All USA
- First LookIn protested House appearance, RFK Jr. denies antisemitism and racism
Republicans 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 investigation
Sen. 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’ away
At 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 shooting
Despite 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 storm
The 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 tradition
Excitement 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, Idaho
Smokejumpers 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 hope
An 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 Biden
Republicans allege U.S. President Joe Biden’s son received preferential treatment. Democrats say the GOP investigation is blatantly political.
- First LookLegal for now? Iowa judge temporarily blocks governor’s abortion ban.
Days after Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a new law banning most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, a state judge has blocked the measure. This means that abortion, until 20 weeks, will be legal while the courts assess the law’s constitutionality.
- First LookGOP wants to plant 1 trillion trees. Can that stop a warming climate?
Republicans are moving away from climate change skepticism, instead promoting tree planting as a solution that won’t infringe on energy production. Environmental scientists have called the idea a distraction from cutting emissions from fossil fuels.
- Computer-generated prayer? How AI is changing faith.
Are AI-generated sermons the future of faith? With religious attendance falling, faith groups are turning to new technologies to attract members.
- Once seen as ‘conservative,’ FBI now faces attacks from the GOP
Trust in the FBI has been plummeting among Republicans during the Trump era, as voters see institutions as being weaponized for political purposes.
- How one senator has blocked the Pentagon over abortion
Both parties in Congress traditionally line up behind the military. But culture-war issues like abortion are changing that. Exhibit A: Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s monthslong blockade of Pentagon confirmations.
- How one senator has blocked the Pentagon over abortion
Both parties in Congress traditionally line up behind the military. But culture-war issues like abortion are changing that. Exhibit A: Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s monthslong blockade of Pentagon confirmations.