Daily news coverage of politics, policy, and issues shaping the nation.
CULLMAN, Ala.—As the power structure in Montgomery looks for ways to make up a budget shortfall in 2015, a state cigarette tax increase may be on the table. Gov. Robert Bentley has said he might sign a bill if it came across his desk after some legislators expressed an interest in targeting cigarettes as a…
Last month, Israel signed the UN’s Arms Trade Treaty, which supposedly prevents nations from arming terrorists and mass murderers. But in reality, the treaty’s advocates spend most of their time vehemently criticizing Israel, and, of course, the United States. Israel is understandably tired of the relentless criticism of the way it defends itself from the…
This is could be a landmark year for Philadelphia schools. From the results of an anticipated state audit to the expansion of its charter program, the district faces important changes in 2015 that will affect the quality of education and help drive spending in the face of a massive deficit. Here are the five biggest…
When Maurice Alexander finished sweeping the aisles at Edward Jones Stadium, he used to find a seat behind the end zone and sit and dream. One poor choice his junior year at Utah State in 2012 had ended the linebacker’s collegiate career, landed him in jail, then left him a janitor. So when the Aggies…
In the weeks since announcing he would explore a presidential run, Jeb Bush has emerged as the early frontrunner for Republicans in 2016. But there’s one thing he has been unable to escape: criticism for his support of Common Core education standards. Columnist George Will is the latest to join a chorus of critics, penning…
Sexual violence in the context of criminal law is now considered too disturbing to study for students attending the nation’s most prestigious law school. According to Jeannie Suk, a professor at Harvard Law School, the accentuation of rape culture has forced her and other law professors to tread carefully while discussing rape law with students….
Prominent media coverage of recent protests by workers targeting Twin Cities fast food outlets, Walmart and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport gave the impression of unions on the rise in Minnesota. Despite a “Week of Action” pickets last month, federal government labor statistics reveal a decade of decline for union membership in Minnesota and nationwide. “The…
In daring moves just days before the next election for House speaker, two Republican congressman have offered themselves as alternatives to incumbent Speaker John Boehner, the party establishment’s choice. Reps. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., and Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, announced they would oppose Boehner this weekend. The Daily Signal has learned several Republicans also are weighing a…
FORT WAYNE, Ind.—Hoosier lawmakers have joined a growing number of states that want your kid to take another exam. To graduate high school, students would have to pass an exam similar to the naturalization test required for immigrants to become U.S. citizens. Still a work in progress, the bill will come up for debate during…
The Federal Election Commission has steered clear of regulating political speech on the Internet. But the FEC's outgoing chairman, Lee Goodman, warns that the commission could well impose rules on Americans who disseminate information on blogs, video channels or podcasts. Goodman, a Republican, last year headed the six-member FEC, which oversees campaign finance laws. In an…
For the Armas family, one picture meant much more than a thousand words. In August 1999, doctors diagnosed Samuel Armas—who was still in his mother’s womb—with spina bifida, a congenital disorder that causes deformation of the spinal cord. To prevent her future son from suffering severe neurological damage, Armas’s mother, who was 21 weeks pregnant…
An activist has decided to bring “The Interview” to the people of North Korea. Park Sang-hak, a North Korean defector and an activist against its regime, will launch into North Korea balloons carrying DVDs and USBs containing the controversial film, according to the Associated Press. “The Interview” depicts the death of the country’s dictator, Kim Jong…
Planned Parenthood performed 327,653 abortions in 2013—all while accepting hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer funds. The organization recently released its 2013-14 annual report, highlighting the “building momentum” and the “explosion of engagement” within Planned Parenthood. “In 2014, Planned Parenthood expanded our reach—and deepened our impact—providing the health care and education that help millions…
Alex Collins wanted to go hunting. When the 9-year-old saw a drawing for a youth hunting trip with the Chester County Sheriff’s Department on Facebook, he jumped at the chance. The only problem, Alex lives in Chester County, Pa.—not Chester County, S.C. Watch how these police departments crossed state lines to grant this little boy’s…
In August, Bernie Sanders told ABC News that if he ran for president, he’d have “a damn good platform.” The Independent Vermont senator further articulated his agenda this week, fueling increased speculation about a presidential run in 2016. A self-described socialist who caucuses with Democrats in the Senate, Sanders said in March that he’s “prepared…
Mario Cuomo, a three-term Democratic governor of New York, passed away yesterday at 82 of natural causes due to heart failure. In tributes and obituaries, he was remembered as a passionate, transformative politician with a gift for public speaking. A powerful address at the 1984 Democratic National Convention thrust him into the national spotlight. Cuomo publicly challenged…
Who were 2014’s winners and losers? Charles Krauthammer counts “the Castro brothers” among the year’s biggest winners. “They had to wait through 10 presidencies to get to a president who would give them everything they want in return for nothing,” Krauthammer said on Fox News’ “Special Report.” “And they got the jackpot: a genuinely ideological…
HarperCollins wanted to sell atlases created specifically for schools in the Middle East. Certainly a worthy mission, minus one major omission: the publishing giant left Israel off the map. “This product has now been removed from sale in all territories and all remaining stock will be pulped,” says @HarperCollins The atlas illustrates Syria, Jordan, even…
Republicans are set to take control of Congress next week, prompting outspoken Rep. Louie Gohmert to lay out his most pressing goals for 2015 on Fox News’ “Hannity.” Gohmert said House Republicans must use the power of the purse to defund President Obama’s amnesty plan and Obamacare. The Texas congressman also pointed to the Keystone…
Millions of Americans are facing new tax penalties in 2015 courtesy of the Affordable Care Act. Fines for failing to purchase health insurance are set to double, and for the first time, the Internal Revenue Service is gearing up to collect. If you don’t have coverage in 2015, you’ll pay either $325 or 2 percent…