FDR | WKMS

"You know, it's like a gut punch to millions of people," Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal, who chairs the House Progressive Caucus, said about the $15-an-hour minimum wage coming out of President Biden's COVID-19 relief package. But she says her vote will be based on the bill as a whole, even though it doesn't include the wage hike.

NPR News

Progressives Show Patience With Biden, At Least Until Relief Bill Passes

Scott Detrow

President Biden vowed to govern as the most progressive chief executive since Franklin Roosevelt. But progressives in Congress are skeptical, especially after a recent letdown over the minimum wage.

A Kupu Aina Corps work crew funded by CARES Act money uses chainsaws to clear invasive mangroves from the area around Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu.

Environment

Hawaii Reboots Depression-Era Conservation Corps Using Pandemic Assistance Funds

Ryan Finnerty

Hawaii is using some of its CARES Act money to create a version of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The state is now trying to spend the last of the funds before the deadline later this month.

The stage at the U.S. Capitol ahead of President Barack Obama's second inauguration in 2013.

Government & Politics

Wait, Wait, Don't Inaugurate: Why The U.S. Takes So Long To Change Presidents

Ron Elving

How is it that the Brits can have a newly elected prime minister meeting with the queen to form a new government within a day or two, but Americans need 10 or 11 weeks to install a new crew?