All USA
Meet the man trying to end affirmative actionEdward Blum has spent decades trying to end what he considers a harmful practice: affirmative action in college admissions. The Supreme Court will rule on two cases by the end of term that may do just that.
First LookProtasiewicz to aim for ‘fair and impartial’ Wisconsin Supreme CourtDemocrat-backed Janet Protasiewicz won the Wisconsin Supreme Court race after beating out Republican opponent Dan Kelly. The new court controlled 4-3 by liberals is expected to decide a pending lawsuit challenging the state’s 1849 law banning abortion.
Donald Trump arraignment: US history or just another day in court?For the first time in U.S. history, a former president was arraigned in criminal court Tuesday. Outside the Criminal Courts Building, reporters nearly outnumbered the protesters.
First LookAbortion, voting rights in question in Wisconsin Supreme Court raceThe Wisconsin Supreme Court has been under conservative control for 15 years, and the race this year has become one of the most expensive contests in U.S. history of its kind. The stakes are high as the winner will serve a 10-year term.
First LookUS bipartisan lawmakers agree on more school safety measuresBoth red and blue US states are passing legislation to increase school safety measures, including panic buttons and video surveillance, following the school shooting in Tennessee. Meanwhile, a bill in Florida will allow unconcealed guns without a permit.
Tackling the biggest fraud in US history – pandemic reliefHundreds of billions of dollars were stolen in the rush to aid small businesses and individuals. Now the U.S. is trying to claw some money back.
‘The reckoning is here’: Where have community college students gone?Seven newsrooms joined together to explore the crisis facing community colleges, and ways to solve it, in a series called Saving the College Dream.
First LookIs Twitter's blue checkmark worth it? New York Times, others opt out.The New York Times ignored the deadline set by Twitter owner Elon Musk to purchase a blue verification checkmark. On Monday, the news organization lost its verification. Other celebrity users have balked at the fee and brace for their blue check removals.
First LookAs Trump’s New York arraignment begins, other probes continueFormer President Donald Trump will face growing legal challenges in New York, where he’s set to be arraigned this week on charges arising from hush money payments during his 2016 campaign. Other investigations outside Manhattan are pressing forward, too.
First LookMarch Madness: Women's NCAA tournament breaks new groundThis year’s record-breaking women’s NCAA basketball tournament featured a sequined winning coach, high scores, stellar ratings, and surprising upsets. The timing couldn’t be better and it could all lead to women’s basketball getting a separate TV deal.
Democrats split over education in Chicago mayoral runoffIn Chicago’s mayoral runoff Tuesday, Democrats Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas offer very different visions for fixing the city’s ailing schools.
First LookOrca whale starts ‘journey to freedom’ after 50 years in captivityLolita, an orca whale, is being returned to her home waters in the Pacific Northwest after 50 years of captivity. “It’s a step toward restoring our natural environment,” said Howard Garrett, of the advocacy group Orca Network.
Criminal indictment opens new stage in the Trump odysseyThe indictment of former President Donald Trump brings a new act in the narrative arc of his political rise, fall, and hoped-for redemption in 2024.
First LookTrump indicted in first-ever criminal case against a former US presidentDonald Trump has been indicted on charges involving payments in 2016 to silence claims of an extramarital sexual encounter, the first ever criminal case against a former U.S. president.
The ExplainerRisk and recovery: Mississippi tornado signals twin challengesSome research suggests tornado risks may be shifting modestly eastward, raising questions about preparedness in some of the poorest U.S. states.
First LookWill California lift its ban on travel to anti-LGBTQ+ states?In 2016, California banned government-funded travel to states with discriminatory laws against the LGBTQ+ community. Some in the state now aim to overturn that ban, saying it conflicts with other policies the state prioritizes.
US military’s top-brass women got together. Here’s what they said.The U.S. military’s top-ranking women shared a stage recently and recounted discrimination, but also the positive impact – and growing welcome – of female troops.
Biden’s democracy summit 2.0: Ukraine war spurs globalized formatTwo years into President Biden’s signature initiative, successful democracies from around the world are co-hosting a second democracy summit. What lessons can they provide?
First LookStates’ responses to mass shootings: Party determines policyAmid public mourning and anger after Nashville school shooting, Tennessee will likely not pass new gun control laws, due to the political party that controls the state.
First Look‘Sunsetting’ the war? Senate moves to repeal OK for 2002 Iraq invasion.The Senate is expected to repeal the 2002 measure that authorized the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Lawmakers in both parties are increasingly seeking to claw back congressional powers over U.S. military strikes and deployments.
