Washington Policy Watch

The Trump Administration's proposed $70,000 fee per international student for OPT work authorization targets what DHS calls a "pipeline for cheap...

The Labor Department withdrew its 2025 proposal to strip over 450 FLSA interpretive rules from the CFR, restoring stability for compliance efforts.

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The FCC will vote October 29 on rules ending Chinese lab recognition for electronics certification, citing national security risks and lack of...

Can permit reform convert bipartisan affordability rhetoric into faster energy and infrastructure builds?

• The Bipartisan American Affordability...

Democrats are expanding coordinated ad buys into four more Trump-won districts as part of a $13 million push across 39 races, signaling aggressive...

• Gallup poll shows trust in executive branch at record 33% low, down 8 points from last year.
• AP-NORC survey finds 56% of Americans say Trump...

• Consumers keep spending despite tariffs, oil prices and borrowing costs, propping up the economy.
• Real wages fell as pay rose 3% but inflation...

The United States' welcome of ongoing Syrian progress on political, humanitarian, and security priorities points to sustained diplomatic engagement and measured optimism about the country's transition.

A federal judge vacated the Trump administration’s nationwide voter-list maintenance policy, ruling the Justice Department exceeded its authority by...

Trump's low approval ratings, voter concern over high prices, and dissatisfaction with the Iran war have fueled expectations of Democratic midterm gains, yet analysts point to six reasons these advantages may prove insufficient.

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to immediately cancel remaining taxpayer-funded ads that glorify the president and echo his political...

Key regional developments show varied institutional responses to migration and asylum:

• Uruguay created a permanent residency route for pre-2026...

• Markets price just 19% odds of an October hike but fully expect one by December, with CPI as the key test for the Fed's non-consecutive stance.
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Two takes clash on why voters feel the economy stings under Trump.

• Article 1 argues anti-Trump media fuels false pessimism, citing positive GDP...

Emergency oil releases from the US SPR and IEA stocks are suppressing prices amid the Hormuz crisis but have pushed global inventories near...

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 7.4% for the seventh straight week as the 10-year Treasury yield hit 5.28%, pushed higher by fiscal deficits,...

• Trump's push for Fetterman to join Republicans reflects GOP fears of losing Senate majority next month.
• Fetterman's splits with Democrats on...

Just one-quarter of registered voters approve of Trump's handling of jobs and the economy, with roughly one-fifth backing his inflation approach. This persistent weakness on core economic issues stands out as a clear drag on his overall popularity.

Rhode Island's hemp market, which hit $2.85 million in sales last year with drinks making up 83 percent, now confronts a federal ban capping THC at...

The Justice Department is investigating whether the TV press pool's decision to halt presidential coverage after the White House barred CNN, Politico...