WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch

The Justices rule 8-1 against the Teamsters, who allegedly called a strike intentionally when it could have wrecked Glacier Northwest's concrete-delivery trucks. Plus, the Democratic Senate votes for a resolution to undo Joe Biden's student debt-forgiveness plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Speaker pushed the debt-ceiling bill through the House, winning policy victories from President Biden in the bargain. What does that herald for what the GOP can accomplish for the rest of this Congress?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the House prepares to vote on Kevin McCarthy's debt-ceiling bill, West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin applauds a provision expediting the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Plus, a listener asks who got the better end of the negotiations, and Rep. Thomas Massie says he'll vote yes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy make an agreement to avoid national default, raising the country's debt limit while restraining spending and adding work requirements to aid programs. Despite some GOP dissent, is this a deal that Republicans should pass? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the state Legislature moves on universal vouchers, Gov. Roy Cooper declares a "state of emergency" for public schools, but is it only a stunt to scare voters? Plus, Illinois ends a scholarship for low-income children, while allies of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson outline an agenda. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Justices say 5-4 in Sackett v. EPA that federal regulations on the navigable "waters of the United States" don't reach a property with wetlands that are only distantly connected. Plus, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation warns about summer blackouts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Florida Governor jumped into the GOP presidential contest on Wednesday with a technical glitch on Twitter but a substantial record of accomplishment in the state. Can he wrest the nomination from Donald Trump?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two years into Covid-19, New York had lost 5.3% of its population and San Francisco dropped 7.5%, according to new census figures. But if crime and disorder reign, big cities won't recover. Target now says "inventory shrinkage," including theft, costs it $500 million a year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Biden announces the U.S. will support training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, only months after he said that was off the table. As Russia's invasion grinds on, why does the President always seem a step behind in giving Ukraine's defenders the weapons they need? And where is the war going on the ground, after grueling combat leaves Russia in control of Bakhmut? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The South Carolina Senator joined the 2024 Presidential contest with a message of optimism and expanding opportunity, a sharp contrast with Donald Trump's rhetoric of 'retribution.' What are his chances at getting the GOP nomination? Plus, Joe Biden raises the specter of the 14th Amendment to avoid a national default as he prepares to meet with Kevin McCarthy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With a national default looming, President Biden cracks the door to accepting new work requirements in welfare programs, as Republican negotiators want, but there's still little progress on a broader deal. Plus, the Supreme Court lets the IRS demand bank records from innocent parties without any notice, and it won't hold Twitter or Google liable for ISIS attacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How would presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy promote faster economic growth? Would he cut taxes, how would he influence the Federal Reserve, and why hasn't he been more critical of Donald Trump and his record as President? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many asset managers proxy vote for activist shareholder proposals, including to make Costco accountable for "deforestation" and force Home Depot to do a "racial equity audit." But with Vanguard taking a stand and BlackRock getting more skeptical, is the public ESG backlash having an effect? Plus, Baltimore sues Kia and Hyundai, saying their cars are too easy to steal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Special Counsel John Durham finishes his 306-page report on the FBI's 2016 investigation into Donald Trump and Russia. The document sheds more light on the flimsiness of the "Steele dossier," while arguing that the bureau opened the Trump inquiry without any real evidence. In response, some Republicans are saying it's past time to clean house at the FBI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Florida Governor hit the first 2024 presidential caucus state on the weekend as he prepares to enter the race. Will his message of looking to the future and not the past resonate with voters? Plus, the stakes are high for the United States as Turkey's presidential election heads to a runoff later this month.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Republicans on the House Oversight Committee say that members of Joe Biden's family received millions of dollars from overseas entities in recent years, as the President continues to insist that everything was above board. Plus, the Supreme Court upholds a California law on pork production, which could lead other states to try to export their values in a similar fashion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sounding like the Donald Trump who appeared on CNN in 2016, the former President took the stage in front of a town hall audience filled with Republicans and undecided voters in New Hampshire. Will his non-committal answers on abortion appeal to primary voters, or will his potential GOP opponents see an opening to attack Trump on the Jan. 6 riot or his refusal to support Ukraine against Russia? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A New York jury finds Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s. Did Trump's failure to testify affect the outcome, or what about his belligerent deposition, in which he doubled down on the "Access Hollywood" tape? How will his 2024 rivals for the GOP nomination respond to the verdict? