All USA
- ‘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 continue
Former 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 ground
This 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 runoff
In 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 captivity
Lolita, 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 odyssey
The 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 president
Donald 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 challenges
Some 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 format
Two 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 policy
Amid 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.
- Puny snowmen? Biking in January? New England’s winter that wasn’t.
From fat-tire bikes to tapping maple trees in December, small businesses from Maine to Connecticut are adapting as snowy New England winters become things of memory.
- Cover StoryFor the love of nature: Outdoorspeople help lawmakers bridge divides
Climate action can be politically divisive. But a love for nature is bringing people together – even in Washington.
- First LookNew Mexico tackles food insecurity with free school meals for all
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed a bill to provide free school meals to all students, setting aside more than $22 million to fund the program. The legislation aims to combat food insecurity rates, boost local agriculture, and reduce food waste.
- First LookTurning point: More US electricity generated by renewables than coal
In 2022, electricity generated from renewable energy passed coal electricity production in the United States for the first time. Experts say renewables are now the most affordable source of new electricity for much of the country.
- First Look‘We need to remember’: Nashville community unites after shooting
On Monday The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, was the target of an elaborately planned mass shooting. The community is planning vigils for the six victims.
- Why some MAGA voters won’t protest for Trump
Despite a possible indictment, President Trump’s support among conservative voters looks rock solid – and building. But one place shows softening: Some followers feel abandoned by him after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and won’t protest to support him.