WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch

Two federal agencies, the Energy Department and the FBI, reignite the debate over whether the Covid-19 pandemic began naturally or whether the virus escaped from a Wuhan lab. The White House says there's no consensus in the intelligence community, but why was the lab-leak theory dismissed for so long, and are we any closer to finding the truth?

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During a primetime opening hearing, the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, led by Rep. Mike Gallagher, began a wide-ranging investigation into potential threats from China, including surveillance and threats of impending war. So what does this committee hope to accomplish? Plus, the Senate approves a measure to overturn a Biden administration ESG rule. 

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Chicago voters fire Mayor Lori Lightfoot, but their next leader will depend on an April runoff. Might Chicago become another example of a blue city that is fed up with crime and dysfunction? Plus, Congress considers whether to override bills by the D.C. Council that would lower criminal penalties in Washington and let noncitizens vote in local elections.

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The Justices take up Joe Biden's plan to wipe out billions of dollars in student debt, with sparring on the "major questions doctrine" and whether the opponents have legal standing to sue. Meantime, the Commerce Department puts a child care mandate on semiconductor companies that receive federal funding from the Chips Act. 

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Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot could lose her bid for re-election as rising crime has voters looking closely at her challengers. Plus, the race for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court has implications for former Gov. Scott Walker's reforms and for national Republicans.   

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Foreperson Emily Kohrs gives several interviews revealing details from the Georgia grand jury that investigated 2020 election interference. How much does this taint the state's investigation of Donald Trump's conduct? Plus, the Federal Reserve's favorite price metric, the PCE, shows the inflation beast hasn't yet been slain.

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Pete Buttigieg finally visited the site of a major train derailment in rural Ohio, while Donald Trump arrived on the scene with promises of clean water for those he says were forgotten by the current administration. Did Joe Biden make a mistake by not going to the region himself? Plus, tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy enters the 2024 race for President as Sen. Tim Scott gives a preview of his own possible ambitions in Iowa. 

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Under a law called Section 230, internet platforms aren't liable for what their users upload, but does that immunity also protect the algorithms that sort and display content? The High Court considers that question in a case alleging that YouTube's recommendation engine spread the messages of the terrorist group ISIS, though some Justices seem to think changing the status quo is a job for Congress, not the courts.

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As the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion nears, President Biden makes a surprise visit to Kyiv, with additional remarks in Poland. What's the importance of his appearance, and what's in the aid package he announced? Plus, Ron DeSantis says Ukraine shouldn't get a "blank check," as Vladimir Putin suspends the New Start nuclear arms treaty.

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Paul Gigot speaks with author Philip K. Howard about how public unions have created a lack of accountability and an "anti-merit" system in government, and how legal challenges are needed to restore democratic government that works. 

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