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A committee created by California Governor Gavin Newsom and the state Legislature recommends that black American residents who are descendants of slaves receive cash payments as racial "reparations." But where will the money come from, and is it even legal? And will programs like this become a new progressive litmus test?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An ABC-Washington Post poll finds that a majority of Americans disapprove of the job the President is doing and don't think he has the mental and physical ability to do the job. Do Democrats have to start thinking of an alternative for 2024? Plus, Biden meets Tuesday with Congressional leaders over the debt-ceiling. Any chance of a breakthrough? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The migrant crisis is about to enter a new phase, as pandemic expulsions end. But now that Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and other big-city Democrats are warning this can't go on, does President Biden have political leeway to act? Plus listeners write in about the 2024 Senate map and the latest news on Clarence Thomas and Harlan Crow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Federal Reserve raises interest rates for the tenth time in 11 months, and Chairman Powell says the banking panic is over. But investors are still punishing midsize banks after the First Republic failure. Plus, who'll blink first in the debt-limit showdown? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Supreme Court "ethics" highlights what Democrats have in mind, including an open-ended process for "complaints" against the Justices that could look like an unending confirmation hearing. Plus, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice could help the GOP retake the Senate, if he can beat Sen. Joe Manchin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First Republic Bank is seized by regulators and acquired by JPMorgan Chase. CEO Jamie Dimon says the banking crisis is over, but are there still economic vulnerabilities as interest rates rise? Plus, the Supreme Court agrees to hear a case that could overturn Chevron deference, a doctrine that has empowered regulators in the modern administrative state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Senate Democrats plan a hearing to attack the ethics of Supreme Court Justices, despite no evidence that there's a problem. What's their real agenda? Plus, James Taranto joins the podcast to talk about his interview with Justice Samuel Alito, who says he thinks he knows who was behind the Dobbs decision leak.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The company files a lawsuit arguing that Florida violated its constitutional rights by retaliating after former CEO Bob Chapek spoke up against DeSantis's agenda. Does it have a credible legal claim to the deals it cut with the Reedy Creek Improvement District that surrounds Disney World? Or is this the kind of special carveout for a favored business that should be ended anyway? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy kept Republicans together in the House as the bill raising the debt ceiling was passed and now heads to the Senate. But how will Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer handle getting it to the President's desk, despite Joe Biden stating he will not negotiate with the Speaker? Plus, a disappointing report on first-quarter GDP growth points to an economic slowdown and a possible recession.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

She calls herself "pro-life" and "unapologetic," but Haley says Republicans must be realistic that federal abortion legislation cannot pass. Will GOP voters accept that message in 2024? Plus, the Supreme Court's ruling on the abortion pill mifepristone prompts a dissent from Justice Samuel Alito about the so-called shadow docket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a video featuring images of the Jan. 6 riot and a reference to "MAGA extremists," President Biden announces his reelection campaign, but voters might be skeptical of his age, track record, and running mate Kamala Harris. Plus, Donald Trump attacks Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis using left-wing talking points. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A deposition transcript released by the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees reveals that the Biden campaign in 2020 helped spur an open letter signed by former intelligence officials claiming the Hunter Biden laptop story had the "earmarks" of Russian disinformation. Will anyone pay a price for that deception, and how much has it hurt the credibility of the press and the intelligence services? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The press raises more questions about Justice Clarence Thomas's relationship with Harlan Crow, who reportedly bought some family properties in Georgia for $133,000. Thomas will amend his financial disclosure, and Sen. Dick Durbin wants testimony from Chief Justice John Roberts, but is this a real threat of corruption? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The House GOP officially introduced their plan for raising the debt ceiling, but President Biden called it "wacko" and still refuses to negotiate. Can the GOP stay united and force the President to make a deal? Plus, Paul Gigot gives an update on Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who remains unjustly imprisoned by Russia.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Florida Governor jokes about building a prison next to Disney World, as Donald Trump denounces this feud as a political stunt that will hurt the state's economy. Plus, the Supreme Court takes up Groff v. DeJoy, a case about a USPS mail carrier who asked for a religious accommodation to avoid working on Sundays. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chairman Jim Jordan took the House Judiciary Committee on the road to New York City to look at Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg's record on crime. What did we learn from the feisty hearing? Plus, Mitch McConnell and John Fetterman returned to the Senate chamber as Republicans gear up to block a temporary replacement for Dianne Feinstein on the Senate Judiciary Committee.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The House Speaker lays out the House GOP's offer to President Biden in return for voting to raise the debt ceiling. But Biden still refuses to negotiate, which will test whether McCarthy can keep his caucus together as the borrowing limit nears.