May 12, 2017

Sessions unravels Obama-era sentencing policies

Susan Walsh / AP

Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a new directive to federal prosecutors across the country Friday: start charging criminals with "the most serious and readily provable offense."

Sessions also formally rescinded two "Smart on Crime" policy memos signed by his predecessor, former AG Eric Holder, who asked that prosecutors ensure that the "most severe mandatory minimum penalties are reserved for serious, high-level, or violent drug traffickers."

Why this matters: Session's announcement follows a series of other major departures from Obama-era policies in the Trump administration, but this memo solidifies Sessions' position on criminal justice. The memo is already being referred to as "the Sessions Memo."

Go deeper

Jacob Knutson
Updated 2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

U.S. officials: Iran and Russia aim to interfere in election

Iran and Russia have obtained voter registration information that can be used to undermine confidence in the U.S. election system, Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe announced at a press conference Wednesday evening.

Why it matters: The revelation comes roughly two weeks before Election Day. Ratcliffe said Iran has sent threatening emails to Democratic voters this week in states across the U.S. and spread videos claiming that people can vote more than once.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow
Axios
Updated 2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

  1. Politics: Senate Democrats block vote on McConnell's targeted COVID relief bill — McConnell urges White House not to strike stimulus deal before election.
  2. Economy: Why the stimulus delay isn't a crisis (yet).
  3. Health: New York reports most COVID cases since May — Studies show drop in coronavirus death rate — The next wave is gaining steam.
  4. Education: Schools haven't become hotspots — San Francisco public schools likely won't reopen before the end of the year.
  5. World: Spain becomes first nation in Western Europe to exceed 1 million cases.
Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Rebecca Falconer
Updated 3 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Supreme Court blocks Alabama curbside voting measure

Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

The Supreme Court on Wednesday evening blocked a lower court order that would have allowed voters to cast ballots curbside at Alabama polling places on Election Day.

Whit it matters: With less than two weeks until Election Day, the justices voted 5-3 to reinstate the curbside voting ban and overturn a lower court judge's ruling designed to protect people with disabilities during the coronavirus pandemic.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow