All Politics
Can Trump counter Mueller by handing out pardons?Presidential pardon power is so broad, some legal scholars say, it even allows for pardons issued with 'corrupt intent.' Now, Democrats are moving to head off any potential efforts by President Trump to wield the power in ways that might undercut federal investigations.
- A farm-bill flap over the terms, and reach, of food assistance
A historically high number of Americans rely on federal food assistance. Supporters say food stamps offer compassion to the most needy. Critics say that with the US unemployment rate at its lowest level in 18 years, a higher form of compassion is a job.
First LookUrban Democrats see new opportunities in midterm electionsWhile President Trump still has a strong following in rural regions, his support in urban areas is less certain. From Dallas to Cincinnati, Democrats are counting on changing demographics to help flip increasingly purple urban districts.
Monitor BreakfastBob Corker’s relationship with President Trump: It’s complicatedSenator Corker told reporters at a Monitor Breakfast that he has a ‘very warm relationship’ with the president, but questions his colleagues who aren’t conflicted over the Trump presidency.
As its beaches recede, Florida shores up private ownershipA new law passed in March sets limits on public access to private beaches. Some conservatives say private beaches should be sacrosanct, pitting them against advocates for customary-use access along Florida's coastline.
- Churches struggle with their #MeToo moment
The #MeToo movement has forced Hollywood, Washington, and Wall Street to grapple honestly with patterns of sexual harassment and abuse. Many churches are still struggling to embrace such introspection and the disruption it brings.
First LookSenate to allow infants into the chamberThe tradition-bound institution voted to allow newborns of senators into the chamber. Though the rules change passed without issue, some senators voiced private concerns about allowing infants inside the chamber.
Even at Starbucks? A conversation grows about hidden racial bias.Two black men were waiting for a friend, but not making a purchase, in one of the most overtly progressive corporations in the nation. Their arrest, shared widely on social media, puts fresh focus on the challenge of latent racism.
Monitor BreakfastWhy Bob Corker is bucking GOP tribalism, in a Tennessee traditionAt a Monitor breakfast, Tennessee’s retiring US senator sang the praises of the Democrat who hopes to succeed him, former Gov. Phil Bredesen. Their bipartisan collaborations go way back.
'A real rock:' The one-of-a-kind warmth and steel of Barbara BushMrs. Bush, who died yesterday, was one of the most popular first ladies in US history. She straddled a time when wives of presidents were evolving from a helpmeet model of the past to a more engaged, issue-oriented spouse.
First LookSome California communities say no to 'sanctuary state'After the Justice Department sued California over its so-called 'sanctuary state' laws that seek to protect undocumented immigrants, some Republican pockets in the otherwise Democratic state are siding with the federal government.
Legal question swirls around Trump: What constitutes obstruction of justice?In a new book, former FBI Director James Comey blasts President Trump over obsession with personal loyalty and possible obstruction of justice. But some scholars say presidents have wide authority over things like investigations and firing officials.
Forget prom king – they're running for governorIn Kansas, a lack of a minimum age requirement for gubernatorial candidates has led at least six teenagers to throw their hats in the ring – another example of the surging youth movement in politics today.
Mueller probe: As Trump mulls retaliation, where do Republicans draw the line?Some GOP strategists aren’t so sure that a Trump move against Mueller's supervisor, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, would spark a massive uproar among most Republicans on Capitol Hill.
First LookGun control advocates to send voter registration birthday packages to teensA group of organizations including the Giffords Law Center is planning on distributing voter registration forms to teens as they turn 18. The effort seeks to motivate a demographic that has traditionally been less politically active to participate in November's elections.
First LookCalifornia agrees to send troops to Mexican border, but limits their scopeCalifornia Gov. Jerry Brown announced that he would cooperate with President Trump's call for National Guard fortifications along the US-Mexico border, but refused to authorize officers to assist in immigration enforcement.
First LookAnchorage takes historic step toward challenging bathroom billsThe city of Anchorage is set to be the first US voting jurisdiction to defeat a referendum restricting access to public bathrooms based on gender assigned at birth. With only several hundred votes left to be counted, opponents of the measure have claimed victory.
Zuckerberg testimony: a tipping point for new privacy regs?Even Facebook's founder says regulation of social media platforms is 'inevitable.' A new EU privacy law may also push corporations to adopt similar practices universally.
Speaker Ryan to retire: What that says about the GOP, midtermsA young speaker who is third in line to the presidency is willingly leaving the nexus of power when his party controls the White House, the Senate, and the House. The timing is notable for what it signals about a divided GOP and the approaching midterm elections.
First LookMost US legislatures keep no public sexual harassment recordsThe majority of state legislatures have no publicly available records of any sexual misconduct claims over the past decade. Lawmakers say a failure to confront the problem causes victims to hesitate from coming forward.
