The Politics Desk

Bolts

100 Elections to Watch This June - Bolts

June is full of clashes between flavors of the Democratic Party as the two largest blue states hold primaries, from the race to replace Nancy Pelosi in California to a... Read More

Fed, DOJ clash over Powell probe — as government says it has no evidence of misconduct

The standoff has implications for the global economy, since it's holding up the nomination process for a new central bank chair.

AP News

Biden sues Justice Department to stop release of audio and transcripts tied to special counsel probe

Joe Biden has sued the Justice Department in an effort to block the release of audio recordings and transcripts of the former president’s interview with a ghostwriter.

The Hill

Talarico says he brought in $3M in 24 hours after GOP runoff

Texas Senate Democratic candidate James Talarico announced Thursday his campaign brought in more than $3 million after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton won the GOP runoff against Sen. John Cornyn …

MAGA tensions grow over Donald Trump's threat to escalate Iran war

DOJ and DHS Are Cutting a Deal to Give ICE Sensitive Voter Data

It’s unclear how quickly the data could be put to use — the DOJ’s attempts to seize voter rolls are facing legal challenges in more than a dozen states.

Straight Arrow

DeSantis signs law giving Florida power to label groups as terrorists

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a domestic terrorist bill that some Democrats fear will crack down on college liberals.

Flipboard

Could Trump Be Guilty of War Crimes?

President Trump threatened that a "whole civilization will die tonight" if Iran doesn't comply with his deadline. Does that sound like genocide? Here's a look at what U.S. actions might be considered crimes against humanity.

AP News

Top federal prosecutor in Chicago denies investigation into E. Jean Carroll, disputing media reports

The top federal prosecutor in Chicago denies that his office has opened an investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the longtime advice columnist who said Donald Trump sexually assaulted her in a New York department store 30 years ago.

Snopes

Did Trump pardon Joseph Schwartz, convicted fraudster who formerly owned nursing homes?

Schwartz's federal indictment accused him of a $39 million fraud scheme.

Alabama asks Supreme Court to allow use of new congressional map

Alabama officials asked the Supreme Court on Wednesday to halt a lower-court ruling that blocked the use of a new congressional map in this fall’s elections. In the pair of applications filed Wednesday, officials urged the justices to either pause the lower-court ruling pending a full appeal or set aside that ruling entirely. Officials asked […]

Trump backs off ‘anti-weaponization’ fund after GOP backlash

The Trump administration prepared to abandon its $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” Monday after intense pushback from GOP lawmakers, potentially removing the biggest obstacle to a reconciliation bill for immigration enforcement. The administration will comply with a Friday order from a federal judge that temporarily blocked the fund, though it “disagrees strongly” with the ruling, the […]

Flipboard

The SAVE America Act, Explained

The SAVE America Act has quickly become one of the most contested pieces of legislation in Washington — shaping debates over election security, voter access, and even government funding. Here’s what the bill would do, why it’s sparking such intense reactions, and what it could mean for voters across the U.S. (Curated by humans with AI assistance.)

Trump Risks Disrupting Energy Markets for 'Years’ With Strikes on Iran’s Infrastructure

Experts say the president's threatened attacks could have major repercussions.

The Atlantic

Jill Biden Worried Her Husband Was Drugged on Debate Night

In a new memoir, Jill Biden describes her own shock and fear over the president’s calamitous performance.

Flipboard

Could Trump Be Guilty of War Crimes?

President Trump threatened that a "whole civilization will die tonight" if Iran doesn't comply with his deadline. Does that sound like genocide? Here's a look at what U.S. actions might be considered crimes against humanity.

The Hill

Maryland Senate president softens stance on redistricting: ‘The rules have changed’

Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson (D) signaled a shift this week on mid-decade redistricting, softening his earlier skepticism as battles over congressional maps intensify nationwide ahead of…

Snopes

Epstein files don't confirm debunked 'pizzagate' conspiracy theory revived by Vance

Vice President JD Vance falsely suggested an email in the Epstein files mentioning pizza and grape soda might verify the long-debunked rumor.

AP News

Federal court blocks Alabama plan for new congressional districts that could help Republicans

Federal judges have temporarily blocked Alabama’s plan to use new congressional districts that could help Republicans win an additional seat in the midterm elections.

AP News

Republicans' recent stumbles in Congress highlight the difficult road ahead for their agenda

Republicans' stumble on an immigration funding bill is raising questions about other parts of their legislative agenda.

The Biggest Threat to JD Vance Is Spencer Pratt

Washington loves Rubio. A brash bully from outside conventional politics is the bigger potential challenge.

politifact.com

Fact-checking Trump’s April 6 Iran press conference

In an April 6 press conference, President Donald Trump said Iran has no anti-aircraft weaponry, days after the country shot down two U.S. military aircraft. Is that possible?

The Hill

Buttigieg leads crowded 2028 Democratic field in new poll

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is leading in new polling on a hypothetical Democratic presidential primary as the party seeks a new path after 2024 losses.  An Emerson College …

politifact.com

How to spot AI-generated videos of U.S. service members

Videos of what appear to be U.S. service members crying and saying they miss their families have been circulating on social media. Many of them are AI-generated. Here’s how to spot them.

Ro Khanna is taking his economic message on the road. Will it lead to the White House?

Rep. Ro Khanna wasn't in the Rust Belt to campaign. But he could be soon.

The Hill

Judge clears way for Trump mail-in ballot executive order

A federal judge on Thursday cleared the way for President Trump’s March executive order beefing up rules surrounding mail-in ballots to stand in the face of legal challenges from Democrats.  T…

Your Loved One Is Stuck in Immigration Detention. It Will Cost $25,000 to Get Them Out.

After a run-in with the police that ended in his arrest, Andry’s...

Bolts

The 40 Elections to Watch This April - Bolts

Two statewide votes are headlining the election calendar in April. First, Wisconsin will choose a new supreme court justice, with major implications for voting rights. Then, Virginia will decide whether... Read More

Democrats fret Graham Platner could cost them — and not just in Maine

They publicly defended Platner in the wake of his latest scandal. But some are growing increasingly worried he will be a liability.

The Intercept

DHS Launches Massive “Less Lethal” Chemical Weapons Buying Spree

Federal agents’ indiscriminate use of tear gases and “less-lethal” projectiles has become a mainstay of protest crackdowns.

The Heart of the American Left Is Picking Its Next Standard-Bearer

Three Democrats are offering rival visions for the city Rep. Nancy Pelosi dominated for four decades, and for a party searching for its next direction.

Flipboard

The SAVE America Act, Explained

The SAVE America Act has quickly become one of the most contested pieces of legislation in Washington — shaping debates over election security, voter access, and even government funding. Here’s what the bill would do, why it’s sparking such intense reactions, and what it could mean for voters across the U.S. (Curated by humans with AI assistance.)

The Hill

GOP patience with Iran operation growing thinner as Trump escalates tensions

Some Republican lawmakers are growing wary about the military conflict in Iran, which has entered its sixth week and could escalate further after President Trump urged Tehran to reopen the Strait o…

Republicans brace for money problems in Texas after Ken Paxton’s win

Paxton has trailed Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in fundraising, and some Republicans say the party will have to spend millions to win the Senate race.