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Health issues have kept 89-year-old Sen. Dianne Feinstein out of Washington, and some Democrats now want her to resign so President Biden's judicial nominees can get confirmed. But what about Biden's own age questions? Plus, the Congressional Budget Office says the deficit over the past six months was $1.1 trillion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The national debate over abortion continues to play out in the courts as the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals overturns a national injunction and keeps the drug mifepristone on the market. Plus, Governor Ron DeSantis says he will sign Florida's 'heartbeat bill' that would ban most abortions after six weeks. Will that help or hurt his possible presidential campaign? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another campaign against Justice Clarence Thomas is afoot, this time citing his friendship with Texas billionaire Harlan Crow. Justice Thomas has reportedly spent time on Crow's ranch, yacht, resort and private jet, but without an apparent conflict of interest. Plus, Sen. Tim Scott launches an exploratory committee for President in 2024 with a welcome message of GOP optimism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After seizing the floor with a bullhorn to demand gun control, Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson are booted from office, although the Nashville Metro Council has already reappointed Jones. Was their removal too strong a punishment, and what does President Biden mean when he calls it "undemocratic"? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk's national injunction on the drug mifepristone seems destined for the Supreme Court after the decision riles up both sides of the political debate on abortion. Plus, some Democrats are encouraging the Biden administration to simply ignore the ruling, defying a lawful order and creating a dangerous precedent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The White House publishes a 12-page document blaming President Trump for the American military's hasty withdrawal in 2021 under Taliban control, but what parts of the story does that leave out? Plus, the job market cools, with the economy in March posting the smallest net employment gain in two years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A bipartisan group of House Members led by Kevin McCarthy met with Tsai Ing-wen Wednesday on U.S. soil, in a move that even former Speaker Nancy Pelosi said should be “commended.” Plus, North Carolina Democrat Tricia Cotham switches parties and joins the Republican caucus, resulting in a GOP supermajority that could override the Democratic governor's veto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With his indictment of Trump, the Manhattan district attorney will have to prove that the former President falsified business records to conceal another crime. But the DA isn't clear about what the other crime is. Plus, the left wins big in Chicago and Wisconsin, and the election in the Badger State is a warning to Republicans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While opposing crowds gathered in lower Manhattan today, Donald Trump appeared in court to plead his innocence to 34 felony counts, after Alvin Bragg became the first DA to charge a former President with a crime. Plus, Republican Asa Hutchinson unofficially announces his run for President and gives his thoughts on what he would do to bring the country together and why Donald Trump should withdraw from the 2024 election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two Democrats with different governing philosophies square off for mayor of Chicago, with crime at the top of voter concerns, and a contest for a swing seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court could have national implications. Plus, the world is becoming more dangerous for journalists as Russia arrests The Wall Street Journal's Evan Gershkovich on a false accusation of espionage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has opened Pandora's box with his unprecedented indictment of Donald Trump, a first in U.S. history. Reports have Trump facing about 30 charges, but the evidence is yet to come. What does this mean for the 2024 Presidential race, especially Trump's rivals for the Republican nomination? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Biden takes a shot at Benjamin Netanyahu even after the Prime Minister had paused his controversial judicial reform in a search for compromise with the opposition. Is Biden trying to topple Israel's new government? Plus, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the United States may include a meeting with Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, much to the consternation of China.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

House Republicans make a push for H.R.1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, which Rep. Steve Scalise says will help make the U.S. less dependent on foreign oil. But can pieces of this legislation get through the Democratic Senate, and will Joe Manchin secure his permitting reform? Plus, Joe Biden changes course and approves the Willow drilling project in Alaska. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Judge Kyle Duncan's speech at Stanford Law School was met with not merely student protests, but prepared remarks from a diversity dean, Tirien Steinbach. The law school's dean, Jenny Martinez, released a letter in response, but is she taking a tough enough line, and what does this incident say about America's future elite lawyers? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The FDIC found a buyer for Silicon Valley Bank's assets after its spectacular collapse in First Citizens BancShares, and Fed chairman Jerome Powell has vowed to look into the supervisors and regulatory policies to prevent this from happening again. But where does the blame truly belong, and do all signs point to a recession later this year?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After criticism for calling Russia's war a "territorial dispute," the Florida Governor and potential 2024 contender adds some nuance. But has he offered a clearer picture of what President DeSantis's foreign policy would look like? Plus, the House GOP suggests it wants to investigate Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg's pursuit of an indictment against Donald Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices