Author
Jacob covers federal policy as a senior reporter for States Newsroom. Based in Oregon, he focuses on Western issues. His coverage areas include climate, energy development, public lands and infrastructure.
New Jersey Monitor is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
DeSantis and Haley trade accusations at Iowa debate while Trump holds separate town hall
By: Robin Opsahl and Jacob Fischler - January 11, 2024
At the debate, the two candidates repeatedly attacked one another for allegedly lying about their track records.
Three-judge federal panel grills Trump lawyer on claim of presidential immunity
By: Ashley Murray and Jacob Fischler - January 9, 2024
Former President Donald Trump appeared in federal court Tuesday seeking immunity from charges that he schemed to overturn the 2020 presidential election results and knowingly fed lies to supporters who turned violent on Jan. 6, 2021.
Trump legal problems abound as first test of 2024 presidential campaign nears in Iowa
By: Ashley Murray and Jacob Fischler - January 8, 2024
On the cusp of a 2024 election season like none other in U.S. history, former President Donald Trump’s legal and political worlds are set to converge.
US House Republicans back formal impeachment inquiry against Biden
By: Jacob Fischler - December 13, 2023
The vote allows three committees to continue their investigation into whether Biden benefited from his son Hunter’s foreign business dealings.
US Supreme Court asked to quickly rule on Trump claims of presidential immunity
By: Jacob Fischler and Ashley Murray - December 11, 2023
Donald Trump argues that as a former president, he is protected from criminal prosecution and that he was already acquitted by the U.S. Senate in an impeachment trial.
Growing threat of political violence looms over 2024, former members of Congress warn
By: Jacob Fischler - December 8, 2023
An October poll found 23% of respondents believe that “true American patriots may have to resort to violence in order to save our country.”
On debate stage, Christie continues anti-Trump crusade, mostly alone
By: Jacob Fischler and Robin Opsahl - December 7, 2023
Ex-Gov. Chris Christie has made criticism of former President Donald Trump, the far-and-away leading candidate in the field, the cornerstone of his campaign.
Democrats urge feds to update banking ‘red flags’ on legal marijuana businesses
By: Jacob Fischler - November 16, 2023
The federal government unfairly penalizes legal marijuana businesses whose owners have marijuana-related convictions, Democrats say.
As ’March for Israel’ draws crowds to D.C., congressional leaders vow continued support
By: Jacob Fischler - November 14, 2023
As thousands marched in Washington, D.C., to support Israel Tuesday, several Congress members pledged their support.
Democrats’ struggle to keep U.S. Senate majority complicated by Manchin decision
By: Jennifer Shutt, Jacob Fischler and Ariana Figueroa - November 9, 2023
Democrats need to recruit a strong candidate to run for the seat that Manchin is vacating, though their bench isn’t especially deep in the Republican state.
GOP presidential candidates brawl in Florida debate, while Trump rallies nearby
By: Jacob Fischler and Robin Opsahl - November 9, 2023
Trump once again declined to participate in what was the third debate of the primary race, holding his own rally in nearby Hialeah instead.
U.S. House votes to censure Michigan’s Rashida Tlaib over Israel remarks
By: Jacob Fischler - November 7, 2023
The resolution was a formal statement that a majority of the chamber disapproves of Tlaib’s statements.