2020Talks

The federal government reopens after a lengthy shutdown. Questions linger on the Farm Bill extension and funding and lawmakers explain support for keeping the shutdown going.    

New Epstein documents put heat on Trump, as House Democrats try to force a vote on health insurance tax credits and federal incentives mean more local police are enforcing immigration, despite wrongful ICE arrests in Illinois.    

Lawmakers race to end the longest shutdown in history, as food aid and safety net services hang in the balance. Utah's redistricting ruling reshapes that state's congressional maps and the U.S. expands its naval presence in Latin America.    

As a shutdown deal nears completion, Minority Leader Schumer faces blowback from Democrats in Congress. Voting rights groups defend against federal demands for private voter data, and a new poll finds term limits still very popular.

The Senate seems ready to end the government shutdown. Democratic candidates run on the promise of standing up to Trump and election security could be a top issue in the 2026 elections.    

Nancy Pelosi won't seek reelection, flyers begin to feel the government shutdown, anti-ICE organizers encourage lawful resistance and postal workers aim to rally local governments in support of the USPS.    

President Trump blames GOP losses in key governor races on the government shutdown. Republicans sue to block California s new voter maps and SCOTUS hears a case on the legality of the president's tariffs.    

Democrats notch key governor race victories, a possible sign of Trump's weaknesses in the midterms. The government shutdown becomes the longest one ever, as California looks likely to move towards redistricting.    

Californians will vote on a constitutional amendment for mid-decade redistricting. The Trump Administration will partially fund SNAP and advocates worry about racial profiling amid intensified immigration raids.    

Nebraska farmers struggle as the shutdown stalls loans and delays the Farm Bill. Indiana Republicans clash over redistricting and policy experts warn millions could lose Affordable Care Act coverage without tax credits.    

As the government shutdown deepens, the debate over food aid sharpens and a federal judge weighs emergency action to keep SNAP benefits flowing. Activists say pregnant migrants are at risk in ICE detention and Ohio faces a last-minute redistricting fight.

Dueling Republican and Democratic bills would keep SNAP and WIC operating during the shutdown. Food banks prepare for increased demand and Illinois' governor declares an 'agricultural export crisis' in the state.

Rural officials push Congress to change FEMA, as a hurricane nears Cuba. Blue states sue the USDA over SNAP, vaccine exemption laws spread, an OH foster-care program delivers a 4-to-1 return, Israel renews Gaza strikes and a KY center aids migrant families.

More legislatures convene special sessions for mid-decade redistricting. States prepare emergency food assistance funds and lawmakers consider bills to prevent invasion by other states' National Guard troops.

White House says prospects are good for a trade deal with China. President Trump may ramp up strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug smugglers. Government-run grocery stores grow in popularity, and legal professionals work to protect the rule of law.

The shutdown impacts millions as SNAP benefits are paused, Pentagon schools face a fight over banned books, an FBI raid in Idaho draws civil-rights scrutiny and Congress investigates citizens in immigration detention.    

NC redistricting would shrink the influence of Black voters, but IN redistricting faces GOP opposition. Trump defends more boat strikes in international waters and SNAP benefits could be the next victim of the government shutdown.    

Democrats and the GOP condemn threats made to Hakeem Jeffries. Time is running out to renew ACA subsidies amid the government shutdown and VP Vance reaffirms the strength of the Israel-Gaza ceasefire.    

The Senate again votes down funding to reopen the government, as federal workers miss paychecks. The Supreme Court will hear cases on the rights of transgender athletes, and a ruling on voting rights could impact even local elections.    

Millions join nationwide No Kings protests against the Trump Administration. The congressional stalemate on healthcare continues and educators worry about federal cuts to special education programs.    

Homeland Secretary Noem defends tougher immigration enforcement as critics raise alarm, a detained U.S. resident faces new terrorism-related charges tied to a decades-old case, Minnesota warns of food-aid cuts amid the shutdown and John Bolton is indicted on 18 counts.    

The Supreme Court hears a case on race and redistricting. AZ Rep. Elect Adelita Grijalva hasn't been sworn in yet and Congress might roll back marine mammal protections.    

An immigration case draws attention to indefinite detention, No Kings rallies sweep Nevada, Tampa targets pedestrian deaths, labor groups defend offshore wind, and the Supreme Court considers a major Voting Rights Act case.    

President Trump and leaders in the Middle East sign a peace agreement. NY healthcare workers are concerned about the fallout from the government shutdown and Indiana's chief justice warns of threats in courtrooms.    

Vice-President Vance defends a planned Qatari airfield in Idaho. Polls find voters support extending the healthcare subsidies at the heart of the shutdown and Illinois Gov. Pritzker points to Republican criticisms of Guard federalization.    

