This is the introduction to Checks and Balance, a weekly, subscriber-only newsletter in which our writers turn their gaze to the latest political developments in America.

It was all treat and no trick as far as our Halloween weather went, and this weekend's weather looks just as good. Wet ...

Mike Rhoades had to build a roster on the fly when he was hired two seasons ago. He’s had to do it again in his third year where Penn State has one of the youngest groups in the country.

It might look different these days, but the Blackhawks still find ways to bond and take in some sights on the road.

Girls as young as 10 are sometimes legally wed here in the U.S., even as we tell other countries to end this cruel practice.

The family of a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who was “boiled alive” taking a too-hot shower during a trip is suing the hotel, claiming the scalding water led to his death.

Frances Schultz moved to 'The Hamptons of England' in her mid-60s, after selling her cottage in East Hampton. The Cotswolds, ...

California's vote Tuesday on whether to redistrict congressional seats could be important in determining who controls ...

While too much shouldn't be made out of off-year elections, the Nov. 4 election will be the first major electoral sign of the political mood and what voters think of the president.

On top of the expiring tax credit, health insurers in California are raising 2026 premiums for Covered California enrollees by 10% on average as the costs of delivering care rise — and more patients ...

A trial to decide the fate of the National Guard deployments in Oregon concluded Friday, leaving Portland residents, Trump administration officials and hundreds of soldiers in limbo as they await the ...

Since 2004, voters have approved 14 citizen-led efforts and rejected 15. Two more are on the ballot next week.