All Politics
Behind impasse in Congress: Rising deficits, record debtThe risk of a government shutdown has elements of political theater. But behind the unfinished drama are difficult challenges of debt and deficits.
First LookLaphonza Butler named to fill Feinstein’s U.S. Senate seatLaphonza Butler has been selected by Governor Newsom to fill the seat of Sen. Dianne Feinstein in the U.S. Senate. Ms. Butler will be the only Black woman serving in the Senate and the first openly LGBTQ+ person to represent California in the chamber.
First LookShutdown averted? House passes short-term funding plan, sends to SenateThe House’s swiftly-approved plan is now with the Senate, which is meeting late on Saturday with just hours to go before the midnight deadline to fund the government.
Freedom Caucus: The Fight Club of CongressLong a thorn in the side of GOP leaders, the group can’t agree on demands, reducing its influence. But key individuals have more leverage than ever.
Government shutdown: How did we get here, and what could it mean?The start of a new fiscal year is a time to hash out budget priorities. But those seeking to exert maximum leverage sometimes undermine the whole process – including their own goals.
First LookDianne Feinstein remembered for trailblazing, bridge-building careerSen. Dianne Feinstein of California, who died this week, was a skilled debater known for her sharp comebacks and ability to find middle ground. The oldest sitting U.S. senator served two mayoral terms in San Francisco during her decades-long career.
Reagan and Trump loom above second GOP debateThe second GOP presidential debate, at the Reagan Library, showed how far the current field has come from Mr. Reagan’s era. Former President Trump’s persona hovered, despite his absence.
Biden impeachment probe opens – the evidence so far“I am sitting here with my father,” opens one text message from Hunter Biden to a Chinese businessman. But so far, a Republican impeachment inquiry still awaits firm evidence of impropriety by Joe Biden.
First LookGovernment shutdown: What does it mean, who's hit, and what's next?The government shutdown will begin Oct. 1 if Congress is unable to pass a funding plan. Federal agencies will stop all actions deemed nonessential, millions of federal employees won’t receive paychecks, and many more will be furloughed.
In Michigan, Biden and Trump vie to be labor’s best friendBack-to-back appearances in Michigan by President Biden and former President Trump underscore the importance of working-class voters in the Midwest.
First LookSafer trains: New project aims to improve railways across 35 statesThe White House will fund 70 projects across the country to improve railway safety and connectivity. One project aims to restore passenger service in parts of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi for the first time since Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005.
First LookSen. Menendez faces new bribery charges after gold, cash found at homeNew Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez was indicted, with his wife, in an alleged bribery scheme involving gold bars, hidden cash, and an Egyptian meat inspector. It comes nearly six years after an earlier criminal case against the Democrat ended in a mistrial.
First LookAs Congress stalls, Biden makes gun safety a priority with new officeWith Republican support for gun restrictions slipping, President Joe Biden is creating the first-ever federal office of gun violence prevention, headed by Vice President Kamala Harris. Firearms have killed over 1,200 children in the U.S. so far this year.
Zelenskyy asks Congress for more aid. This time, it’s a tougher sell.The Ukrainian president’s pitch comes as Congress heads toward a possible shutdown and 55% of Americans oppose additional aid to Ukraine.
First LookNo Labels urges for a bipartisan ‘unity ticket.’ Democrats disagree.Democrats worry a new political party will draw crucial independent votes away from Joe Biden in key swing states. With more than 15,000 voters already registered for No Labels in Arizona, critics say a candidate for the party would be “Jill Stein 2.0.”
First LookSenate confirms Joint Chiefs chair despite Tuberville's stallingGen. CQ Brown is set to succeed Gen. Mark Milley as chair of the senior military body. It’s a small victory for Democrats as Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville continues his holds on other military promotions over the Pentagon’s abortion policy.
First LookBiden approves legal status for Venezuelan migrants looking for workHundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants will be granted temporary legal status in the U.S., making it easier for them to get jobs. That’s been a key demand of mayors and governors struggling to provide for an increased number of migrants in their care.
New York’s immigrant spirit tested by influx of asylum-seekersFaced with its biggest migrant influx since Ellis Island, New York City finds itself grappling with how to provide funding and compassion.
First LookClimate Corps: Biden creates 20,000 green jobs for young adultsPresident Joe Biden is using executive power to create a New Deal-style American Climate Corps. The White House says the program will employ 20,000 young adults who will build trails, plant trees, help install solar panels, and help prevent wildfires.
Pressed on abortion, Republican candidates adaptAfter overturning Roe v. Wade, the GOP faces a more complex political battleground – with some candidates urging more moderate stances on abortion.
