Americans are paying closer attention to national politics. 

A survey released Thursday by the Pew Research Center found that 52 percent say they are focusing more since the presidential election.

Are national politicians paying enough attention to Americans? Washington has been inward-looking – the investigating of the investigators, the prospect of presidential self-pardon, today’s drama on the White House communications team, with Sean Spicer resigning as press secretary.

Yes, some work is getting done, six months into the new administration. Just yesterday the federal government reported that it had shut down two major online black markets. But is there enough looking outward – and ahead? On Wednesday, Axios reported that a House subcommittee was scrambling to pull together “an unheralded but consequential hearing” aimed at trying to get regulations in place ahead of the autonomous-car boom. Drones will need attention, too. A sobering report this week projected a staggering global volume of plastic waste by 2050.

A debt ceiling is coming up fast. So is debate over tax reform. A Fox News graphic Tuesday paraphrased the president on health care: “Eventually we will get something done.”

That would get Americans’ attention. 

Now to our five stories for today.