President Obama?s choice to be transportation secretary, Mayor Anthony Foxx of Charlotte, N.C., zipped through a confirmation hearing on Wednesday before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

One of the world?s largest food companies offered its support on Wednesday for changes to the way the United States provides food aid to developing countries, adding critical agribusiness backing for President Obama's overhaul plans.

Virginia?s attorney general has appointed an outside prosecutor to investigate Gov. Bob McDonnell?s financial disclosures, in a widening scandal over a political donor.

President Obama will travel to Oklahoma on Sunday to inspect the damage from Monday's deadly tornado, which left two dozen people dead, and meet with victims from the ravaged communities, the White House announced on Wednesday.

Political news from today's Times and around the Web, plus a look at the latest happenings in Washington.

The White House's statement on Tuesday was an effort to distance itself from a case in which a Fox News correspondent was targeted as a possible "co-conspirator" in a leak investigation.

Ahead of President Obama's speech on drone policy, The Times's national security reporters will answer readers' questions about targeted killings and more.

President Obama announced that 10 individuals would serve on a nonpartisan commission created to address voting issues that plagued the 2012 elections.

Political news from today's Times and around the Web, plus a look at the latest happenings in Washington.

President Obama plans to meet President Xi Jinping of China next month for the first time since Mr. Xi's installation as the Chinese leader, as the two men try to address critical issues like North Korea, the global economy and allegations of state-sponsored cyber attacks.