The Obsidian

The Politics Desk

Politics

Power, process, and the institutions reshaping public life.

5 articles · Page 1 of 1

Lead Story

Alex Murdaugh Wins a New Trial — and Reopens a Question About the Verdict

A South Carolina court has granted the disgraced attorney a new trial three years after his conviction for the murders of his wife and son. The decision turns less on guilt than on what jurors were allowed to hear — and from whom.

Politics

Mamdani Claims a $12 Billion Deficit Is Closed. The Question Is for How Long.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani presented a $124.7 billion executive budget on Thursday, arguing that aggressive savings, targeted taxes on the wealthy and state cooperation have erased a projected shortfall without cutting services or raising property taxes. Critics say the arithmetic leans heavily on one-time revenue and deferred costs.

Politics

The National Mood Has Turned. Will the Maps Save Republicans?

Polling and special-election results point to a difficult midterm for the GOP. Mid-decade redistricting in four states could blunt the damage — but it cannot fully cancel it.

More from the Desk

Four States, One Map, and the Voting Rights Act After the Court

Republican legislatures across the South are redrawing congressional districts after a Supreme Court decision narrowed minority-vote protections. The fights are local; the design is coordinated.

A Billion Dollars for the Ballroom: The Senate Weighs the Bill

Senate Republicans are debating whether to back President Trump's $1 billion request for security around the new White House ballroom complex. Some in the conference are calling the figure unjustifiable.

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