American think tank in Washington, D.C., known for nonpartisan research across economics, governance, and foreign policy.
New data shows the Strait of Hormuz disruption has intensified energy shortages and raised costs across Asia and other regions. Governments are maintaining subsidies in some areas while facing higher oil prices, with ripple effects on fertilizer, electricity and food prices.
The bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act has cleared major hurdles in both chambers, capping single-family home purchases by large investors at 350 units and removing a seven-year sell-off requirement. The measure aims to boost housing supply and affordability while streamlining environmental reviews and funding housing initiatives.
The new SNAP cost-sharing rules require states with high payment error rates to cover a portion of benefit costs starting in October 2027. Several states face bill totals in the billions, raising the possibility that some may withdraw from the program. The Trump-era changes aim to curb waste, while critics warn of deeper harm to vulnerable families.
The Supreme Court has ruled that the president can remove leaders of most independent federal agencies, overturning the 1935 Humphrey’s Executor precedent, while carving out an exception for the Federal Reserve. The decisions leave Lisa Cook in place for now but open the door for presidents to exert new control over agencies such as the FTC, shifting regulatory power toward the White House.
A wave of new findings shows AI adoption is reshaping hiring and skill needs. High-intensity AI users are growing headcount, while AI-native firms are restructuring teams and boosting senior talent shares. Scottish businesses are adopting AI rapidly but face expertise and trust gaps. The evidence comes from Ramp/Revelio, Harvard/INSEAD, BCG, and national outlets.
President Donald Trump has overridden the NATO agenda at a summit in Ankara by pressing allies to boost defence spending, threatening trade with Spain, and floating withdrawal of US troops from Europe. He has also signalled he will lift sanctions on Turkey and is considering selling F‑35 jets and engines to Ankara, prompting Israeli and European alarm.
NATO leaders reaffirm an Article 5 commitment while European defence spending rises. Trump criticises allies over Iran war and defence budgets, threatening trade measures and debates over Greenland. Ukraine receives new aid and weapons deals are announced, but unity appears fragile as divisions persist.
Germany and France have stepped up cooperation on nuclear deterrence, with Berlin participating in a French-led exercise and reaffirming NATO commitments. The move signals deeper European defence self-reliance amid questions about U.S. security guarantees, while stressing that NATO’s umbrella remains intact.
California elections are facing scrutiny as the attorney general’s office revises the ballot title and summary for Prop. 39, prompting accusations of political bias. The revisions come amid nationwide debates about mail-in voting and postmark rules, with lawsuits and Democratic critiques highlighting how wording can steer voter perception.