All DC Decoder
If North Korea tests missile, might US shoot it down?A North Korea missile test into the Sea of Japan now looks likely, say defense analysts, and the US Navy could 'probably intercept' it. But that may not be in the best interests of the US, some say.
Why does Washington keep putting off entitlement reform?Both the White House and Republicans agree that entitlement reform is necessary to rein in federal deficits, but nothing ever gets started. That could change in the weeks ahead.
Support for legal marijuana may have reached tipping point, poll findsFor the first time, a majority of Americans 鈥� 52 percent 鈥� support legal marijuana, the Pew Research Center reports. In November, two states legalized marijuana for recreational use.
Alabama joins flood of states restricting abortion. What's behind this?The Alabama and Virginia legislatures just passed new measures, following stricter actions in North Dakota and Arkansas. To understand this latest wave, look to the tea party.- Think you know the White House? Take our quiz.
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is one of the most famous addresses in the world, but how much do you really know about America's executive mansion and its presidential inhabitants?
Why North Korea's US attack plans are nuttyUS analysts play down threats from North Korea. Photos from Pyongyang that show the paths of possible missile attacks on the US appear to ignore the fact that North Korean missiles won't reach that far.
Gun control: Can Obama use Colorado bully pulpit to accomplish anything?President Obama is pushing gun control in Denver Wednesday and will do the same in Hartford, Conn., next Monday. It's not clear he can move the public to pressure Congress on gun legislation, but it's worth a try, some say.
Whom does Obama read? Ezra Klein, Taylor Branch, Bill Simmons.President Obama escapes his White House bubble by reading widely on the web, sometimes late at night, following links like the rest of us, says senior adviser Dan Pfeiffer.
FocusMedicare: Could Rep. Paul Ryan's reform plan work?The only big Medicare reform idea that's been pitched in public is called 'premium support,' championed by Rep. Paul Ryan (R). Here's how it would work, and here's why Democrats deride it as a 'voucher.'
FocusTaming Medicare costs: What are the options?The US spends twice as much per person on health care as other advanced economies, and Medicare is one of the biggest culprits. But here's why cutting its costs won't be easy.
Caroline Kennedy to be US ambassador to Japan? Why it makes sense now.Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the late President Kennedy, may soon be on her way to Tokyo as President Obama's envoy. The new secretary of State likely played a role.
Gay marriage opinion shift: conservative lawmakers, pundits left scramblingAs public opinion moves in favor of gay marriage, members of Congress find they have to adjust their stance. Conservative pundits are beginning to acknowledge this as well.
White House Easter Egg Roll: not just a few bunnies in fuzzy suitsStars on hand will include NASCAR driver Danica Patrick, New York Giant Victor Cruz, actress Quvenzhan茅 Wallis, and 'American Idol' alums Jordin Sparks and Jessica Sanchez.
More Americans willing to let illegal immigrants stay, poll findsBut there's less clarity on what the public wants legal status to look like. Fewer than half, for instance, approve of a 'pathway to citizenship' for illegal immigrants who meet criteria, says the Pew poll. 聽
'Path to citizenship' roils immigration reform. But what is it, exactly?The most contentious issue in immigration reform is probably the potential of a 'path to citizenship.' But the heated rhetoric obscures the fact that both sides have many points of agreement.
Ashley Judd says no, but Sen. Mitch McConnell can鈥檛 rest easyAshley Judd brought star power to a potential US Senate run, but she had negatives. Now GOP Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has to worry about another young woman the Democrats are wooing to run against him.
How border security 'trigger' could stop immigration reformCongressional negotiators say immigration reform will need a border security 'trigger' to pass. But agreeing on what counts as 'border security' won't be easy, and could determine whether reform happens.
'Obamacare' to drive up health-care premiums? Report sets off firestorm.The Society of Actuaries says insurance companies will face an average increase of 32 percent for medical claims under reform. That could lead to higher premiums. But the White House is hitting back.
Tim Johnson retirement boosts GOP hopes to take back SenateTim Johnson is the seventh US senator to bow out of a reelection bid in 2014, giving Republicans their best shot to pick up a seat. But conservatives are eager not to elect a GOP moderate.
Why new law makes North Dakota most anti-abortion stateThe fetal-heartbeat law, signed by the governor Tuesday, bans abortion as early as six weeks of gestation. North Dakota is also poised to consider a 'personhood amendment' to its state constitution, which would ban abortion altogether.
