Opinion | Joe Manchin Doesn’t Know What He’s Missing

Infrastructure isn’t about the price tag. It’s about what the money gets us.

Struggle for Control of Afghanistan Comes to K Street

Ahmad Massoud, a leading figure in the resistance to Taliban rule, hired a lobbyist to seek military and financial support in the United States.

Opinion | How Bitcoin Can Immunize America From Cancel Culture

The confluence of tech and finance has produced a nascent soft social credit system. Digital currency may be the only way out.

Opinion | Democrats Continue to Struggle With Men of Color

The idea of always playing defense and never offense is, well, offensive.

Drug Plan Fails, Signaling Thorny Path for Democrats’ $3.5 Trillion Bill

Senior Democrats said they could still preserve elements of their plan to lower prescription drug prices, but they have little room for defections, and divisions remain on that and other issues.

U.S. Booster Policy Is in Flux as Studies Add to Dissent

A week before President Biden’s plan is to roll out, scientists are at odds about whether extra coronavirus shots are needed and for whom.

Durham Is Said to Seek Indictment of Lawyer at Firm With Democratic Ties

The lawyer, Michael Sussmann, is accused of lying to the F.B.I. in a 2016 meeting about Trump and Russia. He denies wrongdoing.

Republicans, Wary of Political Fallout, Steer Clear of Rally for Riot Suspects

The “Justice for J6” rally planned for Saturday on Capitol Hill has presented a dilemma for Republicans, who are toiling to avoid dredging up memories of the Jan. 6 riot.

Opinion | Why Are We Still Going Great Guns?

The subject is guns. The password is safety.

Democrats’ Stumble on Drug Prices Shows Power of Industry

An attempt in the House to take a bite out of drug companies meets resistance.

As G.O.P. Digs In on Debt Ceiling, Democrats Try Shaming McConnell

Senator Mitch McConnell says Republicans will not support raising the federal borrowing limit. Weeks before a potential default, Democrats do not appear to have a strategy for doing so.

New Study of Covid Booster Shots Fans Debate Over Benefits

Independent experts, including government scientists, were skeptical of the research from Israel, which included limited data over a short period.

Pentagon Asks Personnel to Report Any Symptoms of Mysterious Ailments

The episodes, known as Havana syndrome, have left spies, diplomats, soldiers and others with brain injuries.

2 Parties, 2 Maps: Democrats and Republicans Squabble on Redistricting

Two competing proposals advance, and the failure to compromise may pave the way for Democrats to step in and knock out Republican congressional seats.

Pope Weighs In on Calls to Deny Communion to Biden Over Abortion

“What must the pastor do?” Francis said when a reporter asked him about the subject. “Be a pastor, don’t go condemning.”

A.O.C.’s Met Gala Dress Triggered Strong Reactions

While some championed the provocation, the congresswoman’s “Tax the Rich” gown drew sharp statements from across the political spectrum.

Barbara Lee’s Long Quest to Curb Presidential War Powers Faces a New Test

The Democrat spent two decades building consensus to rein in war authorizations that have been stretched beyond their original intent. The Afghanistan withdrawal has complicated the debate.

Newsom’s Anti-Trump Recall Strategy Offers Republicans a Warning for 2022

California Democrats were able to nationalize the vote — thanks to an avalanche of money, party discipline and, above all, an easily demonized opponent.

Opinion | Abortion Has Never Been Just About Abortion

The way it became a “godsend” for the right is a peculiar tale.

Opinion | Abortion Has Never Been Just About Abortion

The way it became a “godsend” for the right is a peculiar tale.