Durbin has been No. 2 in the Senate Democratic leadership since 2007, a job that involves knowing senators well enough to be able to count and corral votes, and knowing how to broker a deal.

As more and more cultural institutions cut ties with Russian artists and performers, there are questions about whether such actions are effective and ethical.

It's been three weeks since Russia invaded Ukraine, and while many thought that it would be over quickly, Ukraine is continuing to fend Russia off. Now, some analysts think Ukraine could win the war.

Gasoline prices hit record highs last week, so politicians in both parties proposed suspending state and federal gas taxes. But some warn such tax "holidays" may cut funding for needed road repairs.