In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here.

If you want to know why Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is not going to provide the seven Democratic votes needed to keep the government open this Tuesday, just ask Nathan Sage, one of the two Iowa Democrats vying to replace retiring Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), if he would support Schumer to continue as the leader of Senate Democrats.