All USA
The ExplainerShoplifting is on the rise. So are solutions.Across the United States, retailers are undertaking extraordinary measures to combat a rise in shoplifting. So are lawmakers and police.
With affirmative action gone, a new target: Legacy admissionsNow that affirmative action has been struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court, other practices, such as legacy admissions, are under scrutiny.
First LookRazor wire and buoys: Texas escalates tactics along US-Mexico borderTexas Gov. Greg Abbott has added heightened barriers – such as buoys and razor wire – along the U.S.-Mexico border, using disaster declarations as his legal bedrock. But now the tactics are prompting criticism, even within Texas.
Amid record heat wave, Texas grid powers throughThe Texas power grid has come through weeks of record 100-degree days like a champ, thanks in part to ramped-up clean energy and battery storage.
‘Spectacular’ wildflower season blooms in ColoradoWith the backdrop of a two-decade megadrought in the American West, an especially wet water year has produced a stunning wildflower show on the Western Slope of Colorado.
First LookFarmers face floods, lost crops, and too little time to replantWhen torrential rains swept through the Northeast, farmers in the region – particularly in Vermont – were dealt a devastating blow at the worst possible time. Plants were too early to harvest, and it’s too late to replant in the remaining growing season.
First LookIn protested House appearance, RFK Jr. denies antisemitism and racismRepublicans called Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to testify at a House hearing on government censorship. The longshot presidential candidate worked to defend himself from allegations of racism and antisemitism in the wake of a controversial leaked clip.
First LookFresh allegations: GOP moves in Hunter Biden investigationSen. Chuck Grassley released a document detailing unverified claims about Hunter Biden’s dealings with Ukrainian firm Burisma. The move escalates the probe into President Biden and his son, despite these unverified allegations being previously discredited.
Monitor BreakfastRussian exiled leader: Post-Putin era may be ‘months’ awayAt a Monitor coffee, Ilya Ponomarev expressed gratitude for U.S. weapons and aid to Ukraine – but said “regime change” is a cause for Russians alone.
First LookWorld Cup openers draw record crowds, even as NZ stunned by shootingDespite a shooting in Aukland, New Zealand, early Thursday, 2023 Women’s World Cup hosts Australia and New Zealand both drew record crowds to their stadiums for their opening matches. The tournament runs through Aug. 20.
First LookTransparent Supreme Court? Judiciary Committee to vote on ethics code.The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on a new ethics code for the Supreme Court. While Democrats are pushing the legislation, Republicans are strongly opposed, arguing the ethics bill could “destroy” the high court.
First LookA sea of pink: ‘Barbiemania’ takes commercial world by stormThe hype for the upcoming “Barbie” movie has come alongside a massive marketing blitz. Pink can be found everywhere – from burger sauce to luxury leggings – as experts are divided on how the excitement will play for Barbie’s parent company, Mattel.
Cover StoryFighting wildfires: A family traditionExcitement is a big draw for wildland firefighters, but a commitment to each other – and, in some cases, to their families – keeps them battling fires.
In Pictures: The smokejumpers of McCall, IdahoSmokejumpers fight fires in remote areas that are only accessible by air. The typical smokejumper is a combination of a special ops soldier, a tailor, and a ski bum.
Trouble for US support of Israel? Democratic criticism grows.Growing criticism of Israel on the left is raising concerns about the Democratic Party’s future support for the Jewish state.
First LookAn American soldier has crossed the North Korea border. But how?A slab of concrete and some raked gravel are all that separate the rival Koreas at Panmunjom, the world’s most heavily armed border. Few world leaders, and now an American soldier, have crossed the border. The incident could disrupt inter-Korean relations.
First LookAdrift for months, Australian and his dog lived off raw fish and hopeAn Australian sailor and his dog, who were stranded at sea for three months, were rescued by a Mexican tuna boat in the Pacific. Tim Sheddock was in good physical shape and expressed his gratitude to the captain and fishing company for saving his life.
First LookCriminal charges? Trump is under DOJ investigation for 2020 election.Former President Donald Trump said he has been told he is a target of the Justice Department’s investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Mr. Trump may soon face charges, a month after being charged in a separate investigation.
Can Threads, the ‘friendly’ Twitter, make social media nicer?Threads, the most rapidly downloaded internet app, calls itself a “friendly” social media space, but like Twitter, it faces questions about how to handle misinformation and censorship claims.
House Republicans ramp up investigation into Hunter BidenRepublicans allege U.S. President Joe Biden’s son received preferential treatment. Democrats say the GOP investigation is blatantly political.
