California Republican Ousted After Climate Change Vote
What is the state of the Republican Party in California?
30 Aug
2017
Written by Valerie Cumming

California Republican Ousted After Climate Change Vote »

Politics
3810

Bipartisanship–Republicans and Democrats working together to solve problems–is a good thing, right? Not if you’re Representative Chad Mayes of California. Mayes, the former Read more…

States Face Redistricting Battles
Voting Sign Outside a Polling Place
24 Aug
2017
Written by Valerie Cumming

States Face Redistricting Battles »

Politics
3818

Have you ever heard the term “gerrymandering”? What does it mean? Basically, each state is divided into legislative districts. Each district sends a Read more…

The Right to Robocall?
Cell phone technology has introduced new ways of marketing products to customers, anywhere, anytime.
9 Aug
2017
Written by Valerie Cumming

The Right to Robocall? »

Politics
3851

Your phone didn’t ring. But you have a voicemail from a telemarketer. How did that happen? And is this “ringless voicemail” even legal? Read more…

Skinny Repeal Dies on Senate Floor
U.S. Capitol interiors: Senate chamber, ca. 1920.
2 Aug
2017
Written by Valerie Cumming

Skinny Repeal Dies on Senate Floor »

The saga over health care continued last week, as the Senate voted no on the latest Republican repeal effort late last Thursday night. Read more…

Latest Developments in the Trump, Jr. Meeting
Donald Trump Jr. is interviewed by host Sean Hannity on the Fox News Channel television program, in New York. Credit: Richard Drew/AP Images 
21 Jul
2017
Written by Valerie Cumming

Latest Developments in the Trump, Jr. Meeting »

Last week, btw took a quick look at the developing questions surrounding Donald Trump Jr. and a meeting that he had with Russian Read more…

Illinois Overcomes Budget Stalemate
The State Capitol Building at Springfield Illinois with statue of Abraham Lincoln
13 Jul
2017
Written by Valerie Cumming

Illinois Overcomes Budget Stalemate »

Politics
3835

Last Thursday, the state of Illinois passed its budget. Why is this a newsworthy event? Because Illinois hasn’t passed a budget in two Read more…

New Leader to Oversee Census Bureau
US Census taker greeting resident at the front door with a handshake.
7 Jul
2017
Written by Valerie Cumming

New Leader to Oversee Census Bureau »

Politics
3959

John Thompson, the director of the U.S. Census Bureau, is retiring from his post. Ron Jarmin will take his place as acting director until Read more…

What Does Virginia’s Primary Mean for the Nation’s Future?
Virginia's state capitol building
20 Jun
2017
Written by Valerie Cumming

What Does Virginia’s Primary Mean for the Nation’s Future? »

On Tuesday, voters in Virginia will choose their nominees for governor. This is a primary election, meaning that Democrats will vote for a Read more…

Comey Testifies Before Senate
NATO Conference at NATO Headquarters, May 14, 2013
16 Jun
2017
Written by Valerie Cumming

Comey Testifies Before Senate »

Last Thursday, former FBI director James Comey testified for three hours in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee. The key issue before the Read more…

Governors and Mayors Fight For the Environment »

Politics
4136

On June 1, President Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Accord, a move which caused concern from Americans and from others around Read more…