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GOP furor over ‘critical race theory’ hits college campuses
Professors say the Republican crusade to root out “critical race theory” is taking a toll on college campuses around the nation — places where academic freedom is supposed to encourage thought, discussion and analysis. Much of the “critical race theory” uproar to date has centered on teaching in K-12 schools. But several high-profile incidents, combined […]
Attempts to ban teaching on ‘critical race theory’ multiply across the U.S.
WASHINGTON — From statehouses to Congress, Republicans have launched into a fight against the teaching of “critical race theory,” which just a year ago was a niche academic term. Experts in critical race theory say it’s about acknowledging how racial disparities are embedded in U.S history and society, and the concept is being mischaracterized by […]
With ‘Amtrak Joe’ in the White House, states hope for a passenger rail renaissance
Stu Nicholson has been trying for decades without success to get Amtrak — or any other passenger rail service — to come to Columbus, Ohio. As director of All Aboard Ohio, a passenger rail advocacy group, Nicholson helped explore possibilities, like creating a new route from Chicago to Pittsburgh, with Columbus in the middle. But […]
Hearing sees bipartisan consensus that electric vehicles will replace fossil-fuel burners
WASHINGTON — Senators who could decide the fate of President Joe Biden’s push for a major new infrastructure package seemed open to his priorities at a hearing Wednesday, particularly Biden’s emphasis on replacing vehicles that run on gas and diesel with ones that use electric power. But when it came to the question of who […]
Billions of dollars for Medicaid expansion dangled in front of holdout states
WASHINGTON — U.S. House Democrats are trying again to entice a dozen holdout states — many of them in the South — to expand Medicaid coverage with the prospect of billions of dollars in federal cash. The new offer, included in a massive $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package that House Democrats are pushing through committees […]
Buttigieg puts greenhouse gas reduction at center of Biden transportation policy
Former South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg offered an unapologetic defense of President Joe Biden’s vision for improved transportation and greenhouse gas reductions during a Senate hearing to consider Buttigieg’s nomination for U.S. transportation secretary. “We need to build our economy back, better than ever, and the Department of Transportation can play a central role in […]
Buttigieg to inherit a crumbling network of roads, subways and rails at DOT
Pete Buttigieg as the incoming pick for U.S. transportation secretary would take office at a time when both state and local officials are deeply frustrated that not enough is being done to maintain and improve the country’s transportation networks. But nobody seems to be able to solve the problem. For example, two presidents have vowed […]
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos heads for the exits, leaving a legacy of turmoil
WASHINGTON — In four years in office, U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos failed to broaden her appeal beyond the moment she won a wild Senate confirmation fight by the closest of margins. She didn’t even try. Instead, the billionaire Michigan native and Republican megadonor championed private and charter schools, often trying to funnel federal funding […]
Farmers likely to see more multinational trade deals crafted in Biden administration
WASHINGTON — American farmers who have gone through the drama and turbulence of trade and agriculture policy in the Trump administration can expect a far more sedate and multinational experience when President-elect Joe Biden takes office in January. On just the third day of his administration, President Donald Trump rattled world leaders and upended exports […]
Tight 2nd District race features two candidates with state experience
Iowa state Sen. Mariannette Miller-Meeks ran and lost three campaigns for a U.S. House seat representing southeastern Iowa. This year, on her fourth attempt and with the seat open, the Republican is hoping she has her best shot yet. But Miller-Meeks faces a formidable opponent in Democrat Rita Hart, a former state senator who unsuccessfully […]
Big Ten football, pandemic and politics collide as U-Wisconsin leader testifies before Congress
The Big Ten athletic conference will “keep its season postponed” for fall sports until it can guarantee more rigorous COVID-19 testing and address potential long-term health complications for student athletes, a Wisconsin university official told U.S. senators Tuesday. The comments from Rebecca Blank, chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, came as speculation has swirled all […]
Are D.C. lawmakers really shirking their job if they vote by proxy?
WASHINGTON — U.S. House Republicans have a new line of attack against some Democrats — they charge they are failing to show up for work. The criticism refers to this year’s practice of proxy voting in the House, which enables lawmakers of either party to cast votes even when they are not at the Capitol. […]