A yearslong effort to convince Washington of religious persecution is shifting foreign policy toward the West African nation, with major consequences.

Hundreds of crashes were reported on highways throughout the region, as freezing temperatures were predicted in the overnight hours.

A Democrat won a state legislative special election in a district that President Trump carried by 17 percentage points, unnerving Republicans in Texas and beyond.

Democrats have struggled to raise money, as is often the case for the party out of power, but the depth of their financial hole against the Republican National Committee is noteworthy.

Materials released by the Justice Department revealed that leading business and political figures had enduring relationships with the disgraced financier.

The president and the top Senate Democrat, who are often at each other’s throats, agreed to try to keep the government open and to start talks on new limits on federal immigration agents.

Kendrick Lamar has the most nominations on Sunday, followed by Lady Gaga. But one week before his Super Bowl halftime show, the Puerto Rican superstar could make history.

The 32-year-old performer has spent years coming up as a singer and songwriter. On Sunday, he’ll compete for two top awards, album of the year and best new artist.

The nation’s mayors gathered in Washington this week, and Minneapolis has dominated the conversation.