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Politics team wrap-up: Snowy Iowa gears up for caucus nightWe’re entering the thick of a momentous election season, with Congress still hard at work on a budget and Donald Trump in court. Here’s the Monitor political team’s look at the key developments from this week.
First LookIn milestone for US cities, St. Paul’s new council is all womenMinnesota’s capital is the first major city in the United States to boast a city council entirely composed of women. Members of the new panel, St. Paul’s youngest and most ethnically diverse to date, say action on housing, climate, and safety is on the docket.
First LookBiden’s new loan cancellations will favor community college gradsThe Biden administration will start canceling student loans for some college graduates in February, six months ahead of schedule. The accelerated move will scrub debts for some borrowers who have made as few as 10 years of payments.
Will a skeptical GOP electorate trust the Iowa results?Iowa Republicans say Monday’s caucuses will be open and transparent. But any irregularities could cause big problems.
The Supreme Court’s suddenly blockbuster termThe word “unprecedented” gets tossed around a lot. But the Supreme Court finds itself with cases with no legal precedent to fall back on. And the rulings are likely to affect the 2024 election.
- The Supreme Court’s suddenly blockbuster term
The word “unprecedented” gets tossed around a lot. But the Supreme Court finds itself with cases with no legal precedent to fall back on. And the rulings are likely to affect the 2024 election.
Monitor BreakfastGetting to know Biden's budget director – over breakfastShalanda Young, director of the Office of Management and Budget, sat down with reporters at a Monitor breakfast to speak about a potential government shutdown and the need for bipartisan trust in budget negotiations.
First LookChristie’s exit leaves DeSantis and Haley sparring for second placeIn the last Republican debate before the Iowa caucuses, Gov. Ron DeSantis and former governor of South Carolina Nikki Haley traded barbs on CNN. Former President Donald Trump headlined a solo town hall on Fox.
FocusWill ‘Texas tough’ work in fighting fentanyl fatalities?Fentanyl is a leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 45. Texas is taking a largely tough-on-crime approach, while critics urge a new approach prioritizing addiction treatment and prevention.
Iowa 2024: Snow, cold, and candidates hoping for a hot streakDonald Trump’s historic lead is the dominant narrative in the GOP presidential race. But Iowa caucuses are an unpredictable process, and even strong second-place finishers can gain momentum there.
Are jobs the solution to New York’s migrant crisis?New York is trying to connect migrants with open jobs. Even when migrants earn work authorization, barriers to employment remain.
First LookSecretary Austin was hospitalized for days before Biden knew. Why?For three days, the White House was unaware that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was in the hospital, raising security questions about the chain of command. Now, the administration pledges to examine what went wrong and enact reforms.
Biden’s urgent task: Reengaging Black votersPresident Biden’s support from Black voters, a key to his 2020 presidential win, has waned. Is the challenge a broader one for the Democratic Party?
Community restores Compton bakery after street ‘takeover’Rioting, looting, and protests that turn violent often create challenges for a community. This city responded to one such test in a swift and positive way.
How does gerrymandering change US politics? Look at this district.The 1st Congressional District in South Carolina was trending blue. Now it’s deep red. In the change is the story of modern American politics.
Why foreign policy is no longer in Biden’s ‘win’ columnDefending democracy and opposing authoritarianism. Projecting leadership and coming to the aid of allies. President Joe Biden’s values-laden foreign policy has been a political asset ... until this challenging election year.
Monitor BreakfastCan government avoid a shutdown? Budget chief ‘not optimistic.’Shalanda Young, President Joe Biden’s top budget official, shared concerns about the possibility of a government shutdown during a Monitor Breakfast with reporters on Friday.
FocusHow public divide over Jan. 6 could shape 2024 – and beyondPerceptions of Jan. 6 aren’t just about the past. Diverging views of the Capitol riots may influence the political path ahead and trust in government.
Did US homicide rate rise or fall in 2023? The answer might surprise you.The U.S. homicide rate dropped by the most on record in 2023 – a welcome reversal after pandemic spikes in violence.
Harvard president steps down: Why charges of plagiarism still stickClaudine Gay stepped down as president of Harvard Jan. 2. She and her defenders say her ouster was politically motivated. Critics say academic standards still matter.
