In much of rural America, the postal route and the prescription supply chain are one and the same. New research shows how changes to USPS are impacting mail-order pharmacies and the reach of America's health system.

For The Current, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear discusses the “biggest threat to rural health care in my lifetime,”—the challenges facing rural health systems and how they shape economic opportunity in America's rural communities.

"There is a reason why conservative parties in virtually every other advanced democracy have accepted a substantial government role in ensuring universal health insurance coverage: There is no alternative," writes E.J. Dionne.

A proposed data center in Tucker County, WV has sparked debate: Can tech investment coexist with a creative economy and natural beauty? Host Tony Pipa explores how local voices are shaping the future of their community.

"Because there is no precise definition of 'public interest,' the FCC has broad discretion that ultimately comes down to the decision of one person: its chairman, Brendan Carr," Tom Wheeler wrote in September.

In a short video, Ben Bernanke and Janet Yellen explain why maintaining the independence of the Fed is so important to U.S. prosperity. Via @brookings.edu www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeIA...

Strategic imagination in U.S. foreign policy has faded amid global tensions. Michael O’Hanlon proposes a four-part agenda to address territorial disputes, tech risks, transnational threats, and poverty.

The Trump administration’s National Security Strategy moves away from great-power competition with China and Russia, prioritizing the Western Hemisphere, immigration, and trade. Experts examine the implications for U.S. foreign policy.

The older a student was in the first year of COVID-related school disruptions, the steeper the decline in proficiency—particularly for math. Explore new interactive data from Lauren Bauer and Eileen Powell.

We're hosting a @brookings.edu event on Russia sanctions and lessons to be learned next week on Tuesday, December 16, from 10:15 am to noon. Speakers include @whitehouse.senate.gov, @simonhrjohnson.bsky.social, 4 ambassadors from Europe and @econharris.bsky.social. www.brookings.edu/events/asses...

Does it matter at what age a child experienced the COVID shock for subsequent learning? Eileen Powell and I have taken a first stab by looking at math and English proficiency by grade cohorts. The answer: yep. www.hamiltonproject.org/publication/...

Australia just became the first country to ban social media for children under 16. Nicol Turner Lee and co-authors unpack how social media bans may affect children and offer guidance for policymakers.

1/3 of the American middle class cannot afford the cost of basic necessities as of 2023, a new report by Andre Perry reveals. Perry unpacks the data and offers policy solutions at both the local and national level.

Call for papers: The annual Municipal Finance Conference @brookings.edu (July 2026) . Looking for papers on the muni bond market and state and local fiscal and economic policy issues. www.brookings.edu/centers/the-...

What to make of Trump's 2025 National Security Strategy? My colleagues and I weigh in: www.brookings.edu/articles/bre... @brookings.edu #NSS2025

Negotiation efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war have, thus far, been unsuccessful. Fiona Hill and Thomas Wright joined The Current to discuss Putin’s negotiation tactics, battlefield realities, and Ukraine’s path forward.

How is AI changing the way the Department of Defense operates? A new case study examines how the DoD deploys AI and the broader implications for U.S. security and technology policy.

AI tools are now part of everyday life—57% of respondents in a new survey use AI for personal purposes, and 40% report increased use over the past year. Brookings’ analysis offers insights into which groups use AI most, the tasks they rely on it for, and the concerns shaping public attitudes.

Policymakers increasingly classify economic activities as “national security,” but broad definitions risk ineffective policy. A new framework by Michael O’Hanlon, Marta Wosińska, Mark Muro, and Thomas Wright identifies supply chains most critical—and vulnerable—across 16 sectors.

COVID-19 revealed a vulnerability in pediatric health care: reliance on family routines. A new report by Elena Patel highlights why pediatric care systems must be designed for resilience and offers practical solutions for the future.

Some states are offering grants and loans to help homeowners strengthen roofs and make homes more resilient to extreme weather. Chase Perry and David Wessel explain why—and explore examples of this support from states across the country.

How do supply-side disruptions shape inflation? A new report by Wendy Edelberg provides a systematic framework for understanding these supply shocks and their economic impact. Explore the taxonomy and key findings 👇

AI is accelerating workplace change, but which jobs will feel the biggest impact? On the latest episode of the Brookings Podcast on Economic Activity, experts discuss their findings and the policy implications of AI's growing impact.

Historic workforce cuts have put the federal government to the test: Can it still deliver essential services? Elaine Kamarck's new research examines where downsizing stands as of fall 2025.

