All Politics
How Steve Bannon’s ‘war’ on GOP establishment could help Trump nowBy launching primaries against Republican senators, Steve Bannon could help the president keep the party in line on key votes. But the former White House aide’s gambit could backfire.
Trump and the nuclear button: Does presidential authority need curbs?The president’s behavior, including comments such as readiness to rain ‘fire and fury’ on North Korea, have prompted some public officials to voice concerns about the risk inherent in a single individual being able to order a strike.
First LookTrump rescinds support for bipartisan Senate health care dealPresident Trump reverses remarks he made earlier in the week and backs off support for a bipartisan health care deal, putting passage of the legislation in jeopardy.
Countering US-Russian acrimony, one dialogue at a timeUS-Russia ties may be at their worst in decades. But a meeting of ‘citizen diplomats’ from both countries highlighted the value of face-to-face conversations – and listening.
First LookModerate Republicans push for restoring health care subsidySen. Susan Collins (R) of Maine, among other moderate Republicans, search for a bipartisan path forward on health care after President Trump abruptly halted federal payments to insurers.
Maine's Susan Collins: Duty, bipartisan outlook drove decision to stay in SenateThe Republican senator is not running for governor because of the enormity of the issues facing the US and her role as a bridge builder, she told the Monitor in an exclusive interview.
Trump's move on Iran deal? At its core, a compromise with his cabinet.Trump decides to 'decertify,' but not scuttle, the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal, illustrating both how the president is at odds with his top advisers, and what are the limits of their influence.
Trump takes executive action against Obamacare, but at what political cost?An executive order could allow insurers to offer less-than-full medical coverage, which are likely to draw healthier Americans from more expensive plans that help subsidize coverage.
In Utah, major forest fire fuels push for state, not federal controlThe costliest fire in Utah's history came this summer, after locals had warned for years that the US Forest Service was mismanaging public land and making it more vulnerable to catastrophic blazes. Now state leaders are asking Washington to return that power to the states.
First LookDisaster aid for hurricanes, wildfires set to be approved by HouseDespite his criticisms of Puerto Rico, President Trump has requested aid for the territory hit hard by hurricanes, along with aid for Florida, Texas, and California. The House is set to approve $36.5 billion of disaster relief.
Presidential supporters: We are OK with an immigration dealRecent polls – and discussions with Americans who back the president – suggest an openness to Mr. Trump negotiating legislation that would allow young, undocumented DACA immigrants to stay in the US.
First LookMajority of Americans support Dreamers staying in the US, poll saysAmericans have largely negative opinions about President Trump's immigration policies, which include deporting Dreamers and building a wall along the US-Mexico border.
Could smaller, local measures offer a way forward on gun control?Examples that could serve as models range from state efforts to take guns from domestic abusers to intensive intervention with urban gangs. But implementation on a national scale could be a challenge.
FocusAmid Evangelical decline, growing split between young Christians and church eldersThe number of white evangelical Protestants fell from about 23 percent of the US population in 2006 to 17 percent in 2016, and only 11 percent are under 30, according to a survey of more than 100,000 Americans.
Will Senate lose its last remaining pragmatists?The departures of Republicans Susan Collins, John McCain, and Bob Corker – all known for working across the aisle – along with several red-state Democrats, would be another blow to the Senate's political center.
Combating fake news may force big changes at Facebook, TwitterAs social media giants and Google face pressure to counter manipulation of their political content, the task is to temper a data-driven emphasis on customer engagement with social responsibility.
First LookNew immigration principles could hinder DACA dealThe White House was expected to endorse principles of the Davis-Oliver bill, which aims to give local law enforcement officials the power to enforce immigration laws and allow states to write their own immigration legislation, among others.
First LookBudget plan sets the stage for Republican tax reformA budget plan passed the House, signaling another step toward the Republican's goal of tax reform. While it is intended to pave the way for the upcoming tax debates, it also promises major cuts to social programs.
Gun control: where glimmers of compromise may be appearingIn the wake of the Las Vegas massacre, a briefing on background checks, what's happening in Washington and state capitols, and initiatives at the retail level.
First LookSelf-driving cars face more obstacles than the ones on the roadSafety advocates are still holding up a 'stop' sign as lawmakers work to expand the self-driving car market in the US.
