Lew Blank

Nov 21, 2024 | dataforprogress.org | Kevin Hanley |Cecilia Bisogno |Lew Blank

By Kevin Hanley, Cecilia Bisogno, and Lew BlankIn recent years, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) — an agency set up after the 2008 financial crisis to regulate mortgages and other consumer finance products to protect consumers from corporate financial abuses — has come under attack from banking interest groups and conservative legislators alike.

Nov 19, 2024 | dataforprogress.org | Rob Todaro |Lew Blank

The survey asked voters about a series of controversial statements and stances by Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and his nominee to lead the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth. Kennedy’s statements, which include several conspiracy theories and false claims, were met with strong disagreement from voters.

Oct 23, 2024 | dataforprogress.org | Ryan O’Donnell |Lew Blank

By Ryan O’Donnell and Lew BlankFormer President Donald Trump is known for making outlandish comments — from claiming that Haitian immigrants are eating people’s pets, to suggesting the use of nuclear weapons to deter hurricanes, to saying he would be a dictator on day one. One question throughout his political career has been: How seriously do voters take him while he’s making these comments?

Oct 9, 2024 | dataforprogress.org | Marissa Farmer |Lew Blank

By Marissa Farmer and Lew BlankHurricane Helene, which struck the southeastern U.S. in late September, is now the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Maria in 2017. The storm has been particularly devastating in Appalachia, where trillions of gallons of water flooded communities, blocked crucial roads, and cut off residents from food, water, power, and other essentials.

Sep 27, 2024 | dataforprogress.org | Matthew Cortland |Lew Blank

By Matthew Cortland and Lew BlankMore than 15 million Americans rely on disability programs administered by the Social Security Administration. “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” covered this topic on Sunday, September 22, underscoring how difficult it is for disabled Americans to apply for these disability benefits and keep them once granted.