers before they reach the U.S. border. A ruling like that would make it...
Why it matters: The Supreme Court appears likely to uphold a policy that lets the federal government turn back asylum seekers before they reach the U.S. border. A ruling like that would make it...
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has seized more than 650,000 ballots from California’s November election, and state officials say the move is wildly out of bounds. It matte...
Why it matters: Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has seized more than 650,000 ballots from California’s November election, and state officials say the move is wildly out of bounds. It matte...
A technical error at the IRS is obscuring $51 million in campaign contributions tied to state election groups. That matters because when the money trail goes fuzzy, voters, watc...
Why it matters: A technical error at the IRS is obscuring $51 million in campaign contributions tied to state election groups. That matters because when the money trail goes fuzzy, voters, watc...
The FCC approved Nexstar's $6.2 billion purchase of TEGNA, handing one company control over even more local TV stations. That matters because local news is one of the last share...
Why it matters: The FCC approved Nexstar's $6.2 billion purchase of TEGNA, handing one company control over even more local TV stations. That matters because local news is one of the last share...
Speaker Mike Johnson has delayed a key House vote on FISA reauthorization as Republican resistance grows over warrantless surveillance powers. The delay matters because Congress...
Why it matters: Speaker Mike Johnson has delayed a key House vote on FISA reauthorization as Republican resistance grows over warrantless surveillance powers. The delay matters because Congress...
The Justice Department has subpoenaed former FBI Director James Comey over his role in the 2017 intelligence assessment on Russian election interference. The move puts fresh foc...
Why it matters: The Justice Department has subpoenaed former FBI Director James Comey over his role in the 2017 intelligence assessment on Russian election interference. The move puts fresh foc...