All Politics
First LookIRS apologizes for unfair treatment of conservative groups applying for tax-exempt statusThe Internal Revenue Service admits delays and heightened scrutiny for conservative groups was wrong聽when determining tax-exempt status in 2013.The US Justice Department has since settled two lawsuits by conservative groups regarding the claims.
Battle over fine print: Why GOP is risking consumer ire to support banksA new federal rule would have banned the forced arbitration clauses that limit consumers' options. But Republicans are wary of a wave of lawsuits, are eager for an antiregulation win, and want to keep stocks rising on Wall Street.
New endangered species: the GOP deficit hawkDesperate for a legislative win, Republicans are preparing to push through a tax-cut package that analysts say could add considerably to the deficit. Voices on the right expressing concern about red ink have been few and far between.- New endangered species: the GOP deficit hawkDesperate for a legislative win, Republicans are preparing to push through a tax-cut package that analysts say could add considerably to the deficit. Voices on the right expressing concern about red ink have been few and far between.
First LookPresident Trump poised to announce opioid planPresident Trump is expected to formally declare the opioid epidemic a national emergency this week. But advocates say the effort requires long-term funding in order to create efficient infrastructure for substance abuse treatment programs.聽
First LookUS borders reopen for refugees who undergo extreme vettingA move by President Trump will once again allow refugees to enter the United States. The reopening comes with the condition that all applications go through stricter scrutiny. However, the new screening measures could further complicate an already lengthy process.聽
Critics in the Senate take on Trump as he heads to the Hill to sell tax reformGOP Senators Corker and Flake spoke publicly against Mr. Trump's presidency, while Republican leaders tried to keep the focus on what they say unifies their party: tax reform.
What the US is really doing in NigerThe deaths of the four US troops have awoken Americans to military deployments in Africa. With ISIS ousted from its capital in Syria, Pentagon officials say, US counterterrorism efforts are likely to focus even more on Africa.
First LookPresident Trump promises to preserve 401(k) structureAs Republicans scramble to find new revenue sources to pay for anticipated tax cuts exceeding $1 trillion, President Trump says the popular 401(k) retirement savings program will be untouched.
First LookPresident Trump urges House GOP to focus on tax reformTrump personally implored House GOP members to adopt the budget聽that was passed last week by the Senate,聽with the hope of clearing the way for what he describs as historic tax cuts.
Top US politicians warn of democratic values at riskTaking implicit aim at President Trump, political heavyweights George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and John McCain speak out about democracy and foreign policy, raising questions about the path ahead for the nation and GOP.聽
First LookFormer President Obama calls for political unityComing back to the political arena after nine months, Mr. Obama rallied聽with Democratic candidates for governor in Virginia and New Jersey, elections seen as an important bellwether for the strength of the Democratic Party.聽
FocusWhy a former minister is challenging churches' tax privileges in USThis month, a federal judge in Wisconsin ruled that tax-free housing for clergy is unconstitutional, while in Texas, a federal judge ruled that the governor infringed on an atheist group's constitutional rights when he removed their 'winter solstice' nativity. Dan Barker is the former Evangelical behind both cases.
Amazon鈥檚 50,000 new jobs? Why some cities don鈥檛 play tax-break game.Competition among cities to offer tax breaks, aiming for an influx of high-paying jobs, has been intense. But some mayors opted out, saying real development isn't about one-off deals.
How Steve Bannon鈥檚 鈥榳ar鈥� on GOP establishment could help Trump nowBy launching primaries against Republican senators, Steve Bannon could help the president keep the party in line on key votes. But the former White House aide鈥檚 gambit could backfire.
Trump and the nuclear button: Does presidential authority need curbs?The president鈥檚 behavior, including comments such as readiness to rain 鈥榝ire and fury鈥� on North Korea, have prompted some public officials to voice concerns about the risk inherent in a single individual being able to order a strike.聽
First LookTrump rescinds support for bipartisan Senate health care dealPresident Trump reverses remarks he made earlier in the week and backs off support for a bipartisan health care deal, putting passage of the legislation in jeopardy.
Countering US-Russian acrimony, one dialogue at a timeUS-Russia ties may be at their worst in decades. But a meeting of 鈥榗itizen diplomats鈥� from both countries highlighted the value of face-to-face conversations 鈥� and listening.
First LookModerate Republicans push for restoring health care subsidySen. Susan Collins (R) of Maine, among other moderate Republicans, search for聽a bipartisan path forward on health care after President Trump abruptly halted federal payments to insurers.
Maine's Susan Collins: Duty, bipartisan outlook drove decision to stay in SenateThe Republican senator is not running for governor because of the enormity of the issues facing the US and her role as a bridge builder, she told the Monitor in an exclusive interview.
