How Mitch McConnell changed the courts and US politics

Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell announced that he would step
down from his role as Senate minority leader this November,
though he’ll still be a senator through the end of his term.
McConnell had been the head of the Senate’s Republican members
since 2006. What motivated the leadership exit? The 82-year-old
pointed to personal concerns and the changing politics of his
party. What should we remember about the longtime Republican
figurehead, and what could the end of his time as a Senate leader
look like?


Immigration is among the most important issues for American
voters. News stories and political messaging about a rise in
border crossings play into that concern. But finger-pointing over
the failure of the border security bill won’t lead to solutions,
according to panelist Mo Elleithee. How can a shift in
perspective resolve voters’ desires for a solution on
immigration?


Louisiana is the focus of our 50 States segment. The state’s
governor, Jeff Landry, chose not to opt into a new federal
initiative that would extend electronic benefit transfer (EBT)
funds for families into summer. Several other states with
Republican governors also opted out of the program for 2024. Why
might states deny more federal dollars, even if they’re aimed at
more nutrition for kids?