All USA
First LookIs a U.S. recession coming? Biden says economy can stay afloat.The U.S. economy is facing inflation and the war in Ukraine. The Biden White House says a strong job market and household savings are enough to weather pending economic storms. But some economists warn a recession could still be on the horizon.
First LookTrump backs Dr. Oz: Will Pennsylvania MAGA voters embrace it?TV celebrity Mehmet Oz was endorsed by former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania's crowded Republican Senate race. The campaign is seen as a key test of Trump's political influence.
Cover StoryWhy a conservative Florida county raised taxes to help childrenIn the same election where Escambia County overwhelmingly supported Donald Trump, voters also raised taxes to create the Escambia Children’s Trust.
‘Don’t be a jerk, and don’t be a socialist’: Will Hurd’s advice for 2022Former Republican Rep. Will Hurd of Texas is urging action, including within his own party. He sees paths to progress even on intractable issues like immigration.
Jackson headed to Supreme Court. Why was it such a nailbiter?Was the 53-47 vote Thursday to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson another symptom of congressional gridlock? Yes, but other dynamics are at work, too.
Brain gain: Universities worldwide step up to help Ukrainian scholarsCulture makes a country, but so do scholarly contributions. Organizations around the world are helping Ukrainians stay engaged in research and learning.
First LookPreemptive suit: Michigan governor sues to protect abortion rightsMichigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sued prosecutors in 13 counties to protect abortion rights which may be curbed if Roe v. Wade is vacated. Currently, federal law supersedes an 1846 state ban that makes it illegal to terminate a pregnancy unless life-threatening.
First LookUS to follow Canada, confront Native boarding school pastFollowing Pope Francis’ apology to Indigenous groups in Canada, U.S. churches are beginning to reckon with their own role in the forced assimilation of Indigenous children. The Interior Department expects to issue a report this month uncovering the traumatic past.
Reviving Navajo identity, one sheep at a timeSheep are on the rebound in Navajo Nation, reconnecting the Navajo people to their heritage and identity – and signaling hope and resilience on the reservation.
Monitor BreakfastBiden adviser: Sanctions on Russia are working – and getting tougherAt a Monitor Breakfast with reporters, Biden economic adviser Brian Deese said Russia’s economy looks set to shrink “by 10% to 15%” as Western sanctions bite.
First LookBiden administration to extend freeze on student loan paymentsThe Biden administration is planning to extend the pause on federal loan payments to Aug. 31 as the current May 1 expiration date looms. The decision will affect more than 43 million Americans who need to repay a combined $1.6 trillion in student loans.
First LookGratitude and grief mark Afghan refugees' first US RamadanApril marks the first Ramadan Afghan refugees in the United States are experiencing away from home and family. After fleeing the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan last summer, many are still adapting to daily life and worrying about those they left behind.
FocusHow Navajo are turning on taps – even in remote, dry areasTaking a severe toll on the Navajo Nation, the pandemic also highlighted how many residents lack running water – spurring ingenuity-based solutions.
First LookJudge Jackson secures three GOP votes before Senate confirmationRepublican Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Mitt Romney said Monday they will vote to confirm Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson. Sen. Susan Collins earlier said she will vote for Judge Jackson giving her bipartisan support in a 50-50 Senate.
Rage from the right: Threats against lawmakers rise for the GOP, tooMost death threats against members of Congress come from the political right. In a recent shift, they’re as likely to target Republicans as Democrats.
Traitor or scapegoat? How one cop became the face of Jan. 6.Thomas “T.J.” Robertson is a military veteran and former police officer who lost his job for his participation in the Capitol assault on Jan. 6. His trial starts this week.
First LookJury awarded $14M to George Floyd protesters in Denver. What’s next?On Friday, jurors awarded $14 million in damages to a group of protesters injured by Denver police while demonstrating over the killing of George Floyd in 2020. The verdict could impact the outcome of over two dozen pending police misconduct cases nationwide.
First LookWashington State creates alert system for missing Indigenous peopleWashington Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill into law creating the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s and People’s Alert System. It is the first statewide alert system for missing Indigenous people – particularly women – in the nation.
Election-year wild card: Blue state gerrymanderingDemocrats decry Republican gerrymandering, but those in some blue states say it’s unilateral disarmament if they don’t respond in kind.
First LookArizona, Oklahoma join wave of transgender sports bansOn Wednesday, Oklahoma and Arizona enacted legislation that bans transgender girls and women from participating on female sports teams, following the lead of Iowa and South Dakota, which passed similar measures in the past two months.
