All USA
- Vance shows polish, Walz hits him on Jan. 6 in notably civil VP debate
JD Vance used the vice presidential debate to show an empathetic side. Tim Walz called out Mr. Vance for avoiding a question on the 2020 election outcome. Both showed a level of civility now rare in national politics.
- Dock strike threatens economy before election and holidays
Unions have regained the clout to challenge employers. Now a strike by dockworkers over pay and automation is putting the economy – and Democrats – on edge before the election.
- First LookGeorgia judge strikes down state’s abortion ban as unconstitutional. Will it last?
The state’s abortion law, which took effect in 2022, was deemed in violation of Georgia’s constitution. Judge Robert McBurney wrote in his order “liberty in Georgia includes ... the power of a woman to control her own body.”
- What the US can do to deter a wider war in the Middle East
The U.S. is pursuing a strategy of deterrence and diplomacy in the Middle East, as conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates.
- Jimmy Carter’s century: A spirit of community softens Georgia’s political rifts
Plains is a politically divided town in the battleground state of Georgia. But the ethos of a peacemaker president is tangible on front porches here.
- Entering a new Supreme Court term, John Roberts is as enigmatic as ever
After a term in which Chief Justice John Roberts wrote landmark opinions benefiting former President Donald Trump, some court watchers are reevaluating his institutionalist image.
- First LookIn a race of razor thin margins, how the VP debate could make a difference
In what may be the final direct clash between the two presidential campaigns, vice presidential candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance will meet on Oct. 1. Historically, the position has never been very influential, but this year the debate could tip the scales.
- College students voted in big numbers in 2020. Are they ready to do it again?
Students had a decisive impact in several battleground states in 2022. Trends from prior years show that their habits are changing over time.
- College students voted in big numbers in 2020. Are they ready to do it again?
Students had a decisive impact in several battleground states in 2022. Trends from prior years show that their habits are changing over time.
- First Look‘Tariff Man’ Trump proposes even bigger tariffs on foreign goods. Will they deliver?
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has recently announced a flurry of new tariff proposals on imports from Mexico. Economists say tariffs are a mostly inefficient way to raise funds and increase jobs, and the burden often hits consumers.
- ‘We’re going to take care of you.’ Marine Corps museum offers veterans respite.
A new respite room at the Marine Corps museum lets veterans grapple with wounds of war – a big step for a military branch known for bravado.
- Young women and men are diverging on politics. Why this gender gap matters.
Young women have lurched left on abortion, the environment, and guns, in contrast to young men – shifts propelled by news events and social media.
- Congress uncovers major Secret Service failures – and urges change
Key details are emerging from both a House hearing and a Senate report on Secret Service lapses in security for presidential candidates. A bipartisan effort in Congress aims to identify and fix systemic problems.
- NYC Mayor Adams indicted: Democrats brace for impact
A corruption indictment against Eric Adams, New York City’s Democratic mayor, creates bad optics for his party right before the November elections.
- Raffensperger: Election board ‘destroying voter confidence’ in Georgia
Georgia GOP Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger warns that last-minute rule changes by the state’s right-wing election board are undermining voter trust in one of the country’s key battlegrounds.
- First LookWhy are death penalty executions scheduled in 5 states this week?
One execution was held on Sept. 20 and two more on Sept. 24. If the two remaining – set for Sept. 26 – take place, it will mark the most in one week in the U.S. since July 2003. Marcellus Williams was put to death in Missouri despite objections by the victims’ family.
- Cover StoryHow would Kamala Harris govern? Her past career offers signals.
The presidential campaign is light on policy details. For hints of what Kamala Harris might do as president, we look at her track record in public office.
- FocusBiden vowed to revive US refugee program. Everyday Americans are helping.
Under the U.S. Welcome Corps program, American citizens can apply to sponsor refugees directly. Here’s how the Biden initiative is going, after reversing cutbacks to the country’s refugee admissions program under Donald Trump.
- First LookPolice don’t always need to use force. New guidelines lay out a different approach.
Over a 10-year period, officers using tactics meant to subdue resulted in around 1,000 deaths. To reduce the risk of death, a group of police leaders have created new guidelines that focus on de-escalation strategies over the use of force.
- First LookViolent crime has been an election focal point. But data shows numbers are dropping.
After a surge during the pandemic, the FBI found violent crime decreased in almost every category in 2023. While not a drastic decrease, it confirms another report from the Council on Criminal Justice that crime levels are returning to 2019 levels.