Beltway Confidential

Network of Enlightened Women 2026 Essay Contest college winner

Dameiya McMillian · April 27, 2026 6:00 am

Network of Enlightened Women 2026 Essay Contest high school winner

Jared Kushner, left, and Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy for Peace Missions listen as Vice President JD Vance speaks during a news conference after meeting with representatives from Pakistan and Iran, Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Islamabad, Pakistan. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)

What happens the day after tomorrow in Iran?

An Iranian Shahed exploding drone launched by Russia flies through the sky

Why Russia is bombing Ukraine in daylight

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Why the CIA deaths are a problem for Mexico

President Donald Trump holds an executive order.

The Trump administration is powering the nuclear renaissance

Steven Taff February 20, 2026 10:17 am

A woman wearing a face mask walks quickly through crowds of Taliban fighters and supporters during celebrations marking the fourth anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal and the start of Taliban rule in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025.

Taliban faces new US pressure on hostages

Beth Bailey February 20, 2026 6:00 am

In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te speaks during a press conference on "Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership" in Taipei, Taiwan on Feb. 3, 2026. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP)

Will Trump choose Xi’s favor or Taiwan’s defense?

Daniel DePetris February 20, 2026 6:00 am

Late-night host Stephen Colbert.

Stephen Colbert desperately wants to be a censorship martyr

Zachary Faria February 19, 2026 1:56 pm

Donald Trump

The NRA fires back at Trump administration

Steven Taff February 19, 2026 8:52 am

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy waves as he prepares to address the audience during a session at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.

Why Russia keeps playing games in Ukraine peace talks

Ani Chkhikvadze February 19, 2026 6:00 am

Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril Industries, during an interview on "The Circuit with Emily Chang" at Anduril's headquarters in Costa Mesa, California, US, on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. Anduril recently beat several legacy defense players in a contest for a major contract to develop an unmanned fighter jet for the US Air Force and is now valued at $8.5 billion.

Anduril’s defense industry insurgency

James Rogan February 19, 2026 6:00 am

Norwegian research vessel RV Kronprins Haakon navigates through sea ice.

Norway’s Svalbard is a Trojan horse for China and Russia

Michael Rubin February 18, 2026 6:00 am

Al Sharpton talks to Rev. Jesse Jackson during the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Jesse Jackson was not controversial, or liberal, according to the obituaries

Timothy P. Carney February 17, 2026 4:53 pm

A crane and a construction site are shown in front of the skyline in San Francisco.

San Francisco judge considers no jail time for killing a family of four

Zachary Faria February 17, 2026 2:01 pm

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban.

Trump and Rubio campaign for Viktor Orban, Xi’s European pet

Tom Rogan February 17, 2026 1:16 pm

Charles Ray Gibbs drives an old tractor along a fence at Gibbs Farm in 2024.

A simple bar — and bill — can save a farmer’s life

Rep. Randy Feenstra, Kip Eideberg February 17, 2026 12:00 pm