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Play ball? What baseball’s lockout means for the sport – and fans.Baseball was already struggling before players and owners recently reached an impasse. How the negotiations are handled could bring needed changes – or affect baseball’s viability long term.
First LookFaith or sports: Ohio law ensures athletes don't have to chooseIn Ohio, rules on high school athletic gear proved an obstacle for religious athletes who needed waivers to express their faith. How one hijabi runner’s viral story spurred a new state law that will protect athletes’ religious expression in sports.
First LookBipartisan deal: Congress finalizes $1.5T bill, including Ukraine aidOn Wednesday, members of Congress agreed on the details of a bipartisan bill to send $13.6 billion to help Ukraine and other European countries. A vote on the total $1.5 trillion package to finance federal agencies is expected this week.
‘The heart of the city is still there.’ How this Mardi Gras stoked revival.After a rough two years for New Orleans, last week’s Mardis Gras marked a recovery of hope, community spirit, and normalcy.
First LookThe Cherokee language is endangered. Can a phone keep it alive?After months of consulting with Cherokee leaders, Motorola rolled out a Cherokee interface on its newest phones. Although the initiative won’t fully address concerns of language extinction, it could help tribal members immerse themselves in the language more easily.
First LookSCOTUS to GOP: State courts congressional districting to standThe Supreme Court turned away Republican objections to North Carolina and Pennsylvania state courts’ rulings on congressional districting plans, a move seen as a benefit to Democrats.
First LookSafely in the US, Afghan refugees now face high cost of livingAs thousands of Afghans resettle in the United States, they’re looking to move to cities with strong Afghan communities. But with no job or credit history, they’re struggling in high-priced housing markets with rising inflation.
First LookConservatives move to rural Idaho to escape liberal politicsAs the political divide between the right and the left widens, so, too, does the physical divide. Some conservatives are fleeing liberal cities like Seattle and San Francisco for red rural areas like Sandpoint, Idaho. It doesn’t always sit well with current residents.
‘They seem so like us’: How bias creeps into war reportingThe world has been stunned by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But journalists’ shock has been accompanied by comments that media critics say reveal a Western bias.
Stronger NATO, more decisive EU: What Putin’s war hath wroughtVladimir Putin didn’t want Ukraine in NATO. He may see Finland and Sweden join instead. Their concerns, beyond security, are long-held values like freedom and democracy.
First Look‘Long overdue’: Black female WWII unit gets congressional honorThe 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-female Black unit that served in Europe in World War II, is set to receive a Congressional Gold Medal. The House decided to award the historic unit with the honor in a 422-0 vote Monday.
First LookPurdue Pharma case reaches settlement, leaving families conflictedOxyContin maker Purdue Pharma has agreed Thursday to pay up to $6 billion to settle a lawsuit for its role in the opioid crisis. The owners issued a statement of regret for the first time, leaving victims’ families conflicted but hopeful.
First LookTrump engaged in 'criminal conspiracy', Jan. 6 panel saysA House committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection suggested evidence of criminal activity by Donald Trump and his associates Wednesday. The panel alleged Mr. Trump spread false information about the election and pushed officials break federal laws to overturn results.
First LookThousands of ballots rejected in Texas' test of GOP voting lawsThe Texas primary on Tuesday gave a preview for the 2022 midterm elections as well the strict voting measures GOP lawmakers have put in place across the country. Under the new rules, Texas counties rejected thousands of ballots from voters of both parties.
Health agencies have lost public trust: Can that be fixed?As the pandemic enters its most hopeful phase in months, distrust in the public health system lingers – leaving work ahead for both agencies and Congress.
On Ukraine, Congress rediscovers bipartisan spirit – for nowCongress has rallied behind the president’s calls to help Ukraine. How long that unity can last remains to be seen.
First LookRussia, US inflation top priorities in Biden's State of the UnionRussian aggression, rising cost of living in the U.S., and the fading coronavirus were prime issues in President Biden’s first State of the Union address Tuesday evening. The polarized Congress showed unity in support of Ukraine.
First LookAfter strikeout in negotiations, MLB scraps opening dayAfter Major League Baseball players and owners failed to agree on new contract terms, Commissioner Rob Manfred canceled opening games scheduled for the end of the month. Players, meanwhile, are continuing to demand fairer pay.
FocusPolitics of pessimism: Why neither party is selling the American dreamEven before the crisis in Europe and the COVID-19 pandemic upended a sense of stability, U.S. political rhetoric had taken a dark turn.
First LookTexas crossroads: Primary offers preview of 2022 midtermsOn Tuesday, the 2022 midterm election season kicks off in Texas with primaries that will test the degree of loyalty to former President Donald Trump on the Republican side and the struggle between moderates and progressives on the Democratic side.
