All Politics
The ExplainerThe Supreme Court case that could reshape US electionsWhat鈥檚 the best way to run free and fair elections? Proponents of one legal theory say state legislatures should have that power, unchecked by courts, governors, or state constitutions. Critics say there is no historical precedent and it could damage the vote.
First LookMassachusetts women on track to make electoral history this fallIn Massachusetts,聽a state which has lagged in electing female candidates, women lead races for governor and attorney general. This fall could shape up to be a historic year in the state, with five of six statewide electoral primaries won by women.
First LookUS Southern Republican governors transport more migrants northRepublican governors have been sending migrants to cities such as Washington D.C., New York, and Chicago to show their opposition to Biden administration border policies.聽Two flights arrived in Martha鈥檚 Vineyard on Sept. 14, paid for by Florida鈥檚 governor.聽
Behind a coal mine strike: Who cares for workers in a fading industry?Coal miners have been on strike for 18 months in Alabama. Their struggle points to the wider search for a 鈥渏ust transition鈥� for an industry squeezed by energy trends and the fight against climate change.
First LookWin for Wisconsin voters with disabilities, other states persistA federal judge in Wisconsin ruled that voters with disabilities may receive support in returning their mail-in ballots. In other states, obtaining adequate protection聽for these voters is still an issue, but advocacy groups are working to change that.
First LookRailway labor strike averted with tentative deal made by BidenAmtrak is rescheduling canceled trains after railroad workers reached a tentative union deal that would ensure better benefits and working conditions. President Joe Biden announced the deal Sept. 15, saying it will keep the 鈥渃ritical rail system鈥� working.
First LookNew fuel in abortion debate: Graham introduces nationwide banRepublican senator Lindsey Graham has introduced a bill that would ban abortion nationwide after 15 weeks of pregnancy, alarming Democrats. The bill, which is unlikely to pass, underscores Republican preferences for abortion restrictions, say lawmakers.聽
First LookMore gridlock ahead? US House moderates head for the exit.After recent redistricting, moderates in the U.S. House of Representatives are leaving office at an unusually high rate. This could accelerate a decades-long trend that has seen the House grow increasingly polarized.
First LookWhat鈥檚 next for Jan. 6 panel? A subpoena-filled sprint to the end.The Jan. 6 committee isn鈥檛 finished. Eyeing the year鈥檚 end as its tentative deadline, the committee is issuing a slew of new subpoenas and working toward a final written report as it continues its investigation into the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Monitor BreakfastSecretary Cardona鈥檚 ABCs of building respect for teachersAt a Monitor Breakfast, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona called on local governments to respect teachers, from granting more agency to providing better working conditions and competitive pay.
First LookShifting demographics in suburban Atlanta prompt GOP to head northGeorgia鈥檚 Republican Party is relying on voters in the state鈥檚 northern mountain region as Atlanta suburbs become more diversified. Northern Georgia, which voted聽Andrew Clyde and Marjorie Taylor Greene into Congress, remains majority聽Republican.聽聽
Monitor BreakfastLabor unions and workers鈥� deeper quest for respectAFL-CIO President Liz聽Shuler聽says she hears common themes from workers around the U.S.聽Those issues have implications beyond economics.
Election deniers on ballot: What does this mean for democracy?Some Republicans who deny the validity of the 2020 vote are running for office in 2022. If they win, what happens to trust in U.S. elections?
Monitor BreakfastEducation Secretary Miguel Cardona on debt relief and teacher shortagesFrom teacher shortages to student debt forgiveness, education in the U.S. is in the news. At a Monitor Breakfast, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona offered both critiques and solutions.聽
In Jackson, a crisis of water 鈥� and a broken social contractResidents of Mississippi鈥檚 capital city are without drinkable water from their taps. The story isn鈥檛 just about flood but about equity and trust.
First LookOath Keepers retain names of cops, politicians, soldiers on its rollsMore than 38,000 names are on the leaked membership rolls of the far-right Oath Keeper group, although many of those listed deny any current affiliation.聽Extremism watch groups say the group鈥檚 influence in public safety is concerning, since it took part in the Jan. 6 attack.
First LookJudge grants Trump request for special master in document searchA U.S. District Judge says an outside legal expert should review records taken from former President Donald Trump as part of a聽Justice Department聽investigation.
First Look鈥楨quality and democracy under assault,鈥� Biden says in dramatic speechPresident Joe Biden aimed a spotlight Thursday night at what he termed the extremism of former President Donald Trump鈥檚 supporters, saying it threatened American democracy. The speech embodied Mr. Biden鈥檚 shift toward stronger rhetoric ahead of the midterms.聽
Monitor BreakfastUnion rebound? AFL-CIO鈥檚 Shuler sees promise, long road ahead.Labor unions are increasingly popular with the U.S. public and have a friend in the White House. The AFL-CIO president says they still have a battle ahead to boost their ranks.
First LookRanked choice voting delivers Alaska its first Native representativeDemocrat Mary Peltola has won the special election for Alaska鈥檚 U.S. House seat, beating out Sarah Palin. Ms. Peltola, who is Yup鈥檌k, will become the first Alaska Native and its first woman elected to serve in the state鈥檚 House seat.
