All Politics
Will George Zimmerman now face federal charges?The Justice Department is reviewing the evidence to see if there is a basis for civil rights charges against George Zimmerman. Such a case would have to prove that Zimmerman shot and killed Trayvon Martin primarily due to race.
On immigration reform, more Americans hew to the Democrats' stanceForty-eight percent of Americans say their views on immigration reform align best with the Democratic Party, compared with 36 percent whose views are closer to the Republican Party, a new poll shows. The gap is much wider for blacks and Hispanics.
Texas abortion uproar: Could backlash turn Lone Star State blue?Outrage is running high among Texas Democrats after the Republican-led Legislature pushed through a tough new abortion bill. While change is coming, a blue Texas is not imminent, it seems.
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.
Texas abortion vote mirrors Americans' divided viewTexas lawmakers have passed a restrictive abortion law that could sharply reduce the number of clinics. Over the years, the sharply divided public view has become more conservative.
Eliot Spitzer, Anthony Weiner stage political comebacks. Redemption overload?Not long ago New York Democrats Eliot Spitzer and Anthony Weiner seemed to have killed their political careers with sex scandals. Now, each is attempting a comeback, but will New Yorkers forgive and forget?
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.
Do media treat Michelle Obama like the new Jackie Kennedy?Not since Jackie's Camelot days in the Kennedy administration has a first lady so captured public attention and respectful coverage by much of the press. Unlike Jackie, Michelle Obama has got social media.
House farm bill leaves food stamps in limboA House version of the farm bill took food stamps out entirely 鈥� leaving them to be taken up later and separately. But if cuts are what Republicans want, the tactic might backfire.
A national park on the moon? Fire up the minivan!Two lawmakers have proposed an聽Apollo Lunar Landing Sites National Historical Park to preserve Apollo artifacts. Which raises the questions of how do we get there, and will there be T-shirts?
Is Hillary Clinton's new hairstyle a 2016 makeover? Or do we need to chill?Hillary Clinton has a new hairstyle, which can only mean she is absolutely, definitely, positively running for president. Or maybe not. But the move to push her into the White House is gaining steam.
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.
Is US public rallying around Edward Snowden?A new poll shows 'a massive shift in attitudes' on whether government antiterrorism efforts infringe too much on civil liberties, but pollsters caution that Americans' views are 'complicated.'
Sen. Sarah Palin? Already, she and incumbent Mark Begich are circling.Sarah Palin has expressed only tepid interest in running for the US Senate 鈥� and it's by no means assured Alaskans would even have her. But incumbent Sen. Mark Begich felt compelled to weigh in, and Palin to counterpunch. Does it mainly serve to boost Sarah Palin Inc.?
Immigration reform: House GOP consensus is to do something 鈥� but laterHouse Republicans emerged from a strategy session on immigration reform saying something needed to be done but seeming content to shelve the issue until the fall. What to do is still an issue.
Conceal-carry: Heeding court, Illinois becomes 50th state to allow itBoth chambers of the Illinois legislature on Tuesday overrode a veto on the matter by Gov. Pat Quinn. About 300,000 residents could apply for conceal-carry permits, although some details of the law have to be worked out first.
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.
Senate back at student loans as pressure and rates mount, but deal elusiveA key student loan rate doubled last week after Congress refused to act, but the majority Democrats in the Senate are split and the party leadership is looking for a short-term fix.
Will GOP plan to cut food stamps save the farm bill ... or kill it?After the farm bill's stunning defeat last month, House GOP leaders are feeling out whether they can strip out a massive food stamp program and win back enough conservative votes to pass the aid to farmers.