Sudan’s civil war has triggered one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world. In a new episode of The Current, experts discuss the roots of the war, the humanitarian emergency, and prospects for peace 🎧

As AI adoption accelerates, so does demand for data centers—and their water use. Joseph W. Kane explores the trade-offs and offers policy solutions to balance innovation with sustainability.

OpenAI’s call for federal support of AI infrastructure echoes the 19th-century railroad boom. Tom Wheeler urges policymakers to ensure public investment leads to open, nondiscriminatory access—essential for innovation and competition in the AI economy.

The U.S. employment records system is due for an upgrade. A new report by Eduardo Levy Yeyati and co-authors explores how countries around the globe modernized their systems—and what the U.S. can learn.

The itemized medical deduction (IMD) was meant to ease the burden of high medical costs—but most households don’t benefit. Gopi Shah Goda outlines how the IMD works, why it falls short, and what reforms could make it more equitable.

The U.S. still tracks work using systems built for the Great Depression. Marcela Escobari outlines how modernizing employment records could help workers, employers, and policymakers navigate economic disruption more effectively.

The itemized medical deduction (IMD) was meant to ease the burden of high medical costs—but most households don’t benefit. Gopi Shah Goda outlines how the IMD works, why it falls short, and what reforms could make it more equitable.

AI is reshaping military strategy—but without governance, it could escalate crises. Melanie W. Sisson and co-authors outline practical steps the U.S. and China can take to reduce AI-powered military risks.

Are we on the edge of an AI bubble? Darrell M. West outlines six key indicators—from investment levels to public trust—that could signal whether the AI boom is sustainable or headed for a bust.

Despite bold optics, Syria’s post-Assad transition remains fragile. Aslı Aydıntaşbaş and Dafna H. Rand argue that U.S. engagement must go beyond slogans to support inclusive governance, security reform, and reconstruction.

Sudan is facing the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, driven by a war that is weaponizing aid and terrorizing civilians. Jeffrey Feltman examines the RSF and SAF’s brutal tactics—and what Washington’s “Quad” diplomacy must do next.

Enhanced ACA subsidies are set to expire at the beginning of next year—what does that mean for Americans, insurers, and health care providers? Matt Fiedler breaks it down on The Current. Listen at the link below or on your favorite podcast app.

Why is raising revenue via tariffs bad for the U.S. economy? How do tariffs reduce economic growth? @jaycshambaugh.bsky.social answers these questions and more in a new Hamilton Project explainer:

On a new episode of Reimagine Rural, Tony Pipa explores how civic collaboration is driving economic transformation in a small town in Maine. Listen online here or on your favorite podcast app 🎧

COP30 is happening now in Belém, Brazil, where global leaders will assess progress on climate goals. Experts from across Brookings weigh in on what we should expect from this year’s summit—and what’s at stake.

Latino entrepreneurs are driving job creation and innovation across the U.S.—but sudden shifts in federal policy are threatening their progress. Tonantzin Carmona outlines how local leaders can respond with emergency infrastructure and long-term resilience strategies.

What do the 2025 off-year elections reveal about the political landscape heading into 2026 and 2028? Brookings experts break down key races, voter trends, and what it all means for both parties.

"A tariff is a tax; by definition, a tariff is the tax paid by an importer for the right to import a product. When you tax something, you get less of it."

A novel take on why fertility rates are falling from the recent Brookings Papers on Economic Activity conference. My podcast interview with the authors. @brookings.edu www.brookings.edu/articles/are...

Syria is rebuilding under a new regime after 14 years of civil war. For The Current, Aslı Aydıntaşbaş and Mara Karlin discuss the country’s transformation, the challenges ahead, and what it means for U.S. policy.

The GENIUS Act sets a U.S. regulatory framework for stablecoins—but its impact will depend on how it's implemented. Nellie Liang outlines four key issues regulators must address, from capital standards to illicit finance risks.

How can domestic resource mobilization and climate adaptation finance advance gender equality? A new Brookings compendium explores innovations in public finance—from care investments to fiscal rule reform—designed to embed equity in economic policy.

The government shutdown revealed a major flaw in how the U.S. funds Native American Tribes. @robmaxim.bsky.social and co-authors outline why reform is needed—and what Congress can do to ensure stability.

This week, Brookings welcomed European Parliament President Roberta Metsola for a timely dialogue on responsible AI. From the EU AI Act to transatlantic policy, the conversation explored how innovation can uphold democracy and protect rights.

Happening now: Watch our discussion with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, moderated by @theatlantic.com writer Vivian Salama.

📅 Join @hamiltonproject.org today at 12:30p ET for a discussion on how recent policy changes could weaken SNAP’s role as an economic stabilizer during recessions, featuring Senator @amyklobuchar.com.