What Stories Will Take Center Stage in 2026

With 2026 approaching, a range of political, global and cultural developments are poised to shape the year ahead. CommPRO revisited a panel of journalists and communications professionals to gather their perspectives on the stories likely to drive news cycles and public conversation in the new year.

Ellen Ferrera, contributing writer for the Moultrie County News-Progress, believes the release of the Epstein files will command significant attention.

“America awaits what the files will reveal, and this could dominate coverage for months,” Ferrera says.

She also notes that rulings from the Supreme Court on tariff policy and redistricting challenges are expected to be major storylines heading into the midterms.

“The elections themselves will be a defining story and will set the course for Congress and the final two years of the administration,” she adds.

Ferrera sees America’s 250th anniversary as another key moment in 2026.

“It will be interesting to see how the country approaches such an important milestone,” she says.

Other issues she expects to shape the year include decisions on Medicare, taxes and cost-of-living adjustments, along with the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza. She also anticipates widespread interest in the 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

On the world stage, Ferrera believes health updates regarding King Charles will continue to draw significant global attention.

Ferrera also suggests that political developments may take unexpected turns in 2026, depending on public sentiment and the outcomes of the midterm elections.

Veteran journalist Richard Greb, who has reported for Reuters, the Associated Press and the Chicago Tribune, agrees that the midterms will dominate headlines.

“Historically, the opposition party tends to perform well in midterms, and combined with current polling, Democrats may have momentum,” he says.

Greb expects artificial intelligence and robotics to continue reshaping the economy as companies adopt new technologies to cut costs and restructure operations.

Greb also believes national events such as the 250th anniversary and the World Cup may offer moments of unity.

In sports, Mark Perlman, adjunct professor of public relations at Columbia College Chicago, anticipates that gambling-related scandals will grow as more leagues confront betting integrity issues.

“What we’ve seen in baseball and basketball is likely to expand,” he says. “Congress may feel pressure to act.”

From a Gen Z perspective, Jayla Griggs, an honors student at Columbia College Chicago, expects political news to dominate youth-focused media conversations.

“2026 will bring heightened political discourse, and with approval ratings shifting, there will be increased scrutiny of leadership,” she says.

Griggs also believes that the president’s health and fitness to serve will become a more frequent topic in news and social discussions.

“As the year progresses, it will likely become a larger part of the conversation,” she notes.

For communicators, the year ahead will demand agility, careful message framing and a sharp understanding of public sentiment. Political shifts, legal developments, global conflicts, cultural milestones and economic pressures will shape the narratives audiences care about most. Those who monitor emerging signals, prepare thoughtfully and respond with clarity will be best positioned to guide organizations through a defining year.