(Tierney L. Cross | The New York Times) Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks at a news conference on the Epstein Files Transparency Act outside the Capitol in Washington, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Reps.

The details can vary but they follow a similar playbook, whether it starts with a romantic relationship or online friendship or a seemingly innocent wrong number text out of the blue.

From affordability and labor rights to gun policy — as well as public safety and gubernatorial vetoes — 2025 proved to be one ...