All Politics
First LookIn speech, Biden leans into spending, democracy, and a restartIn his address to Congress, U.S. President Joe Biden stressed the nation’s ongoing emergence from COVID-19 as proof that American democracy still works. He also laid out a $1.8 trillion spending bill that would invest in children, families, and education.
First LookNo, Joe Biden will not take away your hamburgers“Why doesn’t Joe stay out of my kitchen?” asked Rep. Lauren Boebert from Colorado. For a week, conservative media outlets spread the lie that President Joe Biden wants to limit Americans to one hamburger a month as part of his climate agenda.
Biden redefined ‘bipartisan.’ GOP moderates say it leaves them out.Can a bill be bipartisan if it passes with only Democratic votes? White House says yes, if it includes GOP ideas and Republican voters support it. GOP lawmakers aren’t so sure.
First LookWhy the GOP chose Tim Scott to respond to Joe BidenTim Scott is a Republican senator. He’s also Black and willing to talk about race – something national GOP leadership often downplays. Will Mr. Scott use his perch to deliver a strong message after Mr. Biden’s address to Congress?
First LookKamala Harris' first 100 days: A supportive second-in-commandVice President Kamala Harris used to be one of President Joe Biden’s rivals. Now, as she tackles some of the new administration’s toughest tasks, she has become a prominent advocate of – and contributor to – his policies.
The ExplainerWhy California’s governor is facing a recall vote. Three questions.The recall election is the first big test of how voters are feeling coming out of the worst health crisis in a century. Other governors are watching.
First LookBiden's address to Congress: How will he reach across the aisle?President Joe Biden is set to deliver his first speech to the U.S. Congress amid persistent political division. Many Republicans are expected to be absent, but the White House says the president’s focus will be on engaging with voters.
D.C. statehood: Advancing the cause of Democrats? Or democracy?Those pushing for statehood say it’s undemocratic for D.C. residents to have no voting members in Congress. Those opposed see a partisan power play.
First LookHouse to vote on Washington DC's bid for statehood, againLegislation that would make Washington D.C. a state is up again for a vote in the House. While proponents see D.C. statehood as an issue of democracy and even racial justice, opponents say it was not what the Founding Fathers intended.
Biden wants to tackle climate change. His pitch is all about jobs.When President Joe Biden introduced his $2 trillion infrastructure plan, he mentioned “climate” only once and jobs 28 times.
First LookMore voting restrictions? GOP pushes to cut ballot drop boxes.During the pandemic, drop boxes offered a convenient solution for many voters. But new voting laws in some Republican-led states could reduce the number of ballot boxes, as Republicans cite security concerns.
The ExplainerHow Biden is boosting cyber defenses against Russia and ChinaSanctions against Russia are just part of a rising U.S. response to major breaches attributed to hackers from other nations.
Donald who? Lower-profile Trump still has grip on GOP.Trump’s popularity with the base makes him odds-on favorite to be the GOP nominee, should he choose to run again. For now, the focus is on 2022.
First LookClosing the gender pay gap: Are lawsuits the way forward?Republicans say laws already on the books already outlaw pay discrimination. But Democrats, arguing existing laws aren’t doing enough, have passed a bill in the U.S. House that would make it easier to sue companies accused of paying women less than men.
Why Democrats are getting bolder on tax hikesFor decades, Democrats feared being labeled as the party of “tax and spend.” Now many see a political opening to act.
The ExplainerAt US border, a surge in migrants young and old: Three questions.A border influx caught the Biden administration off guard. Some experts say a near-crisis is less about numbers of people than how the U.S. responds.
FocusHow voting bills put GOP and corporations on opposing sidesAs Georgia voting bill shows, corporations from Coca-Cola to Ford are increasingly going against GOP leadership over questions of rights and justice.
First LookMost Americans want tougher gun laws. Why is it so hard to change?In the wake of yet more gun-related violence in recent months, President Joe Biden has announced limited measures to tackle the problem. Why tougher gun laws are hard to enact despite widespread public support.
Biden aid for Black farmers: The view from one Louisiana farmRacial equity toward farmers is an overt goal of President Biden’s pandemic relief. For many Black farmers, the aid only begins to address the gaps.
First LookWith racial justice in mind, US rethinks highwaysWhen interstate highways were built they often sliced through Black neighborhoods, disrupting and devastating thriving communities. Now, there is increasingly political will – and, potentially, congressional funding – to reroute those expressways.