Experts warn that deportations threaten jobs, as the administration battles over national guard deployments in court. A Gaza ceasefire sparks joy and hope, and another critic of the president is indicted.    

Supreme Court considers loosening rules for candidates to challenge election laws. Pope Leo encourages bishops to voice concerns on immigration policies, as federal court gives Trump control of the Oregon Guard.    

Trump sends Texas National Guard troops to Chicago. An OMB analysis says furloughed federal workers aren't entitled to back pay and the Supreme Court hears a case about Colorado's ban on conversion therapy for minors.    

Trump considers invoking Insurrection Act, as blue states mount legal challenge to Guard deployments; SCOTUS considers a CO ban on conversion therapy.    

House Democrats are reassuring their constituents about the reasons for the shutdown. Federal workers are concerned about being in the middle of the partisan fight and what happens now that the Farm Bill has expired?    

The administration threatens thousands of federal layoffs, as Democrats demand an investigation into White House shutdown messaging. Trump declares war on cartels, and housing advocates call for support on ballot measures in NYC.

The government shutdown is set to continue with no end in sight. States dip into their coffers to keep federal programs running and veterans face challenges accessing services.    

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth calls for a tougher military stance as Washington faces a shutdown standoff, advocates defend New York's youth justice reforms and survivor groups warn immigration crackdowns endanger victims of domestic violence.    

Israel agrees to a tentative peace deal for Gaza. Democrats and Republicans brace for a government shutdown and NYC's Dept. of Corrections violated the city's sanctuary laws.    

Arkansas teens weigh in on free speech, Republicans repeal EV tax credits, Social Security paper checks end, and domestic violence experts warn of funding cuts. Also, updates on Eric Adams, a deadly Michigan church shooting, and government shutdown talks.    

The federal megabill healthcare cuts remain central to the ongoing budget stalemate. The Dallas sniper acted alone and used ICE agent tracking apps and former FBI Director James Comey is indicted for obstruction of justice and false statements.    

Republicans slam the shooting at an ICE facility, call for an end to political violence. Trump is found to have illegally fired federal watchdogs, as Democrats blame Republicans for the looming government shutdown.    

An Ohio chaplain regains asylum after ICE detention, activists warn of free speech crackdowns, Alabama groups push to keep TVA public and President Trump targets the UN over migrant funding.

President Donald Trump recommends that the FDA require physicians to say Tylenol can cause autism during pregnancy. Children's health coverage is being challenged by a shaky policy landscape and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is reinstated after being suspended.    

Conservatives are split over Kimmel's cancellation as the Pentagon cracks down on journalists. A new California law bans masks for ICE agents and public library supporters are hopeful about future federal funds.

Trump and conservatives condemn Jimmy Kimmel's Charlie Kirk comments. Lawmakers support a new bill ending mid-decade redistricting and Texas attempts to ban medication abortions.    

The former CDC director testifies before Congress. Federal budget deadline looms ahead as talks shift to healthcare funding and Former President Barack Obama discusses Charlie Kirk's death.

Ohio and Missouri battle over redistricting in a fight for congressional advantage, prosecutors seek the death penalty in the Charlie Kirk killing and FBI Director Kash Patel faces criticism for politicizing the agency.

Gov. JB Pritzker and President Trump debate political violence, as the Buckeye State braces for redistricting and advocates say administration orders on cashless bail punish the poor.    

Utah's governor emerges as a Republican voice of peace, as Trump threatens to send troops to Memphis. Opponents call Idaho s execution by firing squads unethical and voting groups slam a new ban on registration at citizenship ceremonies.

Utah's governor calls for peace after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, while experts warn of rising strife. Advocates push New York lawmakers to act on federal budget cuts and Congress faces a fight over a plan for a mass killing of owls.

Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk killed while speaking at Utah Valley University. A government shutdown looms as Dems and the GOP hit an impasse and the Senate considers a rule change to speed up nomination votes.

Experts warn of white nationalist Active Clubs in 25 states. Budget cuts end SNAP-Ed nutrition classes nationwide. Indiana Lawmakers back AI regulation. A Senate report accuses the administration of corrupting science and Ohio readies for redistricting.    

The president says a new guidance on school prayer is coming soon. The Supreme Court allows more racial profiling in immigration enforcement and Missouri unions mobilize against redistricting.

Some Senate Republicans say they're worrying about RFK Jr's HHS policies. House Democrats stand behind Lisa Cook, as a criminal investigation into possible mortgage fraud begins and Democrats could face electoral college trouble after the next census.    

Conservation groups warn against repealing forest protections, vaccine policy sparks clashes in Congress and among the states, growers say farm insurance leaves small operations behind and the White House faces scrutiny over a naval strike near Venezuela.