All DC Decoder
Why did Obama speak out on Trayvon Martin now?While downplaying the prospect of a federal civil rights case against George Zimmerman, President Obama offered his own views on the impact of racial disparities on young black men and their families. 'There's a lot of pain,' he said.- How well do you know the world of spying? Take our CIA and NSA quiz.
The history of US espionage can be as fascinating and mysterious as any spy novel. Think you鈥檙e a regular John Le Carr茅 when it comes to this stuff? See if D.C. Decoder can stump you.
Federal Reserve chief tells Congress: You're making weak economy worseFederal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke tells Congress that its tax hikes and spending cuts are creating 'strong headwinds' for economic recovery and could be costing 750,000 new jobs.
Federal probe of George Zimmerman not over, says Justice's Eric HolderIn his first statement since George Zimmerman was acquitted, Attorney General Eric Holder said Monday the Justice Department probe into Trayvon Martin's death will continue, 'consistent with the facts and the law.'
'Nuclear option' 101: Why the big fight over the Senate filibuster?The 'nuclear option' involves a rules change involving the Senate filibuster that may look to many Americans like another case of partisan bickering. But it would in fact change how Congress works. Here's what all the fuss is about.
Janet Napolitano replacement list grows for Homeland SecurityJanet Napolitano is stepping down as head of the Department of Homeland Security. Republicans promise a 'spirited debate' over the controversial department聽and Napolitano's replacement.
Justice Department backs off on secret seizure of reporters鈥� recordsThe Justice Department has revised its guidelines on when it can probe the phone and email records of journalists as part of an effort to stem government leaks. This comes after the controversial secret seizure of Associated Press and Fox News records.
Edward Snowden: Is it illegal for US to block his asylum claim?NSA leaker Edward Snowden has made it clear that he believes he is being pursued for political offenses. But the US government considers him a common lawbreaker and not a human rights case.
US lethal aid to Syrian rebels: What's the holdup?Concern in congressional intelligence committees over the prospects of US small arms falling into the wrong hands has delayed the lethal aid to Syrian rebels. Some say it may arrive too late.
Texas House passes abortion law: why it matters beyond Lone Star StateLegislation passed Wednesday that would ban abortion after 20 weeks and impose other restrictions. Texas has played an outsized part in keeping the issue on the national agenda.
FBI nominee James Comey: Did he ace confirmation hearing?James Comey, a Republican who served under George W. Bush, told the senators he considered waterboarding torture. The FBI nominee sailed through his confirmation hearing with bipartisan support.- How much do you know about America's first ladies? Take our quiz!
US first ladies have long been among the most famous and admired women in the world. Whether they like it or not, they serve as role models on everything from fashion to political issues and the role of women in society. Do you think you know a lot about them? See if D.C. Decoder can stump you!
Obamacare 101: Why major part of health law is delayed, and who's affectedA key provision of Obama's health law, aka Obamacare, will be pushed back a year, the administration said Wednesday. The delay buys more time for businesses with at least 51 workers to show they are providing health insurance. What happens in the meantime?
Tax reform: Can Baucus and Hatch make senators eat their spinach?The Finance Committee's Baucus and Hatch are telling their fellow senators that now's the time to address tax reform, and have set a deadline for colleagues to defend individual tax preferences.聽
Culture wars: Why gay marriage and abortion have been 鈥榙ecoupled鈥�Public opinion on abortion has held constant for 30 years. But on gay marriage, acceptance has grown dramatically in just 10 years 鈥� most notably among young evangelical Protestants.
Why states that ban gay marriage are resting easy after Supreme Court rulingsAs gay marriage supporters celebrate this week's rulings at the US Supreme Court, states that prohibit same-sex marriage are also elated, reassured that their bans are not in legal jeopardy.
Big immigration reform bill, big boost to US economy? Meh.Analysis indicates that the Senate's big immigration reform bill, approved Thursday, would have more positive effects than negative 鈥� over time. But for the first few years, unemployment would rise and wages would fall, especially in low-skill jobs.
Student loans: Despite new proposals in Congress, no fix as deadline loomsInterest rates on some subsidized student loans could double on July 1. A bipartisan Senate group and a sextet of Senate liberals both put forward proposals Thursday, but a deal is elusive.
Obama on gay marriage: from reluctant supporter to cheerleader-in-chiefOne year ago Obama had just come out for gay marriage, and now he's a big cheerleader. But in 2011, he took the most important step of his presidency in paving the way for Wednesday's DOMA ruling.
Extradition: How will the US get Edward Snowden out of Hong Kong?NSA leaker Edward Snowden is being charged under the US Espionage Act for revealing top secret surveillance programs. The US wants to extradite him from Hong Kong, but that could mean a long and complicated legal process.
