All USA
- How does gerrymandering change US politics? Look at this district.
The 1st Congressional District in South Carolina was trending blue. Now it’s deep red. In the change is the story of modern American politics.
- Why foreign policy is no longer in Biden’s ‘win’ column
Defending democracy and opposing authoritarianism. Projecting leadership and coming to the aid of allies. President Joe Biden’s values-laden foreign policy has been a political asset ... until this challenging election year.
- Monitor BreakfastCan government avoid a shutdown? Budget chief ‘not optimistic.’
Shalanda Young, President Joe Biden’s top budget official, shared concerns about the possibility of a government shutdown during a Monitor Breakfast with reporters on Friday.
- FocusHow public divide over Jan. 6 could shape 2024 – and beyond
Perceptions of Jan. 6 aren’t just about the past. Diverging views of the Capitol riots may influence the political path ahead and trust in government.
- Did US homicide rate rise or fall in 2023? The answer might surprise you.
The U.S. homicide rate dropped by the most on record in 2023 – a welcome reversal after pandemic spikes in violence.
- Harvard president steps down: Why charges of plagiarism still stick
Claudine Gay stepped down as president of Harvard Jan. 2. She and her defenders say her ouster was politically motivated. Critics say academic standards still matter.
- Cover StoryTalk of a Trump ‘dictatorship’: What’s behind the fears
The question of whether a second Trump term would result in the collapse of U.S. democracy has gripped pundits and political insiders. What’s bluster and what’s believable? History offers context.
- May it please the court – or not – justices will decide if Trump can run
What originally looked like a long shot effort to keep Donald Trump off the ballot has picked up momentum that is likely to carry it to the Supreme Court. What will this mean for the 2024 election?
- What does a ‘bright kid’ look like? New York expands its gifted program.
How can the U.S. make sure all students who are capable of advanced work are given that opportunity? Politicians and educators are leaning toward gifted programs that are more inclusive.
- First LookHow plagiarism claims fueled Claudine Gay’s resignation
Harvard University President Claudine Gay resigned Jan. 2 amid plagiarism allegations and criticism over her congressional testimony on antisemitism on campus. Some are worried plagiarism claims will become a new weapon in conservative attacks on higher ed.
- Why a poem keeps them goin’ in the US Navy
Poetry aboard U.S. aircraft carriers has been derided as evidence of a “too woke” Navy. Sailors disagree and keep up a New Year’s Day tradition by writing logbook entries in verse.
- First LookIs our water safe? Utility plant hacking raises cybersecurity alarms.
U.S. states and federal government officials wrestle with how to strengthen cybersecurity after the hacking of a municipal water authority in Pennsylvania. Authorities say the equipment was targeted because its components were Israeli-made.
- First LookWhite House makes emergency weapons sale to Israel, bypassing Congress again
For the second time this month, the Biden administration is bypassing Congress to approve an emergency weapons sale to Israel. On Friday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an emergency determination of $147.5 million in equipment for Israel.
- First LookSouth Africa accuses Israel of genocide at International Court of Justice
South Africa brings a case to the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and seeking an order to halt attacks. This marks the first challenge of its kind during the current conflict.
- First LookMaine's Secretary of State bars Donald Trump from primary ballot
Maine’s Democratic Secretary of State unilaterally removed Donald Trump from the state’s primary ballot, invoking the insurrection clause of the 14th Amendment. The same Civil-War era insurrection clause was also recently used in Colorado to bar Mr. Trump.
- First LookColorado Rep. Lauren Boebert seeks 'fresh start' in district switch
Rep. Lauren Boebert is changing congressional districts in Colorado, moving from the 3rd to the more conservative 4th District. Ms. Boebert cites the move as a "fresh start" following a controversial year, including an embarrassing incident captured on video.
- First LookRiding against the odds: Najiah Knight's quest to make bull riding history
Najiah Knight aspires to be the first woman in the Professional Bull Riders tour's top level. Najiah's fearless pursuit of her dream is supported by her family, who believe in her potential to make history in the male-dominated sport.
- First LookFormer President Donald Trump stays on the 2024 ballot in Michigan
Michigan’s Supreme Court is keeping former President Donald Trump on the state's primary election ballot. The ruling follows a Dec. 19 decision by the Colorado Supreme Court, which said Mr. Trump is ineligible to be president after his role in Jan. 6, 2021.
- First LookRegional conflict simmers: President Biden sends airstrikes to Iraq
President Biden ordered retaliatory airstrikes against Iranian-backed militia groups, following a drone attack in northern Iraq that injured three U.S. servicemembers. The Iraqi Prime Minister says U.S. actions in Iraq, "constitute a clear hostile act."
- First LookParamedics convicted: Elijah McClain verdict stirs First Responder reform
Two Denver paramedics have been convicted of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Elijah McClain in 2019. Mr. McCain was given a fatal overdose of ketamine by paramedics and the landmark case may impact first responders nationwide.