All Politics
First LookAmerica needs a commission on Jan. 6 riot, says the HouseOn Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would establish a 10-member independent commission to make recommendations for preventing another insurrection. The bill faces strong opposition from Republicans in the Senate.
First LookUS Child Tax Credit: Why it could become permanentThe COVID-19 relief bill passed in March includes a monthly stipend for parents ranging from the poorest to the middle class. The payments will be in place for one year starting July 15, but if successful in reducing poverty, could become a permanent part of the American safety net.
First LookCongress agrees: Hate crimes against Asian Americans must stopA bipartisan bill in support of Asian Americans will expedite the review of hate crimes at the Justice Department and make grants available to local law enforcement to improve their response to race-based crime reports. President Biden has said he will sign it.
First LookHow much did Joe and Jill Biden pay in 2020 taxes?President Biden and his wife, Jill, a teacher, earned $607,336 last year while he was running for president. That is down from $985,223 in 2019.
First LookAfter House GOP ouster, can Liz Cheney hold on to Wyoming seat?With Rep. Liz Cheney’s removal from House GOP leadership, attention is now turning to her seat in Wyoming. Already six Republicans plan to run against her, but ousting her there might prove difficult.
Is there a US gas shortage? Three questions about pipeline hack.The shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline system underscores the continued vulnerability of sections of the country’s infrastructure to foreign hackers.
FocusIs politics the new religion?For many Americans, politics has become imbued with a religious fervor – while at the same time, participation in organized religion has plummeted.
From lumber to labor, are we now in a ‘shortage economy’?For decades the general trend has been toward an economy of abundance, not shortages. At least for now, the story is suddenly different.
First LookUnder Garland, Justice Department focuses on civil rightsThe Justice Department under Merrick Garland has opened probes of police in Minneapolis and Louisville, Kentucky – and launched civil rights cases.
Restaurants are hiring, but where are the workers?The economy created a surprisingly low 266,000 jobs in April. One reason: a tight supply of workers to staff reopening industries like restaurants.
When a lawmaker’s conscience clashes with the party lineRep. Liz Cheney, No. 3 House Republican, has risked her political future by taking a stand against Donald Trump’s unproven claims of election fraud.
First LookLimits on voting are bad for the GOP too, say some RepublicansNew election restrictions on voting by mail and other voting processes backed by Republicans in several states could make it harder for older voters across the political spectrum to cast their ballots. Proponents argue the measures will boost public confidence in elections.
The ‘big lie,’ Liz Cheney, and the future of the Republican PartyThe GOP has made rejecting the results of the 2020 election central to the party’s future – with ramifications from voting laws to its own leadership.
[special project]Respect: Is it the glue a polarized nation needs?Respect is a core civic value to American democracy, but it can also be used as a tool of repression. How can it knit together a fractured nation?
First LookGOP continues to tighten voting laws despite corporate pressureRepublican lawmakers are moving ahead to tighten voting laws, making mail-in voting harder in several GOP-led states. Rebukes and statements from major corporations have done little so far to derail the proposals.
The ExplainerA debate over ending debate: Explaining the filibuster fightWith the Senate increasingly closely divided, frustration over the filibuster has grown. Is it an obstacle to progress or key to democracy?
World’s bankers take climate pledge. Will they follow through?The world needs an extra $1.6 trillion to $3.8 trillion per year to adapt and respond to climate change – making private sector money vital.
First LookIn Minnesota, strong civic duty helps retain Congress seatsOne state’s long history of civic engagement paid off in the 2020 census, helping it keep all of its congressional seats. Minnesotans, who had the highest rate of census participation, celebrated. “Never try and defeat Minnesota in a paperwork contest,” tweeted one.
Biden’s first 100 days: Promises kept, but challenges loomPresident Biden has followed through on many campaign promises – particularly on the pandemic. But he’s gotten relatively few bills through Congress.
Meet the gun owners who support (some) gun controlCould rise of suburban gun owner lead to compromise for gun safety?
