In The News

Senate Acquits President Trump

February 5, 2020
The US Senate voted to acquit President Donald Trump on two charges: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The vote was not completely along party lines. Multiple Republicans conceded that the president’s actions – urging Ukrainian officials to investigate a political rival and delaying the release of military aid – were wrong. Yet many also rationalized that no crime had been committed and...

No Winner in Iowa Yet: Des Moines Register

Brianne Pfannenstiel February 4, 2020
Iowa has long been defensive about its caucus system for selecting presidential candidates: Voters gather in meeting places, review their choices and then physically gather in groups for a final count. The state’s caucuses represent the first chance for US voters to reveal their preferences and attract world attention. Officials released no official results as of 9 am and immediately attracted...

Invisible Brexit: Politico

Ryan Heath January 31, 2020
After more than three years of wrangling, Britain leaves the European Union with a transition period that ends this year. Most Europeans, weary of Brexit, hope to proceed with minimal disruptions. For many years, communities and families made plans based on a united European Union that included the United Kingdom, and the issue sharply divided the UK since a June 2026 referendum. In December 2019...

Trump, Bolton and Pressure on Ukraine: NY Times

Maggie Haberman and Michael S. Schmidt January 31, 2020
US Senators have finished questioning house managers and the defense team in the impeachment trial of Donald Trump. Democrats called for witnesses, especially John Bolton after other witnesses described him as angry about attempts to investigate a political rival of Trump. Bolton, a far-right Republican, wrote a book to be published in March and describes Trump asking for help with his campaign...

“Public Charge” Immigration Rule: Politico

Susannah Luthi January 30, 2020
US officials have expressed a preference for wealthy immigrants, and the poor can expect challenges in obtaining green cards that allow permanent residency and work. The US Supreme Court voted 5 to 4, allowing “the controversial immigration rules go forward even as lower courts wrestle with multiple legal challenges against them,” reports Susannah Luthi for Politico. “The policy in question would...

Post-Brexit Britain and Africa: Economist

January 27, 2020
Africa is projected to be the fastest growing continent for both population and economic growth. Britain is considering ways to regain influence in Africa after Brexit. Prime Minister Boris Johnson hopes to strengthen business and social ties with African countries and looks forward to enthusiastic responses. Methods for revitalizing British influence in Africa, including diplomacy, aid, and...

Unknowns of Trump Impeachment: Bloomberg

Jonathan Bernstein January 17, 2020
So much of politics depends on appearances and voter perceptions rather than evidence. Proceedings resume January 21, and surprises emerged beforehand. Ukraine accused Russia of hacking into Burisma, a firm targeted by Trump associates for wooing the son of a former US vice president for board service. Lev Parnas, accused of campaign irregularities, turned over emails, photographs and other...