All USA
First LookInequality in America: How the war on drugs widened the gapBlack and Latino communities are still dealing with the ramifications of harsh federal and state penalties for drug violations that landed millions of people behind bars. But even for those who have reformed, felony records hinder their progress.
FocusCities grapple with homelessness, as tent clusters proliferateHomelessness: The pandemic drove more people into tents, and emergency measures left many undisturbed. Now, localities are seeking better solutions.
Police reform: Why it’s so tough to get – and keep – the right chiefPolice reform can sometimes depend on getting the right police chief. But cities might be churning through them too quickly to create real change.
Amid biking boom, more adults decide it’s finally time to learnAdults in bike-riding classes are overcoming fear and embarrassment – gaining a new way to get to work and to exercise, as well as make new friends.
First LookThere's a stranger in these parts: Texas town gets a spaceportJess Bezos’ new “spaceport” is putting the tiny town of Van Horn, Texas on the map. While it has not always been easy for Blue Origin’s scientists and engineers to integrate into local life, some newcomers are doing their best to be part of the community.
First LookCapitol rioter gets 8 months for felony. What about the others?In the first punishment for a felony in response to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, Paul Hodgkins received a sentence of eight months in prison. The sentencing may set a standard for future cases, analysts say.
First LookIn NHL milestone, Nashville Predators prospect comes out as gayLuke Prokop, a prospect for the Nashville Predators, became the first hockey player signed to an NHL contract to publicly come out as gay on July 19. His announcement comes shortly after Carl Nassib became the first active NFL player to come out last month.
At Fellowship church, faith knows no creed or colorThe Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples, founded in 1944, transcends barriers of race, color, and creed, uniting instead in a shared humanity.
First LookYounger Texas Democrats push for aggressive tacticsNationwide, progressives newly elected to office are pushing a more combative strategy within the Democratic Party. In Texas, this trend has produced a confrontational approach to blocking the GOP voting bill.
First LookWho did it? US says China responsible for Microsoft hack.On Monday, the Biden administration faulted China for the Microsoft Exchange email hack earlier this year, and the Justice Department charged four Chinese nationals in another hacking campaign. Officials say this indicates an ongoing Chinese cybersecurity threat.
First LookBiden pledges appeal of ‘deeply disappointing’ DACA rulingA federal judge has deemed the DACA program, which has protected hundreds of thousands of young immigrants from deportation, illegal. President Joe Biden pledges a Justice Department appeal.
In Senate, an urgent bridge-building effortA group of bipartisan senators has agreed to a blueprint for overhauling America’s infrastructure, but hammering out the details will require trust.
First LookGuaranteed income plan passes in CA, other states may followDespite critics’ claim that guaranteed income reduces work incentives, the idea has been gaining popularity across the U.S., with California’s adoption of a taxpayer-funded program being the latest in a series of experiments with monthly cash payments.
First LookExpanded child tax credit issues first round of paymentMillions of families across the United States with children under 18 will begin to receive cash payments from the government. The tax credit is key to the Biden administration’s goal of cutting child poverty. Critics say it will foster dependence on government support.
First LookWith new lawyer, Britney Spears renews plea to end conservatorshipA judge approved Britney Spears’ request to hire an attorney of her own choosing after the pop star recounted her time under her conservatorship, which she called abusive. The attorney, Mathew Rosengart, called on Ms. Spears’ father to resign as her conservator.
In Bronx and beyond, the pandemic revealed resilienceThe Bronx was at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. But a project to tell its story finds an unexpected outcome: resilience.
First LookWhy some historically black colleges are struggling to stay openWhile some prestigious historically black colleges such as Howard University are enjoying high profile faculty appointments, many other HBCUs are fighting for survival. Pandemic relief is helping, but without more funding, high tuition will continue to deter enrollment.
First LookTexas Democrats flee to Washington as GOP threatens arrestAfter Texas Democrats fled the state to prevent the passage of voting restrictions by denying a quorum, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has threatened the group with arrest. Earlier, House Republicans authorized state troopers to find and corral the missing legislators.
First LookIn NYC, four men charged for plot to kidnap Iranian activistsA New York federal court has charged four Iranian nationals with plotting the kidnapping of opposition journalist Masih Alinejad, who is in exile in the United States, along with other activists. The men remain at large and could face a life in prison if caught.
First LookOil drilling digs deeper under Biden’s watchMore than 2,100 oil permits have been approved since January despite President Joe Biden’s campaign pledges to end new drilling on federal lands. While a drilling ban would reduce emissions, it could also hinder bipartisan cooperation on clean energy, analysts say.
