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Reporting on the president’s acuity: It’s harder than it looksCritics say White House reporters weren’t transparent enough about President Biden’s mental faculties. But it’s a harder story to cover than it appears.
Why the NATO summit left Ukraine both grateful and disappointedThe NATO summit’s communiqué said Ukraine was on an “irreversible” path to membership. It was a dramatic step that managed to annoy Russia even as it disappointed France and fell short of everything Volodymyr Zelenskyy had hoped for.
Biden is on a knife’s edge: Can he hang on?President Biden performed just well enough at a NATO press conference Thursday evening for supporters to defend him, but not well enough to end debate over whether he should drop out.
First LookThe Tren de Aragua gang terrorized Venezuelans. Now in the US, a $12 million bounty for its leaders.The gang originated in Venezuela’s prisons but has expanded to the United States in recent years by preying on desperate migrants trying to flee President Nicolás Maduro’s rule. Tren de Aragua built its empire on sex trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion.
Stick, meet Carrot. How Portland police and activists teamed up to fight addiction.Portland became famous for a failed drug decriminalization measure. But the two sides found themselves doing something they rarely did: talking. Out of that, a promising program was born. Part 1 of a series.
First LookBullet vending machines in grocery stores? Gun control advocates aren’t happy.In grocery stores in Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas, customers can buy ammo at vending machines. The company, American Rounds, says the machines scan IDs and are “quick and easy” to use. Activists worry that the new transactions will increase gun violence.
With no clear path forward, more Democrats affirm support for BidenDemocrats on Capitol Hill are divided and demoralized. Many believe the president is on track to lose, but there’s no consensus about what to do.
NATO summit faces unexpected challenges. Doubts about Biden top the list.Joe Biden’s leadership of NATO in addressing the challenges posed by Russia and its war in Ukraine has reassured U.S. allies and been a centerpiece of his presidency. His debate performance is causing discomfort.
First LookFor the first time in 40 years, Republicans drop national abortion ban from party platformThe move comes as former President Donald Trump seeks to steer clear of strict abortion language, even while taking credit for setting up the 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court.
Is Kamala Harris ready to step up?The spotlight is shining brighter on Vice President Harris, who has a chance to reintroduce herself amid questions about the Democratic ticket.
After momentous term, Supreme Court cements Federalist Society vision as lawOverturning Roe was just the first step for conservatives eager to undo what they regarded as past judicial mistakes. This term overturned more precedents.
The ExplainerJoe Biden exits the race. How hard is it to change the Democratic ticket this late?After weeks of hand-wringing about whether replacing Joe Biden on the 2024 ticket would do more harm than good, Democrats are now turning to how to make the switch as seamless as possible.
I traveled with Biden all weekend. He’s not going down without a fight.The American president is facing perhaps the biggest crisis of his political career, a make-or-break moment for his 2024 reelection campaign. The Monitor accompanied him on the campaign trail this weekend. Here’s what our reporter saw.
First Look‘Sweetheart deal’: Families of 737 Max crash victims not satisfied by Boeing guilty pleaIn addition to paying an additional $243.6 million fine and being required to invest at least $455 million in its compliance and safety programs, an independent monitor would be named to oversee Boeing’s safety and quality procedures for three years.
First LookAs summer temperatures climb, minority and low-income neighborhoods struggle to stay coolWhen a heat wave hits a big city, people of color and low-income residents are affected the most. Decades of discriminatory housing policies have deprived minority neighborhoods of resources, making it harder to stay cool.
On a day to celebrate US democracy, many Americans are worried about itOn the eve of America’s Independence Day, the country is united in feeling pessimistic about the country’s future. But they disagree about why.
Six immigrant stories tell the promises and pitfalls of the American dreamThe American dream is an enduring part of U.S. mythology, drawing immigrants from around the world. Six families share its pitfalls and promises.
First LookA Kansas judge has blocked new Title IX LGBTQ+ protections in more schoolsIn Kansas, a U.S. district judge has denied anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ students, a decision affecting four states and more areas. The rule, set to take effect in August, would expand the definition of sexual harassment under Title IX.
First LookCaitlin Clark, Angel Reese’s new rookie challenge: Beat the Olympic team in All-Star GameThe pair of remarkable rookies were selected July 2 by a combination of votes from the media, fans, players, and the league’s 12 coaches to play against the U.S. Olympic team led by A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart in Phoenix on July 20.
Trump’s big week of wins compounds Democratic frustrationRecent Supreme Court rulings on presidential immunity and Jan. 6 defendants, along with Joe Biden’s halting debate performance, have boosted Donald Trump.
