The Quiet Subversion of Voter Suppression
A new documentary tells the human story behind voter suppression, through the eyes of four volunteer lawyers, on Election Day, 2016.
‘Defending’ Vatican, Roman Cops Harass Peaceful Feminist Protesters
A peaceful protest outside the Vatican for women’s rights turned violent when police descended to break up chants for equality in Church deliberations.
The Kavanaugh Hearing: Beyond the Soundbites
Democrats tried to expose some of his more conservative views, but Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh hid behind the fine print.
Warren’s New Goal: Actually Draining the Swamp
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), a potential 2020 presidential contender, just introduced a fierce anti-corruption bill that DC insiders are calling pie-in-the-sky. But, of course, they would say that, wouldn’t they?
Battle Over Opioids: Surprising Push-Back, and Not From Dealers
If you thought tighter restrictions were helping to solve the opioid crisis, think again. Some patients, pain doctors, and groups are pushing back.
Your ICE at Work: Another Nanny Rounded Up and Sent Packing
The US can feel a little more secure today. On July 19, US Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) successfully removed Marta Rodriguez from our shores. Marta came to this country more than a decade ago with the criminal aim of earning enough money as a nanny to send $600 a month back to Honduras to Read More
Will Pruitt Math Harm Your Air and Water?
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt wants to change the way the agency measures the costs and benefits of rules. It may sound wonky, but critics call it “sophisticated sabotage” — aimed at gutting rules protecting public health and the environment.
Justice Kennedy’s Departure a Grim Prospect for Election Reform
Justice Anthony Kennedy has announced his retirement from the Supreme Court — and the consequences could be dire for a number of election reform efforts. Kennedy had a mixed record on the issue but his successor will likely be much worse.
Trump Sets Stage for Federal Worker Purges
Over the first 500 days of the new administration, there has not been a dramatic increase in whistleblower complaints. But new Trump policies, and a drive to cut federal budgets, may make all federal employees — especially those who challenge White House policies — much more vulnerable.
Mulvaney Tries to Make Consumer Watchdog Disappear: Will His Magic Act Work?
Mick Mulvaney now heads the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an agency he once called a “sick, sad joke.” He’s made the bureau more industry-friendly, turning the consumer watchdog into more of a lapdog. Will his gambit work?
Facebook Fury: Why Yelling at Zuckerberg Isn’t Enough
Millions of Facebook users likely had their privacy violated when the company’s lax controls allowed user data to be sold to Cambridge Analytica, which allegedly used the information to manipulate voters. As Facebook faces declining consumer trust and an eroding stock price, its executives promise changes. Will they be enough to keep our information safe?
Why the March for Our Lives Might Be a March for the Ages
Last Saturday, hundreds of thousands of people participated in the March for Our Lives, calling for gun restrictions. Where will this lead?
Trump White House Silences and Suppresses
An annual celebration of open government felt more like a funeral last week as transparency advocates, journalists, and former federal officials bemoaned the Trump administration’s unprecedented push for secrecy.
Like Death and Taxes, Budget Riders Are Forever
As Congress prepares to pass a spending bill, the war against riders intensifies. When one party holds power in both the legislative and executive branches, these additional bill provisions may be the best way to amplify and solidify a partisan agenda.
Will Redistricting Vote Change History’s View of Justice Kennedy?
Over his 30-year tenure on the US Supreme Court, Justice Anthony Kennedy has been the key vote on major issues. Though appointed by President Ronald Reagan, he has often disappointed conservatives, for example on abortion and same-sex marriage. But on democracy issues, his legacy is more mixed.
The Nunes Memo: Six Degrees of Separation from Reality
The memo controversy is a symptom of major problems plaguing US democracy. And neither side looks good.
Would You Be a Human Guinea Pig for the Koch Brothers?
In his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump urged Congress to pass a controversial bill promising greater access to untested drugs for terminally ill patients. But critics charge the bill would only deliver false hope and result in even less patient protection by removing FDA oversight.
How ‘Dirty’ Budget Bills Hurt Women, the Environment, and Your Health
As Congress struggles to agree on a long-overdue budget and spending bills, the devil is in the details as Republicans are trying to sneak through provisions that would harm the environment, public health and democracy.
Banned Seven Words: Censorship or Good Strategy?
After a federal official told staff not to use certain words in budget documents, the pushback was huge. But there might have been a method to this madness.
Will Government Grind to a Halt December 8?
December 8 is the deadline for working out a budget deal. It is always tough for the two parties to agree on spending. Reaching agreement this year may be particularly challenging, even though Republicans control Congress and the White House.