All Politics
For gun owners, a core belief: guns make us saferFor many gun owners, firearms are first and foremost a tool of protection. At Thunderbird Firearms Academy in Wichita, Kan., staff train civilians in highly realistic scenarios to practice defending themselves, their families, and their homes – even their workplaces.
First LookIllinois democratic primaries see spike in voter turnoutMore than 1.2 million people voted in Illinois' Democratic primary elections on Tuesday – the highest midterm showing in over a decade. Several long-term Democrats in the state faced fierce competition from relative political newcomers.
For Democrats, all that enthusiasm comes with risksDemocrats have been energized ever since President Trump’s election, leading to predictions of a ‘blue wave’ in the fall midterms. But too many candidates are leading to messy primaries – a challenge that’s particularly acute in California, where Democrats could actually box each other out.
In Illinois, Democrats face a test of big-tent valuesSeven-term Rep. Daniel Lipinski of Illinois, one of the last remaining anti-abortion Democrats in the House, is being challenged in Tuesday's primary by a more liberal newcomer. It's one of many intra-party fights between the party's energized left wing and those who say Democrats must move toward the center to recapture control of Congress.
On tariffs, many farmers break sharply with TrumpPresident Trump's soon-to-be implemented tariffs on steel and aluminum are driving up the cost of farm equipment, and could lead to retaliation from other countries against US agricultural exports, at a time when farmers are already being squeezed by historic low prices for crops.
White House turnover: the appeal and the risks for TrumpThe personnel changes are, in part, a sign of confidence. Trump is settling into the Oval Office. But analysts say one risk is less diversity of views surrounding the president.
First LookState gun control laws face uphill battles, study findsAn Associated Press review of bill activity in state legislatures before and after the Parkland, Fla., shooting shows that gun control legislation continues to strictly fall along party lines. This year, gun control bills are unlikely to pass in states beyond Florida.
In blue states, 'tax the rich' isn't so simple anymorePresident Trump's tax reform has put high-tax Democratic states in a quandary: Should they tax more as Uncle Sam taxes less? Or will that push the rich to leave?
In a Trump-country squeaker, some Democrats see a blueprintThe main takeaway from Tuesday's special election for a House seat outside of Pittsburgh: Democrats can win back white, working-class voters by focusing intently on the issues they care about.
For suburban GOP lawmakers, new pressure on gunsIn Colorado's sixth district, the Republican incumbent is being challenged by a Democratic former Army Ranger who is calling for new gun control measures, as polls show public support for limiting access to guns is at the highest level in years.
What Tillerson's firing means: Three questionsIt’s no surprise that President Trump decided to part ways with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. The change raises larger questions about the administration’s approach to foreign policy – and the stability of the cabinet.
Can Pennsylvania Democrats crack the code in Trump country?Unions are making a big push in a nail-biter special election that highlights issues from tariffs to taxes to guns. But many voters say they care most about character.
First LookTaking page from Trump, Pennsylvania candidates withhold tax returnsPresident Trump broke 40 years of tradition when he refused to release his tax returns during his presidential campaign. Now, all three Republican gubernatorial candidates in Pennsylvania are following suit, in what transparency advocates say could be a growing trend.
The ExplainerWhy Trump takes a hard line on steel and aluminumA global glut of steel and aluminum puts pressure on a domestic industry that the president says is vital for national security. He says tariffs will push back against unfair trade practices, but critics worry about 'trade war' risk.
In Texas midterms, 'blue wave' may look more like a rippleTuesday's primaries brought a show of enthusiasm among Democrats in the Lone Star State not seen in years. But it still may not be enough for them to win a single statewide race.
Suing California: What Washington's move means for future conflictsOn its face the lawsuit is simply the latest move in an ongoing battle between the Trump administration and state of California. It also highlights the way partisan political agendas have grown entangled in court decisions.
First LookRepublicans show new support for gun control in close congressional racesA majority of Republicans in tight congressional races are now expressing support for gun control, according to a Reuters review of public statements. Of the 11 incumbents up for reelection in 2018, six have publicly embraced new measures since the Feb. 14 shooting in Parkland, Fla.
First LookTexas primary spurs flurry of activity at the pollsOn Tuesday, state primary elections in Texas saw exceptionally high voter turnout – especially among Democrats dissatisfied with President Trump. The night also proved decisive for women and Latinos, with record numbers of candidates from both groups.
FocusWill NRA follow the path of Big Tobacco?In the wake of the Parkland, Fla., school shooting, some say gun control activists should adopt the tools used against tobacco – from liability lawsuits to ad campaigns 'deglamorizing' consumer usage. But there are key differences between the two industries.
First LookDemocrats hope for a blue wave in Texas midterm primariesLittle-known Democratic candidates are lining up to topple Republican incumbents in efforts to end the nation's longest losing streak: A Democrat hasn't won any of Texas' 29 statewide offices since 1994.
