All Politics
How should billionaires 鈥榩ay their fair share鈥�? Democrats can鈥檛 agree.Democrats say taxing the ultra-rich more would mark a big step toward a more equitable America, but there鈥檚 disagreement about how to do that.
First LookBiden looks to 鈥榳ealth tax鈥� to fund plans. What would that mean?President Biden鈥檚 proposal to finance social spending through tax hikes on large corporations and wealthy Americans met with internal party resistance. Now he鈥檚 floating a new idea 鈥� a tax on the assets, not income, of billionaires.聽
First LookWisconsin audit confirms 2020 election results, looks to futureThe state of Wisconsin has completed one of two investigations into the results of the 2020 presidential election. The audit shows the elections were 鈥渟afe and secure鈥� and also makes recommendations for how the state could improve.
The 鈥榩rofound power鈥� of vote by mail: Evolving a new ritual of democracyOregon鈥檚 former secretary of state, who pioneered the practice there, says reducing logistical hurdles to voting is good for democracy.聽
Did Fauci mislead Congress? NIH letter deepens concerns.A lack of transparency has undermined trust in public health officials who are not only dealing with the current pandemic, but trying to understand how to prevent future ones.聽
First LookCalifornia proposes buffer between neighborhoods and oil drillingOn Thursday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a proposal to ban new oil and gas drilling within 3,200 feet of communities, a move that would create the largest buffer zone in the country. Over 2 million Californians, most low income, live within these zones.聽
鈥楾wo different sides of a coin.鈥� Manchin, Sinema, and Democrats鈥� futureIf West Virginia represents the Democratic Party of the past, Arizona might represent its future.聽Can the White House find a compromise that appeals to both?
First LookTexas legislature passes new voting maps but lawsuit awaitsOn Monday, the Texas legislature approved new congressional district maps which will be finalized after Gov. Greg Abbott signs off on them. But civil rights groups have already filed a lawsuit, claiming the maps dilute minority votes.
Colin Powell: Public life, Volvos, and a poignant what ifOver two decades, Monitor reporter Peter Grier interviewed Colin Powell about everything from hope to his hobby fixing Volvos. He looks back on the life of a thoughtful and witty public servant 鈥� one whose sidelining took America down a different road.
First LookColin Powell remembered as 'a great public servant'Colin Powell, who died on Monday, had a distinguished career in the military 鈥� marked by becoming the first Black聽chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As secretary of state under George W. Bush, however, many feel he falsely led the U.S. into war with Iraq in 2003.
First LookHow will US cities spend $350B in relief aid? Answers vary.In California, federal relief aid is being used to finance a new recreation center, but the same money cannot be used to fix a bridge a few towns over. Local governments facing similar discrepancies across the U.S. are calling for the Treasury to loosen spending rules.聽
Biden won鈥檛 shield Trump records. Will he regret it?With criminal charges looming against Steve Bannon, executive privilege 鈥� and its confidentiality protections 鈥� may be getting a rare day in court.聽
First LookBannon defies Jan. 6 subpoena, cites Trump executive privilegeAs the Jan. 6 congressional committee continues its investigation, Steve Bannon is refusing to hand over documents and appear for a deposition. Mr. Bannon鈥檚 lawyer claims the information solicited is protected by former President Donald Trump鈥檚 executive privilege.
Why Democrats may be facing a generation in the wildernessDemocrats face serious electoral challenges in 2022 and beyond, which raises the stakes for their agenda. But does that mean they should aim high or tread lightly?
Debt crisis averted, but at what cost?After punting on the debt, Democrats in Congress now face a critical stretch, with President Biden鈥檚 domestic agenda on the line.聽
Nonpartisan redistricting? Reform efforts meet reality.New commissions, some made up of average citizens, are struggling to overcome partisanship as they redraw congressional and state legislative lines.聽
Data privacy is a big public concern. Will Congress answer with a law?The United States is an outlier as a major economy without a data privacy law. Is the path clearing for that to change?
First LookDodging debt disaster, US Senate votes to extend borrowingAvoiding an unprecedented default, the U.S. Senate voted along party lines on Thursday to move the debt cap deadline into December. President Biden harshly criticized Republicans in the Senate for threatening a filibuster, saying their actions are dangerous.聽
First Look'Political football': Biden restores scope of Utah monumentsPresident Biden will restore two national monuments in Utah and a marine conservation area in New England, reversing an executive order by former President Trump.聽Republicans say Democratic presidents have overstepped when establishing national monuments.
Faith or politics? Trump supporters swell evangelical pews.After years of stagnancy, the number of Evangelicals surged from 25% of the adult U.S. population in 2016 to 29% in 2020 鈥� fueled by white Trump supporters.
