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‘Two different sides of a coin.’ Manchin, Sinema, and Democrats’ futureIf West Virginia represents the Democratic Party of the past, Arizona might represent its future. Can the White House find a compromise that appeals to both?
First LookParkland shooter pleads guilty to all charges, offers apologyOn Wednesday, Nikolas Cruz pleaded guilty to murdering 17 people in the 2018 Parkland, Florida, high school massacre. The shooting rocked the nation and sparked the March for Our Lives movement.
First LookTexas legislature passes new voting maps but lawsuit awaitsOn Monday, the Texas legislature approved new congressional district maps which will be finalized after Gov. Greg Abbott signs off on them. But civil rights groups have already filed a lawsuit, claiming the maps dilute minority votes.
Colin Powell: Public life, Volvos, and a poignant what ifOver two decades, Monitor reporter Peter Grier interviewed Colin Powell about everything from hope to his hobby fixing Volvos. He looks back on the life of a thoughtful and witty public servant – one whose sidelining took America down a different road.
First LookColin Powell remembered as 'a great public servant'Colin Powell, who died on Monday, had a distinguished career in the military – marked by becoming the first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As secretary of state under George W. Bush, however, many feel he falsely led the U.S. into war with Iraq in 2003.
First LookAthletes want to improve locker room culture. This app may help.A former college basketball player has launched an app for athletes and employees of universities and sports organizations to register real-time, confidential reports of sexual abuse, doping, and discrimination.
First LookHow will US cities spend $350B in relief aid? Answers vary.In California, federal relief aid is being used to finance a new recreation center, but the same money cannot be used to fix a bridge a few towns over. Local governments facing similar discrepancies across the U.S. are calling for the Treasury to loosen spending rules.
First LookSports over academics? Schools use COVID aid for athletics.Scores of schools throughout the U.S. are using federal pandemic relief toward athletic programs. Both Democrats and Republicans agree the money shouldn’t be used for sports, but schools argue that funding helps improve students’ experiences and overall wellness.
Nuclear deal: Tough talk aside, can Russia and China get Iran to the table?U.S. admonitions that time is running out for the Iran nuclear deal are out of sync with its actions. For all sides, a rationale for a deal persists.
Biden won’t shield Trump records. Will he regret it?With criminal charges looming against Steve Bannon, executive privilege – and its confidentiality protections – may be getting a rare day in court.
First LookIn step toward inclusion, US Army offers women armor that fitsFollowing years of complaints from women and small-stature men about uncomfortable, ill-fitting armor, the U.S. Army has introduced three additional sizes: extra small short, small short, and small long. So far, 4,500 soldiers have benefitted.
First LookRocky foundations: MIT grapples with anti-Indigenous historyFrancis Amasa Walker, the third president of MIT, helped bring the school its prestige. He also wrote a treatise in 1874 justifying the forced removal of Native Americans from their land. Now, students and alumni are debating how to navigate Walker’s mixed legacy.
First LookBannon defies Jan. 6 subpoena, cites Trump executive privilegeAs the Jan. 6 congressional committee continues its investigation, Steve Bannon is refusing to hand over documents and appear for a deposition. Mr. Bannon’s lawyer claims the information solicited is protected by former President Donald Trump’s executive privilege.
Why Democrats may be facing a generation in the wildernessDemocrats face serious electoral challenges in 2022 and beyond, which raises the stakes for their agenda. But does that mean they should aim high or tread lightly?
First LookRefugee school on Midwest base gives Afghan children a new startAs hundreds of refugee children sat idle on Wisconsin’s Fort McCoy U.S. Army base, three Afghan women created a school to make up for their missed lessons, as well as to prepare them for a life in the U.S. Rise Again now has about 20 teachers and 200 students.
First LookAfter Gruden resigns, NFL probes how it can improve its cultureFollowing the release of emails containing racist, homophobic, and misogynistic comments sent by former head coach John Gruden, the NFL community is looking inward and asking difficult questions about the organization’s culture.
Debt crisis averted, but at what cost?After punting on the debt, Democrats in Congress now face a critical stretch, with President Biden’s domestic agenda on the line.
Finding resilience: Para rowers upend notions of abilityFor these para rowers, individual effort, athletic prowess, and their teammates’ support propel them to success, despite their disabilities.
First LookAfter 19-month freeze, US land borders to reopen in NovemberThe United States announced it will reopen its land borders to vaccinated travelers next month. The decision, which matches the recently lifted restrictions on air travel, means separated families can reunite and leisure travel can resume.
First LookWhy U.S. food insecurity still looms, even amid recoveryWhen sectors of the economy began to reopen in the spring, U.S. food insecurity dropped significantly. But as the pandemic drags on, the amount of food being distributed remains at 55% above pre-pandemic levels.
