Jan 23, 2020

Jim Lehrer dies at 85

Fadel Allassan

Jim Lehrer speaks prior to the presidential debate at the University of Denver, Oct. 3, 2012. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

"PBS NewsHour" co-founder and longtime anchor Jim Lehrer died Thursday at 85, according to a statement from his colleague, Judy Woodruff.

Why it matters: Lehrer co-founded "NewsHour" in 1975, which he anchored for 36 years before retiring in 2011. He also moderated 12 presidential debates, more than any other person in American history. He received the National Humanities Medal from President Clinton in 1999 and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame that same year.

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Marisa Fernandez

Michael Bloomberg qualifies for Nevada's Democratic debate

Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

Michael Bloomberg qualified Tuesday for this week's Democratic debate in Las Vegas after notching 19% in the latest NPR-PBS NewsHour-Marist poll.

Why it matters: The debate on Wednesday in Las Vegas, just before the Nevada caucus, eliminated the requirement that candidates onstage have a specific number of donors. Bloomberg, who has been self-funding his campaign, will face off against his 2020 competitors for the first time.

Go deeperArrowUpdated Feb 18, 2020 - Politics & Policy
Stef W. Kight, Alayna Treene

Impeachment: Then & now

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

We are living in a measurably different political and media landscape than when the Senate acquitted President Bill Clinton of impeachment charges in 1999.

The big picture: These dynamics are setting the pace as President Trump’s legal team speeds through arguments to seek a fast acquittal.

Go deeperArrowJan 26, 2020
Rashaan Ayesh

Polls: Sanders in control over Biden, Bloomberg

Photos: Brett Carlsen/AFP via Getty Images; Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images; Sean Rayford/Getty Images

A group of top national polls released this week show Bernie Sanders in control of the 2020 Democratic race ahead of Wednesday's debate in Las Vegas.

The state of play: Joe Biden, who has been at the top of the polls for months, plunged after lackluster performances in Iowa and New Hampshire — allowing Sanders to surge ahead as billionaire Mike Bloomberg has cut into the former vice president's lead among moderate voters.

Go deeperArrowFeb 19, 2020 - Politics & Policy